Page 80 of A Cowboy to Call Her Own

The blissful couple was set to leave for their honeymoon in the morning, but they wanted in on Kelley’s reunion with Asher first. Kelley inhaled and worked to slow her pulse.

Frannie tucked her phone into her pocket, gave the clearing one last survey, then said, “I’m really excited for you, Kelley. You deserve all the happy your heart can hold.”

“You do, too.” Kelley wrapped her little sister in a hug, then watched Frannie collect the boxes they’d carried everything in and disappear down the trail.

Now she was alone in the clearing, waiting to give her heart to a cowboy.

Finally, Asher stepped into the clearing. His gaze found Kelley immediately. One long sweep and he seemed to take it all in. His eyes held hers, warm and unwavering and settled something deep inside her. Kelley felt completely seen and finally found.

It was grounding and empowering, humbling and uplifting. And she knew with certainty she was done hiding from her cowboy.

Kelley stopped Asher’s approach. “I have some things I need to tell you.”

Asher pulled up. There was a quiet readiness in his stance and how his hands slipped into the front pockets of his jeans as if he was prepared to take in whatever came next.

“Pauline told me it did not have to be extravagant. Just heartfelt.” She was trapped by his incredibly kind heart and his unguarded expression. “But I wanted this to be private. I wanted to tell you earlier after the parade. Then everyone was there. And then we were in the food booth in the park.” Her pulse picked up. “And you should be the first to know. But it’s not really about being first.” It is about giving the words freely.

Asher did not move. Just watched and listened as if he was content to let Kelley ramble the long way around to her truths. It felt like he understood Kelley better than she did herself. And that only made Kelley fall for him all over again.

Kelley kept her gaze as open and honest as his and said, “I realized I don’t want to stand still anymore. Not in life. Most especially not with you.”

The faintest of grins filtered across his face. Still, he did not come to her.

I see you, too, cowboy. Kelley said, “I want to be the place you call home.” A catch caught her words as if it was her heart that broke through her voice. “Because you’re that for me. You’re my home, Asher.”

“Kelley.”

Her name was like a promise on his lips. The tender ache in his voice undid her. The words slipped out. Quiet as the sun setting behind her. Certain as the change of seasons. She said, “I love you.”

A smile, awe- and joy-filled appeared. His blue eyes glinted as if lit from within.

Warmth like so much sunshine rushed through Kelley. Her smile built from inside her. The words came again. Sure and carefree. Simple and easy. “Asher Blackwell, I love you.”

He was there in an instant, sweeping Kelley up in his arms, gathering her gently and impossibly close. His embrace anchored her and steadied her yet made Kelley feel like she could soar at the same time.

Kelley buried her cheek against his chest. If she looked at her cowboy, she would kiss him and then she would be completely lost in the moment. But there was more to be shared. “I know you’re in New York. And I’m buying the diner here in town. And it’s really complicated.”

“Say it again,” he whispered against her hair.

Kelley leaned back and met his gaze. “It’s complicated.”

Asher shook his head and pressed his lips lightly against hers. “I meant the good part.”

“I love you.” She held him tighter.

“Kelley Munroe, I love you, too.” Asher leaned in and captured her mouth with his.

This was a kiss that joined and claimed. That buckled knees and reached the stars. That whispered of forever and celebrated now. There was nowhere else Kelley wanted to be.

The kiss slowed and Asher pulled away slightly. “I think I need to sit. I’m winded in the best way possible.”

“Me, too.” Kelley led him over to the blanket.

Asher sat and tugged her down beside him. “I can’t believe you did all this. It’s incredible.”

“I had help,” Kelley said.

He held her close. “But it must have been your idea. There are firefly catchers here in our little garden.”