Page 72 of Some Cowboys Fight for Love

His finger pressed to her lips. “I know everything.”

Aria’s eyes widened. She flushed so hot, she probably resembled a piece of fruit more than a person. Then her conversation with Sophia came rushing back and she frowned. “Sophia…”

“You should have told me,” he said, his voice cracking. “You should have told me what he was doing.”

“I couldn’t.” Her chest squeezed and she sucked in a sharp breath. “I couldn’t or he would have?—”

“I don’t care about the scholarship. I don’t care about the classes. All I care about is you.”

“Don’t say that,” she whispered.

“It’s true.” He brushed at her tears again. “I love you, Aria. I’ve loved you almost from the moment I met you.”

She snorted, and it drew a smile from him.

His eyes searched hers. “You are my reason for living, for chasing after a dream I never thought was possible. You are everything to me, and it’s time you knew.”

“But I thought?—”

“Before you say anything else, I need you to do something for me.”

Aria blinked. Everything was changing too quickly. Her head was spinning. What could he possibly ask of her? “What is it?”

“I need you to kiss me.”

A fresh wave of laughter burst from her. He was being ridiculous, and yet she could see he meant every single word. Daniel didn’t seem to want to rehash what they’d both been through. She got the sense that he didn’t want her to make excuses or plead her case. He might not even want her to apologize for what she’d said or done since their lives had been interrupted.

He wanted a fresh start.

And that was something she was more than happy to give.

Aria nodded, flinging her arms around his neck as she captured his mouth with hers. Their kiss was searing and claiming. It held all the promises that they hadn’t had a chance to make yet.

Best of all, his kiss was healing. He could make her forget everything bad that had happened in her life with a single touch. He could lift her up and make her believe in herself. Daniel was her better half.

He might be quiet and hard-working a good deal of the time, but he was also gentle and kind. He was her everything.

Aria pulled back, moving her hands to frame his face. “I love you, Daniel Keagan. More than you will ever know. And I would do anything to ensure your happiness.” She brought his head down so she could touch her forehead to his. “Anything.”

“I think I’m beginning to understand that,” he said softly before pressing a kiss to her nose. “But all I want is you.”

EPILOGUE

Daniel

Eight months later

Daniel let the sunshine from the beautiful spring day warm his skin. It was the first nice day they’d had after weeks of rain. He wasn’t complaining. The rain was good for all of them, but he’d missed seeing the sun.

With hands laced behind his head, he took in a deep breath. From the floral scents to the sounds of new animals in nearby pastures, this place felt like heaven.

A soft touch trailed up his chest and he peeked open one eye to find Aria settling beside him on the picnic blanket. Originally, they’d planned on going for a hike or a ride to some remote place, but then Aria got wind that Sophia’s favorite Australian Shepherd had gone into labor. The beauty had one blue eye and one brown one, and Daniel wouldn’t be surprised if she convinced Sophia and Mateo to give her one of the puppies.

So, they had their picnic in the backyard.

The Palmers’ property had become as much a home to Daniel as his own—maybe even more so. He found every excuse he could to spend time with Aria, even if that meant he was barely at home—besides to complete the work Wade needed from him.

He closed his eyes and hummed with contentment as she traced circles on his chest, her light touch sparking all kinds of feelings inside him. “How are the puppies?”

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