Page 61 of Runaway Bride For The Rancher

I was surprised!

“What?” I asked

“You’re probably the talk of the town right now, and I don’t care what they say.” He said, trying to make me smile.

“You’ve become famous overnight.” He added and scoffed.

“You’ve heard it, too?” My eyes widened. I was sad.

” Who could’ve done this to me? Why? What reason do they have?”

My voice was already changing. I was almost crying.

“They’re not even spreading the real thing. They’re busy spreading gossip and lies about me. I even got to hear it from the ranch workers.” I lamented.

“What?” Ben exclaimed. “The ranch workers?”

“No! Don’t go. It’s not their fault. I mean, the whole town loved these rumors, so it’s not their fault. We should be having a problem with the person that started this rumor.” I said.

Ben got calm. “Don’t worry about that for now. You need rest. Let me take you to the room so you’ll get some rest.” He said and we went up to our room together.

“Don’t worry, I’m here for you.”

The day grew gray, and night came. Sleep became elusive, replaced by a restless night haunted by the weight of the rumors. Anxiety gnawed at my every thought. It was as if I was living in a nightmare from which I couldn’t wake.

The next morning, I woke up to a text that said, “I’m still in town. I know you’ll regret your actions soon. Until then, I’ll be watching.” The message was from my father.

As soon as I saw the message something struck a nerve that there was a possibility he was the one who started the rumors.

A day later, Ben and I went to the store to restock groceries for the house. As soon as I got off the truck people stared glaring at me.

“Shut up!” Ben snapped. “I love this woman and she didn’t do any of these things you’re accusing her of doing. Anyone who tries to humiliate her ever again will have me to contend with.” He defended me in the open. People started going their separate ways and the gossip ceased.

Amid this devastation, I discovered a newfound strength. I realized Ben would defend me he was someone to reckon with.

The ordeal was stressful, but it also revealed the true nature of those around me. I learned the value of resilience and the power of unwavering self-belief. Though I was once devastated, I emerged from the ordeal stronger and more determined that Ben loved me more than ever before. I was willing to go all in for him because I was sure he’d do the same for me. He had shown me firsthand.

Days turned into weeks and our bond grew tighter. One night before we slept, Ben asked, “What’s your take on marriage?”

“I’m with the man I love, that’s all that matters for now,” I started. “But I know I’m ready to get married.”

“I know I love you and you love me, but I don’t think I’m ready for marriage just yet. I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I want no one else other than you.” His deep voice was comforting.

I truly didn’t care if he was going to marry me that day, the next, the next year. I was in a happy place, and I just wanted to remain that way.

“I love you. I’m ready anytime you’re. I don’t care if you’re ready in the next ten years, I’m here with you now and that’s all that matters.” I said.

He pulled me to himself in a tight and comfortable cuddle. I placed my head on his chest, wrapping my arms around his body.

“What do you say we go out for dinner tomorrow?” He started.

“This time, we could bring Michael,” I added.

“Yeah, sure. That would be so nice. I’m sure he would love it.”

The cheerful hum of the Burger Bar enveloped us as we cozied up in our favorite corner booth. Forks clinking and distant conversations set the stage for what seemed like a regular family outing, but there was a shared understanding that today was a bit special.

Our laughter, blending with the restaurant's background noise, painted a picture of simple joy. Michael, with his eyes gleaming, shared tales of school adventures, and Olivia and I exchanged glances, basking in the newfound happiness our shared moments brought.

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