Page 50 of Claiming My Cocky Boss

I shrugged, grinning. "Figured you'd be more impressed with the ring than the car. Did I get it right?"

Without a word, she leaned in and kissed me, her answer clear in every possible way.

We stood at the plot of land where our new cabin would soon be built. The lake sparkled in the distance, the trees casting dappled light across the clearing. Mia leaned against me as the engagement ring caught the sunlight. Glancing over at her, a rush of happiness flooded through me. “You know,” I pointed around us, “it seems like we might need a larger cabin than what I first thought.”

Mia chuckled, her gaze sweeping across the land. “Bigger? You thinking of more room for Daisy to roam, or is there another reason?”

I grinned, already knowing where I was going with this. “Well, I was thinking we should add a couple of extra bedrooms. For the future.”

She looked up at me, raising an eyebrow. “Extra bedrooms, huh? You planning on guests?”

I shook my head, my voice softening. “No, not guests. I’m thinking more long-term. Maybe... for a family.”

Her eyes sparkled with surprise, quickly transforming into a radiant smile. “Kids?” she exclaimed, a mixture of delight and curiosity dancing in her voice.

“Yeah,” I said, the warmth of the idea settling in my chest. “Not right away, but someday. I want a family with you, Mia. I want to build something that lasts.”

Mia slipped her hand into mine. “You really mean that?”

“I do. More than anything.”

“So do I.” She rested her head against my shoulder, a contented sigh escaping her lips. “You know, I always thought I’d want a big wedding... but the more I think about it, the more I realize that all I want is you. Something small, something simple.”

“I feel the same way. Maybe we could ask Carla to officiate—she’s a notary and a justice of the peace. We could make it official without all the fuss.”

Mia’s eyes lit up. “That sounds perfect.”

I pulled her closer, the weight of the future settling in around us in the best way. “Then it’s settled. We’ll get married right here, with the lake behind us and Daisy at our feet.”

She laughed softly, glancing around the plot of land again. “It’ll be perfect. Just us and the start of our new life.”

We stood there for a moment longer, wrapped in each other’s arms, knowing that this was the place where we would build our future—as husband and wife.

Twenty-Four

Mia

Nine Months Later

The cabin was finally done, and the fire crackled behind us. The smell of fresh-cut wood mixed with the faint scent of cedar reminded me that this place, with its rustic charm and open spaces, was now our home. Sunlight streamed in through the large windows, accompanied by a soft breeze rustling through the trees.

Liam stood next to me, looking more dapper than ever in his stylish Western attire—dark jeans, a light blue button-up, and a leather jacket that perfectly suited Cedar Cove’s rugged surroundings. A grin crept across my face as I reflected on how much we had grown since we had met.

Carla, now the CEO of Edgewater Securities, stood before us, holding a small folder with our marriage license inside. Her kind smile and sparkling eyes radiated joy as she prepared to officiate our ceremony. It was crazy to think that not long ago, she was just Liam’s trusted assistant, and now she was marrying us in our very own cabin.

Standing to my left, Tessa had fully embraced her role as Cedar Cove’s Chief Ranger, but today, she traded her usual work gear for a Western-style dress and a brand-new pair of ankle boots. The dress moved with the same easy confidence she always carried, while the boots gave a nod to her practical side. Her eyes sparkled with pride as she stood witness for me, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for her friendship.

To my right, my parents, Ann and Fred, stood beaming with pride, both of them smiling at me with the kind of love only parents could have for their daughter on her wedding day.

My father, Fred, had given me away just moments ago, his eyes misty as he kissed my cheek and whispered how proud he was of me. My mom, Ann, dabbed at her eyes with a tissue, her smile full of joy as she watched this moment unfold. It was everything I had imagined, surrounded by the people who loved me most.

And then there was Daisy, sitting obediently by my feet, wearing a small red bandana around her neck. She watched us intently, her tail occasionally thumping against the wooden floor as if she knew this moment was as special for her as it was for us.

I shifted slightly, my heart racing in the best way possible as Carla began to speak.

“We’re gathered here today,” she started, her voice full of emotion, “to celebrate the love between two people who have not only built a life together but have grown as partners, friends, and teammates. Mia and Liam, you’ve faced challenges together and found strength in each other. Today symbolizes the love and the life you’ve built and the future that lies ahead.”

I glanced over at Liam, feeling the weight of everything we’d been through together—the ups and downs, the struggles and triumphs. His blue eyes met mine, steady and sure, and my heart swelled with love for him.

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