Page 68 of Willing to Wed the Rancher

At the last of the buttons, he paused and seemed to realize that she was staring at him, transfixed. Or ogling him.

His gaze roved over her, and his lashes lowered as his nostrils flared. “Have I told you recently that I love you?” His whisper came out softly, reverently.

She laughed lightly. “You told me a minute ago.”

He started toward her, his gaze fixed upon her mouth. “It has been too long since I kissed you.”

Again she laughed. “That’s only been a few minutes too.”

“A few minutes too long.” He reached for her, grasping both arms and drawing her against his body with an urgent force.

She drew in a sharp breath, her need for him growing urgent too.

He bent in and plundered her mouth with a passion that left her weak. She wanted nothing more than for him to sweep her up off her feet, carry her into the bedroom, and lay her on the bed. She was embarrassed by how much she wanted that.

But instead of sweeping her up, he took a step back and released her.

She almost cried out her protest, and might have if he hadn’t lowered himself to one knee before her.

He unbuttoned the top button of his shirt and pulled out the chain that he always wore underneath. He unclasped the chain, then took off the rings that he wore next to his heart at all times.

“I was planning to have a wedding ring made for you—the finest ring in all of Berlin, in all of Germany.” He held up an elegant gold ring studded with small diamonds. “But the more I have thought about rings, the more I am convinced that this ring belongs on your finger.”

She hesitated. He’d shared how he’d nearly lost his parents’ rings on the train after arriving in Denver and how important the rings were in connecting him to his parents. “Are you sure? Your parents’ rings are more important to you than anything else.”

“Youare more important than anything else.” His voice turned hoarse with emotion. “You are my wife, flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone. We are one. And nothing will ever separate us.”

She was always amazed when he talked to her so poetically, passionately, and romantically.

He slipped the ring on her finger. “My parents were guiding me all this time. Guiding me into what was right and guiding me to you.”

Even though the ring was a little loose, it was elegant and beautiful, and she loved it because of how important it was to Franz and that he was willing to give it to her.

He slid his father’s ring onto his finger and peered down at his hand. “I’ve let fear and bitterness hold me back for too long, and I know now they would want me to move on with my life into this new adventure with you by my side.”

Franz clasped her hand, holding their rings side by side. He kissed her fingers, then he bowed his head and whispered something in German—something that sounded like a prayer.

When he finished, he looked up at her and smiled, his eyes filling with both joy and peace.

She caressed his cheek, letting that joy and peace filter into her. They indeed would have a new adventure ahead. Together. And that was all she needed.