Page 51 of Wicked Cowboy
Ridley wore jeans and a white shirt. She carried a tissue in one hand and my letter in the other. She lowered the paper and met my gaze, “Carter, did you write this letter?”
Had she cried? I almost lost my breath, but I said, “Every word. I couldn’t sleep without putting it in words.”
I motioned to the table behind me. “I have flowers and a jade necklace I bought for you that reminded me of you. I did this because I love you and I want you to be my wife.”
She covered her face with both hands. For a moment, I wasn’t sure what she was thinking, but then she lowered her hands and I saw that bright iridescent smile of hers as she asked, “You love me?”
My heart raced. “There has never been another for me.”
She threw her arms around me. “I love you, too.”
I lowered my neck and slid her hands up my body and then held her closer as I swayed with her. “Then, you’ll forgive me for being a complete asshole?
She stared at my lips and adrenaline rushed through me. “I’d already forgiven you before you did all this.”
I lowered my head and smelled her sweet vanilla scent. “You deserve more. I’m hoping you’ll still marry me. If not, I’ll still try to convince you I won’t ever hurt you again.”
Her lower lip parted, but for a moment, she didn’t say anything. My pulse raced until she said, “I… I’d love to marry you and spend my life with you. Let’s talk about it after we pick up your father.”
Fair. My father was probably up and waiting. I let her go. “The staff sent some dresses to your room, but my pop and Chelsea picked everything out on their own.”
She showed me her hand that had the diamond on it as she said, “I’ll thank them.”
She walked out of my arms and my lips tingled like I’d forgotten to kiss her. I reached out to stop her. “When we get home, I have hair, makeup, and a massage booked for you if you still want to get married today.”
Her eyes widened. “Seriously?”
I hugged her and ignored how hard I was at the moment for her when I said, “And one more surprise.”
She spun back toward me and it was like I won a prize. “You don’t have to say anything else. I’m already overwhelmed.”
I caressed her back. “I just want you to see you’re beautiful, and honestly, the house is designed to host a pampering party.”
She went on her tiptoes. “I’ll marry you.”
I let her go. “Then, let’s go pick up Pop and get home.”
She laughed and closed her eyes, tugging me toward her.
Finally! I met her lips and crushed hers with mine.
I’d never have to live without her ever again.
Her kiss was magnetic and she was perfect just as she was.
After she ended the kiss, we went to the kitchen and ate breakfast with Chelsea. She already had the bread Pop asked for wrapped, and I grabbed it, though I wondered how she knew about it. She’d been asleep.
I didn’t ask. Instead, we headed out to the Lexus that I rarely drove. It had four seats, so it was the better choice. Ridley gave me a thumbs up like she was impressed.
I’d give her the keys today if she wanted it.
For now, I drove us as a unit to the hospital and my heart expanded. I now have everyone I loved except one as we headed to pick up my missing pop.
I’d learned to face my fears and never hurt the woman I loved. I’d been blessed she’d forgiven me.
She led us through the hospital and stopped at the desk to get the nurses to start the check out forms.
Once she finished, we headed to the room and Chelsea handed Pop the bread as Ridley said, “Hi, Hudson.”
