Page 8 of Longhorn Findlay Farm

“Stop it,” Dakota says with a laugh.

Washed in a golden glow and with the sun setting in the big sky over his head Archie looks amazing. He truly is the man of my dreams. He’s come into my life and shown me what real love looks like.

The photographer pulls back from behind the lens, clicking through her pictures. “You know what, let’s have Carly step forward too. It’s a bit off balance.”

“Oh, okay.” Surprised, I take a tentative step forward.

Archie pulls me into his arms like we’re the only two people in the world, planting a sweet kiss on my lips that brings a red flush to my skin.

The photographer continues, “Okay Carly, turn and face the prairie. Archie, get behind her, put an arm over her shoulder.”

The photographer asks us to hold our pose and my eyes go misty as I look out at Findlay Farms. This place and these people have truly become home to me.

“Carly, turn around.” Archie’s voice is low and steady.

I turn slowly, avoiding the mud, and when I do my mouth falls open in shock. Archie is down on one knee. My heart pounds in my chest as he takes my hand in both of his, planting a kiss on the back of it.

“Carly, the best thing that ever happened to me was finding you stuck in that mud. I knew from the minute you arrived, I was never going to let you go. My world with you in it makes so much sense. You make me the man I want to be. All I want is to take care of you for the rest of your life. I want my home to be our home, forever. Will you marry me?”

My eyes go glassy and my heart thuds in my chest. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted to hear and more. “You’re my favorite person. I’ve never known a love like yours and it’s pure magic. I would be so proud to be your wife.”

I try to hug him, but Archie stays on one knee. He snaps open a black box and holds it out toward me. My eyes widen in shock when I see the sparkling antique, emerald ring inside. It’s breathtaking.

“This isn’t a new ring, it’s a family heirloom. I wanted you to have it. We all wanted you to have it.”

I glance at the faces behind him as Archie slides the ring onto my finger. All the Findlays have matching, perfect smiles, even Jamison. I realize that this isn’t a promotional shoot at all. This is all for me. The thought makes the tears I’ve been fighting back spill over.

Archie gets to his feet and seals his promises with a kiss.

* * *

---