Montana Cowboy Daddy (Wyatt Brothers of Montana #3) - Jane Porter Page 0,75
that made her feel better, but she was still afraid. Still worried. “But if there wasn’t Beck, we wouldn’t be together. You wouldn’t want me, or need me—”
“Not true. You’re not like anyone else I’ve ever known. You’re stronger, and braver, and more loyal and more loving—you remind me of a Wyatt. You’re my people. My person. I’ve been looking all my life for you.” He kissed her then, a slow, persuasive kiss that seemed to kiss away her hurt. “Beck was just the one that brought us together, but we’re meant to be together. Destined.”
Destined. She liked the sound of that, and blinking, she looked up into his face, her gaze meeting his and holding. “You’ve turned my life inside out. It will break my heart for you to go, but—”
“I’m not going anywhere. I’ve chased you down because I can’t lose you. I don’t want you to leave. I don’t know how to say fancy words, Erika. I’m not good with romance. But I sure as hell don’t want to live life without you, not ever.”
“You like me better than the others?”
He stared deep into her eyes, baffled. “I love you. I want to marry you and spend the rest of my life with you. So yes, I like you better than the others. I like you best of all. You’re my girl. My one and only. I swear to you.”
“Does that mean we have a relationship?”
He laughed, a soft husky laugh. “We better. I’m planning on marrying you very soon.”
She rose up on tiptoe and kissed him, her arms wrapping around his neck. “Say that again.”
“You’re my girl.”
“No, the other part.”
“My one and only.”
“No, the part about us having a relationship.”
“You said that, not me.”
She tipped her head back and looked up into his blue eyes. “But we do, right?”
“Yes.”
“Say that to me.”
“We have a relationship. We’re in a relationship. It’s an official relationship.”
Erika grinned. “That sounds nice.”
“What about the marrying soon part?”
“Oh, that was nice, too.” She leaned in and kissed him. “Was that a proposal?” she asked against his mouth.
“No, I’m just stating my intentions. You’ll know when I propose to you. You won’t have to ask.” He hesitated. “But just to be clear, you love me?”
“I love you more than anything. I love you until the end of tine.” She hesitated. “But I want time with you. I want you around for a very long time. Please don’t go back on the circuit just yet. Please give yourself more time to heal. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you again, not so soon—”
“I won’t go back until next year. We’ll spend the next seven months together, doing things together, enjoying being a family.”
Her heart did a double beat. “Do you really mean that?”
“I do. But I have something to ask of you.”
“What’s that?”
“Finish your dissertation. Get it done. You’ll feel so much better when it’s completed, and you’re free.”
“I don’t want to miss out on life—”
“You won’t. Beck and I will be here every single day, supporting you, believing in you. Just pretend we’re your dedicated fans in the stands cheering you on.”
She leaned in for another kiss. “I like the sound of that. Erika Baylor, cowgirl.”
“Erika Baylor Wyatt, my cowgirl.”
Epilogue
Billy was as good as his word.
He did not return to the professional rodeo circuit that year, taking the rest of the summer and fall off to heal and spend time with his son and Erika, while Erika returned to her studies, and devoted the summer to finishing her dissertation.
They spent most of their time at his cabin—their cabin—although every four weeks or so they made the drive to Paradise Valley to spend a few days with his family. Sam and Tommy were still doing well on the circuit and weren’t home often, but Billy was always glad to see Granddad, Mom, Joe and Sophie.
Sophie and Joe’s baby, Elijah Michael Wyatt, arrived early June, so there were two baby boy Wyatts for the next generation. It was just a matter of time before Beck and Elijah would become best friends. As it was, Beck was happy taking Elijah’s toys from him, one after the other.
Erika had to defend her dissertation in mid-November. She passed, and was awarded her PhD. Beck’s first birthday fell on Thanksgiving weekend just a week later, and all the Wyatts made a point of returning to the Diamond W Ranch to celebrate Beck’s birthday properly. There was a cake, balloons, streamers. Erika was delighted by Beck’s joy, pounding