Page 27 of Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire

Michele looked into his face. He was so earnest and so determined. She loved him, and she would do everything she could to make him love her, but she could only do that when she was near him.

“Can we take the horses?”

He grinned and his body relaxed some. “Yes, we will send for the horses.”

“Then, yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

He slid the ring on her finger.

It fit like they had made it for her. She raised her hand and looked at it. It was the most beautiful ring.If I’d designed a ring for myself, this would be it. It’s perfect for me.

She looked up at him. “Did you have it sized already?”

He shook his head. “No, you and Gran must have the same size fingers. The stones are from Batrovia’s own mines. Will you accompany me to my home?” He stood and pulled her up with him.

She put her arms around him. “When will we leave?”

He wrapped her in his arms. “As soon as you can be ready.”

She leaned back, knowing he would not let her fall. “Then I best get to packing. Do you know how long we will be gone?”

“I honestly do not know. I must deal with the aftermath of my father’s murder, and I doubtUncleNicolai will make it easy.”

“Are you sure it was him?”

He nodded. “Yes. I have no doubt. He has always been jealous that he was not the first-born son.”

His eyes were hard. The sparkling mischief she’d first seen when she met him was gone. “His jealousy has been building a long time. Probably since they were children and Gregor got to do everything first. Nicolai was probably never first.”

“How many years younger is Nicolai?”

“None. Did I forget to mention they are twins? My father is only three minutes older than Nicolai.”

“Yes, you forgot to mention that. No wonder he wanted so much to be the first. Regardless of his reasons, he must pay for it. Even if he didn’t dirty his hands with the actual deed, he is responsible for every injury your father suffered.”

“He is an evil man, which my father knew. The only reason I can think of why he went with Nicolai is to talk to him and make him see reason. Which obviously fell on deaf ears.”

She reached up and cupped his cheek. “Can you give me a few hours to pack?”

He leaned into her hand and then took it in his and kissed her palm. “Of course, my darling. I’ll return in three hours. Will that give you enough time?”

“Yes.” She stopped for a moment. “You’re a king. I have nothing to give you that you can’t get from anyone else. I’m a pauper compared to you. I don’t even have anything to wear for the funeral or for a formal evening. You saw the dressiest dress I own.”

He took her in his arms. “You can give me my children and your love. I can’t get those from anyone but you because I will marry no one but you.” He reached up and ran a finger down her cheek. Then he cupped her jaw. “You are everything to me.” He bent his neck and kissed her softly, and then he held her by the back of the head and kissed her deeply. He pulled back and kissed her forehead. “As to the clothes, I’m sure you can borrow something from my sisters, if needed, before we get some made for you and Erin.” He smiled. “We’ll make sure she knows she is a princess, too. I think she will be pleased.”

Michele smiled. “You know she will jump up and down with pleasure.” She put her head on his chest.I want so much to say, “I love you.”But I don’t dare. What if he’s not ready to hear it? Would he change his mind? I suppose I should find that out now, but he might feel like that already and is as afraid to say it as I am. Or he doesn’t want to hear it at all. Either way, now is not the time for such sentiment.

* * *

Michele stood in the foyer.She had two large suitcases—one for her and one for Erin. Even though they were flying by private jet, she still had her passport and Erin’s. She always made sure they were up-to-date; just in case she had to run and take Erin with her. If Ed came after Erin or, God forbid, got custody of her, Michele would run. She didn’t know where. She’d already decided she’d start with Canada and work her way to somewhere else. Anywhere that Ed couldn’t find her.

She watched as Alex pulled up outside her house. She’d been waiting, but she counted to ten before she opened the door so she wouldn’t seem over anxious.

Alex grinned when she opened the door. He stepped up and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “I am glad you’re eager to go with me.”

“What makes you say that?”

“I saw you waiting to answer the doorbell.”