Page 79 of Her Last Chance Cowboy

“Mmm Hmm,” Hannah laughed, hugging her from behind.

The locket reminded her of her old dreams, and some brand new ones.

“Do you think you could take Emma back to the farm?” she asked Olivia.

“Sure. Where you going?” she asked.

“I think I’m going to buy a ranch.”

Olivia smiled.

Emma started clapping her hands. “Yes, Mama, do it!”

She sped through town, hoping she wouldn’t run into any police on the way, but she was suddenly terrified that the Wilsons might sell the place before she could talk to them. There had already been offers, from what Jake had told her. She raced all the way to Quail Ridge Road, but slowed on the gravel, watching out for the Gunderson kids.

She pulled down Jake’s driveway and saw Millie first.

He came walking out of the barn, wiping his hands on a rag. He shaded his eyes and smiled.

“Hey, this is a nice surprise,” he said.

He had no idea about the will, or the house, or how she had been hoping and dreaming for this exact moment her whole life.

“I want us to be together,” she said, out of breath from her panicked state. “I want to be with you, and live here on this farm, and start a family.”

His face fell. “Hannah, you know I can’t afford this place.”

She pulled out the will and handed it over to him. “We can afford it now, together.”

He looked down, shaking his head. “Hannah, I can’t.”

“Jake, this isn’t a loan. I want to do thiswithyou.”

He frowned.

“Look. I know you’re scared, I am, too. But together–”

“Hannah, you should use that money for you and Emma.”

“Emma and I wantthis.” She held her arms out. “I love you. I love all of this, and my father finally was able to do right by his daughter. I know this is real. This thing between us is real. I don’t want to spend another day without you in it.”

Jake stared at her for a moment. Then he went down on one knee, pulling a box out of his pocket. He took her shaking hand and held up the most beautiful diamond ring she had ever seen in her life, sparkling in the sun.

“Hannah, will you marry me?”

Tears came before her answer. “Yes, Jake, I’d love to be your wife.”

He stood, took her into his arms, and kissed her.

Chapter 20

Jake called the Wilsons that night. The couple were happy to wait until everything was cleared with the bank. They were just pleased to know the farm would stay a farm for another generation.

Then he called Julia, and she met them at Joel’s place that night. “Hannah, you’re going to get a really good price for this place. But if you’re looking for the best profit, you two should put in some elbow grease, fix it up. You’ll get a lot more. A few coats of paint, new counters, maybe new floors.”

Hannah looked around, and Jake knew that face. Her wheels were spinning.

“How much are you talking about?” Hannah asked.

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