Page 19 of Wicked Cowboy
At the jewelers, Ridley had seemed shy, but she’d said what she wanted.
I’d rather spend the day with her and discovering more about her than working today. She made the air around her sweeter just from her nearness. Her heart was open and pure. She was a rare find. Time with her flew.
I parked in front of the ranch, and she briefly smiled at me. My heart beat faster.
I went to open her door, but she met me on the sidewalk. We headed into the house and ran into Pop and Chelsea, who hugged Ridley and then settled onto the couch.
Guess my need to take her right now was on hold for a few minutes.
Ridley placed her pocketbook on the table and I slipped our license under it so we could tell the news later today.
She followed them into the living room with her hands tapping her thighs and asked, “How was school sign up?”
Chelsea gave her a two-second delay start like she was nervous, but she sat up and answered, “I start Monday.”
“Glad pop could go with you as we had to go to town.”
“We had fun,” Chelsea said. “Did Ridley buy any new clothes while there?”
“No,” She said fast. “We didn’t have time.”
Chelsea shrugged. “Maybe we’ll go together.”
“I’d like that,” Ridley said.
I joined Ridley and took her hand in mine for both to see. “We have news for both of you.”
Chelsea’s eyebrow went up as she asked, “Yeah?”
It was time to tell my dad and empower Ridley’s stay with me. So I said, “Pop, Ridley and I met years ago at Bernie and Chloe’s wedding.”
“That’s not important, unless it was love at first sight even then.” His lips thinned like he saw through me. “Spit out what you mean, Boy.”
Love at first sight? That wasn’t possible. I needed Ridley to stay and help me with Pop and Chelsea, but the words didn’t feel right. I glanced at Ridley, who sucked in her bottom lip again.
Then I said, “And because we knew each other…” She’d been like an angel that day to me that I never forgot. I puffed out my chest while still holding onto Ridley. “I asked her to marry me and she’s said yes.”
Chelsea jumped out of her seat, yelled, and threw her arms around Ridley. “You’re getting married?”
Ridley hugged her and I stepped back as she said, “Yes.”
My first vision of her had been when she wiped Chloe’s eyes at the wedding. Ridley was a healer.
Chelsea asked, “And we all stay here?”
“Yes,” I said fast.
We were getting married to raise Chelsea together. Our deal was simple.
My father slapped his knee. “Good. I thought you were going to let our family line turn to dust. Glad to be wrong.”
My gaze narrowed. What was he wrong about?
I didn’t blink and asked, “That’s all you have to say? Impregnant Ridley?”
“I can see you want to.” He stood up and patted me on the back. “So, for now, yes.” Then he interrupted Ridley by patting her shoulder for attention until she stopped hugging Chelsea. He leaned in and briefly hugged her as he said, “Welcome to the family, Ridley Steel.”
Chelsea held her hand and Ridley said, “Thanks.”
