“Sounds wonderful.” She smiles brightly, and I love it. The stars are shining perfectly, and it’s the right time to finally ask her.
With a light sweater wrapped around her, I lead Lara out off the porch and down through the front of the ranch. We take a path. “There’s the barn that way, and the lake is that way.”
“Is it lit by the lake?”
“There’s a nice lighted deck.”
“Let’s go that way, then.” I hold her hand, feeling the breeze of the changing seasons kicking in. Summer’s turning to fall much quicker here. “Are you warm enough?”
“Yes. Besides, I can snuggle up with you, Landon.”
“I like that, Angel. Give me those lips.” She tilts her head up, and I take her mouth in a deep kiss, sliding my tongue inside for a moment before the sound of hooting distracts me.
“It’s just owls.”
“I know, but we’re not where I want to be with you yet. We’ll never make it before it gets too late.”
“You have a point.” I can see the lake coming up and our destination just fifty feet away. My heart picks up the pace as I think about my question. I already know the answer because we’ve discussed it and honestly, I’ve made it clear. Still, the idea of seeing any doubt in her eyes sends a chill up my spine. Lara’s the most important person in the world to me.
“Here we are.” The lakefront gazebo is beautiful. It’s lit with solar lights as I take her hand and lead her over to the bench.
I drop to one knee as I pull out the ring. “Lara, I know we’ve only known each other a short time, but I’ve made my intentions clear. I love you, body and soul. I need you like I need my next breath. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
A smile spreads over her face that melts my dark heart. “Of course, Landon. I love you more than words can say.” She throws herself into my arms and we fall back to the wooden deck as she straddles me, grinding her pussy on my slacks as I thread my hands into her hair and bring her face to mine for a kiss.
“Mine.” The words have such a powerful effect on her because she’s reaching for my belt.
“Not here. It’s not safe.”
“What?”
“Safe? No one’s out here.”
“You don’t know that.” Suddenly, there’s a crack of a branch that gets our attention. She scrambles off me. We look, and it’s Danny in the distance.
“See. I’d have to take his eyes out.”
“Yeah, not too big of a deal, but I think Kelly would mind.”
“You don’t want to upset your bestie, now, would you?”
“Nope. And besides, I think he’s your buddy too.”
“Yes. I kind of like the guy.”
“So can I have my pretty ring now?”
“Oh, yes. I want everyone to see this baby on your finger.” I slide it on, feeling the power of it. She gasps at it.
“It’s perfect. I can’t believe you did this. Do you ever do anything regular?”
“Not when it comes to you,” I whisper, brushing my lips against hers.
My head of security approaches. “Sorry to interrupt you two, but I saw a couple of guys out riding nearby, and I wanted to make sure you weren’t indisposed.”
“Good. Thanks for the heads up, Danny,” I mutter and turn to Lara, who blushes. I pull her close to me. “Let me introduce you to my lovely fiancée, Lara.”
“Congratulations, Lara—you have a good guy there. Best of luck, Landon. You’re going to need it.”
“Now I wish you had caught us fucking.”
“You two are going to need a damn time out.”
“He started it.”
“I’m sorry. Congratulations, Landon. She’s okay…I guess.”
“Thanks.”
“Maybe we should head back. It’s getting late, and I’m actually tired. I’m sure my mother is going to want to talk about the wedding.”
“I hope so. I want to make sure we have all the plans ready by the time we come back.”
“Knowing her, she can have it together in a week. She’s a woman who feeds twelve men two to three times a day. It’s nuts.”
As we head back, I see Lara’s getting sleepy, so I scoop her up and carry her back to the house.
“What’s wrong with her?” her father asks as we get to the porch.
“Nothing. She’s tired. It’s been a long day, and I think the flight made her sleepy.”
“I told you that you didn’t have to carry me.”
“It’s my pleasure, love.”
“Well, it’s getting late. I just wanted to wait up. Your mother already went to bed. Congratulations to the both of you.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Come on. Let me get you to bed. I want you to have time with your mother tomorrow.”
Chapter Fourteen
Lara
“This is perfect.” Mom grabs the gown that I just selected out of the eight I have laid out. It was hard for me to decide because they were all beautiful.