Page 140 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

She kissed him again. "I'm the same, but there's too much to do this morning. Maybe tonight, after everyone's gone, you can carry me up here and make it up to me."

He leaned in close and claimed her mouth in one of his soul-searing kisses. When he finally leaned back to look into her eyes, he said, "You've got yourself a deal. But come on. The kids will be up soon, if they're not already. And I want us to have some family time before anyone else arrives."

Down in the kitchen, as she watched Ford make bacon and eggs before whipping up omelet rolls for Nat, it was obvious that he and the kids had something up their sleeves. She kept catching them giving each other knowing smiles. After a while, she had to ask, "Is someone going to tell me what's going on? What am I missing here?"

Ford grinned, and Hunter nodded at him enthusiastically. Nat smiled at her as she said, "I think Ford has something he wants to ask you," before turning to him and saying, "Are you ready? Have you got it?"

Ford patted the pocket of his jeans and said, "Yeah. I think it's time, don't you?"

Amelia loved seeing the three of them like that. Hunter came to her and took her hand. "Where are we doing it, Uncle Ford?"

Ford winked at Amelia as he said, "I think the great room. Let's go."

Amelia allowed Hunter to tow her along. Nat walked backwards in front of them, wearing the biggest smile Amelia had ever seen on her face.

Ford called, "I'll be right there."

When they reached the great room, Nat said to Hunter, "Stand her there in front of the big windows. That way, they'll be able to see the mountains." She pulled her phone out of her pocket. "And I'll be able to get them in the photos."

Amelia gave her a puzzled smile. "What photos?" she asked.

"Never mind that," said Ford as he came into the room carrying three boxes.

"What's in there, Uncle Ford?" Hunter asked.

"Yeah,” said Nat. “You never said anything about boxes.”

They’re for after," Ford said with a big smile.

"After what?" asked Amelia. "Will someone please tell me what's going on?"

Ford looked at the kids and said, "Are you ready for this, guys?"

They both nodded eagerly, and Ford came to stand in front of Amelia. Her throat tightened as he got down on one knee in front of her.

"Oh, my goodness. But Ford, you already..."

He grinned as he took hold of her hand. "I made a mess of it the first time. I didn't have a ring, and we weren't all here together." He jerked his chin toward the kids, who were watching eagerly. "So..." He fumbled in his pocket and brought out a ring box. "I want to do it right."

"Smile," Nat called, holding up her phone.

Ford laughed. "Give me a minute to ask her first, kiddo."

"Oh, shoot. Yeah. Sorry. Carry on."

Happiness bubbled up in Amelia's chest as she watched them, and it hit her that this was her family now. She offered up a silent thank you to Danny, promising him that she'd always do her best for Nat and Hunter. She came back to the moment when Ford tightened his grip on her hand.

"Are you okay, Lil’ Bit?" he asked with a frown.

She chuckled. "I've never been happier. I'm just taking in the moment."

"Okay, well..." He held up the ring. "You know I'm not good with fancy words, but I love you with all my heart." He glanced over at the kids. "I love these guys, too. I didn't have a ring the first time I asked you, and we weren’t all together – and I want to do this right. Will you marry me? I want to spend the rest of my life taking care of you and of these two. I want us to be a family."

He cleared his throat. "I told you before, you light me up. You take my breath away and you set my heart on fire. I want to spend the rest of my days trying to do the same thing for you."

"Oh, Ford." Tears were running down her face as she nodded. "You already do. You do all of that and so much more. I love you."

"Aww, you guys!" Nat was holding her phone up, taking photos. "This is beautiful. I love you both."

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