It wasn’t long before Click was laughing, too, sitting on the floor, Banshee trying his hardest to fit into his lap.
“Maybe he’s feeling left out?” Tandy asked.
Click smiled at her, rubbing behind Banshee’s ear. “Guess so.”
She loved his smile. She loved how kind and patient he was. She loved the way a simple look made her feel cherished.
He loved her.
He cleared his throat and turned his attention to the mess on his floor. Click did his best to work around Banshee, collecting lipstick, Band-Aids, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, her notebook, some pictures of her brother and his family. “Toben’s son?” he said, picking up the photo. “Cute kid.”
She nodded. Pearl stirred, fussing just enough that Tandy shifted her. She stood, bouncing the baby in her arms. “I’m going to try to put her to bed.” It took a bit of rocking and some back rubbing, but Pearl finally relaxed into a deep sleep.
Tandy stared at the sleeping baby. “Time to go beg your daddy for forgiveness, Pearl. Wish me luck.” She took a deep breath and headed into the living room.
Click stood, reading her acceptance letter. “Is this what you wanted to talk to me about?”
She shook her head.
“This is a big deal, Tandy. You’re getting what you always dreamed of. Congratulations.” He cleared his throat, reading over the letter again. “I hear Stonewall Crossing is a nice place. Not so dry. Or so flat. They get rain once in a while.”
She nodded. “It is pretty country. But there’s something about Fire Gorge that’s truly beautiful.”
“I’ve driven from one end of the country to the other. Nothing compared to this.” He nodded. “You’ll miss it.”
She frowned. “Why would I miss it?”
“You can’t pass this up.” He shook his head, holding out the letter.
“I’m not going,” she said.
“Yes, you are.” He frowned.
“I realized something when I got that letter,” she said, closing the distance between them. “This didn’t matter if I didn’t have you to share it with. Tell me it’s not too late, Click.” She placed her hand on his arm. “Tell me you’ll give me another chance. I’m scared of what could happen with Pearl. But what really terrifies me is life without you. I’m so sorry. You’re what I want—you’re always what I’ve wanted most.”
He dropped the papers and pulled her into his arms, his warm hand pressed against her cheek. “I’m glad to hear it.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “But I’m not letting you give up on your dream for me. I love you.” He shook his head, studying her. “Your uncle would jump on this place. Pearl and I will be happy anywhere. As long as you’re there.” He smiled. “You lead, we’ll follow.”
She stared at him, stunned. “You’d do that?”
He nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Because you love me?” she whispered.
“Because I love you. Because you make life better.” He smiled. “Complete. You are all I want. And all I need.”
“You and me and Pearl?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am.” His gaze swept over her face.
“I don’t want to leave this place,” she said. “This is home—”
“Tandy.” He frowned.
She covered his mouth. “We don’t need to go. They have a distance program. There’s information with the letter. Sure, I’d have to go to Stonewall Crossing a few times a month and Doc Edwards would have to sign off on my hours at the clinic, but it could work.” The more she talked, the more excited she became. “Pearl could get to know her cousins. And you could talk to my uncle Teddy about training some of his horses or the refuge horses—”
He kissed her until she was swaying on her feet. Then she just held on to him.
“You’re sure about staying here?” he asked, his lips brushing hers—teasing and featherlight.