Page 67 of A Rogue Cowboy's Kiss

“Yep, you did.” He urged Moonstruck into a walk, and the pair sauntered into the clearing. He nodded at the others. “Hi, ladies.”

They all waved, but none of them got up to leave. Bella realized they were staying with her, having her back, and her heart turned over. The day with these women had created a bond that was already taking root, real, deep roots of love.

Falcon reined Moonstruck to a halt, then swung his leg over and landed in front of Bella. He kept one hand on his horse’s neck, scratching softly as he turned to Bella. “Thank you.”

She shifted, restless. “For what?”

“For hiring Dylan.”

Surprise stole her words for a moment. “Really?”

“Yes.” He took a breath. “I had a good talk with Dylan and Brody. It’s time to leave that behind.”

Oh, thank God. Relief rushed through her.Falcon wasn’t going to get himself killed. She nodded, her heart starting to race. “You didn’t want to do it anyway,” she said, trying to keep her voice calm.

“I didn’t,” he agreed, still scratching Moonstruck’s neck. “And I called all three healers on your list. I’ve scheduled meetings with all of them.”

Her throat suddenly clogged. “Really?”

He ground tied Moonstruck, then closed the distance between them. “If there is any chance I can make the world a better place, I have to do it. I’m going to try.”

She nodded, emotions thick in her chest. “That’s wonderful, Falcon.”

He held out his hands to her, but she didn’t take them. “You were right. I was scared of actually going after my dream.” He didn’t lower his hands. “I do want to get married to you, and only to you. Kids? Yeah.”

She nodded, pressing her lips together.

“But I will tell you this,” he said. “There are a lot of ways for me to help kids like we used to be. Like Gordy. If my healing works out, I’m going to find a way to help those kids. Do I want to be a dad? Yeah. But I don’t need to be. You’re my first and only, and if you don’t want kids, I can make a hell of a lot of difference anyway.”

Behind her, Bella heard the murmurs of her friends. Maybe some romantic sighs, which almost made her laugh.

“I do want to stay on the ranch, and I know you will always be connected here, too. We might find places we want to go, but our roots will always be here. I know it.”

Bella nodded. “I know,” she whispered. “I feel the pull of it when I’m here.”

“Because it’s built on love.” He put his palm over her heart. “All I want is to heal this beautiful heart of yours and help it love.”

He dropped to one knee, and tears filled Bella’s eyes. “Bella Hart, I give you my whole heart. You’ve always had it. I want to marry you, and I’ll never, ever break your trust. We will figure out how to thrive together, and it will be amazing.”

She couldn’t stop the tears now. “Falcon?—”

“Hang on.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a little woven bag. “About ten years ago, I saw this ring. It spoke to me, and I knew it was for you. I’ve kept it on a chain around my neck every minute since then, except the last couple days, because I didn’t want to freak you out.”

She managed a giggle. “It would absolutely have freaked me out.”

“Right? You’re so predictable.” He pressed the bag into her hand, his hand warm and solid. “I kept you in my heart all this time, and this ring has years of love woven into it.”

Behind her, the gallery was definitely making swooning sounds.

Bella opened the bag and slid the ring into her hand. “Oh,” she whispered, stunned. “It’s so beautiful.” It was a huge center diamond with intricate carvings on the band and more diamonds woven into it, a pattern she’d never seen before. It was warm in her hand, and she closed her fist around it, absorbing the heat. “It’s hot.”

He nodded. “It’s you. It’s your energy and spirit. I knew it when I saw it.” He held out his hand. “Marry me, Bella. It’s been so long. No more waiting.”

She smiled through her tears. This man, this beautiful man, had had her heart for years and years. He’d been her hero, and he’d let her grow into her own heroine as well. Time had made them both more, and they fit together now, better than when they were young. “I’m never going to let you be the boss. I’ve had enough protecting from my brothers.”

He grinned. “I’m well aware of that, Bella. I love you as you are.”

“I’m still figuring out my career.”

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