Page 73 of Beg for You

“You need any help?”

“Dane is lugging my stuff inside as we speak. He was moving his things into my old place before I finished carrying the boxes downstairs.”

She grabbed my hand. “Come on, let’s go settle you in.”

We walked out into the fading sun. “By settle me in do you mean christen every room in the house?”

She laughed, but there was a shadow in her eyes that fucking killed me. I tugged her to a stop. “You’re missing her?”

Her smile turned sad. “I miss her every day.” She shrugged. “I guess with the first foal being born this week it’s hit a little harder. I wish she could have been here for this.”

Cassy lost her gran a couple of months ago, but not before she’d given me her blessing. She and I had actually gotten pretty tight in the few months we’d known each other. Now Cassy’s father had moved out, leaving the area to retire away from the people he’d hurt, and Cassy was feeling it. I’d sunk every penny I’d had into this place, which was a substantial amount of money. Lyall knew I had more of a claim on this place now than he did, and though he loved his daughter in his own fucked-up way, it was more than he could handle.

He had apologized for what he’d done and had admitted he’d taken his pain out on us. Facing his peers, though, after that sham of an engagement party was too much for him. The truce was tentative, but things got easier when Cassy and I bought Lyall a place in Whitefish near the lake so he could spend his days fishing. He’d happily accepted it, and we didn’t see him as often.

Spencer was still on the property next to ours, but his already low social standing had taken a serious nosedive after what happened. Thankfully, the fucker knew to stay the hell away from Cassy and this ranch. I’d advised him to walk the other way if he saw her. If he didn’t, walking would no longer be an option. So far so good.

“Your gran would be so proud of you,” I said.

Cassy nodded, a tear streaking down her cheek. “I know.”

“Come on.” I led her to the house as Dane was walking out the front door. “That everything?”

My brother winked. “All set.”

“Thanks,” Cassy said. “Do you want to stay for something to eat?”

Dane walked over, tugged her closer, and gave her a hug. “Maybe next time. I have a new apartment to sit around naked in.”

“A vivid image,” she said, laughter in her voice. “And any time.”

“Call first,” I interjected.

Dane planted a quick kiss on the top of her head. “Welcome to the family.” Then he strode off, got in his truck, and roared down the driveway.

I took her hand again and led her up the stairs.

Cassy sucked in a breath when I pushed the door open.

I grinned in approval. Dane had outdone himself. The lights were off, and the setting sun cast an orange glow across the room filled with candles and vases of pink roses. Petals were strewn across the floor. She walked into the middle of the room, taking it all in, and I slid the small box I had in my pocket out and got down on one knee.

She turned and her hands flew to her mouth when she saw me.

“Cassy.” I opened the box and cleared my throat as emotion washed through me. I knew I was about to stutter and stumble over my words, because she scrambled my damn brain just looking at her, but I didn’t care, and I knew she didn’t either. “I’ve n-never…known anyone like you. N-Never knew it was possible to love someone as much as I do you.”

She moved closer then dropped to her knees, tears rolling down her face, and cupped mine.

“Princess…will you marry me?”

She nodded, eyes bright, overflowing with tears and filled with joy. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

I slid the ring on her finger then pulled her in tight and I kissed her, and I didn’t stop kissing her for a long time.

Then we got started on christening some rooms.