Page 86 of More Than a Good Friend

“We probably shouldn’t tell everyone about that part yet, huh?”

“Definitely not.” She sits up. “Oh no, what about Gabby? Do you think she’s telling your family about us?”

I shrug. “Maybe. Who knows? No one will believe her anyway. Not yet. I still have some work to do.”

She runs a hand over the front of my T-shirt. “You are still all the best parts of the guy I’ve known all these years. You’re a prize, Hidalgo Gonzales.”

The words slam into my heart, and I come dangerously close to shedding a tear. Just one. But I catch it in time.

I clasp her hand, pressing it to my chest. “I want you to think so.”

Trailing her fingers through my hair, she smiles at me. “I was prepared to tell Gabby how lucky she was and what a prize you were. And the whole time, you were my prize. I think we need to go back to Comfort.”

“Yeah. Because I’m backing you against that stone pillar, and this time, I won’t say something stupid. Although, in my defense, when two people love each other it makes sense for them to date. I’m just saying.”

Her laugh echoes in the night.

I’ve heard that laugh for twenty years, but now I feel it. The world is a different place when you unfreeze your heart and give love a chance.

* * *

Tuesday morning,I drive around to the back side of the ranch and follow the dirt trail until I stumble onto a field of flowers. This late in the season, there isn’t as wide a variety, but these are pretty.

After gathering handfuls, I shove them into a coffee mug and head to the mess hall. I saw the way Goldie’s face lit up when Luke showed up with flowers. And I want to make her light up the same way. Unfortunately, the nearest florist is far away and not open for another few hours.

And Goldie will love these.

Whistling, I saunter into the mess hall.

Ava glances up and grins. “If I couldn’t see it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe it. You are smitten.”

“I am. She had to wait years for me to wake up, but it’s for the best. I’m a better catch now.”

Arms slide around my waist, and Goldie hugs me from behind. “You are a catch.”

After patting her arm, I turn around and hold out the flowers. “I got up a little early and picked these for you.”

Her smile is wide, and her eyes are misty as she takes the mug. “I love them. Thank you.”

I tip my hat, then lean in and steal a quick kiss. “I’ll be back for breakfast, but I’ve got cowboy stuff to do.”

The last thing I hear as I walk out the door is Goldie saying, “I love that man.”

Whistling, I walk to my truck. Today is a good day.

CHAPTER31

GOLDIE

This is the first family dinner where Dag and I are going as a couple. And I might have failed to mention that my relationship with him has changed, but surprises are fun.

At least I hope my parents think so.

It’s not like I was keeping us a secret, but it’s only been two weeks.

Excited and nervous, I balance the store-bought cookies in my lap.

“You’ve been holding that last breath a bit too long. Are you really okay?” Dag reaches over and brushes his fingers on my arm.

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