hold you down or make you do something you didn’t want to do. I just want you to know that I’ve loved you from the moment I first saw you, Amy Mckinney, and I’ll hold that ring for as long as I need to. You don’t have to take it right now—”
“Yes,” she interrupted, excited. “Yes. Yes!”
A bright smile broke across his face. “You’re sure? I don’t want to rush you—”
“Yes!” she said again, flinging her arms around his neck and hugging him. “It’s not too early at all. It’s perfect, Caleb. I love you!”
“I love you, too, baby,” he murmured, then kissed her long and hard. After a moment, he broke away and grinned. Then he bellowed, “She said yes!”
A cheer erupted outside the coat closet door.
Amy’s jaw dropped. “You . . . didn’t.”
“I might have.” He got to his feet, slid her off his lap. “Shall we go say hello?”
They opened the closet door together, and immediately a camera went off. Amy blinked at the flash, and then she saw Miss Lindsey, grinning and clearly in on things. Behind her were dozens of people—from Jack and Layla to Sage and her husband Jason. There was the yoga instructor, her fellow teachers, and Becca and Hank. Uncle Ennis stood in the back, along with others she knew from around town. People she’d gotten to know. People she’d gotten to love.
All of them were in on this. All of them knew exactly why Caleb—her wonderful, sweet Caleb—had been late to his Santa appointment.
He was busy setting all this up. He’d planned all of it. He knew how much community meant to Amy, and he’d made sure that everyone she knew and loved was here to see their moment.
“Merry Christmas, love,” Caleb whispered in her ear.
Truly, he’d given her the world.
Keep reading for a sneak peek at the next Wyoming Cowboys romance
THE BACHELOR COWBOY
Coming January 2021 from Jove!
Well, ain’t you the prettiest sight,” Hank drawled as Jack showed up at the barn that morning. The oldest Watson brother pulled a dollar out of his pocket and held it up. “Can I bid on you, Prince Charming?”
At his side with a pitchfork, Caleb snickered.
“Shut the hell up, both of you,” Jack grumbled. He rubbed a hand over his jaw, feeling a little self-conscious. “I just came to tell you two that I’m heading out and I’ll be back later.”
“Did you shave for us?” Caleb teased. “You shouldn’t have. I like my men hairy.”
“I’ll be sure and tell Amy that,” Jack shot back. In fact, he had shaved. Was feeling a little foolish about it, too. It was just . . . he knew he had a pretty face, and in the last while, he’d let his beard get bushy. He figured if he was going to be in a bachelor auction, he’d let his vanity take over.
Jack Watson was gonna be the best-damn-looking Valentine’s charity bachelor Painted Barrel had ever seen.
So yeah, he’d shaved his face clean of the big, hairy winter beard even though it was still cold out. He’d put on his favorite black cowboy hat. Put on a tighter-fitting black button-up and some tight jeans that hugged his ass. Boots. The works. Was it a little vain? Sure.
Did he look amazing and ready to break some elderly hearts? Absolutely.
“You’re just jealous that you don’t look as good as me,” Jack teased his brothers, tipping his hat back. “Besides, I have to look like I’m worth at least a couple hundred bucks to the ladies that are showing up at this thing. I can’t have Clyde beat me in the bachelor auction.”
Hank stared at him. “Old Clyde? From Price Ranch?”
“Yeah.”
His big, bearded older brother stared at him. His mouth twitched, and then he snickered. “I can’t believe Clyde’s your competition.”
“Oh, believe it.” Jack shrugged. “Word is that Hannah’s bringing her wallet and she’s gonna spend a fortune on him.”
“And you’re dressing up for this?” Caleb asked, a dubious look on his face.
“Well, yeah. Amy and Becca asked me to do this. I might as well go all out.” He pointed at his brothers. “And you two owe me big.”
Hank scowled in his direction. “Why the heck would we owe you anything?”
“Because it’s your damn girlfriend”—he pointed at Caleb—“and your wife”—he pointed at Hank—“that are running this ridiculous show. They’re the ones that guilted me into doing this instead of helping out around here.”
“Maybe you’ll get lucky,” Caleb offered. “Maybe some local angel with nice boobs will bid on