Chapter Nine
Driving the backroads from college back to the ranch in fall is one of my favorite things. I moved back onto the ranch with Jaycob, taking mostly online courses for my junior and senior year. But on Fridays I take an afternoon class on campus that lasts four hours.
So, that gives me the time to drive back through the foliage just before the sun starts getting close to the horizon and it’s simply gorgeous.
Sometimes Jaycob will be able to take the afternoon off and come with me, but today he had to stay on the ranch for a foal that’s been sick. He’s only about a month old and has had a hard start in life. We spend a lot of nights with him in the barn where Milkshake was.
Me: On my way back from class. Miss you.
Jay ??: Miss you too, Reeces Pieces. I’m still in the barn, probably will be here when you get back if you want to meet me here?
Me: You know I do. Want me to grab dinner?
Jay ??: Nope. I’ve got something special for your birthday tonight.
Me: I don’t need anything special. Just you. >
Jay ??: And I need to spoil you on your twentieth birthday. >
Me: Okay, spoil me. I won’t argue.
Jay ??: Good. I don’t know why you’d even try in the first place. We both know I’ll win.
Me: It’s my birthday, shouldn’t it be what I want?
Jay ??: Trust me Reeces Pieces, you’ll want this. >
My thighs squeeze together. Usually his surprises, and our nights, end with me getting the orgasms that started our relationship. I’m not complaining about it either.
I spend the rest of the two hour ride talking to Mom on the phone and having my own personal country concert with me as the star.
Pulling up to the barn just as Neon Moon finishes, I park next to Jaycob’s truck. I don’t see anyone else here, which is unusual for a Friday evening. Usually the barns are buzzing with the ranch hands trying to get the last of their chores done before a night of debauchery at The Hidden Hollow.
When I get out of my car, I notice candles flickering in the barn and soft music playing, In Case You Didn’t Know by Brett Young wafts out from the barn doors.
“Jaycob?” I call out.
But when I turn the corner I stop dead in my tracks.
Candles line the floor through the center of the barn. And flowers dot the middle between each one. At the end of the makeshift aisle Jaycob stands with a highland cow calf.
He bought me a cow. A. Fucking. Cow!
“Jaycob,” I say tentatively. “Is that for me?”
“Why don’t you come meet her. She’s excited to meet her new mama.”
The tan cow nudges at his hands. He has a pink gingham bow around her neck. Walking towards her gets her attention on me from Jaycob’s hand. He must have treats for her and it makes me chuckle that she’s just as motivated as Milkshake.
Dropping to my knees in front of her. I scratch behind her ears and she licks my cheek. It’s love at first sight.
But then I see the card on her bow.
Reeces Pieces, turn around.
When I spin on my knee, I’m met with Jaycob down on one knee. An emerald green velvet box open in his palm.
Holy shit. He’s proposing.
“Reeces Pieces, all my life you’ve been my best friend.
And this last year, getting to live life with my best friend has shown me how good life can be when we’re by each other’s side.
The love I have for you could never be summed into just a few words, but I promise to spend the rest of my life spoiling you.
Will you make me the luckiest cowboy out here and be my wife? ”
I kneel right there, frozen to my spot. My brain still hasn’t caught up to what’s happening.
Answer him.
Instead of using my words I launch myself at him, knocking him over onto the floor.
“Is that a yes, Reeces Pieces?” he asks, laughing.
“Of course, it’s a yes!”
Maneuvering us so we’re sitting on the floor, he pulls my left hand in his to place a gorgeous round solitaire on my finger.
Grasping his face in my hands I kiss him like my whole life depends on him for the air I breathe.
“Okay, I think that you should know we’re all here.” Daddy’s voice comes behind us.
“Oh, Cal, leave them alone!” I look back in time to see Mom slap at his bicep, but they both have huge smiles on their faces.
Jaycob’s parents are right behind them with matching smiles.
“Jules! Can you believe after all this time we’re going to officially be family? Who would have ever thought!” Dakota hugs Mom.
Jaycob pulls me off the floor and Daddy comes to give me a hug.
He leans in to whisper in my ear. “I couldn’t have picked a better man for you, baby girl.”
“Thanks, Daddy. I agree.”
Next thing I know, I’m pulled into the arms of the mothers who are already discussing all the wedding plans.
But, I don’t care what we do. As long as Jaycob is mine at the end of it.