Page 117 of Dark Horse

“And she likes you?” She gives me a teasing look.

“Well enough it seems. Mostly she was excited about me ‘doing something relaxing for once,’” I explain, if only she knew how not relaxing this particular outing is going to be for me. I think I might be more tense than any meeting I’ve ever held before, and given some of the people I’ve done business with, that’s saying something. But I want this—I need this, and after everything, it feels like there’s no reason to wait any longer.

Jay has kept his end of the bargain, and Levi has an eye on everything he’s doing through his phone. It’s left us all feeling safe enough to resume business as usual for the time being. Life almost feels like it’s back to normal while we work on our research and recon in the background. Minus the fact that Levi’s in Europe hunting down leads, and I’ve been running the Avarice with Dakota at my side.

She’s a natural at everything business, and I fully believe the second coming of Seven Sins will outstrip anything the town’s seen yet in terms of drawing in new business. So I’m just grateful she’s decided she wants to use the lot next to the Avarice to make it happen.

When we get to the top of the tower, I’m thankful there’s a small overhang at the edge where I can lay out the food and drinks. Kit’s even thrown in a bottle of rosé for good measure.Something I hope we’re about to open in celebration if I don’t fuck this up royally.

“Dakota,” I say quietly as she’s distracted by pulling out the sandwiches and salads Kit packed. She looks up at me, her brow furrowed in question.

“Yes?” she asks, setting the last container down and turning her focus on me. I’m struck by how beautiful she is in this light, how perfect she is, and how I never in a million years thought we’d be standing here like this together. But it feels natural. Like everything about our lives and who we are was always going to lead to this place. “Everything okay?”

Her eyes search mine like she’s worried by how long I’m taking to answer her, and I clear my throat.

“You see that spot over there? Where the sun is breaking through the clouds?” I ignore the question and point to a place in the distance where the forest fades and another large meadow opens up beneath a mountain. It’s like nature’s playing along and spotlighting it for me.

She shields her eyes and nods her yes.

“Do you think that’s a good spot for the stables there and maybe putting a couple of paddocks on this side?”

Her brow furrows, and she blinks when she turns to me. “What do you mean? Is Hazel asking for your help with development now? I know she’s working on that project with Beatrix and Madison, but isn’t that beyond the ranch?”

“It’s part of a new one.”

“A new one? I heard someone talking in town about someone buying up Old Man Miller’s property. Do you know what the new ranch is called?” She’s still listening as she returns to absently unwrapping more of the food. I don’t think she’s understanding my meaning.

“What do you want to name it?”

Her attention snaps back to me then; her eyes go wide as she studies my face, and a smile spreads over my lips.

“Youbought it?”

“I figured as much as you like to ride, you might want your own space. Plus, you’ve been doing such a great job with the penthouse. I want to see what you do with a ranch house.”

Tears form in her eyes. “You didn’t…” she murmurs. It’s barely audible. She looks back and forth between me and the land.

“I did.” I study her reaction as I worry about how quiet she’s being. “Do you hate it?”

“What? No, I just… I don’t know what to say. I always dreamed about that as a kid growing up, but I just thought it would never happen, you know? So much of the last few months feels like I’m living in a dream, and I don’t know that I deserve any of it. I’m waiting to wake up.” She swipes at the tear that’s starting to form at the corner of her eye and gives me her own nervous smile.

“You deserve so much more than this. You deserve everything. Anything I can give you, I will. It just might take some time. But if you can give me that…”

“Of course. You’re stuck with me. You should know that by now.” Her fingers run over my forearm as I kiss her.

“I love you, you know,” I say softly as I break the kiss.

“I love you too.” She grins at me, but her brow furrows again when I pull out the box I’ve been hiding and drop to one knee.

“For better or worse?” I ask, and her hand goes to her mouth. The tears fall in earnest, and she practically shakes as she stares down at me. “I mean… knowing full well there’s a lot of worse here, but I’ve been trying hard to make it better.”

“Grant, are you serious right now?” she asks, and in answer, I open the box for her.

“It’s my mom’s. If you say yes, you can pick your own out. Whatever you want. I looked around, but it felt right to use this one to propose. I think she would have approved, given how much she adored you, but more importantly, I want you to know how serious I am. I know it hasn’t been long officially, but—”

“Yes,” she cuts me off. “I know what you mean. I feel the same way. I can’t imagine anyone else I’d ever want to marry but you. So you’re kind of on the spot here.” A sweet laugh tumbles out of her and brings inexplicable tears to my eyes.

“Good, because I need it to be you. You’re my everything, Hellfire.”

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