Chapter 35 #2
“No. She’s the furthest thing from that. She’s the most upfront person I know.”
“Besides lying to me about being your fiancée,” Grandpa mutters.
That brings a smile to my face.
“And then there was the part where she threatened me if I didn’t let you be happy.”
My smile grows. I love her so much it hurts. “I want to be there when the lawyer tells her the news.”
“Well, good, because I sent Eli to pick her up after he kicked everyone else out. They should be here any minute.”
My chest tightens as I think about what to say to her. Hey, I know we’ve only been on one mediocre date, but how about moving to a small town and starting a life together? Yeah. It doesn’t exactly come across as a good idea. But it’s all I have.
I stand abruptly and begin pacing the room while I wait for her.
Ten minutes later, the front door bursts open.
“If you think you can manipulate me into hanging around here, I absolutely will not until you promise me you’ll let Nash be happy,” Magnolia rages at Grandpa as she walks in.
I’m standing by the window, hidden by the lemon tree in a pot.
Magnolia stops in front of Grandpa and points a finger at him. “You weren’t going to repeat history. Remember? And I saw how happy Nash was ranching. So I hope you’ve given it some thought.”
“I have,” Grandpa says. “And I’ve realized that you’re right.”
Magnolia rears back in surprise. “I’m right?”
“Yes. Of course you’re right. Why do you think I want you to marry my grandson?”
“We’ve only gone on one date. Wedding bells aren’t exactly ringing yet. Especially since he’s already getting cold feet.”
“Well, you’d better hurry along. I’m not going to live forever, and I want to be your maid of honor.”
Magnolia snorts. “Fine. But you’re wearing polka dots.”
“Do you love Nash?”
She plants her hands on her hips. “I came here to yell at you and bully you into being nice to Nash. Not to talk about my feelings.”
I hold my breath, knowing she’s going to kill me for not letting her know I’m in the room yet.
Grandpa raises his eyebrows and holds his hands up. “It’s a simple question. I’m not asking you to build a rocket. I just want to know if you love my grandson.”
Magnolia sighs loudly. “Yes, I love him. And it scares me how strongly I feel about him. I haven’t known him very long.”
Grandpa nods. “When you know, you know. You’re in good company. I knew right away with my wife. My son knew right away with Natalie. And he didn’t let anything stop him. I have a feeling you and Nash are the same way.”
“Just because I love Nash doesn’t mean he feels the same,” she says quietly, and it hurts my heart to hear the hesitation in her voice.
“He does,” I say as I step away from the lemon tree.
Magnolia whips around to face me, all color draining from her face. “How long have you been there?”
Grandpa stands up and shuffles toward the door. “I’ll be waiting for you two in the study…with our mutual friend.”
He disappears around the corner to wait with the lawyer, and I approach Magnolia.
“Why do you think I don’t love you?”
“I—well—you—I—” She snaps her mouth closed and looks at me with wide eyes.
“You love me. Do you think I’m incapable of returning that love?” I ask as I stop right in front of her. There can’t be more than six inches between us.
“Of course you’re capable of loving. But I don’t know if you love me.
You haven’t said anything. If anything, it’s been the opposite.
You’ve been working overtime, trying to keep some distance between us.
I know you’re at least attracted to me—but that’s surface level stuff.
You tried to break up with me on our first date, I might remind you! ”
“Because I was scared. I wanted you protected. Safe. I didn’t want family drama to come between us.”
“So, you decided to not even try?” she asks, incredulous and a little angry.
“I was a coward,” I admit as I risk reaching for her. “But I’m saying it now. I love you. I wish I could date you and take things at a regular pace…but nothing has been normal for us. Everything has been backward. But it doesn’t matter. I know I don’t want to lose you.”
“You love me?”
“Stop sounding surprised. You’re easy to love.” I slip an arm around her waist.
“No one has told me they loved me before.”
“No one?” I ask, surprised. I would think men would be falling all over themselves to tell her that.
“Maybe you should take some time to think about it so you’re sure.”
I chuckle at that. “All I’ve done is think about it ever since I met you. I wanted circumstances to be different so that I could pursue you.”
“But those circumstances are why you tried to push me away this week…”
“Some wise woman reminded me that I can make choices.”
Magnolia slips her hands around the back of my neck and pulls me closer. “Oh, really? And what choice did you make?”
“I’m quitting the family business and moving to Pine Ridge. I have a ranch and a best friend out there. And I think the woman I love is about to start a business there.”
“Hmm, Bliss is starting something new?”
I growl and pull her tight against me. “You. You’re the only woman for me. And I would follow you anywhere.”
“You’re not going to run scared anymore?” she asks with one brow raised.
“Never. You won’t be able to get rid of me.”
“Do you think that I’m with you for your money?”
I snort at that. “Definitely not. I just hope you know the same.”
She looks at me with a quizzical expression. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means, it’s you and me together. You’re mine, and I’m yours. And I’d like to kiss you now.”
“By all means, Mr. Whitlock, continue.”
She smiles and tips her head back. I bend down to kiss her.
I feel as though a weight has been lifted off of me.
As I kiss her, it feels as if we’re floating through the air.
I don’t know how long we’re locked together, but it doesn’t matter, because I’m exactly where I want to be.
She loves me. She said so herself. And I know I love her.
And sorting out the details can come later.
Because right now, I don’t want to let her go.
Unfortunately, loud footsteps and a crash bring us back to earth.
We pull apart, and I whisper, “I love you.”
And Magnolia smiles as she says it back to me. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing those words. I know I’ll be saying them often.
“Oh good, you’re here,” the lawyer says as he walks into the living room with Grandpa again.
Somehow, I think he never actually gave us any privacy. He was probably listening from around the corner.
I release Magnolia and step back as she turns to face the lawyer, confusion on her face.
This is going to be good.