Page 74 of Cowboy's Sinful Bargain

"I don't want anything happening to our boy. He's suffered enough in his life. It's time for him to be happy."

"I aim to make him happy." I pulled a small black box out of my pocket and opened the lid, turning it to face Monty. "When we got married, we never exchanged rings. I want him to have that experience and I want everyone to know that he's mine."

"I'm pretty sure everyone knows, Jos."

Maybe, but this was an important step in our relationship. This was no longer a marriage of convenience. We were married now because we wanted to be and we needed to show that to the world.

"I hear a car," Monty said as he glanced toward the window. "Miko must be home."

I hated the times when he got called out by the Doc and I couldn't go, but I understood why he felt that he had to. Hewanted to put his skills to use saving others, be they animals or people. That was just the type of person he was.

It both filled me with pride and made me frustrated.

Usually at the same time.

"We'll see you tomorrow, Monty."

Monty let out a chuckle. "Have fun."

I intended to.

I walked out of Monty's office and down the hallway, heading straight for the front door. I stepped outside just as Miko waved to the vet and started up the steps.

"Everything go okay?"

"Hai." Miko beamed. "Mama cow and baby cow are just fine."

"Good." I held my hand out to him. Once he grabbed it, I pulled him in close and gave him a peck on the lips. "Ready for an adventure?"

"Adventure?" Miko's eyebrows lifted. "What sort of adventure?"

I wagged my eyebrows at him. "The fun kind."

I swung Miko up into my arms and carried him around the porch to the back steps where the ATV was waiting. After placing him on the back, I grabbed a helmet and fit it over his head, and then swung my leg over and settled in front of him.

"Hang on."

Miko's arms instantly wrapped around my waist.

I started the ATV and got us underway. Several ranch hands waved as we drove past them heading out into the open range. The ride took about an hour, but it would have been longer on horseback.

When we broke through the tree line and the lake came into view, I slowed the ATV. I wanted Miko to get the full effect.

"Are we going camping?"

"In a manner of speaking." I stopped the ATV and climbed off and then helped Miko off. After removing his helmet, I grabbed him by both arms and turned him to face me. "Close your eyes."

"What?"

"Close your eyes." Once Miko closed his eyes, I turned him again so he was walking in front of me, holding tightly to his arms so he didn't fall. "Keep them closed."

I walked Miko toward the cabin, stopping several feet away. "Okay, open your eyes."

I'd built the cabin in the same place we'd come for our picnic since he seemed to like that spot so much. He had been so happy here. I wanted him to always be able to come here and be happy.

I smiled when I heard Miko gasp. "Do you like it?"

"How?' Miko turned to look at me. "How did you get that here?"

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