Chapter Forty-One
It’s so easy being, His. As soon as we got back, I put everything of mine in his closet and dresser drawers.
Our life feels weird sometimes. Like, a fantasy that I’m about to wake up from any second.
But I know it’s not. We’ve only been back a few weeks, and every day I stay, makes it all feel more real.
Addie and Lettie went back to school today.
We waved as they got on the bus, and I want to make chocolate chip cookies for when they get home.
My mom did that for me when I was in kindergarten and I think it’ll be a sweet tradition to bring back.
My boss still signs my paycheck, I just get a little more freedom to choose what work I do every day.
Chris says he wants to ride the horses out to some big meadow this afternoon.
Apparently it’s the most gorgeous view in Montana.
I’ve ridden Blaze around here but haven’t taken her far.
So this’ll be her first big adventure since the mountain accident.
She’s good as new and I know she’s been itching to run.
Chris is striding toward me, carrying my saddle. I heft it out of his arms with a smile. “I might’ve been a damsel in distress for a while, but I still saddle my horse. I’m not gonna become that domesticated. Still an employee.”
He smirks, then grits his teeth and yanks me back when I turn to walk away, his voice rumbling in my ear from behind.
“An employee who I’ve done unspeakable things to, and who I will continue to do unspeakable things to.
” He gives my ass a spank and kisses my cheek hard, his beard tickling my skin.
“Saddle that girl up so she can race. Samson’s been dying to be challenged. ”
When we’ve got both Blaze and Samson saddled and walked to the edge of the property, Chris gives me a devious look and I give him one right back.
Cowboy or Cowgirl—I ride like the wind and my horse is lightning.
I shoot off toward the open space without a signal and maybe that’s cheating but…
all’s fair in love and the games my boss and I play.
I look over my shoulder to see Chris on his horse, just a few yards behind me.
The man who took my pain and filled the hole inside of me with everything I never knew I could have.
His love, a family, a home—safety. The only man on earth who could kick down the fence I’d built around me, and then become the fence himself.
I need nothing but him now. He’s my defender, my protector, my lifeline when I can’t do it alone.
I didn’t know I could love anyone at all, let alone the way I love him—I still don’t believe there’s another man breathing that even comes close to being his equal.
He catches up to me and we race to the meadow side by side. There is no winner—I don’t think fate would allow such a thing with hearts as tangled up as ours. “What is this place?” I ask in awe as I gaze over the tall grass and wildflowers.
“This, blondie—this is my thinking place. This is the closest bit of heaven I’ve found.
” He takes a deep breath as he looks out across the landscape.
“If you’re lucky—a doe and her fawn will wander out for a while and you’ll get to add them to the picture perfect moment while you exist here.
But…if you’re really lucky, a buck will appear.
I know they aren’t stags—but I think they’re close enough. ”
He dismounts and offers me his hand. I swing my leg over the saddle and step down into the grass. “What’s so special about a buck?” I ask, genuinely curious.
“It’s a sign of hope, power, a promise that you’re on the right path.
” He pulls me close to his chest. We take in the scene for a little longer.
The mountains in the distance, the smell of it all as a soft breeze blows through.
I don’t even notice that he’s reaching in his pocket until he’s dropping to one knee.
“Boss…” I say, my voice elevating in pitch. I can hardly comprehend what’s happening. I know he promised me a tree with a new initial on it… but somehow that felt far off in the future. Maybe something that would happen eventually—but right now?
“I’ve done this once before, and damnit this will be the last time.
You and me, we’re going down together, cowgirl.
I never wanted to find love again—didn’t need to.
I thought I had everything. A love like the one I had, only comes around once in a lifetime…
but I was wrong. I fought it, I thought I was just hard up and needed to get my head on straight.
But that wasn’t the truth either. I fell in love with you the moment I saw you.
I wanted you the moment I saw you. And I want you forever, Dixie.
I want you to be my wife, a mother to my daughters—hopefully a mother to a child of our own too. ”
He opens his hand, no box, just a ring. I reach down and pick it up.
A gasp escapes my throat, then it closes up with emotion.
I know this crystal. I trace it with my fingers as tears fall on my cheeks.
It’s placed in a white gold setting, raw, in its own shape, unaltered—the magenta looks even more vibrant than I remember.
“How did you get this?” I look into his eyes as he stands, towering over me.
“Before we left, while you were packing… I didn’t even try to get it out.
I tapped once and the perfect piece fell into my hand.
” He takes the ring from me and slides it onto my left finger.
Perfect fit. “I like to think Sarah was there when I took it. Or rather, when she gave it to me.” My knees buckle, but Chris pulls me to his chest again before I fall.
I can’t believe he did this. I could’ve never thought of such a thing.
Imagining myself with a diamond on my finger always felt funny, if he’d asked I probably would’ve said I wanted turquoise or something else simple.
But now, this is all I can see. A gift from the man who saved me and the baby I never got to love, but who I can always remember now.
“Take my name, Dixie, take it the way you’ve taken my heart.”
I push his chest enough to lift my arms around his neck and run my fingers through his hair when I say, “Yes, boss. I’ll take your name, carry your baby and I’ll take your girls too.
” His mouth captures mine, the way he kisses me is unlike any other high.
The way his energy seeps into me, always mending another broken piece I didn’t even know I had.
I kiss him back, gripping his shirt and taking every bit of passion he’s giving.
When our kiss finally breaks, I turn my head.
I can’t say how far out it is, but close enough to take whatever breath I have left, away from me—a buck stands still, staring at us.
Huge chest, tall neck, antlers big enough to stretch across a wall.
Too majestic to even dream of encountering—but here it is.
“I told you.” He says, in a deep gentle tone. “This is forever.”