Page 118 of Headed for Home

Paisley squints at the sky. “Beats me. Better get in there.”

“Umm… okay?” My steps falter almost immediately. “Where’s my horse?”

“How should I know?” And she doesn’t plan to help based on her backtrack to the bleachers. Her elbow clips a man and she’s about to apologize until he turns. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“None of your concern,” the recognizable grump rasps.

Paisley pokes his chest. “You better not be trying to sell her again.”

He knocks her hand off him. “It’s not your business, twinkles.”

“Don’t even go there.” She huffs and pushes past him. “If I find out you’re trying to get rid of her, you’ll have hell to pay.”

I’m caught in a stupor from their drama and almost forget I’ve been summoned. My stride is wary as I creep toward the fence. What I see at the center of the field freezes me on the spot. Drake is standing with Leita as if this is totally normal. My kids are busy sprinkling sunflower petals on the ground.

“What are you doing?” I whisper-shout.

He spreads his arms wide. “Making a scene.”

Kenzie and Charlie rush toward me in a fit of giggles. They shove at my back at hurry me along. My boots drag along the ground, kicking up dust. The silence from the stands is deafening.

Drake releases my mare, trusting her to stay. I’m beginning to believe she can do no wrong as her hooves remain firmly planted where requested. Satisfied, my boyfriend’s outstretched hand beckons for mine to hold.

“Hey, beauty,” he croons while our fingers interlock.

“Trouble,” I mumble. “What’s going on?”

His sigh is over the top, similar to this strange situation. “This event doesn’t give trophies, but I wanted to get you something for crushing such a huge accomplishment.”

“You’re really sweet and thoughtful, but this isn’t necessary.”

“Our parents and brothers are here. They’re sitting near Auntie June and Paisley.” He points to a section in the front row. “The Roosters crew is there too.”

“Oh, my.” I wave at our friends and family. “The whole gang.”

Drake toys with my fingers, tugging lightly. “I wanted them to see your run.”

“It’s not that big of a deal.”

His scoff calls bullshit. “This is huge. A major win. I’m proud of you. Besides, I figured it was time we gathered everyone together to get officially acquainted.”

My mouth pinches to one side. “That makes sense, I guess.”

“Do you need a better reason to celebrate?”

“Not really.”

“Well, I’ll give you one anyway.” When he gets down on one knee, I just about tip over. “This one is real. I hope you’re ready.”

My head is bobbing faster than my heart. “Yes.”

“Okay, remember you said that.” He chuckles. “My beautiful sunflower. Not sure what I did to deserve the way you’re smiling at me right now but I’m not gonna question it. How quicklyyou’ve become vital to me. Not just as my girlfriend and lover. You’re my best friend. The one I want to share everything with. You’re the highlight of my day. The last thought of every night and the first each morning. You were my unfinished story but I’m hoping to write the rest together. I’d love nothing more than to spend forever beside you.” Drake reveals a velvet box and pops open the lid. “Cassidy Brooks, will you marry me?”

I clap a palm over my mouth to trap a shout. Tears trickle over my hand while I’m nodding wildly again. There are no words while I stare at the brilliant canary diamond that’s haloed by aquamarine gemstones.

His eyes sparkle brighter than the yellow solitaire. “Gonna need you to use that answer from earlier.”

“Yes!” I squeak. “Yes, yes, yes.”

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