Page 91 of Dirty Cowboy

“Eric, this is beautiful.” I run my fingers over the delicate sunflower charm, my heart swelling. “Thank you.”

He takes the anklet from my hands and nods toward my foot. “May I?”

I slip off my flat, resting my foot on his knee. His fingers are warm and steady as he fastens the anklet around my ankle, his touch sending tiny shivers up my leg. The fit is perfect, like it was always meant to be there.

His gaze shifts, his playful smirk fading. “Emma, there are things we need to talk about. Things I should have told you before we got this far.”

A knot forms in my stomach. “Like what?”

He exhales, glancing at the field of sunflowers, their golden faces swaying in the breeze. “First, you should go see your father right after Harvest Fest.”

My heart clenches. “The day after tomorrow?” My voice is barely a whisper.

Dad.Reality slams into me, pulling me from the sunflowers and this moment of peace. He doesn’t have much time left. The thought is unbearable.

Eric nods. “I think you’ll regret it if you don’t.”

I swallow hard. “What about your grandfather?”

“It was his idea.”

"I know," I murmur, barely holding it together. “He told me the same.”

Eric squeezes my hand. “And I’m coming with you.”

Shock ripples through me. “But what about the ranch?”

“Derek and Blake can handle things for a few days.” He pauses, his grip tightening. “And I need to talk to your brothers anyway. About us.”

I shake my head. “Eric, there’s no need?—”

“I’m not asking for permission,” he cuts in, his voice firm, “but I need them to understand that you’re mine.”

I’m his.

The words settle over me, warm and heavy, wrapping around my heart like a hug.

Before I can respond, his expression darkens. “There’s something else.”

He hesitates, and for the first time since I’ve known him, he looks…afraid.

“A lawyer from LA, recommended by your brothers, is mailing my grandfather’s documents to New York,” he says. “Caroline used to live in Lords Valley.”

The name clicks in my memory. “Caroline… An ex?” The word tastes bitter on my tongue.

He exhales sharply. “No, but we had a casual relationship while I was in the army. When I didn’t want more, things…turned ugly.”

A muscle ticks in his jaw. I reach for his hand, urging him to continue.

“When I refused a relationship, she threatened me. Said if she couldn’t have me, no one could. Next thing I knew, false assault accusations were filed, my military career was over, and my name was dragged through hell. She’s been blackmailing me ever since.” His voice is tight with controlled rage. “If my grandfather found out… I just… I can’t let that happen.”

My stomach knots, anger curling in my veins like smoke. “Your grandfather trusts and loves you,” I say, gripping his hand. “Nobody can change that. And don’t worry about Caroline. I can handle difficult people.”

His lips twitch, the corner of his mouth tilting into something almost amused. “You think you can handle Caroline?”

I squeeze his fingers. “If you handle my brothers, I’ll take care of her.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “All right. Deal.”

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