After spending several minutes on the sofa making up, Dallas runs a hand over my hair. “You weren’t at the shop this morning. And Richard was not happy to see me.”

“I quit when Dad gave me an ultimatum. And why was Richard there?”

“He had a grand plan to woo you. Apparently, seeing you with me made him regret not getting you. He told me as much at the resort. He was drunk, but honestly, he did himself in.”

“How so?” I trail my fingers down the side of Dallas’s face and along his jaw. “You haven’t shaved.”

“Until last night, I didn’t sleep either.” Dallas presses a quick kiss to my forehead. “The night he spewed his nonsense, he lifted his glass and said, ‘May the best man win,’ and I did.” That gorgeous smile spreads across his face.

“And I think I like your stubble.”

“Then I shall keep the stubble.” He stands and holds out a hand. “Do you have shoes on? I have something to show you. It involves driving somewhere. And I have an idea to run past you.”

“Lead the way.”

He scoops me into his arms and carries me to the truck. “I’ve been working on this surprise since right after the gala. And I hope you like it.”

When he sets me down in my seat, it occurs to me that he hasn’t said a word about finding my earring.

I clasp his shirt as he steps away.

He lifts an eyebrow. “You going to tear my shirt off me here on the side of the street? I mean, I’m okay with that. But if you want me to take it off, all you have to do is ask.”

I tug him in for a kiss. “I’m missing an earring. The pair I wore to the wedding. Have you seen it?”

He’s sporting the brightest smile I’ve ever seen on the man. “I haven’t, but I hear that earrings like to hide under seats. That’s what Tyler told me.” Dallas leans down, shifts my feet to the side, then hands me the earring. “It took me a bit to come to my senses, but you were enough of a reason to bring me running, Rose.”

We hold hands on our way to the ranch, but he doesn’t turn in the main gate.

I lean forward, looking around. “Where are we going?”

“If I tell you before we get there, it won’t be a surprise.” He pulls my fingers to his lips. “Besides, I have to look at the road, and when I do the big reveal, I want to see every bit of your expression. Seeing you happy makes me happy.” He stops next to a gravel road. “Cover your eyes for me please.”

I do as he asks and don’t even peek through my fingers.

Then he stops. “Wait right there, I’ll help you out. And I’m begging you not to sneak a look.”

“Okay.”

He unbuckles my seat belt and lifts me out of my seat. Then leaves and grass crunch under my feet as he guides me into position. “You can look now.”

I drop my hands and gasp. “Teddy bear!”

A white picket fence surrounds a tilled field and at one end of the rectangular plot is a white garden shed. Sunlight glints off the windows.

“You did all this for me?”

“Yeah. I haven’t planted anything yet. I was trying, but between the ranch opening in a few days and breaking your heart, I didn’t have the time. I’m not sure if you can plant flowers in February, but the ground is ready.”

“What’s that about Matchmaker Ranch opening?”

“I didn’t mention it, but it’s Valentine’s Day, and Tandy wanted to open that day. Matthew, Colt, and I have been working like crazy to make sure it’s all in tiptop shape.”

“You are way more attractive when you communicate. Please don’t keep things from me.”

“I won’t decide what you need to know.”

“Thank you. Now, you said something about running an idea by me.”