Page 105 of Bucked Hard

Her damp hair hangs down almost to her waist, and she’s wearing a slip of a cotton floral dress.

“That’s because you are, Little Bit. More than you ever could know.”

“Just got an email from Dr. Perkins.”

That’s her doctoral advisor.

“And?”

Her eyes twinkle, and I see her fighting a smile.

“He said he thinks I nailed it.”

I let out a whoop and lift her up under her arms, swinging her around the kitchen as she giggles.

My lips land on hers as I set her feet down, and I cup her cheeks. After a long, deep kiss, I pull back and admire this brainy beauty who, for some crazy reason, loves me.

“I knew it.”

“Yeah, well, you never know.”

“Oh, I knew. Just the way I knew you were the girl I’d waited for my whole life that day you got out of your dad’s pickup truck. Took a few angry turkeys and a tornado, but I got you just where I wanted you that day, and I haven’t let go since, have I?”

“Nope.” She smacks my chest playfully. “You are one stubborn cowboy, Ranger Stoddard. And I think I’m the luckiest girl in the world. You are an amazing man and an incredible father.”

“Little Bit, I’m the lucky one. You and I are riding off into the sunset together. Our happily ever after starts every morning when I wake up and see you lying there next to me. I’m the luckiest dumb cowboy that ever tipped his hat. I love you.”

I lift her up, and her legs wrap around my waist. I walk us outside onto the front porch, her arms around my neck and her head resting on my chest. And when I hear Charlie’s laugh peal out from the barn, everything in my world is perfect.

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