Page 110 of The Cowgirl's Secret Love
“I’ll be back.” Zach was already marching out the door, hat firmly in place. “Need to talk to Cody and make some plans. See you guys at lunch.”
He winked before firmly shutting the door.
In front of her, Finn still held her hand trapped in his. “I thought he’d never leave.”
She chuckled. “He’s a good friend. I’m glad he wasn’t hurt any worse.”
“Me too. Now shut up about Zach.” Finn stroked his fingers along her jaw, finishing with his palm cradling her cheek. “I want to build a home with you, and I want it all.”
Her throat tightened. “Me too.”
“All of it. Every morning, every night. Fights and laughter, family and friends. Kittens in the house, colts in the barn, and children underfoot.”
Karen sucked in a breath. “Okay.”
He chuckled, leaning in to brush his lips over hers. “You willing to take my name as well?”
“Maybe.” She eased her arms around his hips, nestling against him. “You plan to ask? Because if I ask, you’d have to takemyname, and there’s already a lot of Colemans in the world.”
Finn paused. “Wait a second.” He dipped, scooping up Dandelion Fluff. “No idea how you got over here, but fine…”
He nestled the kitten between them.
“Kittens in the house we’ve got covered,” Karen teased, her heart brimming with joy.
“Marry me,ma chérie.I’ll do everything I can to make you happy.”
She held on tight. “Yes, I’ll marry you, and you already do.”
The kiss was brief because the furry creature between them wiggled, seeking his freedom.
Before Finn moved away, Karen caught him by the arm. “I want a prenup, though.” Surprise flashed on his face as she hurried to explain. “Just in case there’s more beyond-the-grave mischief left by your mentor.”
Her solid, even-tempered man threw back his head and laughed loud enough the sound bounced off the walls of their future home. When he got it back under control, he kissed her tenderly, a grin on his lips. “Brilliant woman.Brilliantidea.”
Karen was still smiling from ear to ear that afternoon when they headed over to Silver Stone to catch up with her sisters and let them know the news.
She paused on the stoop outside the kitchen and peeked through the back window. Inside the house, people moved in an easy rhythm, voices raised in laughter. Her sister’s faces showed contentment. Children’s voices danced along with the low rumble of masculine tones.
A hand slipped over her hip as Finn pressed tight to her side. Waiting for her to move. Waiting, patiently as always. “Happy?”
She took a deep breath then turned.
Sunlight shone on his face, his eyes bright with love. Finn Marlette was a perfect fit against the background of rolling hills and ranch buildings.
He was the perfect fit for her world.
Karen pressed a hand to his cheek, warmth spreading against her palm. “I’ve found what sparks joy in my world, and I’m ready to make sure everyone knows. You’re not a secret, Finn Marlette. There’s too much love inside me for you to ever be a secret again.”
Finn leaned in close. “Dammit, woman. Now I’ve got to kiss you until I don’t look one step away from weeping my fool head off.”
Amusement rose. “Tears are okay,” she reminded him.
“Kisses are better,” he insisted.
His demonstration of that fact left her breathless and one hundred percent in agreement.
Secrets were over. Now was the time for joy.
