Chapter Twenty-One
June had just showered and dressed and was drinking coffee, Daisy lying on her lap, when Abby called.
“I’m dying over here, what happened!” Abby cried out.
June laughed. “Oh, Abs, I’m so happy!”
“Tell me everything.”
Laughing and giggling, she told Abby about the trip and what happened. Well, not about everything.
Abby sighed. “Oh, this is so romantic, I’m so happy for you. Have you talked about the future?”
“He talked about the rest of our lives”—behind her was a sound and she turned her head—“but it’s not as if he wants to get married any—” Daisy barked and jumped off the couch. June caught her breath. Dylan was back and he wasn’t looking very happy.
“Who are you talking to?” he asked.
“It’s Abby, but—”
Before she realized what he was about to do, he grabbed the phone and glaring at June, he spoke to Abby. “Abby? It’s Dylan. I love her, of course I damn well want to marry her. We’ll talk to you soon.”
Dropping the phone on the couch next to her, he hauled June up into his arms. “I told you I love you, damn it, and of course I want to marry you.”
June’s heart was bouncing up and down, her blood roaring in her ears. “I didn’t know that. You haven’t asked me.”
“I’ve asked you with every kiss.” His lips barely touched hers. “With every touch.” His big hands closed over her breasts. “And every time I became a part of you.”
Sighing, she slipped her arms around her big cowboy. “Yes.”
Dylan inhaled sharply and lifted her chin. “Yes, you’ll marry me?”
“Of course I’ll marry you, I love you and even though I don’t know everything about love, I do know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. With or without papers.”
“What about a ring?”
Her heart skipped a beat. “What about it?”
Groaning, Dylan dropped his hands and turned on his heel. “Aw, hell, I’m probably doing this all wrong. Don’t move!” he called out over his shoulder.
Stunned, June stared after him. Daisy whimpered and June looked down at the dog who was as puzzled as she was. “I don’t know what he’s going on about, either,” she whispered. Both she and Daisy stared at the bedroom door through which Dylan had disappeared.
Minutes later, he was back with a small box in his hand.
Stunned, June watched as he opened the lid.
This time her heart almost shuddered to a stop.
On a bed of black velvet was the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen.
A square-cut blue stone laid sideways on a fine gold band with a sprinkle of diamonds on either side.
She was still looking at the ring when Dylan went down on one knee.
With a joyous bark, Daisy sat down next to him, also looking at June.
“When I told the lady in the shop about your eyes, she showed me this one. As soon as I saw it, I knew this was the one I wanted to give to you. If you’d rather have something else for an engagement ring, we’ll get it, but I want you to have this one as well.
I love you June Kincaid, I lost my heart to you and Fat Ruby the moment I saw you walking in the rain. Please marry me?”
By this time, the tears were flowing freely over her face. Sniffing and wiping the tears away as best as she could, she fell to her knees.
“Why are you crying?” he said, dropping his hand which held the little box. “If you don’t like the ring …”
Holding out her hand, she wiped her face again. “Told you I cry when I’m happy. Of course I love the ring, it’s gorgeous. Will you please put it on my finger?”
Exhaling, Dylan took out the ring. “Geez, woman, you’ll give me a heart attack!”
As he slid the ring over her finger, she looked down at her hand in awe. “We’re engaged,” she smiled and lifted her hand.
Grinning, Dylan pulled her up. “We are. The family wants to celebrate this over breakfast, are you game?”
“You told them?”
Nodding, he laughed. “By now, the whole of Marietta probably knows.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, wow.”
Groaning, Dylan pulled her closer. “Sorry about that, but you’ll get used to it. Now I want to kiss my fiancée, if that’s okay?”
Pulling down his head, she grinned. “That’s very okay.”
Dylan’s hands slid down her back. “I think we’re going to be late for breakfast,” he murmured as he lifted her top.
*
They were very late for breakfast. June had wanted to show Abby her ring and talk to her before they could leave.
“Arlene is also here,” Dylan chuckled as he opened the door of his truck for June. Barking, Daisy also jumped out.
As he helped June down, he kissed her again. “I’m already addicted to your kisses.”
Laughing, June took his arm as they moved toward the house. “You’ve got lines, cowboy, but I like kissing you as well. That’s one of the reasons I couldn’t wait for the weekend to see you.”
“We haven’t really talked about everything. What about your apartment in Seattle? Is there anything you would like to move here?”
“I’ve put the apartment on the market and told the Realtor if the buyer wants any of the furniture, they’re welcome to keep it. There are books and a few items I would love to bring, but only if you have room.”
He stopped and turned her toward him. “It’s our home now, remember? Whatever you need and want, we get. If you are going to work from home, we’ll add a room to the house for your study with lots of bookcases.”
Her eyes bright, she slipped her arms around his neck. “That sounds perfect, thank you. I have a nest egg that should cover the cost …”
“I would love to give you an office with lots of bookcases, please let me?”
“Hey you two!” Becket called out. He was standing on the porch. “Come on in, we’ve already finished one bottle of bubbly.”
Everyone was in the dining room and as they entered, loud cheers and whistles welcomed them.
The women were all over June, hugging her and looking at her ring.
Carson slapped him on the back. “I don’t even have to ask how you are. You’re grinning like an idiot.”
“Come on, everyone,” Arlene laughed. “The food’s getting cold. Hayden, have you opened another bottle of bubbly?”
“I have, Mom.” Hayden refilled all the glasses.
As everyone took their seats Willow gave Dylan a hug before she also sat down. “Happy for you coz.”
Arlene lifted her glass. “Dylan and June, I am so happy you two are engaged. Welcome to the family, June. The moment I saw you for the first time, I knew you belonged here with us.”
Dylan was hoping they could eat after everyone had congratulated them, but as he picked up his knife and fork, Arlene cleared her throat again. “So, Dylan when do you want to get married?”
*
June gasped. Oh, my goodness, everything was moving forward at warp speed. She was still getting used to being engaged and Arlene was already talking about getting married.
Laughing, Ellie patted June’s arm. “It’s perfectly normal in this family to organize a wedding during breakfast, lunch, or dinner, trust me.”
Rose nodded. “My advice? Just go with the flow.”
Laura leaned forward. “We all had our weddings here, in the homestead and outside on the lawn. Everyone pitches in. If that’s what you want, we would love to host your wedding as well.”
June’s eyes filled with tears. “I … I don’t know what to say. I’ve never had a family and now here you are, offering your home and your time …” She looked at Dylan. “I’m happy if you are?”
Dylan wiped her tears away. “I like the idea. I just have one stipulation,” he said.
“Of course,” June said. “What?”
“I don’t want to wait,” Dylan said. “What about Saturday or Sunday?”
June’s eyes widened. “Wow … okay. I probably have something in my suitcase I can wear.”
Willow laughed. “Mom, don’t you have something to tell June?”
Arlene smiled. “Do you remember the dress you tried on in Bozeman and didn’t get?”
Excited, June nodded. “Oh, yes. I can maybe drive to Bozeman today …”
Arlene shook her head. “Not necessary. I bought it for you that day.”
Dumbstruck, June stared at the older woman, her heart overflowing with love and wonder at this amazing family who was welcoming her into their lives with arms wide open. “Really?”
Willow winked at June. “Mom has bought wedding dresses for all us before we even knew we were getting married.”
Arlene nodded. “I just knew it won’t be long before you get married. I was rooting for Dylan of course,” she said with a smile. “But if he’d been too slow, someone else would’ve asked you. We can go and try it on after breakfast. I also got shoes.”
“Who would you like to invite?” Laura asked. “We don’t have much time.”
June’s head was reeling. “I’d like Abby, my friend, to be here but I doubt if she’ll make it. As a professional organizer, her life is planned down to the last T.”
“You should get her here to organize Carson’s home,” Dylan chuckled.
“Nobody organizes me, thank you very much,” Carson said with a shudder. “I can’t think of anything worse.”
“What about your boss?” Dylan asked June.
She nodded. “He’s been like a father to me since I’ve started working, I’d really love it if he and his wife could come.”
Laura was making a list on her phone. “We can talk about invitations and if you send me their contact details, I’ll send them out. Also, we have enough room here. Any extra guests can stay with us.”
Before she could thank Laura, other ideas were being discussed around the table. By the end of breakfast, June’s head was spinning.
Dylan touched her hand. “Are you okay with all of this?” he asked softly. “We don’t have to get married here. If you’d rather get married in Seattle where your friends are, I don’t mind.”
Shaking her head, she leaned against him. “It’s all so impossibly perfect, I’m worried I’m dreaming. Not only do I get a husband, a home but also a family.”
Everyone had fallen quiet as the words home and family hung in the air around them.
“And we,” Ellie smiled, “are getting another sister and a children’s book author added to the family.”
Hayden got up. “Sorry to have to interrupt this party, but we have work to do.”
“I can drop you off at home?” Dylan dropped a sweet kiss on her lips.
“Don’t you worry about June, we’ll take care of her,” Rose said. “We’ll make sure she’s back in time for dinner.”
Dylan searched June’s eyes. “You okay?”
“Of course, I’m with family.”
Grinning, he left with the others.