Page 57 of What the Cowboy Wants
He was still frowning, clearly very unhappy.
“I love him, Dad,” she coaxed as she walked into his arms.
Grunting, he hugged her tightly and for a few moments, he wouldn’t let go.Relaxing against him, she waited.
Cooper’s phone rang and he left the kitchen to answer it.
After another few minutes, he dad finally dropped his arms and stepped back.“Are you sure about this?”
She nodded.“I am, Dad.He’s special, and once you get to know him, you’ll understand why he has my heart.”
Her mom was grinning.“The fact that he’s tall, dark and handsome, doesn’t hurt either.He’s clearly besotted with our girl.Show us your ring, I can’t wait to see it!”
Rose lifted her hand.“Cooper’s mom gave it to him.It’s so special to wear something that belonged to her.”
Just then Cooper returned.“That was my sister, Willow.We’re all having lunch at her place today and Mr.and Mrs.Dalton, she’s invited you too, of course.You can meet the rest of my family—it can be overwhelming, so get ready.”
“Mom, Dad, let me show you to your room if you want to freshen up,” Rose said.“The room is ready for you.I cleaned it earlier in the week, I was so excited to know you’re visiting.
“I’ll bring the luggage,” Cooper said.
As he left, her mother took Rose’s arm, her eyes bright with tears.“You’ve chosen well.He lights up when he sees you.”She smiled.“I’m so happy for you.”
Rose opened the door to the guest room.“Are you really okay if we join the Westons today?I know we have a lot to talk about…”
“We’d love to meet them, sweetie,” her mom smiled as Cooper walked in with their bags.“Just wait a moment, I have something for you.”Unzipping her bag, she took out a beautifully wrapped present.“When I saw this, I thought of you.See if it fits?Maybe you can wear it today.”
“Thanks, Mom, you always know what I like.”Rose smiled as she took it.“There’s a bathroom through there if you want to freshen up.”
Silently, Cooper and Rose walked back to her room.As she closed the door behind her, the giggle she’d been trying to keep down, finally escaped.With her hand around her mouth to muffle the sound, she ran to the bathroom before she burst out laughing.
Cooper entered and closed the door behind him.
“Were you dressed when you opened the front door?”she asked in between fits of laughter.
Grinning, he pulled her close.“More or less.I don’t think I’m your dad’s favorite person right now, but I’ll work on him.”
“You were wonderful with them, thank you.I haven’t even had time to tell you they’re coming to visit.We’ve been otherwise occupied.”Smiling, she slipped her hands underneath his shirt.
“I don’t have clean clothes with me.”Cooper brushed her hair from her face.“And maybe you and your parents need time alone together.I’m going to pick up Mom and take her with me and we’ll meet you at Willow’s place, how does that sound?”
“I haven’t had a morning kiss, and you want to leave me?”she said, pretending to be indignant.
“I’ll always have time to kiss you, Red.”Winding her hair around his hand, he proceeded to kiss her soundly.
Chapter Seventeen
“…and howare you going to explain the fact you talk to animals?”Becket chuckled.
They were all sitting in Willow’s living room, waiting for Rose and her parents to arrive.The O’Sullivans and Mitch Miller and his wife Riley and their son were already at Willow’s place when Cooper arrived earlier.They couldn’t miss the excitement, Willow explained.
At the moment, Cooper’s siblings were having the time of their life teasing him.He should be irritated or getting angry, but he was too happy to be bothered.
His mom was looking much better, thank goodness, but they’d all had a fright.She was always there, interfering in their lives, helping out and cooking them Sunday lunch.He couldn’t imagine a world without her.
Suddenly, Charlie jumped up with a happy bark and charged toward the front door.Prince and all the other dogs followed them.
Willow chuckled.“Your cue, Coop.Let’s hope they like dogs.”
