Claiming the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 7)

“Blindfold.”

I push away. “What? I won’t get to see the city.”

“Where we’re going, you’ll get the best views,” he promises.

I lift a brow, completely intrigued as he pulls the material from his coat pocket, then covers my eyes.

“People are gonna look at me funny,” I say as we leave the room, then he guides me down the hall.

“Good thing you won’t have to see them then. Also, who gives a shit what anyone else thinks? I surely don’t.”

“You’re right.” I hear beeping, and he nudges me forward again, which means we’re on the elevator. People chat around me, and I stand calmly, holding Knox’s hand. A few minutes later, he leads me through the lobby, and I immediately know when we’re outside because the warm breeze hits my face.

“I’m gonna help you inside,” he tells me as the door clicks open. His palm rests just above my ass as he guides me into the back seat. Seconds later, he slides in beside me, the door slams shut, and we zip forward.

My heart races, and I can’t wait to see where we’re going.

“You look so beautiful. However, I can’t wait to rip that dress off you.”

I lean into him. “I’m excited and nervous to see what you have planned for me.”

“You’re gonna love it,” he reassures me.

Eventually, the limo slows to a stop. Then Knox grabs my hand and leads me out.

“Are you ready?”

“I think so,” I whisper, the anticipation killing me.

Carefully, he undoes the blindfold, and my mouth falls open when I see a helicopter.

“What in the world?” I shout over the noise.

“I wanted you to see the island from above before it got dark.”

I wrap my arms around him and squeeze. “I can’t believe you did this!”

“Mr. Bishop?” A guy wearing all black walks toward us, and Knox nods. He leads us to the helicopter, and we carefully climb inside. Once we’re buckled, we put on the headsets. When we’re ready for takeoff, the pilot turns and gives us a smile.

“Have you ever been on a tour like this before?” he says through the mic.

We both shake our heads.

“Great, you’re in for a special treat then,” he says.

“Hell yeah,” Knox says, grinning at me, then we lift off.

I’m amazed by the lush green trees as we soar over the mountains and valley.

“Nothing like a bird's-eye view, right?” Knox says.

“Wow,” I say as he grabs my hand.

Waterfalls, crystal-blue water, sailboats, and even a volcano…I see it all. The pilot points out key areas, and I’m completely overwhelmed by the gorgeous scenery. This is an experience I’ll never forget.

“Look, there’s a rainbow.”

Knox leans over and smiles when he sees it.

“Everything is so beautiful,” I whisper, not able to take my eyes off the views in front of me.

“Just like you.” He presses his lips to my knuckles.

After an hour, we make our way back to the airport. My face hurts from smiling so damn much. We touch down and thank the pilot, then Knox helps me down so I don’t sprain an ankle in my heels.

Before we climb into the waiting limo, Knox stops. For a second, I think he’s tying the lace of his dress shoe, but then I notice he’s holding something in his hand—a black velvet box. Then he opens it.

Inside is a diamond ring. My jaw drops as soon as I see it.

“Hadleigh,” he mutters with a wide knowing smile.

“Knox. What are you doin’?” I cover my mouth because I’m so shocked.

“Over the past year, I’ve realized how much you mean to me, and I can’t imagine my life without you. Every day with you is a new adventure, and now that I’ve had you, I can’t live without you. I want to be with you every waking moment and each night when I lay my head on my pillow. I love you so much and would be honored if you’d marry me and be my wife.”

Tears stream down my face, and I take two steps forward, then collapse in his arms.

“Yes, baby. Yes.”

We kiss until he nearly falls backward.

“I can’t believe this,” I say as he slides the ring on my finger. It’s a perfect fit. “Did everyone know before we left?”

“Of course. Do you really think I can take a vacation and fly you all the way to Hawaii to propose without the whole town knowin’?”

I chuckle. “That’s a valid point. Wait, what about my mom?”

“I asked for her blessing. She approved. Ivy, too.”

Shaking my head in disbelief, I stare at my hand, and the emotions flood me all over again. When we get to our feet, he captures my hand and leads me into the limo.

“I don’t know how you kept this from me,” I say when we settle in.

“You’re not the only one who’s good at surprises.” He winks, then cracks open the champagne.