Page 88 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

SHANE

"Silver Ridge."

I blink, afraid I heard wrong. "Montana?"

I look up at the sky, thankful for answered prayers. How else can I explain that we were headed to the same destination? My heart pounds with a mixture of relief and anticipation. This has to be a sign.

My feet drag me closer to her, and I fold Krystal and Ashanti in my arms. The familiar scent of Krystal's shampoo fills my nostrils, grounding me in this moment. Ashanti's small body trembles slightly, and I tighten my hold, wanting to protect them both from everything.

"I'm sorry," I begin, my voice thick with emotion. "I've been a terrible fiancé. I've been distant. I've been caught up in Innoventis and my family's expectations. But today... today, I realized something."

Krystal looks up at me, her face unreadable in the dim light of the driveway. Her eyes, usually so expressive, are guarded now. I can see the pain I've caused her, the uncertainty that's taken root because of my actions. It breaks my heart.

"What did you realize?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

I take a deep breath, knowing that my next words could change everything. "I realized that none of it matters. Not Innoventis, not my family's money, not their approval. The only thing that matters is you. You and Ashanti."

Her eyes widen, a flicker of hope crossing her face. It's like watching the sun break through storm clouds. "Shane..."

"I'm walking away from it all," I continue, my voice growing stronger with each word. The truth of it settles into my bones. This is right. This is what I should have done from the beginning. "I want our life, Krystal. The life we had at the ranch. The life we could have anywhere, as long as we're together."

Tears well up in Krystal's eyes, and I resist the urge to wipe them away. She needs to hear this, all of it.

"But your family... your inheritance..." she protests weakly.

I shake my head, a wry smile tugging at my lips. "I don't need it. I don't want it. All I want is you."

Krystal stares at me, her expression a mix of disbelief and hope. "I don't know what to say."

"Just tell me what time our flight leaves."

"Shane—"

"What time?" I press, needing to know, needing to make this real.

"Three, forty-five," she whispers.

I nod, my mind already racing. "I can get a ticket or arrange for the jet."

Krystal's eyes search my face, looking for any sign of doubt or hesitation. "Are you sure?"

I cup her face in my hands, my thumbs brushing away the tears that have started to fall. "Yes, baby, I'm sure. I love you," I whisper, pressing my forehead against hers. "I'm sorry it took me so long to realize what really matters."

She pulls back slightly, her hands coming up to cover mine. "I love you too, Shane. But are you sure? Are you really sure you want to give it all up?"

I look into her eyes, seeing our future reflected there: the ranch in Silver Creek, where we first fell in love, lazy Sunday mornings with Ashanti, and building a life together, far from the pressures of New York and Innoventis. It's everything I've ever wanted, everything I never knew I needed until I met her.

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

As I lean in to kiss her, I feel a weight lift off my shoulders. For the first time in years, I'm not Shane Kennedy, heir to Innoventis. I'm just Shane, a man in love, ready to build a life with the woman who holds his heart.

The kiss is soft, tender, and filled with promise. When we break apart, I see the last of Krystal's doubts fade away. She believes me. She trusts me. And I swear to myself that I'll never give her reason to doubt me again.

I pull Krystal close, my heart pounding in my chest. The words I've been holding back for so long finally spill out.

"I need you to be my partner," I whisper, my voice low and intense. "My lover, my best friend, my home."

Krystal's eyes close, and I watch as emotions play across her face. I hold my breath, waiting for her response. When her eyes open again, they're filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination that takes my breath away.

---