Lara (Reynolds Ranch)

“Now, pumpkin.”

“Yes, sir.” I kiss her once more before pulling her off me. “Let’s go before your father murders me.”

“Is the big, bad Landon Black afraid of a mild-mannered rancher?” she sasses, smiling up at me with that saucy look in her eyes.

“Baby, there isn’t anything mild-mannered about your dad. He’d string me up by my balls with some fucked-up tools in his barn if he could. I assure you of that. It’s all in his eyes.”

“Okay. I suppose you’re right. I have to get my crazy from someone, and it’s definitely not my mama.”

I adjust my cock, and then she opens the door to see her father waiting right there.

“Go help your mother set the table, pumpkin. I need a minute with Mr. Black.”

“Behave, Daddy.”

“I will.” I bite my tongue because I don’t know which one would kill me if I answered as well.

“Mr. Black, I’m going to be as blunt as hell. I found absolutely nothing bad about you in your current dealings, although your youth is littered with a bunch of arrests and moves from foster home to foster home. I get that your life wasn’t good, but you turned it around. I’m assuming that everything you do now is above board and that my daughter is safe in your care. Am I wrong to make that assumption?”

“No. My job is safety. I live for it. Life has taught me, bred me to be good at security. Lara is the most valuable treasure in my existence. I’d guard her with everything I have. She means everything to me. As a man who has had to fight for that peace, I can assure you that her safety and happiness always come first.”

“I thought so. I might not like that she’s ready to settle down so soon, but it is better than her dating every single young buck passing her way.”

“And trust me, they have been lurking.”

“I know. She’s had admirers since she was ten years old, whether it’s to get a hand on her, or her inheritance.”

“She has an inheritance?”

“Nothing compared to what you have, but both of my children have something. Tobias inherits the ranch, and Lara inherits ten million dollars.”

“Wow, so she doesn’t need a man to care for her.”

“No, so her choice is hers, and it’s why she resented the boys in town. They either want a wife to be in the house cooking and making babies, or want her for her money. She couldn’t wait to see the city life where she could choose her path. It’s funny, because I have a feeling she just picked the same thing.”

“She doesn’t have to cook if she doesn’t want to, but I do want a family—something I had no idea I wanted until she crossed my path.”

“Well, you better get a wedding going soon because if my daughter is pregnant, I’ll be getting out my shotgun.”

I open my jacket and he sees my gun, but it’s my inside pocket I go for, pulling out the little box. “I wanted to wait until I spoke to you. I plan to marry her either way, but I wanted you to know that I’m ready today.”

He opens the box, and there’s a five-carat pink diamond in a platinum setting. “This is her favorite color.”

“I know. It came in yesterday. I promise to make her happy as best as I can or as she’ll let me.”

“That’s true. She can be difficult.”

“Hey,” Lara calls out from the door, just as I tuck the ring in my pocket. “I’m not difficult.”

A scoff comes from behind her that sounds like, “Bullshit.”

“Danny, shut up.” Lara turns to me and says, “I brought your flunky up. His room is down the hall. Dad, you can show the slacker, but dinner is ready.”

“Ah, you’re the one who has to deal with her.” Her father turns to me and says, “He needs a raise.”

“Yeah, well, he does get to hang out with my bestie, so I think that’s a nice bonus.” Danny actually blushes.

“Oh, really?”