Page 78 of Colt

“What does it say it is?”

“It’s a deed. For fifty percent of the ranch.” Colt looked into her eyes. “Chelsea, baby, I can’t take this.”

“Of course, you can. What’s mine is yours.”

He shook his head as he folded the paper and stuck it back into the envelope and tried to hand it back to her but she put her hands behind her back refusing to take it.

“I want you to have it. Colt, we’re getting married, and you know this ranch better than anyone. Mr. Cotton knew you didn’t want to run it on your own, but you won’t have to. I’ll be right beside you. We’ll run it together and then, hopefully, we’ll hand it down to our children. Please, please, let me do this.” Chelsea touched his arm.

He shook his head. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Thank you would be a good start,” she said with a smile.

Colt grinned, kissed her lips, and gazed into her eyes. “Thank you. I’d love to run this place with you by my side.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do. I need to head back inside. I have to go over the books. My manager might need a raise.”

Colt laughed and pulled her close to him. “Your manager always gets a… raise when you’re around.”

Chelsea laughed, kissed his lips, then made her way back to the house. The sun beat down on her as she crossed the yard, but she didn’t mind. She stopped and held out her left hand to admire the stunning diamond ring that Colt had given her. It sparkled in the sunlight, a constant reminder of his love for her.

She had been taken by surprise when he proposed, but she was ecstatic that he did. She couldn’t wait to spend forever with him.

****

Colt stood in the barn; his eyes fixed on her as she stared intently at the glittering ring he had bought for her. He couldn’t help but feel nervous when he handed it to her, and when tears welled up in her eyes, he was sure he messed up somehow. But his heart swelled with relief when she assured him, they were happy tears and he let out a deep breath, feeling a rush of joy and love for this woman now in his life.

He stared down at the envelope in his hands. He was now part-owner of Cotton Boarding and Riding Stables. Shaking his head, he knew she didn’t have to do that, but he was glad she had enough faith in him and their relationship to do it.

He knew that life would never be dull with her by his side. They would undoubtedly have their arguments, but the thought of making up with her made it all worth it. She was one of the best things to ever happen to him, along with the Cotton family who had welcomed him with open arms. He was grateful every day that fate had brought him here because without them, none of this would have been possible. He still missed Walt deeply, but each day it became a little easier to bear his absence. Walt had taken Colt in and shaped him into the man he was today.

Never in his wildest dreams did Colt imagine that he would find such contentment in life, and it was all because of Chelsea’s unwavering love for him. He would always be grateful that they found their way back to each other because he couldn’t fathom living without her now. In fact, he knew he would lead a lonely existence without her.

A smile played on his lips as he watched her bound up the steps and disappear into their home. He couldn’t wait for the day to pass so they could celebrate together tonight and spend the rest of their lives together. Life was truly going great, and he eagerly anticipated all the future held for them together.

* * * The End * * *

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