My Rancher Valentine (Be My Fake Valentine)

BONUS SCENE

“Still no ring, I see.”

How had it been seven months since I was standing in this exact same place thinking that Beau Wynters was the cockiest man on Earth? Boy, did I get that wrong.

I blew out a breath and faced Devon. For the most part, he had left me alone whenever I happened to be at a rodeo with Beau or covering one for the Chronicle, but I guess today was my lucky, or rather unlucky day because here he stood.

I smiled. “I didn’t realize anyone was keeping track.”

Beau and I never set the record straight about our fake engagement. The people who were closest to us knew, but we both worried that if it got out, Patchwork Leather might spread the news, and who knows what damage that could do to Beau’s career. He didn’t sign with them, but that didn’t mean they needed to know our business anyway. The added bonus was that, normally it kept Devon away.

“Where is your fiancé?” He didn’t have to sneer the word for me to hear the contempt in his voice.

“Working with his horse and getting ready for the ride,” I informed him. “Shouldn’t you be doing the same with your riders?”

“My guys are ready.” He puffed up as if his riders hadn’t been having the worst season in a decade.

“Sure.” I went back to flipping through my notes. I still needed a quote from two of the new guys on the circuit and one from the youngest, Thorne, who just made her debut, and I would be good.

“Did you set a date yet?” I had really hoped Devon would take the hint, but apparently, he still hadn’t changed.

“Were you hoping for a save-the-date card?” As if either of us would invite him to anything we were hosting.

“Just wondering how long you are going to keep pretending like you honestly think this marriage is going to happen.”

“Oh, it’s going to happen.” It was like Beau had some sort of radar for when Devon was anywhere near me.

“Hey Kitten.” He slipped his arm around my waist and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek. It was hard to believe there had been a time when that nickname really got to me.

“Hey yourself.” I smoothed down his shirt. “Ready for the day?”

“Oh yeah.” A glint touched his eyes. “I have a huge day planned.”

“Really?” Just what was he thinking?

“Really.” I pinched my side. “In fact, if you’re done here, would you mind taking a walk with me?”

“I’m more than done.” Ignoring Devon and watching him steam was fun, but I didn’t need to spend any more time doing it.

“Great.” Beau turned to him for the first time since he walked up. “See ya around.” He didn’t wait before taking off with me next to him.

“You’re so bad.” I shook my head, laughing when we rounded one of the corner stalls.

“He’s lucky I didn’t smack the shit out of him for talking to you.” He wasn’t joking either. I had learned that Beau could be very protective.

“He didn’t do anything.”

“He implied we aren’t getting married.” He raised an eyebrow.

We had talked about how Devon told him girls like me don’t marry guys like him and how that had affected his confidence in my feelings. He knew that I loved him, but there were times I could still see just a little amount of insecurity in his eyes, and it broke my heart.

I stopped walking and reached for his hands. “You know how I feel.” I reminded him. “I would marry you tomorrow. There’s nothing and no one that would or could change that.” Beau was it for me.

“I know, baby.” He leaned in for a kiss. “I’m counting on that.”

He stuck to my side for pretty much the rest of the morning until he had to go line up with the other riders, and I needed to be out in the stands.

“I love you, Kitten.”

“I love you too.” I squeezed his hand. “Win big.”

“Always do.” He winked at me. His own brand of cockiness shined through.

I searched for Hailey and Daphne. They were both supposed to be saving me a seat. They had become really good friends since Beau and I started dating. I wouldn’t say that I was a full member of the Sassy Six, but more like an occasional attendee.

Daphne’s hand shot up, and I moved through the crowded arena to get closer. They had two rows reserved. I wasn’t surprised to see their parents here. Since Beau’s fall, they had been coming to more of his races than before. But I was surprised to see my mom sitting beside them.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, giving her a hug and sitting beside her.

“I wanted to support.” Her voice had a weird tone to it, but the sound of the announcer’s voice drowned out me asking her what was going on.

“Welcome to the Ridem’ High Rodeo.” He called out. “Today, we have some of the best of the best on horseback, bulls, and roping you have ever seen. We also have some new faces with some familiar names. Get ready for a foot-stomping good time. Now let’s have a warm welcome for your riders.”

The whole place went supersonic. The guys came walking out with smiles and hands holding hats raised in the air. I cheered my heart out when Beau stepped into the light. He always looked happy, but today it looked as if his lips were spread extra wide.

“Let’s give a little extra love to our hometown boy. Beau Wynters.” The announcer singled him out, and the crowd got even louder, which was hard to believe.

Beau pulled something out of his back pocket that I didn’t realize was a microphone until he held it up to his lips.

“Thank you, Brexley.” His voice quieted the room.

“I want you to know that I absolutely love riding in my home state and sharing all my success on the field with you.” More clapping broke out.

“And seeing as you all have been here for most of my professional success I thought it was only fair to share with you all my personal success as well.” He faced our side of the arena. “See, there’s someone here that has owned my heart since I was too young to sit on the back of a horse. She’s been an acquaintance, a friend, my lover, and so much more. There aren’t words to express just how much this girl means to me.” I felt the tears streaming down.

“Kitten, can you join me?” My eyes widened as I shook my head. There was a reason I reported the news and didn’t make it. I hated being in the spotlight. “Baby, please.” He held his hand out toward me.

“Go on, honey.” Mom encouraged, and I stood.

The people around us clapped while I walked down the stairs to the side of the barrier. There was no real way to get onto the field from here, but Beau came over and lifted me in his arms and over.

“She’s a little shy.” He smiled after he put me down and took my hand.

“What are you doing?” I walked behind him. He didn’t reply.

“See, I’ve always known I was going to marry this beautiful lady, but the first time I asked, I didn’t quite do it right.” He winked over at me. “I actually didn’t ask at all.” A few people booed and I let out a quick laugh. “I know, I know. Very badly done on my part. That’s why I want to make it up to her now.” He stopped and dropped down to one knee.

“Kathleen Depner, you are the most amazing woman I have ever known, barring my mom and my sisters.” He raised his hand back to where they were sitting. “Hi Mom.” I laughed. “Sorry. I had to say that since they’re sitting right there.” I heard more laughter from the crowd and a few snickers from the other riders.

“I love you more than anything. More than ice cream, more than burgers, more than the rodeo.” I sucked in a breath. “I know I might never fully deserve you, but if you let me, then I will spend the rest of my life striving to. Will you marry me, Kitten, and make a decent man out of me?”

I laughed through my tears. “Yes.” I nodded. “Yes.”

The shouts and applause were almost as loud as when they announced the riders. Beau slipped a beautiful diamond ring on my fourth finger and jumped up to grab me in his arms. He swung us around in circles laughing and kissing my neck, my shoulder, my cheek, before putting me down and kissing me properly.

“I love you so much.” He placed his forehead against mine.

“I love you too.” I swayed with him forgetting all about the rodeo. “A decent man, huh?”

“It’s a tall ask, but if anyone could do it then it would be you, Kitty Kat.”

“Don’t call me that.” I smiled.

“Yes, ma’am.” He kissed me again. “I’ll just call you mine.”

That sounded perfect to me.