Page 78 of Wounded Cowboy

As the conversation continued, Spring’s fingers couldn’t stop brushing against the warm metal of the ring tucked safely in his front jeans pocket.

It was a vintage diamond and sapphire ring he’d discovered in an antique store in Livingstone just days ago. Sapphires were Kelsey’s birthstone, so the ring had struck him as a perfect symbol of his love and the commitment.

He hadn’t planned any grand speech or romantic gesture, because he wanted it to be genuine and from the heart. Now, he was second-guessing himself for not preparing a quick speech.

As he waited for a break in the conversation to make his move, he felt more and more anxious. His fingers curled around the ring in his pocket, and the stones pressed into the skin of his fingers.

But then, as if sensing his mounting nerves, the universe granted him a brief pause in the chatter.

He shot to his feet and cleared his throat.Here we go. I hope I don’t fuck it up.

“Everyone, there’s something important I need to ask Kelsey.”

The living room fell silent as every gaze turned toward them. He saw his mother’s mouth form into an“O” as she guessed what he had in mind.

His heart was pounding as he dropped to one knee in front of the woman he loved.

April and Abby scrambled off the sofa, their faces alight with excitement, and came to stand on either side of him.

“Kelsey Armstrong,” he began, his voice wavering slightly,“I’m so happy and grateful you came into our lives. You’ve made our days and nights brighter than I ever thought possible. You hold my heart, and I want forever with you.” His hand shook as he pulled the ring out of his pocket.“Will you marry me?”

April couldn’t contain herself any longer.“We want you to be our new mommy!” she blurted, her eyes shining.

Abby nodded vigorously.“Please say yes!”

Tears filled Kelsey’s eyes, threatening to spill over.

“Yes, Spring.” Her voice cracked with emotion.“Of course I’ll marry you. I want to be with you—allof you—forever.”

She slid off the couch and opened her arms to his daughters, drawing them into her embrace. Then she leaned forward and kissed him, long and sweet.

Everyone in the living room whooped and cheered and clapped as Spring slid the ring onto her finger with trembling hands. It fit perfectly, as he hoped it would.

Kelsey’s smile was incandescent as she looked around at the assembled Snowberry family.“Leaving for Los Angeles showed me how much I love and miss you all. Becoming part of your family is my happily ever after.”

“Yay! Just like a princess!” Abby shouted.

“Myprincess.” Spring couldn’t resist kissing his brand-new fiancée.

His healing wounds had left scars on his soul, and he still had challenges to overcome. But his future looked bright and full of love.

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