“Let’s talk about it over breakfast. There is a waitress in Keyhole who will appreciate the opportunity to gloat.”
“You told a waitress about your relationship problems?”
He nods. “And last night at the barbecue place, I told an entire table of cowboys that I love you. And Mason had some good advice.”
“What’s that?”
Dallas cups my cheeks and seals his mouth to mine.
I let out a contented moan. From our first kiss, I felt a spark, and I want to kiss this man every single day for the rest of my life. “That kid gives good advice. I hope he gets to see his friend again and tell her that she’s pretty.”
“You and me both.”
CHAPTER 30
DALLAS
We settle into the same corner booth where I sat yesterday. And instead of sitting across from me, Rose slides onto the bench next to me.
The waitress grins as she walks up to the table. “What can I get y’all cuties this morning?”
“The full breakfast and a coffee for me,” Rose says.
I slide the menus back into place in the napkin holder. “I’ll have the same. Plus an extra side of bacon.”
“Coming right up.” She takes a step, then looks back over her shoulder at Rose. “He was a mess yesterday.”
“So I’ve heard.” She hugs my arm. “Thanks for giving him good advice.”
“Anytime.”
After the waitress walks away, I sandwich Rose’s hand between both of mine. Toying with her engagement ring, I take a deep breath, trying to decide the wording for my next burst of honesty.
“Not long after we met, you mentioned that you’d love to grow a field of flowers. And that’s why I created that space for you. And we can plow more dirt. There are lots of acres on theranch that aren’t being used to match couples. You also said you’d love to run your own little shop.”
“It takes money to start a business. And I am painfully short on that at the moment.”
“Money isn’t an issue, Rose. I have more than enough. No one but Aunt Tandy knows. You know those stories about inheriting from a wealthy uncle that you never knew? Well, that happened to Aunt Tandy and my mom. And when my parents died, I inherited their money. That’s why I could quit my job and start over.”
Rose blinks, then laughs.
“Something funny?”
She shakes her head, then nods. “Your ex broke it off because she didn’t want to lose her parents’ money. And weeks later, you inherited all that money. I mean, it’s not funny, but it kind of is. But I’m glad she didn’t know or hear through friends that you came into money.”
“Me too. She was a lot like your mom. Wanted her own way all the time. The breakup opened my eyes. I dodged a bullet as they say. But enough about my ex.” I pat her hand. “Decide what you want to do, and I’ll help you make it happen.”
“I can’t just take money from you, Dallas.”
“Think of me as an investor if that makes it easier. The money sits in an account. What am I going to do with it?”
“You’re serious about this?”
“Yep. There is an empty storefront in the strip mall. Opposite end from the lingerie store. I bet the owner would rent to you.”
“You know the owner, I’m guessing.”
“I do. And so do you. She likes you too.” I stare at her ring. “What do you say we extend our engagement a bit longer? See if you’re willing to put up with me for real.”