Page 99 of Wrangled Love

“Guessing that means you’ve come to your senses?” He takes the money and tucks it into his flannel pocket with a grin.

“I have,” I reply without hesitation.

“Then what the hell are you still standing here for?” He waves in the direction of the cottage. “Go get your girl.”

I set my empty bottle down, then grab my hat, put it on, and tip it at him.

“Thanks, man.”

On the walk back to the cottage, I run through every possible scenario. Briar might already be asleep, or worse, awake and ready to tell me she’s changed her mind. I wouldn’t blame her. She was looking for answers earlier, and instead of confessing my feelings and telling her she’s my everything, I let her believe there’s a good chance I’d leave her behind for my career and a life in the city.

I fucked up big-time.

I’m so caught up in my thoughts that I nearlymiss her, curled up on the porch swing with a mug in hand. She’s in sleep shorts, an oversized hoodie, and her hair is loose, tumbling over her shoulders.

She’s gorgeous.

When she spots me, her eyes light up. “I wanted to wait for you to get back to make sure you’re okay.”

God, she’s the most selfless person I’ve ever met. After how I left things, she has every right to be frustrated. Yet, her primary concern is making sure that I’m alright.

“Jensen?” she prompts when I don’t reply.

I climb the porch stairs with purpose, striding toward her. She stares with her mouth parted, as I reach for her hand and help her to her feet. I set her mug on the side table and draw her close, burying my nose in her hair, breathing in the comforting scent of apples and sun-worn leather.

“What’s gotten into you?” she whispers.

Having her in my arms confirms that I’m making the best choice. Nothing means more to me than her and Caleb, and though we’ll have to figure out what our future looks like long-term, what matters right now is showing her how I truly feel.

“You’re it for me, Briar Halstead, and I was a fool to ever think this was just a summer fling.” I gently lift her chin, meeting her intrigued gaze. “I’m sorry it took me so damn long to tell you. From day one, you’ve treated Caleb as your own, and I’m in awe of your love for him. There’s nothing I want more than for the three of us to be a family. That is, if you’ll have us.”

A flicker of hope flashes in her eyes, quickly masked by uncertainty. “What about New York?”

“My home is in Bluebell with you and Caleb,” I state with conviction.

I’ve never been more confident about anything. The town I couldn’t wait to leave as a teenager has become my haven. It’swhere my son and I healed together, and where I found the love of my life.

“But your company is in the city,” Briar points out. “How is that supposed to work?”

“I’ve considered making changes at DataLock for a while now, and it feels like the right time to finally move forward with those.”

Briar chews her bottom lip, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

“And what happens if you change your mind?” she asks softly.

The concern in her eyes hits me square in the chest.

“That won’t happen, sugar.”

She furrows her brow. “How can you be so sure?”

I cradle her face in my hands, holding her gaze. “Because I love you, Briar. I love you so damn much, and I’ll do whatever it takes to prove it to you. Even if it means waiting for you to figure out if you want the same thing. I’m in this for the long haul.”

She melts into my touch, letting out a soft sigh. “There’s nothing to think about, Jensen. I want nothing more than for you, me, and Caleb to be a family,” she says, resting her hand over mine, her brown eyes shining. “I love you, too.”

A light breeze blows a strand of hair across her face, and I tuck it behind her ear, brushing my fingers along her cheek.

“You mean it?” I ask.

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