Page 72 of The Christmas Cowboy

Val threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. “This is the best Christmas present ever.”

“Let’s go celebrate.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“I’m thinking you can figure that out.”

She laughed and kissed him.

Chapter Thirty

Christmas Day dawnedclear and cold. Val had told Liam to wake her so she could help with the chores, but he hadn’t. Which, of course, didn’t surprise her. He never did. Whenever she asked him about not waking her he said she needed her rest.

She threw on some clothes and went downstairs to get coffee. She was going to help the stubborn man whether he wanted it or not. She poured two cups of coffee—decaf for her—put lids on them, bundled up and started walking to the barn. Thank goodness her morning sickness had mostly subsided by now.

Liam was in the foaling stall, talking to both horses. She smiled, thinking of the painting she was giving him. It was nice having a present for him that she knew he’d love.

“You didn’t wake me up,” she said to his back.

“You need your sleep. Is that coffee I see?”

He came over and kissed her, and she handed him the coffee. “Thanks.” He took a sip and continued, “You saved my life.”

“What can I do? Should I take care of Starlight?” She knew he’d have a stroke if she tried to muck out stalls. Regardless of the fact that she’d been doing it forever and her doctor hadn’t forbidden it.

“Already done. In fact, I’m about to finish up.”

“What time did you get up?”

“Early.” With a last pat for both horses, he walked out of the stall. Val went to see Starlight while he washed up.

Liam met her at the stall. He took her coffee and set it down beside his, which he’d set down a few minutes ago. “Merry Christmas,” he said. He kissed her, long, slow, and deep. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

“Merry Christmas,” she said when she came up for air. “I can’t wait to give you your present.”

“I’ve already gotten the best present I’ve ever had.”

“What’s that?”

“I’m married to you.”

Her heart fluttered. “Liam?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

He closed his eyes. “You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to hear you say that.” Opening his eyes, he smiled and kissed her again.

“I’ve loved you for years.”

“Why haven’t you told me until now?”

“When you asked me to marry you, I thought nothing could be worse than being married to you when you didn’t love me. But I hoped you’d fall in love with me after we married. That hope, even more than my father’s reaction, is why I said yes.”

“You were right. I did. I knew I loved you before Thanksgiving.”

“Really?” She’d had no idea. “I wasn’t sure you really did. You’re such a good guy.”

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