Chapter 38
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
L ongest day ever. But the ending was turning out to be spectacular. Sara lay sprawled out on the bed, smiling. Desiree had wanted to give her time to think, and she had used that time well. Kieran would have been a terrible distraction so she’d stayed far away from that tempting Irishman.
She’d confused him in the process, and for that she was sorry. But the perspective she’d gained to consider all the ramifications of her decision had been so valuable.
She’d pictured leaving her job and saying goodbye to her wonderful bosses and co-workers. She’d stay for the required two weeks, of course, which would give her a chance to let everyone know how much she appreciated their friendship and mentoring.
But in the end, she had to agree with Rance. Creating her own business and being her own boss was vastly more appealing.
Leaving her personal friends would be tough. But many of her oldest ones had moved away and she’d invite all her buddies to visit her in Montana. As for leaving her hometown, whenever she missed the familiar sights and sounds, she’d come back for a few days with Kieran and show him where she grew up.
Leaving her sister, especially when she’d be without any family there, was the hardest part. But Lani wasn’t tied to her office like Sara had been. Their parents had air miles going to waste so Lani could make frequent trips to Rowdy Ranch and work remotely.
Kieran walked out of the bathroom gloriously naked. “I’m confused.”
She sat up and tucked a pillow behind her back. “That’s because you wouldn’t let me talk when I first got here.”
“That was Rance’s idea.” He grabbed a pillow and copied her setup.
“Huh?”
“I was going to ask you why you avoided me after your time in the library, but Rance said I was better off making mad love to you instead, so you’d forget about the burr under your saddle.”
She grinned. “Well, guess what? I haven’t forgotten.”
He sighed. “Grand.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll love this burr.” She laid out her plans, which were far more detailed than they’d been during her short discussion with Desiree. She’d been making notes on her phone all day.
Kieran quit leaning against the pillow. He shifted around to face her, his gaze locked with hers.
“So that’s it.” She’d unconsciously mirrored his position. “What do you think?”
“One question. Are you doing all this for me?”
“No.”
“You’d do it even if I stayed in Ireland, then?”
She rolled that around in her mind. “I would. I’ve fallen in love with this idea. I’ve also fallen in love with Rowdy Ranch.”
“I’m just the whipped topping, then?”
“I wouldn’t say that.” She cupped his face in both hands. “You shaved for me.”
“Yes, ma’am.” His blue eyes glittered. “I’d do anything for you, even live in New Jersey. But I won’t stand by silent as a fencepost if you’re throwing away a job you love because I showed up in your life.”
“Listen to me. I know you have good hearing. Desiree asked me to take time to make sure this is the right move. That’s what I was doing today. I avoided you and concentrated on what I was giving up, not what I was getting. This decision is absolutely the right one.”
“And you didn’t gloss over anything?”
“I did not. This is my future, here with the McLintocks, my family, Granny, and you. So I’ll ask again. Will you marry me?”
The intensity in his gaze morphed into something deeper. Clasping her hands, he glanced down and carefully slid his fingers through hers. He swallowed. When he looked up, his eyes were moist. “It would be my honor, lass.”
Her throat tightened. “I love you,” she whispered.
“I love you. I always have. And I always will.” Leaning forward, he touched his lips to hers.
The light press of his mouth was tender, almost reverent. Tears slipped down her cheeks. All they’d needed was a miracle. Thanks to some very special people, they’d created one.
Rance’s story is coming your way just in time for the holidays. Watch for SAVING THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS this November!