Ranch Daddy

“Yeah, it’s not practical, especially when we’re exhausted from roundup, but if that’s what my boy wants as a reward for all the hard work he’s put in this week, I’m more than happy to give it to him.”

“Really? You’d stay up all night with me?”

Blake grinned. “I would.”

“What about tomorrow?”

“It’s a light day. Ken and Andy offered to let Rusty stay a few more days. I get the feeling Casey wouldn’t mind that one bit.”

“No, the way they’ve been dancing around each other, I don’t think either of them would object.”

“You want to go up to your favorite spot?”

“Yeah, that sounds great. Thanks for doing this.” We both pulled up our pants, and I considered our disheveled states. By the time the sun was up, most of the ranch hands would be stirring.

As if reading my mind, Blake said, “Let’s stop by the house and get more clothes and a blanket to sit on.”

“And some snacks.” We said those words at the same time, which brought on a fit of laughter.

When that died down, Blake’s expression turned serious. “I will never stop being thankful that you offered to buy this place. I thought it would be years before I had a place of my own.”

“I will never stop being thankful you finally agreed to let me officially make you part owner.”

“Sometimes I can be just as stubborn as you.” He took my hands in his, and I could tell he wanted to say something, but he seemed hesitant.

“What is it? You know you can tell me anything.”

A few more seconds passed before he said, “I was wondering…”

“Yes?”

“Do you have any plans for July twelfth?”

That was unexpected. “Not that I know of. Isn’t that the day I first had to report to you for work?”

He smiled. “It is.”

“Why are you asking about it?” Did he want to have some kind of anniversary party?

“I thought maybe that could be our wedding day.”

“Our… what?” My heart raced. Was he serious?

He dropped to one knee and pulled a ring from his pocket. “Riley Lawson, will you marry me?”

Tears stung my eyes. I wiped them away as fast as I could. “Yes. A million times yes!”

“It’s not too soon?”

“No. Not too soon at all. You are my forever. My Daddy. My business partner, and I absolutely want you to be my husband.”

“Come here, boy.” I opened my arms, and Riley came to me. I kissed him, knowing he was absolutely right. This was our forever.