Page 15 of Born Wild

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.” Bob glances at Dad, then to me. “Both of you, actually. That’s the reason I stopped by tonight.”

“Well, spit it out,” our father grumps.

“Leslie’s parents are going to retire. They want to move down to the Valley.”

“No shit,” I swear. Leslie’s family has owned the hardware store for as long as either of us has been alive.

“Don’t tell me you’re moving down there with ’em.” Dad scowls.

“No. But I’m buying the store. Working up a contract now,” he says to our father, then turns to me. “So, little brother. It’ll be up to you to carry on our family ranch.”

“Thank you.” I mouth the words, more than say them.

“Well, I ain’t dead yet,” Dad grumbles. “And you better give me a family discount.”

Bob chuckles. “Oh, I will.” He slings an arm around my shoulder. “And you let lovesick Timmy live his life. If he wants a ball and chain of his own, let him.”

I know what Bob is doing, poking fun to lighten our father’s mood. Making it impossible for him to stand in the way of my decisions. Sure, I’ll have to endure a lifetime of teasing, but that was bound to happen anyway. If my father weren’t in the room, I would hug my brother.

The next day, I head to Cassie’s after work with a smile on my face and a ring in my pocket. When I told my mother my plan over breakfast, she went into her bedroom and returned with a simple gold band—her mother’s ring. It is simple and perfect. I pray it’ll fit Cassie’s finger.

Like every other time I’ve pulled up to the Higgins’ home, Cassie is outside waiting. This time she rushes down the steps, a nervous smile in place as she meets me at the truck when I park.

“Hey, Sunshine.” I can’t help but smile as I take her in. I still can’t believe I get to marry this girl. “How was your day?”

“Fine.” She wraps her arms around my waist and buries her head into my chest. “Better now.”

“Is everything okay?” I ask, alarm rattling my nerves.Is she having second thoughts?

“I just want to tell them so I can tell everyone.” She pulls out of my embrace and meets my gaze with a genuine smile. “Did you talk to your parents?”

I nod. Glancing to the big window off Cassie’s porch. Her parents lift their hands to wave when they see me staring. I wave back.

“How did it go?”

“My dad was a grump, my brother smoothed it over, and my mom gave me a ring.” I chuckle. “So, just as I expected.”

“A ring?” Cassie can’t hide her excitement. “For me?”

“Yeah.” I grin, hoping she loves it.

“I wanna see!”

“You will.” I laugh, taking her hand in mine and pulling us toward her house. “After we talk to your parents.”

“Fine.” She pretends to whine but I don’t miss the bounce in her step as we move toward the house.

Inside, Cassie’s parents greet me warmly and invite us to take a seat around the table. Her mom has prepared a meal, and for a moment I wish we weren’t about to ambush them with big life plans. Their hospitality is just what I expect after getting to know Cassie. They’re kind, respectful people, and I only hope I am able to earn their trust after what I’m about to ask.

When the meal is done and the dishes are cleared, Cassie gives me a look and I know it’s time. We can’t put this off any longer.

“Mr. and Mrs. Higgins, I care about your daughter a great deal. She’s kind and smart, and for all of those reasons and more, I’d like to marry her.”

Cassie’s mother contains her gasp, and her father schools his features, but I can tell they’re both shocked.

“Cassie loves you both and we’d love your blessing.”

“Oh, well,” Cassie’s mom begins, then stops as if words fail her.

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