Page 78 of Charlie Takes a Chance

She leans forward and whispers sharply. “I don’t want you to feel pressured just because I have strong feelings for you.”

I raise my eyebrows at her. “Are you saying that you’re the only one allowed to have strong feelings in this relationship?”

“NO! That’s not what I meant. I just— I want you to be sure.”

“I’m sure.”

“Uggh. Max. You’re not thinking this through. I’m annoying. I’m obnoxious. I bring all sorts of baggage to this relationship.”

I just keep nodding. “It’s a good thing I throw so many alfalfa bales. Carrying a little baggage won’t feel like anything.” I wink as she reaches out to smack my arm.

“We’ve only been dating for two weeks!”

“We’ve been living together for almost seven weeks,” I fire back. “Not to mention, we’ve probably argued more than most couples that have dated for a year. We’ve seen each other at our worst.”

Charlie raises one brow. “Oh please, you haven’t even begun to see my worst.”

“Bring it on. I can handle it,” I reply as I tug her closer.

She sighs. “I never want to pressure you. If you’re not ready to say it, you don’t have to…Because I love you too. And I want what’s between us to be real.”

“You know I say what I mean, and that’s not going to change with some of the most important words that are said in life.”

Charlie reaches a hand up and rests it against my cheek. “How do you always know what to say?”

“It’s a gift. One that only works with you, apparently. You’re the only person who appreciates my irreverent sense of humor. So you’ll just have to keep me.”

“Keepyou? I thought you were supposed to convincemeto stay.”

I lean down and scoop her into my arms. “I guess I better get to convincing, then.”

Charlie giggles and pushes her hair back over her shoulders so that she can lean in and kiss me. “You know, I think I started falling for you the first time you picked me up. You’re my favorite person to fight with and my favorite person to love.”

I pull her tighter against me and kiss her forehead. “You are one in a million. And you’re mine.”

“Would you like to tattoo your name on my ass?” she whispers as she tips her head back to press her lips against mine.

“Hmmm, I’ll think about it,” I murmur against her lips, pulling her body tight against mine.

“Oh my goodness, you two.” Darlene hurries over, interrupting our kiss. Usually, I don’t like my Charlie kisses getting interrupted, but I’m glad she did something before we got carried away. I forgot that we are in public.

I give Charlie an exaggerated wince and then turn to Darlene. “I think I have to agree with Charlie. We’re on track for an engagement party at the end of the month.”

Epilogue: Max

By the end of January,Charlie has finished all the renovations on the lodge and is driving with me to the other section of the ranch. It takes an hour from the lodge.

“Oh, wow! So this is your other evil lair!” Charlie exclaims as she walks into the house. “I knew it would be something epically awful. I mean, look at that picture!” She imitates a shudder as she looks at the picture on the far wall of a brand-new calf that seems to be looking at us with big, sweet eyes.

“So I like cows. Sue me.”

“Wait, you mean to tell me you were the one who decorated both houses?” She turns around, her jaw-dropping. “You’re kidding!”

My cheeks feel warm as she looks at me in awe. “It’s not a big deal, okay? I like to set up my own spaces.”

Charlie kicks off her shoes and walks into the living room. “You mean to tell me that you’re the one that made both of the bunkhouses so stinking cute?!”

I raise my eyebrows at her. “Now, who’s stereotyping?”

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