Page 46 of Rancher Dragon's Unexpected Mate
Colton narrowed his eyes at her. "I don't understand."
She smiled at him. "Oh, you will." She handed a third gift card to Tyson. "You're going to need that to buy a few more trail riders."
"Ellie, what are you talking about?" Colton moved to her and cupped her face. "What did you do?"
"Well, remember when I first got here, and you told me that you were hoping I could put in a good word with my rich friends?"
He nodded.
"Well, compliments of Nita, I'm somewhat of a celebrity amongst celebrities because what she did to me could happen to any of them. So, I'm everyone's best friend right now, and they were all intrigued by my off-the-grid experience, and basically I have enough reservations for you to put you at capacity for at least the next year." She handed Vinia a folder. "They're not organized, but I had everyone fill out a form with dates they wanted to book, so they're all waiting to hear from you."
Drake's mouth hung open. "Are you serious?"
"No one wants to visit the resort and get what they already have. They want what's new and trendy, which at the moment, is Outside Outfitters."
Colton grabbed her up in a bear hug. "You are absolutely amazing."
Vinia hugged both of them, and soon, the entire family was hugging.
Colton pulled away from Ellie as they all calmed down. "Are you absolutely sure this is what you want to do?"
"With my money?" She shrugged. "It's just money. The new CEO of the network is actually in talks to see about doing a reality daytime show here." She saw the instant fear in his face. "Not like right here. I'd have a studio, but like a talk show where I do local stuff."
Vinia waved her hand. "Oh, you could rent a storefront right in Manitou Springs. There's so much you could do with that."
"Good, because I'll need your help if it happens." She held up her hands. "Look. I haven't had a family in a long time. And while I may not turn green and fly, I have chosen you all to be my family. You've made me feel welcome, and I could never repay you for that."
Colton sucked in a deep breath. "Well, then I guess it's up to me."
Ellie frowned. "For what?"
"Ellie Dampier, you are the most giving, beautiful, amazing, perfectly imperfect woman I have ever met. I don't even want to lose the feeling that I have for you, and I don't ever want to lose you." He dropped to one knee and pulled a ring from his shirt pocket. "Will you marry me?"
Vinia gasped. "You were planning this the whole time."
"Of course I was. But then Ellie wanted to barge in and do her news first, and since she was so gracious to help out our family, it's only fitting that I try to make her a part of it."
"This is amazing." Vinia hugged Ellie. "I'm so happy for you."
"Uh, Mama, can you let her answer me, please?" Colton pleaded from his kneed position. Ellie stifled a giggle.
She leaned down and kissed Colton. "Yes, Colton Hale, I will be your wife. I thought you'd never ask."
He slid a beautiful diamond surrounded by emerald chips onto her finger before he lifted her off the floor and spun her around. He slowly let her slide down until they were face to face.
Ellie wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you."
He buried his face in her neck. I love you, too. So very much."
She peeked at the rest of the family all hugging and watching them with happiness and love beaming from their eyes. She was right where she belonged, and despite the half-assed way she had gotten there, she never wanted to be anywhere else.
THE END
