Page 50 of Wicked Cowboy
“Only if we hear good things.” He winked at me like I was in on the joke.
In another life, maybe this would be my forever family. My heart hoped to be here. In the morning, I’d have to put my heart on the line and tell him I’d love him forever because that was the truth. Love mattered more than fear and I was tired of stressing that I wasn’t good enough.
If he said no, then he was the damn fool, not me.
But first, we all needed to sleep. Clear minds and bodies were the best time for heart-to-heart talks.
We paraded out of the room together, with Carter carrying Chelsea. I vowed I’d follow through with my plan.
Chapter 17
Carter
Dear Ridley,
All my life, I’ve been a self-centered fool. Last night was no exception. I want to marry you today because I love you and I can’t imagine sharing my life with anyone else but you. You made me come alive and I wasn’t ready for it. I wasn’t ready for you, but now I don’t want you to ever leave. My heart was broken when you drove away. I want to spend the rest of my life proving to you that I love you.
Love,
Carter
Last night I’d written Ridley a letter. I’d almost underlined love and added some hearts to the paper, but I didn’t. I was never a hearts and butterflies guy. But I’d do it if she asked me.
I’d do anything for her. That started with the flowers that my father recommended I try.
My father had been so angry I’d run away from the one person that made me see the world in vivid color again.
I’d ordered roses, a white jade necklace, and a heart of chocolate, from my phone. Luckily, I had a personal shopper to get everything to me when things opened in the morning.
Sleep eluded me, so I slipped the letter under her door and saw her lights were out.
In the morning, we’d talk. For now, I’d get some sleep and wish she was next to me to hold in my arms.
* * *
A few hours later, light slipped through the cracks of the blinds, and I jumped out of bed, showered, and let the shopper in with all my stuff.
Maybe this was enough to tell Ridley how much I loved her. I’d do whatever I could to prove it.
Already dressed in jeans and a band t-shirt, Chelsea shuffled in as the personal shopper left. She helped me place the flowers around the living room which Ridley would step into first. Once we finished, I said, “Flowers. Breakfast. Chocolates. A jet for her sisters to join us tonight. I think I have everything.”
I’d called Jacob and her sister, Indigo, had taken charge of the jet and getting the others. Chelsea fixed my tie and asked, “Did you tell her you love her?”
I shook my head and squared my shoulders. “I apologized, but I didn't want her to sway on her feet from exhaustion when I told her.”
Chelsea threw her hands up in the air. “What’s taking so long?”
I put my hands behind my body. “Hopefully, she’s read my letter.” Her lips curled higher like she approved of my gesture, so I said, “I also booked a masseuse. She works hard, so I thought you and her could have a nice girl's time once Pop is home.”
She gave me a thumbs up. “That’s awesome. You’re going all out.”
Footsteps echoed down the hall. I stood taller and patted Chelsea's back. “Here she comes. Go get your breakfast and stay out of sight. I want her to have the right to tell me no without seeing you and feeling guilty to stay.”
She laughed and said, “She won’t. Good luck, Carter.”
She then took off for the kitchen alone.
I needed that. I wanted these women in my life forever.
