Page 87 of More Than a Helping Hand

“Coffee can wait. Ask your question.”

I drop into the chair. “I love your daughter. And your granddaughter. Primrose captivated me from the moment I met her, and I don’t want to live the rest of my life without her. It would mean the world to me to have your blessing to ask for her hand in marriage.”

“You have it. Sarah and I have been praying that things would work out this way. You have our blessing. Our cheers. And our support.” He stands, so I do too. Then he stretches up to hug me. “It’s obvious that you love both of them. We’re so happy you and Primrose found each other.”

No one is happier about that than I am.

CHAPTER31

PRIMROSE

Isomehow manage to sneak out of the bedroom without waking Bailey. We’re sharing a room at Mom and Dad’s, so that Paisley and her family can use the other bedrooms.

When I walk into the kitchen, Mom grins. “I’m excited to have so many of you here today. Parker called to say that they’ll be here in an hour.”

“I wasn’t sure Bailey was ever going to fall asleep. She kept listening for the sounds of hooves on the roof.” I haven’t told anyone what she’s getting from Anderson because the implication will invite questions, and I’m not ready for those.

Do I think he’ll propose? Not really. I beat the we-need-to-take-this-slow drum a lot when we started dating, and we’ve only been back together for a few weeks.

Do I want him to propose? Yes. Even though it’s only been several months since we met, in my heart, I know he’s the one. He’s the one I want next to me as Bailey grows up. The one I want to press my cold feet against on chilly nights and wake up to every morning. He’s the one who makes my heart happy. I want to marry Anderson.

But now that my head is clearer than the night we talked about the pony, I’m worried. How are the cousins going to feel if they get toys and Bailey gets a pony? Then I chide myself. It’s not like Anderson is going to bring the pony with him.

But I better make sure of that.

Me:You aren’t bringing the pony to the house, right? Please say no.

Clarence:No

I really need to change his contact back to his first name.

Me:Are you just saying no because of my text?

Clarence:No

Me:Can we talk on the phone?

Clarence:Yes

A laughing emoji pops up right before I click his name in my favorites.

He’s laughing when he answers. “You’re up early.”

“Santa came, and I’m excited. But I was thinking about the you-know-what, and I think it would be a bad idea if you brought it here.” I slip out the back door so I don’t have to worry about Mom overhearing.

“I’m in complete agreement. If I did that, then I’d have to give everyone a pony.”

I shiver, rethinking my decision to step outside in my jammies. “Are you working in the barn?”

“I am. Getting a few things done. Then I’ll shower and head to your parents’ house.”

“Tell Brooke how much I appreciate her sharing you with us. She’s welcome to come over this morning.”

“She values sleep more than presents at her age. But she’ll drive out and have Christmas dinner at the ranch with us later.”

The way he tosses the wordusaround makes my heart swell with excitement.

“I’m glad. You can get back to work. I’m sorry I bothered you.”

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