“Can we lock them up until they’re at least thirty?”
She laughed. “They’re good kids. Discipline and boundaries. The rest is just hoping they use their heads and hearts.”
Oliver brought the horse around in front of them and reined in like he’d been riding forever. He turned to his mom with another big smile. “Did you see?”
“I saw it all, baby. You were fantastic.”
Mason felt like he’d lost at least a year off his life worrying about the boys, but he had to admit, they rode well and followed all his directions and rules.
He was so impressed with Oliver, he plucked him right out of the saddle and swung him around. “Excellent job.” He grinned down at Danny. “You, too.” He set Oliver down next to his brother. “I think this calls for a guys-only lunch in town.”
He’d already spoken to Sierra about taking the boys for a couple hours. Time enough for her to decorate the boys’ rooms with all the things she’d bought for them.
“Yes!” the boys said in unison, then turned to their mom. “Please.”
“Okay, but you need to go up to the house and wash your hands before you go.”
The boys took off for the house.
With an arm around Sierra, Mason took the horse’s reins and walked with her and Kit back toward the stables. “We’re so close to really making this happen.”
“The boys are going to love their new rooms.”
“I mean everything. You and me. A life together.”
She smiled up at him. “I can’t wait.”
* * *
Mason had no intention of making her wait long. Mostly because he was impatient to make her his wife.
Danny and Oliver demolished a cheeseburger, fries, and shakes. Chocolate for Danny. Vanilla with caramel sauce for Oliver.
Mason finished his burger, but he’d barely tasted it with his stomach tied in knots and filled with butterflies. “So, guys. I thought we’d stop at a store before we head home and buy your mom something.”
Danny sucked on the straw, but with barely any shake left, all he did was make loud gurgling noises. “What?”
Oliver stared at him, waiting patiently for the answer.
Mason dove in. “I love your mom. You know that, right?”
Two dark heads bobbed across from him.
“We’ve talked about us living together and being a family.”
“Mom said soon, but so far nothing’s happened,” Danny pointed out.
“Right. Your mom and I are working on it. But I want to make sure your mom knows moving in means a lot more than just us sharing a house.”
Both boys’ heads tipped to the side, their eyes filled with questions.
“I want her to be my wife.”
“She said you guys might get married.” Oliver stared at him, letting him know they’d covered this and to get on to something new.
“I’m going to ask your mom to marry me, but before I do, I wanted to make sure that you’re both okay with that.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s what she wants.” Danny abandoned the empty shake and pushed the glass away. “She smiles a lot more now. So that’s good.”
Oliver nodded his agreement at that assessment of their mom and Mason’s relationship.
He’d obviously stressed about this talk a lot more than needed. The boys were happy their mom was happy. They liked being with him. Sierra and he had laid the foundation for the boys to know this was coming and they accepted it because they were all happy being together.
“Do you guys want to help me pick out a ring?”
Both boys sat up straighter.
Danny’s eyes filled with excitement. “Really?”
“What kind?” Oliver asked.
“A sparkly one.”
They slid out of their side of the booth, ready to get the job done. He thought about asking Amy to help him with the perfect ring for Sierra, but he wanted the boys to be a part of everything they did, including getting engaged.
Mason tossed some bills on the table to cover their lunch and the tip and ushered the boys out of the diner and across the street to the jewelry store. He’d gotten several recommendations from the ladies who worked in his office as well as a couple clients. The place was pricey but they were known for their custom designs. He wanted Sierra to have something special.
The boys walked along the cases, checking out all the pieces.
“May I help you?” the woman behind the counter asked, smiling at him and keeping an eye on the boys.
“I’d like to see your engagement rings.”
Her smile widened. “Of course. They’re at the end.” She waved her