Page 82 of Trusting a Cowgirl

The excitement that accosted him next propelled him forward. His heart beat harder and his blood rushed faster. “I have never met anyone as exceptional as your daughter. She’s done so much, and her future spreads out before her with loads of potential. I knew if I ever wanted to have a chance to be with her, I’d have to find a way to close that gap. That is to say, I’d need to make some changes to be worthy of her.”

He grunted. Riley couldn’t tell if it was a good thing or a bad thing.

“You recall, I came here to partake in the therapeutic services offered over at the country club. I’ve since completed what was required by the judge, and I’ve continued attending the group sessions on my own.”

Zeke lifted that brow again. Was he marginally impressed by that statement? If he was, he’d be pleased to hear what Riley had up his sleeve.

“While I don’t necessarily need to work, I’ve chosen to explore a career that will help pay forward everything Grace has done for me. I’ve been taking some courses and I begin training next week. There’s an opening at the club—Kevin—the gentleman running the group sessions—he’s moving, and Shane has agreed to have me run that part of things.”

Once again, Riley couldn’t tell if Zeke was impressed or just curious. The lull in conversation tugged at Riley, making him even more antsy.

“If you give me your blessing to marry your daughter, I swear I will take care of her, love her, cherish her—”

Zeke held up his hand but didn’t say anything right away. His eyes remained hard and his mouth was tight. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he let out a heavy breath. “Do you know what it’s like to raise seven girls?”

Riley blinked. That was clearly a rhetorical question, but he couldn’t figure out how Zeke wanted him to respond.

Zeke lifted his gaze to Riley, and for the first time, Riley saw something different. Exhaustion. “They turn into women, you know. And after that, there’s nothing you can do to stop them from what they want to do. I could tell you no, right here, right now. I could demand you leave my property and never come back as I point my shotgun at your chest. But it wouldn’t stop Grace from doing what she wants to do.”

“I’m aware of that, sir. You’ll recall, I didn’t come here asking for permission. I want yourblessing.” Riley sat a little straighter. “Family is everything, sir. I don’t want to tear a rift in the fabric of your family any more than I want to see Grace get hurt. You’re right. She’ll do what she wants, and most of the time I’m just along for the ride.”

Zeke’s face broke into a smile and he chuckled. Did that mean he was going to be on board with this? Was he giving his blessing?

“Sir?”

The man before him sobered somewhat. “My daughters are headstrong, that’s for certain. But they have big hearts, and I can tell Grace has loved you since the moment she met you. There’s a shift that happens, you know? She might not have realized it, but I could see it.” He clapped his hands on his knees, then got to his feet. “It was nice seeing you, Riley.”

He shot up from his seat. “Does that mean—”

Zeke turned toward him. “You have my blessing, son. Don’t squander the opportunity it gives you.”

“No, sir!”

It wasn’t until Zeke had shut the front door that Riley realized he hadn’t referred to him by his last name. Zeke had called him “Riley.” If that wasn’t progress, then he didn’t know what was.

30

Grace

Grace reached out and patted Kristin’s arm. “I’m sure going to miss you.”

Kristin smiled brightly at her before she launched forward and wrapped her arms around Grace’s neck.

A grunt escaped Grace’s lips when their bodies collided. She let out a laugh and gave Kristin a hug. Her eyes lifted to Tyler and Kristin’s parents, finding them smiling down at her.

“Kristin has really loved coming here,” her mother offered. “She’s loved every minute of it, and that’s all thanks to you.”

Grace couldn’t hide the joy she felt as she pulled back from Kristin. “Don’t forget how smart and wonderful you are. People will love you as soon as they get to know you.”

Kristin nodded and moved to stand beside her parents.

Catching movement out of the corner of her eye, Grace glanced in that direction to find Riley hovering a few yards away. He wore a crooked smile that sent her heart skipping. Kristin’s family said their goodbyes and then wandered away, leaving her standing alone.

Grace shoved her hands into her jeans pockets and rocked back on her heels. Riley still hadn’t moved from his place, and she snickered. “Well, are you going to come to me? Or are you making me come to you?” she called.

His smile deepened as he propelled himself toward her. “I wouldn’t dream of making you do anything.”

She draped her hands around his neck and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I didn’t think I’d be seeing you until tonight for our date.”

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