Page 31 of Easy Rider
“You’ll see.” I hold back a laugh and help her into the bathrobe.
“What’s going on?” Emma glances around the room as if there’s a clue somewhere, and I love that my secret is driving her crazy.
I stay quiet and wrap my hand around hers. Her pretty blue eyes flash with excitement. “This way,” I say and lead her out back. The morning light coats the fields and mountains, surrounding us in gold. It’s already warm as we stroll hand in hand, barefoot, to the corral.
“I’m going to miss you, Tweeter,” Emma says softly. Letting go of my hand, she trudges over to him. Tweeter’s there in his usual spot, poking his head over the railing for a pet.
And I can’t take my eyes off them. I’m fucking transfixed as usual. Emma’s naked as a jaybird under that robe, and she has it wide open. There’s something about seeing her ripe nipples in sunlight that’s making me want to cover every inch of her with my tongue.
I lean on the rail beside her as she pats Tweeter’s muzzle. “The reason I don’t want you to visit is because I don’t want you to leave.”
Emma rotates to me, eyes sparkling blue sapphires. “Today? You want me to cancel my flight? Or, extend my trip—”
“Forever.” Her eyes blaze into mine, like she can’t believe what I’m saying. “I want you to extend your trip forever.”
Her eyes grow wide. She shakes her head, making her tousled hair dance around her shoulders. “But—”
“No buts. Don’t answer me yet.”
Emma nods and closes her mouth. And then can’t stop herself.
“But—”
I aim my voice into the corral. “Ben,” I call out. “Come over here, boy.” A rustle of movement comes from the stalls. Emma turns toward the sound as Big Ben strides over to us. His sleek brown coat and black mane gleam in the sun. I bought him yesterday while Emma was shopping with Misty. Tweeter gives him a glance as Ben stops by his side. I knew they’d get along; they’re two peas in a pod.
“Is this the horse you were working that day in the corral?” she asks, crinkling her forehead, still not having a clue what’s going on.
I reach out and run my hand down Ben’s neck. “One and the same,” I say, stroking his shiny coat. “I talked Mr. Jackson into getting his son to sell him to me. He was too much horse for them.” I turn to Emma and can’t help but grin at how confused she looks. With her nose scrunched up, she searches the corral as if another animal is going to pop out of nowhere. “Thankfully, Mr. Jackson agreed with me. Big Ben will be much better off with you.”
She spins. “Withme?”
“Yes.” I smile. It’s been too damn long since I touched her. I skim her shoulders with both palms and glide down to her hands, holding one in each of mine. “You’ll be able to ride him anytime because he’ll be at your house, right outside your door.”
She’s staring at me in stunned silence. I wait for her to catch up, but she doesn’t. I think I’m blowing her mind. “What exactly are you saying?”
“I’masking, Emma.” I squeeze her hands. “I’m asking you to marry me.” My heart pumps as I finally say the words I’ve been practicing for the past twenty-four hours. “I thought a ring might scare you, so I bought—”
“An engagementhorse?” Still holding my hands, she pivots to Big Ben before bringing those sparkling eyes back to me.
“I’m not asking you to change. You’re perfect exactly the way you are. You can sell real estate right here. There are enough nearby towns to keep you busy. And if not, maybe Big Ben and I can keep you occupied. Everything you need is here. I’m here. If you need a ring for me to prove my commitment we’ll go out and buy one right now.”
“I’m so overwhelmed,” she whispers as tears tumble down her cheeks.
I cup her face in my hands and kiss them away. “It’s time for you to trust again.”
“I do. I do trust you,” she says, smiling and crying.
“Everything in my life has led me here. From the moment I saw you barrel racing in that high school arena, to my rodeo days, to earning enough money on my wins to make a proper home for you.”
She sends me a sly grin. “Me coming to visit eight months ago.”
“Me sulking for months when you left.”
“And now I’m back.”
“And I’m never letting you go again. I love you, Emma, and I promise I’ll never hurt you, sweetheart.”
“And nothing else matters, does it?” She wipes the tears from her eyes and wraps her arms around me. “I love you, Ryder.” She kisses me. “Yes, I’ll be your wife. I love you. I love you, and I’ll never stop loving you.”
