Page 87 of Cowboy Elite 2: Mike

Liv stared at it, tears pooling at the corners of her eyes. She turned her hand to watch the way the grain caught the light, how the wood felt warm against her skin like it was alive. Like it remembered the tree it had been, the branches Charlotte climbed, the shade where she'd found peace.

"You made me a ring," she whispered.

"Told you I'd do it right." Mike's thumb brushed her cheekbone, catching tears. "Even if I forgot half my speech and nearly chickened out."

"You didn't forget the important parts." She looked up at him, this man who'd carved her a promise from wood and patience and love. "The 'keep you' part. That's the only part that mattered."

Then she was kissing him, or he was kissing her, and it didn't matter who started it because they were tangled together, hands in hair, bodies pressed from knees to chest, his heart hammering against hers.

The kiss tasted like salt and joy and forever. His hands framed her face like she was precious, breakable, worth cherishing. She pressed closer, wanting to feel every inch of him and felt him smile against her mouth.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, Mike rested his forehead against hers. “We’ve probably got some details to work out?”

She nodded. “There’s really nothing in New York that I need. I’ve been gone for nearly three months and haven’t really missed anything. I will need to return, though, deal with the furniture in my apartment, the equipment in my bakery—assuming any of it is even still there. For all I know, my landlords have had a liquidation sale.”

“Well, I hope not. I’m sure you have some valuable belongings.”

“Mike, even if it’s all gone I wouldn’t care. I’ve got everything I could ever need or want right here. With you.”

He kissed her again, a kiss so soft and filled with love she felt as though her heart might actually burst.

“Do you think you might be able to take some time away and come with me? I’m not super close with my parents, but I’d like you to meet them anyway. Help me navigate closing up that part of my life.”

“Yeah, we can make that happen. Grandpa’s got a Lear Jet parked on a landing strip out at his place, and I just happen to be type-rated to pilot it.”

“Fancy,” she said with a grin. “You know, I think my parents are finally going to get their wish for me. They always wanted me to marry a wealthy man and do charity work. Felt owning a bakery was beneath the family name.”

“Hmmm. Not sure I’m going to be so crazy about your parents. But you will be marrying a wealthy man. It’s up to you how hard you want to work, or if you want to work at all.”

“Are you kidding? I’ve learned to shoot a gun and I’ve made peace with a crazy goat. I intend to embrace this dude ranch lifestyle and everything that comes with it. I want to help you with your dream, Mike. And maybe we’ll open a bakery right here in Bear Valley. And I want babies. At least three of them. With you.”

“Man. How did I get so lucky?”

“We both got lucky.”

He stroked his thumb over the band on her finger. "We should probably head back," he said, making no move to let her go. "Before Joe sends out a search party."

"Probably." She kissed him again, soft and slow. "In a minute."

"Yeah." His arms tightened. "In a minute."

They stood there in the wildflowers as the sun dropped lower, and neither of them was in any hurry to leave.

They walked back to the house as the sun began its descent, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold. The family was gathered in the kitchen, relaxing and enjoying the peace since they didn’t have guests to cater to.

Mike cleared his throat. "So, uh. Y'all got a minute?"

Everyone looked up.

Joe's eyes went immediately to Liv's left hand. "Finally. Thought you were gonna wait till Christmas."

Charlotte's head snapped up. She looked at Liv's hand. Looked at Mike's face. Then she shrieked. "You’re getting married!"

She launched herself at Liv, nearly knocking her over, wrapping small arms around her waist with enough force to make Liv stagger. Mike caught them both, steadying them while Charlotte bounced and squealed.

"I knew it! I knew Uncle Mike would marry you! Can I be the flower girl? Can I? Can I pick my dress? Can I help with the cake? Can?—"

"Breathe, honeybee," Heather said, laughing. "Give Miss Liv a chance to answer."