Page 88 of Enticed
My granddaughter leaned forward to kiss him softly, and he cupped her face in his hands. When he pulled back, the look of reverence he wore made my chest ache with longing. My Joseph had looked at me that way. Gabe reminded me so much of him. Maybe that was why I’d always been in his corner. I saw through to the very heart of him and knew he would be good for Jasmine, that he would love her like she deserved to be loved.
“See what?” I asked, taking a sip of my coffee.
“The love he has for her. The bond they share. I didn’t get it before, but I do now,” he admitted. “He adores her and makes her happy.”
“I guess it’s a good thing you got your head out of your ass and started listening to the women in this family.”
He chuckled and shook his head. As usual, he knew I was right. Elwood had a good heart, but he didn’t have a woman’s intuition. RaeAnne and I had seen past the age gap and the unconventional nature of their relationship to recognize the soul deep connection Gabriel and Jasmine shared. The way he watched over her, the way he put her wants and needs ahead of his own; it was so obvious to see they were meant for each other.
“I think I knew deep down that he truly cared for her that day he stepped in when Rowan grabbed her arm. I thought Gabe was going to knock his head off. He didn’t care that Rowan could break him like a twig. He was willing to stand up for my daughter and protect her despite the risk. It took me a while to reconcile that version of him with the idea I had in my head when I saw that video. I’d been convinced he’d taken advantage of her youth and inexperience and manipulated her into a relationship.”
“Son, I’ve caught that girl sneaking into the house in the wee hours of the morning. I hate to break it to you, but she’s not inexperienced.”
“Agh, Mom. I didn’t need to hear that,” he replied, his face twisting with disgust.
“Sorry,” I said with a shrug, not the least bit apologetic. “Truth hurts.” We watched for a little while longer. Jasmine jumped off the fence and into Gabe’s arms. She threw her head back, a bright, beaming smile lighting up her entire face as Gabe spun her around. When he finally stopped, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. It was quick, but passionate, the embrace full of fire. He placed her on her feet and grabbed her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. His smile was so wide, his cheeks must’ve hurt.
“He’s a good man. Honorable and loyal. We’re lucky she finally found someone who might come close to deserving her,” I said. He nodded absently, agreement written across his face.
“I’ll still keep Dad’s old Winchester clean and in working order just in case he screws up,” Elwood said, and I spun on him, my eyes wide and mouth hanging open, a scathing reprimand on my tongue. The words died in my throat, and I snapped my mouth shut when I saw his smirk and the mirth dancing in his eyes. He took an unhurried sip of his coffee and turned to leave.
“You should see your face right now,” he teased as he walked away.
“I can still disinherit you,” I called as he slipped from the room, and his booming laugh echoed from the hallway.
EPILOGUE
JASMINE
The entire arena vibrated with the roar of the crowd. The lights were bright, and the stands were full. Electric energy crackled in the air, and my body hummed with anticipation.
My first professional barrel race.
The nerves I’d expected to feel were barely a buzz beneath my skin. Excitement fluttered in my belly, and fierce determination coursed through my veins. I’d worked so hard to get here. I was going to soak up every second. And I was going to throw my all into this race.
Despite my accident last year, I’d still dominated the circuit and caught the attention of some of the higher ups at the professional association. When the video of me falling off my horse went viral, I was offered a sponsorship from a major medical device company. They hooked me up with all new equipment for managing my diabetes and got the biggest rodeo magazine in the country to do a full spread on me. They even offered to buy me a new trailer with living quarters but wanted me to do a commercial in exchange. I told them, “No thanks.” I didn’t need a new trailer when the one I had held so many precious memories. Besides, I didn’t want my face popping upon TVs all over the country. I’d gotten a taste of that type of attention after that viral video and had no desire to repeat it.
All of that led me here to the biggest moment of my career. This was everything I had worked so hard for over the last few years. The countless hours of training, the sore muscles, the hundreds of miles spent on the road; they were all worth it.
The rider ahead of me finished her run and breezed past me as she returned to the chutes. I gripped my reins tight and adjusted my posture in preparation for our turn. Juniper snorted and rocked beneath me. She felt the shift in the air and could sense the energy winding up in my muscles. At the signal, we shot out into the arena. Every snippet of advice Gabe had given me over the years played on a continuous loop in my head.
Juniper and I were so in sync. We’d perfected this circuit over the last year and could probably run it in our sleep.
“Come on, girl,” I urged as she sped toward the final barrel. We were making good time. I could feel it. She expertly made a tight loop around the barrel and raced down the final stretch. A huge grin split my face as we entered the chutes. I probably didn’t have the winning time considering I was a rookie and there were world champions competing today, but it might just be good enough to place.
I glanced up and saw Gabe waiting for us, and adoration filled my chest. His eyes lit with pride and affection. His lips curved into a pleased grin, and it made me want to kiss him silly, audience be damned.
He had been my rock and my biggest cheerleader these last several months. He’d accompanied me to every single race. Win or lose, he was there. His love and support never wavered even during the most trying times of our relationship.
We trotted toward him, and when we were about twenty yards away, he slowly lowered to the ground. Confused, I slowedJuniper’s pace, worry taking root in my chest. Did he not feel well? Was he hurt?
He planted one knee in the dirt and reached into his back pocket, pulling out a small black box. Time seemed to slow, and all sound around me faded into the background as the pieces fell into place. If they announced my time, I didn’t hear it. All I could focus on was the man kneeling in front of me. I was out of my saddle and standing over him in a flash.
He opened the box, and I covered my mouth as a gasp fell from my lips. Nestled in the box was a stunning pear diamond halo engagement ring. The border surrounding the setting was shaped like tiny metal studs. The ring was classy with a western flare.
It was perfect.
“Gabe,” I whispered, my eyes filling with tears. His earnest gaze locked on mine, and a mixture of hope and trepidation swirled in the churning blue depths.
