I was ready to kill my brother for acting like a Class-A jackass.
That made Dirk drop my hand and lean forward. “I have every intention of being a faithful husband. As much as you find it hard to believe, I love your sister and I want to marry her. I’m not going to be gone, because I officially retired from the PBR—it just hasn’t been announced yet. My plan is to be here for Merit and our child. To run my family’s ranch. Not to mention, I’m joining Ty Shaw’s breeding business to produce top-quality bulls for the PBR. Merit and I have talked about it, and it’s something we’re both interested in doing. She’ll continue to work for the farm, I’ll be running my family’s ranch, as well as being a business partner with Ty. Does that meet your fucking expectations, Michael?”
“Dirk,” Kimberley said.
“No, Kimberley, he has every right to say what he’s saying to my…brother,” I snapped.
Michael looked regretful, if only for a moment.
Then, as if his words just sank in, Kimberley whispered, “What did you say? You’ve retired? For good?”
Dirk gave his mother a sweet smile. “It’s not for the reasons you think. I want to be here, in Hamilton. I need to be here, Mom.”
“I thought it was only ’til the end of the year,” Michael added. “What made you change your mind?”
Dirk and I turned and caught each other’s eyes. He smiled, and I felt a warmth spread through my entire body. The way Dirk looked at me utterly stole the breath from my lungs. How I had longed for him to look at me this way. I felt giddy with happiness.
Then, he said, “I fell in love…or at least, I was finally able to admit it.”
“Are you sure this is what you want, Dirk? Bull riding has always been such a large part of your life,” Kimberley said.
“And you’re on top right now,” Michael added. My mother still remained silent.
“I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life. And there’s no better way to go out, Michael.”
My brother nodded and gave Dirk a smile. “I’m sorry for all of that earlier. She’s my sister, but I shouldn’t have said the things I said.”
Dirk looked at Michael and simply nodded. Then, he leaned over and kissed me. When I turned to look at my mother, she at least had a smile on her face.
“This news is all so wonderful! I’m gaining a daughter, a grandchild, and my son back home for good. What a blessing,” Kimberley said as she smiled at everyone.
Michael picked up his beer and held it up. “If you’re happy, Merit, then I’m happy. Welcome to the family, Dirk.”
All eyes went to my mother. She smiled and looked down sheepishly before her gaze met mine again. “I know my first reaction wasn’t very joyous. I guess maybe I’ve been jaded about love, but I am truly over-the-moon happy for you both. Please, accept my apologies, Merit. Dirk.”
My chin wobbled as I said, “Of course, Mom.”
Dirk reached over and squeezed her hand. “No need to say you’re sorry, Lori. None at all.”
With a pat on Dirk’s hand, my mother said, “I always knew you loved her.”
“As did I,” Kimberley added.
“Hell, I didn’t!” Michael said.
My mother shot Michael a look that silenced him before she focused back on us. “Do we have a date for the wedding?”
“Not yet,” I answered. “Dirk and I haven’t figured all of that out yet.”
“It would be better if you were married before you had the baby,” Michael interjected.
“Pish-posh, they’ll do it when they’re ready,” Kimberley said as my mother nodded in agreement.
“Any idea where you want to get married? It’s not a bad idea to start thinking about it,” Mom asked.
I let out a breath and looked at Dirk. “Honestly, I haven’t thought about it yet.”
Dirk smiled, but there was something in his eyes that seemed so sad. I knew exactly where his thoughts had most likely gone. His father wouldn’t be here when we got married. Finally, he said, “I haven’t thought much about it, either. Maybe we should get married behind the barn. Where it all started.”
With a smile, I shook my head, and he winked at me. I knew he was joking, but it launched our mothers into full-on planning mode.
Michael groaned and ordered another beer, while I tried to keep up with the fast flow of conversation that was suddenly taking place between our two mothers.
When the waitress brought Michael two beers, he handed one to Dirk, who took it gratefully and nearly downed it in one drink.
Dirk and I fell back onto the bed and sighed.
“That was exhausting,” I said as I closed my eyes.
“I should have never mentioned the barn,” Dirk said with a groan.
I turned and looked at him, a slight smile on my face. “Did you see your mother’s face when my mom suggested we get married in the same spot where we first had sex?”