His words made her want to float or even fly.
“Me, too,” she whispered as she stared into his blue eyes. “About all of it. I love you, too.”
He cupped her face. “You’re the best person I’ve ever known.” He swallowed. “I want to marry you, Phoebe, and I’d love for you to come live on the ranch with me. But if you need the big city, we can settle in LA and I’ll put Frank in charge of the ranch.”
She flung herself at him. He caught her in his arms and pulled her close.
“I don’t want to live in a city,” she whispered in his ear. “I want to live on the ranch and learn about breeding horses and cashmere goats and have babies, and when we want some excitement, we can go to Fool’s Gold to have dinner. Or invite some friends over for a sing-along around the campfire. Oh, and I want to learn to bake bread. And maybe redo the dining room. But that’s all. No other changes. I swear.”
She was lying, Zane thought happily as he lowered his head and kissed her. She would turn his world upside down, and he couldn’t wait.
He drew back. “This isn’t about the land. You know that, right?” He kissed her again. “Although I’m grateful for what you did.” He grinned sheepishly. “Reilly showed me the contract with Jonny Blaze and said I’d be a fool not to take the land and just say thank you. I’m guessing he was right.”
She stared into his eyes. “Can you do that? Make peace with the past?”
He nodded. “I want to let it go, Phoebe. You’ve shown me what real love is. I can’t change what my father was, but I can stop being angry and start feeling sorry for the old man. He’s the one who missed out.”
“Oh, Zane!”
He kissed her again, pulling her up against him and running his hands up and down her back. As he deepened the kiss, he became aware of clapping, cheers and catcalls. No doubt Chase had gone into the restaurant and rounded up the whole Fool’s Gold crowd to come watch the show. Zane figured they might as well get their money’s worth.
He pulled back slightly and took her hand in his as he lowered himself to one knee. He took off his hat and said, “Phoebe, will you marry me?”
Her eyes widened, then filled with tears. “Yes, I will.”
Contentment filled him, blending with the love already in his heart.
He pulled the small box from his jacket pocket. While Maya had been busy running to the meeting, Zane had spent some time on Rodeo Drive. The Tiffany’s store had a nice collection of engagement rings. He’d chosen a perfect round diamond set on a platinum band that looked like braided rope.
He slipped the ring on her finger, and she gasped.
“It’s so beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like it. Now keep it away from the raccoons.”
“I’ll never take it off. Ever.” She stared at him. “I really love you, Zane.”
He didn’t doubt her for a second and knew that he never would. He and Phoebe would be together for the rest of their lives. It was going to be a hell of a ride, and he couldn’t wait to see what happened next.