Chapter Twenty #2
Frannie tucked her phone into her pocket, gave the clearing one last survey, then said, “I’m really excited for you, Kelley. You deserve all the happy your heart can hold.”
“You do, too.” Kelley wrapped her little sister in a hug, then watched Frannie collect the boxes they’d carried everything in and disappear down the trail.
Now she was alone in the clearing, waiting to give her heart to a cowboy.
Finally, Asher stepped into the clearing. His gaze found Kelley immediately. One long sweep and he seemed to take it all in. His eyes held hers, warm and unwavering and settled something deep inside her. Kelley felt completely seen and finally found.
It was grounding and empowering, humbling and uplifting. And she knew with certainty she was done hiding from her cowboy.
Kelley stopped Asher’s approach. “I have some things I need to tell you.”
Asher pulled up. There was a quiet readiness in his stance and how his hands slipped into the front pockets of his jeans as if he was prepared to take in whatever came next.
“Pauline told me it did not have to be extravagant. Just heartfelt.” She was trapped by his incredibly kind heart and his unguarded expression.
“But I wanted this to be private. I wanted to tell you earlier after the parade. Then everyone was there. And then we were in the food booth in the park.” Her pulse picked up.
“And you should be the first to know. But it’s not really about being first.” It is about giving the words freely.
Asher did not move. Just watched and listened as if he was content to let Kelley ramble the long way around to her truths. It felt like he understood Kelley better than she did herself. And that only made Kelley fall for him all over again.
Kelley kept her gaze as open and honest as his and said, “I realized I don’t want to stand still anymore. Not in life. Most especially not with you.”
The faintest of grins filtered across his face. Still, he did not come to her.
I see you, too, cowboy. Kelley said, “I want to be the place you call home.” A catch caught her words as if it was her heart that broke through her voice. “Because you’re that for me. You’re my home, Asher.”
“Kelley.”
Her name was like a promise on his lips. The tender ache in his voice undid her. The words slipped out. Quiet as the sun setting behind her. Certain as the change of seasons. She said, “I love you.”
A smile, awe- and joy-filled appeared. His blue eyes glinted as if lit from within.
Warmth like so much sunshine rushed through Kelley. Her smile built from inside her. The words came again. Sure and carefree. Simple and easy. “Asher Blackwell, I love you.”
He was there in an instant, sweeping Kelley up in his arms, gathering her gently and impossibly close. His embrace anchored her and steadied her yet made Kelley feel like she could soar at the same time.
Kelley buried her cheek against his chest. If she looked at her cowboy, she would kiss him and then she would be completely lost in the moment. But there was more to be shared. “I know you’re in New York. And I’m buying the diner here in town. And it’s really complicated.”
“Say it again,” he whispered against her hair.
Kelley leaned back and met his gaze. “It’s complicated.”
Asher shook his head and pressed his lips lightly against hers. “I meant the good part.”
“I love you.” She held him tighter.
“Kelley Munroe, I love you, too.” Asher leaned in and captured her mouth with his.
This was a kiss that joined and claimed. That buckled knees and reached the stars. That whispered of forever and celebrated now. There was nowhere else Kelley wanted to be.
The kiss slowed and Asher pulled away slightly. “I think I need to sit. I’m winded in the best way possible.”
“Me, too.” Kelley led him over to the blanket.
Asher sat and tugged her down beside him. “I can’t believe you did all this. It’s incredible.”
“I had help,” Kelley said.
He held her close. “But it must have been your idea. There are firefly catchers here in our little garden.”
Oh, how he got her. She curled into his side. “Those flowers are for you.”
He kept one arm around her and reached for the bouquet with the other. “This is the first time I’ve gotten flowers.”
“Do you like them?” she asked.
“Very much,” he said. “And now I believe I’m going to have to go all out to make sure you feel as special as you are making me feel right now.”
“That’s all I needed to hear.”
“All the same, I’ve got some ideas,” he said and set the bouquet in his lap. “Did you know the blue rose represents true love?”
She leaned up and grinned at him. “How do you know?”
“I know what all the colors stand for. The red is for love, and the white is for new beginnings. It was not by accident that I sent you those red-tipped yellow roses. I had a real bad crush on you.”
“And now it’s blossomed into something so much more,” she said, teasing.
He kissed her again. Then they unpacked the picnic basket and enjoyed a bit of their feast. There were apologies given for words said that fateful Sunday and new promises made. There were secrets shared and more kisses exchanged.
The food stashed away and the stars twinkling above, Asher unfolded a second blanket and draped it over Kelley’s legs. He took her hand in his and said, “The only place I want to be is beside you.”
“What about New York and your career?” Kelley asked and linked their fingers together.
“I thought it might be time to flip the script. I want to put a cowgirl and love first this time around. What do you think?”
“I think I want you in my life,” she said. “And if that means your job is in New York, then I’m prepared to figure that out with you. But I don’t want to lose you.”
“I don’t deserve you.” He kissed her softly. “But I’m still not letting you go.”
She tightened her grip but left her heart wide-open. “Neither am I.”
“I want to build something with you here in Gold Finch,” Asher said. “Something my dad and Dylan would be proud of. Something lasting. Something that is ours.”
Kelley searched his face. “It sounds like you are talking about…” Her heart was so full already.
“I’m talking about commitment and marriage. Children and family.” He shifted to face her on the blanket and took both her hands in his. “I’m talking about arguing and making up. Laughing and crying. And holding hands through every single up and down.”
“And not giving up,” she whispered, her heart overflowing. “Or letting go.”
“Exactly.” His smile came slow and curved up until it reached his eyes. “Kelley Munroe, will you marry me?”
Kelley gasped and said his name, although it was as fragile as mist.
“I should be on one knee,” he said, his gaze solemn. Yet, his voice was undeniably steady and strong. “I should have a ring. And a big proposal plan.”
Kelley swallowed and blinked. Still, she felt those tears coming.
“But I’m leading with my heart. And this feels so very right.” He reached up and framed her face in his hands, carefully and tenderly. “Please marry me, Kelley. I can’t promise it will always be perfect. But I can promise I will love you always.”
“Yes.” The tears slipped free. “It will always be yes.” Kelley kissed her cowboy as fireworks lit up the night sky.
And she finally knew what deliriously happy felt like.
It was wishes granted.
It was dreams answered.
It was a cowgirl and a cowboy and a love worth building a future on.