Page 94 of A Thorn in the Saddle
“Hi,” he whispered.
“Hello, Mr. Pleasant.”
“Did you see me riding that horse?”
“I sure did. That’s going right in the spank bank for sure,” she said so her dad couldn’t hear.
“Oh good. That’s my favorite place to make appearances. So, I had two questions I wanted to ask you. First—” He unwrapped the little bundle and the cutest black, gray, and brown puppy looked up at her, sleepy eyes blinking. “What are we gonna name this little guy?”
“Jess, oh my God.”
“He’s a blue heeler-rottie mix.”
“You mean the cutest dog ever.” She went to take the puppy, but the flowers got in the way.
“I’m holding too many things. Can someone come take these roses?” Amanda appeared and took them with quickness. Lily-Grace cradled the puppy in her arms and looked back up at her man. “Oh, we have to think of the best name for you. What was the other thing you wanted to ask me?”
“I was saying—” Jesse dropped down on one knee and opened the ring box. A peach sapphire with diamond leaf side stone sat nestled in the white cushion. “Lily-Grace LeRoux. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, making you smile, making you pancakes and finely crafted steaks, and buying things you say you don’t need but clearly want. More horses, more puppies, and maybe a couple of chubby babies, but one at a time.”
“Would recommend. Two at a time is harder than it looks,” Evie shouted.
More tears poured out as Lily-Grace nodded. “Yes. I want to marry you, absolutely yes.”
Jesse sprung to his feet, careful not to squish the puppy, as he cupped Lily-Grace’s face and kissed her softly, perfectly, on her lips. She could hear muffled sounds of their family and friends cheering all around them, but there was just Jesse in that moment. The absolute man of her dreams.
“I wanted to get a string quartet to play the “Thong Song” for you, but my grandmother is here,” he said when he pulled back. “And it’s Christmas Day.”
“You made this plenty special. Trust me. I love you so much, Jesse Pleasant.”
“I love you too.”
She switched the puppy to her other arm, then held out her trembling hand so Jesse could slide the ring on her finger. They were swarmed with congratulations and at some point someone produced many bottles of champagne. And then it was time for their real ride. Lilah took the puppy so Lily-Grace could climb in Margot’s saddle.
“My dad and Sam are gonna join us, if that’s okay, at a distance.” Jesse had really outdone himself, and having experienced riders out on the trail for their first time was a very smart idea.
“Of course.” They set out on the trail, with Senior leading and Sam bringing up the rear. Sam kept his singing to himself this time. As she glanced back at Jesse, at her fiance, the sun disappeared behind the clouds. She could feel that crisp bite in the air. Snow was coming, but there was no way it would dampen their afternoon.
They stopped at the stream where Sam and Senior rode ahead a bit to give them some privacy. As soon as they were alone, Jesse dismounted and pulled her close. He kissed her like he’d never kissed her before. Deep and sweet, like he was never going to let her go. Lily-Grace melted into his arms, kissing him back with every ounce of love and appreciation she had for her man, her charming prince. She still couldn’t believe how easy he made things for her, being so kind. So loving, so giving and open, and all she had to do was sit back and enjoy their happily ever after.
