Page 33 of My Rancher Valentine

“Kat.” I tried sitting up more, but my body wouldn’t do it. Instead, I turned on the bed and pulled her alongside me so we were face to face.

“I love you, Kitten.” It felt amazing to say the words. “I think I’ve loved you my whole life, but I was too stupid and too scared to tell you.”

Her face pulled together. “Why were you scared?”

“Because you deserve everything, baby,” I told her. “I’m just a rodeo rider and a rancher.”

“Who owns like half of our hometown.”

“My family owns it, but I didn’t do anything but be born into the right last name.” I pointed out. “You yourself said I have the worst reputation, and I spend so many months on the road. I have women who come on to me all the time. I’m not saying that to brag, but because you shouldn’t have to deal with things like that.”

“True, but it could serve to reinforce exactly how handsome my man is.” She bit the side of her lip, and I smiled.

“You think I’m handsome?” I pinned her to my chest.

Kat rolled her eyes. “You know you’re hot.”

I liked hearing that from her. “Am I your man?” I already knew I was, but I wanted her to say it again.

She hesitated for a moment, and my heart stopped once more.

“I’d like you to be.” There was no confidence in her voice.

“All you have to do is say the word, and I’m yours.”

“Word.” She joked.

“Done.” I laughed. “I’m yours, baby.” I dropped my lips to hers. Sealing our bond in the best way possible, or the only way I was allowed to until I got the all-clear from the doctor.

“I hope you don’t think that we are keeping up this fake engagement story.” She broke away.

“Who says it has to be fake?” I’d marry her in an instant.

“That better not be a proposal.” Her eyebrow went up.

As easy as it might have been to push that button, I’d wait. When I asked her to marry me, I wanted to do it right, and I wanted to do it for us.

“Not yet, but I still have plans for our engagement party next Friday.”

“Friday is Valentine’s Day.” she reminded me.

“And who else would I want to spend the day with other than my girl?” I kissed her softly.

“Well, when you put it that way.”

We spent the rest of our time making out like a couple of high schoolers until my sisters returned.

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