Page 69 of Want You Back

As we left the ranch, Colt pointed at the large sign, which also featured the new ranch logo. “Sign looks like it’s always been there.”

“Yep. That was the idea. New, but classic. Not ignoring the past, just building upon it.”

“I like that attitude.” Colt gave my thigh a quick pat as we drove. I headed into the backcountry, and Colt’s easy smile widened as he guessed our destination.

“Our spot?” he asked as I parked. I’d been out earlier to build the firepit and ensure we had kindling and firewood. In the back of the truck, I had a cooler, cooking supplies, and blankets to keep warm.

“Thought we’d have one last campfire before the winter really hits.”

“Pretty cold tonight.” Colt rubbed his hands together before turning his attention to the firepit.

“You’ll keep me warm.” I stamped my feet. I’d had big plans for sex under the stars, but the wind had me thinking that making out under the blankets might be more prudent. “Might save any naked fun for later though.”

As usual, Colt got a fire going in no time at all.

“What’s for dinner?” Colt helped me unload the cooler and cooking supplies.

“Grilled cheese.” I revealed the classic loaf of white bread and the same cheap cheese we’d used for years as kids. I’d added some of Colt’s favorite cheese chips for more of the throwback feel.

“Did I miss some sort of anniversary?” Colt asked warily.

“Not exactly.” My tone became cagey, and I busied my hands in lining up slices of bread on a plate. “I mean, I hope today becomes an anniversary…” I trailed off because I was revealing far too much in entirely the wrong order. “I’m rambling.”

“Yep.” Colt plucked the butter knife from my hand, taking over preparing the sandwiches. “And mangling the heck out of these sandwiches.”

“Sorry.” I shuffled my feet, more from restless energy than the chilly air. “I’m nervous.”

“About visiting Faith for that family day thing when she makes it to sixty days?” Colt looked up from finishing the sandwiches.

“A little.” I followed him to the fire, where he started preheating a cast iron skillet. “Faith says she wants to sign paperwork making the guardianship more permanent. She still wants to be involved, but she wants to make sure Hannah will always have me.”

“And she will. Paperwork or not.” Colt’s voice was reassuring and firm. “And I’m here for both of you.”

“Thank you. But that’s not the real reason I’m nervous.” I’d been planning to wait until after we ate, but I was seriously about to jump out of my skin any minute from the wait. In typical me fashion, I plowed ahead. “I keep thinking about what you said at Back to School Night. You asked me to stay forever.”

“Yeah.” Colt’s voice turned more guarded. “And all the plans for the ranch, those show you mean it.”

“So does this.” I pulled the little ring box from my pocket.

“Maverick Lovelorn, what are you doing?” Colt sounded somewhere between amused and stunned, an uneasy chuckle escaping his throat.

“Asking you to marry me.” I lowered myself to one knee in front of him on the dirt in front of the campfire. I popped the box open to reveal the two gold bands inside. “Then I can’t get away.”

“You asking me to hold you prisoner here?” Colt wrinkled his forehead.

“No, Sheriff. I’m asking you to be my anchor. My North Star, if you will.” I pointed at the side of his chest where the comet tattoo lived. “Or the place my comet orbits. Pick your metaphor.”

“How about I pick you?” Colt offered me a hand back to standing. “I don’t need to marry you to believe you’ll stay.”

“You don’t?” My whole body sagged, defeated. I snapped the ring box closed again.

Colt reached out and tipped my chin up. “I need to marry you because I love you, and I’m serious about a life together.”

“You’re hijacking my proposal.” I was laughing too hard to manage a frustrated tone, relief and delight mingling.

“Better call the sheriff.” He leaned in for a slow, perfect kiss, firelight dancing in his eyes as he held me close.

“So that’s a yes, right?” I broke away to ask.

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