Page 44 of The Hunted Wife

She chewed her bottom lip. “I feel like I should say no. I still have a lot to do.”

“Will any of it make a difference if it doesn’t get done today? I can help you with anything you want tomorrow.” He made a sign over his heart. “Cross my heart and hope to die if I don’t.”

“I hate that promise. Nothing could make me want you to die for any reason.”

He grinned. “Okay, I’ll just promise. How’s that?”

“Fine. Let me get my boots on and we can head to the barn.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

Millie came down less than ten minutes later. She wore boots and had a sweater tied around her shoulders. “I’m ready.”

He reached out with his right hand and took her left hand, tucking it into his side. “Let’s go, gorgeous.” He guided her to the barn where the horses were saddled and ready to go. Adam helped her mount and then swung up onto Lightning. He led them out of the barn and toward the mountains.

After a little while, Millie looked over at him. “Are we going to the waterfall?”

He smiled. “I wondered if you would remember the way. To answer your question, yes, we’re headed to the waterfall. I know it’s one of your favorite places and since all the Ricard stuff is settled I decided it’s time we went back.

Two hours later the waterfall came into view, though they’d heard it for at least ten minutes before. Adam led her up above the falls to the lake that formed them.

There along the bank was a blanket and a picnic basket with a bottle of sparkling cider and two glasses.

“Adam! This is wonderful and so thoughtful. Thank you.” She stopped several feet away and dismounted, dropping the reins to the ground.

He did the same. Then he walked to her, took a hand and led her to the blanket, where she settled next to the picnic basket. Adam knelt on one knee, his heart in his throat.

“Adam?” Her eyes questioned him with her eyes wide and her brows high on her forehead.

“Millie Sullivan, will you choose me this time?”

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she nodded and dropped to her knees in front of himdf. “Yes! I choose you. This time and every time. I choose you.”

“I, Adam Sullivan, take you to be my wife, for forever.” His heart pounded and his hand shook slightly.

“I, Millie Sullivan, take you to be my husband, for forever and a day.”

“I love you, Millie, with all my heart and soul.” He placed a diamond engagement ring and matching wedding band on her finger.

“And I love you.” She jumped up into his arms.

He was ready for her and took her lips with his. This kiss was the first real one as husband and wife without any fears or stress hanging over them. Adam laid her back on the blanket, without letting go of her lips, and they made love, in the open, in their favorite place.

Later, much later, they rode back to the ranch. As they entered the ranch yard, all of the brothers came out of various buildings and clapped and cheered

Adam and Millie dismounted and were surrounded by their brothers. Each one of them wanted a hug from Millie and gave Adam a handshake.

She turned to Adam and leaned into his side, wrapping her arms around his waist.

He placed an arm around her shoulders and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

She looked up at him. “This is perfect. This is home.”

“You are my home. Wherever you are, I will be. I love you more than anything.” He placed a hand on her belly. “And this baby is already so loved and so welcome. I can’t wait until he gets here.”

She grinned as she rubbed her still mostly flat belly. “I can’t either, my love. I’m happier than I ever thought I would be. I’m so glad I ran into you in the grocery store.”

“Me, too, darlin’. Me, too.”