Page 79 of Every Single Wildflower
“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give a round of applause for your local stock contractors who made this event here in your hometown of Mayson Ridge, Texas possible.”
Cheers echo around the arena as Maddox and my father wave from the middle. Mayson Ridge Ranch is alive and well, and in the process of rebuilding stronger than ever. Unfortunately, even after Warren provided proof of Rocky’s bribe, he was able to pay his way out of criminal charges. He’s still flaunting around town, acting as if he didn’t try to set my family up for failure. It was a miracle Warren even confessed, and since that day in the back bedroom with my mother, I’ve never shared the truth. Not even with Maddox.
Maddox smiles, his body looking illegal in his starched jeans and button-down shirt. His cowboy hat makes my heart flutter, and I down right swoon when he throws me a wink when I scream loud, whooping and hollering for my man who happens to be on his way to being one of the most well known stock contractors around.
We had to spend almost a month apart when I went back to Georgia to pack up my things and try to convince Merit to move to Texas. She declined but promised to come visit if she ever got the chance.
“You know, Ivy. Your dad is kind of hot.” Dakota squints her eyes. “He kind of has that Sam Elliot vibe going.”
I glance at Laiken who laughs.
“Please tell me you don’t have a crush on my dad too,” I deadpan.
She shrugs. “I have to agree with her on this one.”
Dakota fist pumps when the announcer booms that the bull riding is almost underway.
“Letttsss gooo!” This comes from Trace as he shouts from his place on Cooper’s shoulders. “Parker Stillwater will be here tonight.” He beams. “He’s my main man.” He kicks his boot covered feet in excitement. “He can ride the shit out of a bull.”
“Trace!” Laiken shrieks before planting a palm to her forehead.
I laugh, wrapping her in a hug as she tries to hide her smile.
“The boy has spirit,” I tell her.
“Yeah. Too much sometimes.” She rolls her eyes. “I mean seriously. He can't like any other bull rider besides Parker?"
I side eye her. “What’s the beef with you and my cousin anyway? You’ve known him for years.”
“Exactly," she deadpans before Trace is calling her name.
The announcer jabbers something else, but I can’t quite understand him over the loud cheers. Murmurs spread out over the crowd before Dakota is nudging me in the arm.
“What?” I face her.
“I think you are being summoned.” She points.
My stomach flips upside down when I see Maddox in the arena, waving me to him. Scurrying through the crowd, I climb the white pipe fence in my favorite sundress before I’m tracking across the dirt to my favorite person in the entire world. Maddox had been telling me he wanted to marry me for the last two months. Every night when we go to bed, he shows me just how much he loves me. He whispers in my ear how he can't wait to call me hiswife.My cheeks flame just thinking about it as I walk up to the man that I never really thought would be mine.
“Hi,” I smile.
“Hey, baby.” He leans in pressing a kiss to my forehead.
“Is this why you wanted me to wear this dress?” I question.
He grins. “It’s my favorite. For a lot reasons.” His face heats as he takes me in.
The crowd screams and he captures my hand in his. “I have a question, and I thought the only proper way to ask was to do it when I know we’re being televised so the entire world knows whose wife you’re going to be.”
Tears fill my eyes as he drops to a knee in the dirty arena. “I love you, Ivy Mayson. And I won’t take no for an answer. Marry me.”
A sob breaks from my chest as he slides the solitaire diamond on my finger. “Yes," I choke out. “Yes.”
He wraps me up, spinning me around as he whispers over and over how much he loves me.
After a successful night and a few too many drinks to celebrate the engagement along with Parker winning the entire event, wepull up in Cooper’s truck to the big house that’s still under construction.
I climb out, followed by Maddox who immediately wraps an arm around my waist and pulls my back to his chest. Dakota jumps from the front seat and slams the door as she belts out a horrific version of a Laney Wilson song.
