Page 90 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
“Youdidtake care of us,” Spencer contended. “And we always appreciated it. It’s just we’d rather you spend time with us instead of working eighty-hour weeks to make us richer.”
Rowan had always thought he’d been responsible by working so much, but maybe he’d cheated them – and himself. “I made the same mistakes he did, by not showing you my true emotions.I’d like to think Father loved us in his own way. Still the words matter.” He breathed deeply. “I love you guys, too.”
Quinn and Spencer smiled widely. Rowan stepped forward, and for the first time in years,embracedhis brothers. “I haven’t spent enough time with family, and that’s something I intend to change.” He wiped his eyes, where dust must’ve moistened them. “Thank you for never giving up on me. You may not have noticed, but things are already changing.”
“We did notice.” Spencer nodded at the sleeping woman. “We’re pretty sure we know why.”
Rowan softened as he regarded his beautiful love. “Is it that obvious?”
“Yes,” Quinn and Spencer answered in unison, and Rowan hung his head. Obviously, he hadn’t fooled anybody with his feelings.
He didn’t want to anymore.
“So what exactly is going on with you two?” Spencer grinned. “I assume you’re not going to answer that.”
“Actually, I am.” Rowan stood tall. He no longer wanted to hide his feelings. “I’m going to marry her.”
Had he really just said that?
Oh yes.
He’d shocked them into silence. Hell, he’d shocked himself. If he was already being honest… “I love her. Even if I have to move across the ocean, I want to be with her.”
Only would she agree? He’d already hurt her once. Would she accept him back?
Somehow, he would convince her.
“Wow,” Spencer finally said when he could speak. “That’s amazing. Congratulations, Rowan.”
Quinn appeared just as shocked… and thrilled. “We’re truly happy for you.”
“Don’t be happy yet. She still has to say yes.” If she turned him down… no, he wouldn’t consider that. Surely, she could feel the bond between them.
Quinn didn’t look worried. “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem with how she looks at you.”
“How does she look at me?”
“Kind of like you look at her.”
Satisfaction rose, pure joy and newfound optimism. Hopefully, they were right, because as soon as this crisis was over, he was going to pose one very important question.
The answer would change his life.
The parade of well-wishers commenced at 8 a.m.
Grandma Leigh was the first to arrive, armed with shamrock shortbread cookies and traditional Irish Whiskey truffles still warm from the oven. She arrived only fifteen minutes after Ciara awoke and five after she got an update from the vet, which brought no additional news. Ciara held back tears as the older lady embraced her, whispering words of comfort.
“How is she?” Grandma Leigh asked.
Ciara gave a watery smile, even as she shook her head. “She made it through the night, which is more than I’d hoped, but she’s not out of danger. The vet won’t know much until he runs some tests.”
Grandma Leigh rubbed her back. “Were you able to see her?”
“I didn’t want to disturb her. She’s sleeping now.”
“I hope you got some rest, as well.”
In the corner, Rowan shifted in the hard chair. The normally impeccable man looked quite rumpled, his hair adorably tousled and his face boasting more a midnight shadow instead of a five o’clock one, but he’d never looked more handsome. He’d promised to stay up all night for her, and he had. “I slept a bit.”
