Rocky Waters (Lovers Lake)

“Yes, yes. Of course.” He slides the beautiful three stoned band on my finger and then stands. It’s ridiculously huge and yet, it’s perfect. “Wow, it’s gorgeous.”

“Nothing will ever be as gorgeous as you.” He tilts his head, cups my jaw, and lightly tastes my lips. The lightest feathery touch makes my heart swoon. As he pulls back, I cling to his shirt and trace my tongue over his jaw before reaching his mouth again. This time we both take the kiss deeper. His hand threaded through my hair while the other brings me flush to his body. “I love you, Darcy, but if we don’t stop, we won’t make it to the bar.”

“Okay.” I pull away with a pout. He’s right. Besides, I’m sure he wants to make sure every man in there knows I’m taken. He locks up the house and helps me into his pickup truck. The drive to the bar isn’t far from the ranch which is good because I’m feeling anxious. The warmth of the Texas sun is starting to fade as it sets, so I bring my shawl with me. It’s still not quite summer yet and it’s a breezy night.

“Are you ready?” he asks as we pull into the parking lot. It’s a packed house from the looks of it. I can tell that Bennett doesn’t really want to be here. In fact, from the tension in his shoulders he must want to turn around and go back home.

“How about you spin me around the dance floor once and then we head back to the house?”

“I can handle the crowds if it means I get to hold you in my arms.”

“I know, but I have a feeling it’s gonna be a rough one.”

“That’s fine by me. As long as I get to hold you, it really doesn’t matter what we’re doing. Now let’s get you inside, so I can show off how lucky of a man I am.” We walk in and sure enough there’s a huge crowd, but it’s evenly dispersed. We move straight down to a table and one of the bartenders who’s about forty with long blonde hair in a braid hanging off her shoulder comes straight for us. “Hello, Bennett. Long time, no see. The guys have been coming here and having to pay for their own drinks. And who are you?”

“I’m Darcy.”

“Pretty name for a pretty girl. What can I get you two tonight?”

“I’ll have a beer. What do you want, love?”

“Can I get a screwdriver?” I ask, unsure of what they carry. I hate beer, so I always go with some sort of liquor instead.

“Sure thing, doll.” She winks and moves along to the next table.

“Do you come here often?” I ask, wondering why I’m so jealous. I have no reason for it. Maybe it’s because they all got to know him, be around him and I didn’t.

“I haven’t been here since before we met. I only stop in with the guys after a long week to buy them a round or two. If you haven’t noticed, I’m not much of a conversationalist.”

“Yeah, I managed to figure that out. I thought it was just because you wanted me naked all the time,” I tease, biting down on my bottom lip. I let my eyes roam around the room so he can’t read my mind.

“That too.” He takes my hands and holds them in his, massaging them. “What are you thinking about?”

“Oh nothing. Just checking out the décor. It’s practically like the movies.”

“Yeah, some things they actually get right in movies. Many of the people that come here are regulars in town, so it’s not a place for the younger crowds most nights.”

“Do you feel old?” He’s a lot older than me, but I think he’s gorgeous.

“Why? Do I look it?”

“You look mature for sure, but old? No. You just carry yourself with a lot of years on you. You wise old sage.”

“Thank you, should I grow out a full wizard’s beard and everything?” He rubs his chin and strokes his imaginary Gandalf beard.

“No. I like seeing your sexy neck and chest.”

“You’re playing a dangerous game, fiancée.” My heart does flips with that new title.

“Here are your drinks.” She sets them down and that’s when she sees the rock on my finger. “Oh my Lord, you’re getting married?”

“Yes. I asked this lovely lady to marry me.”

“Wow, it’s beautiful, just like you. I heard rumors someone bought a ring, but I didn’t know who. This round is on the bar. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” She smiles brightly at us before walking away again to another table.

We sit and drink while we make small talk. Then someone taps a mic. “We want to give a shout out to our local Cowboy and celebrity, Mr. Bennett Lake who has just got engaged to the lovely Ms. Darcy. Congratulations to you two.” The crowd erupts and that’s when Bennett takes my hand and leads me out to the dance floor. They put on something slow as soon as they see us and he presses me close to him.