Page 112 of A Rancher's Love
“I thought we’d get engaged a year after the night Tamara gave me your naked booty as a Christmas present.” Ginny suggested. “Although we won’t mention that part to her, okay?”
“Christmas Eve? No, that’s unacceptable.” Arguing wasn’t part of today’s agenda, but neither would he stop until he had her agreement. One way or another this was happening sooner than six months from now. “I’m yours,” he said simply.
“Darn tootin’, you are,” she agreed.
“If you don’t want to do it today because it’s your birthday—although I’d remind you it's a wonderful chance for everyone to find out quick—we can officially get engaged in a week or so and then get married next Christmas.”
She turned thoughtful. “Does it sound morbid if I kind of want to get married in February?”
Tucker brushed his knuckles over her cheek. “Not morbid at all. You want a new, happier memory to balance the sad.”
Ginny popped easily into his lap and proceeded to kiss him senseless. Turning him on and turning him inside out, so that his ears were ringing when they finally came up for air.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the box he’d hidden away for today. “Marry me, Ginny. Next week, next month, next February. Those details don’t matter, but I want my ring on your finger.”
“Let me see,” she said, popping the box open and inhaling appreciatively. “Oh my God, Tucker, it’s beautiful.”
“Just like you.” He pulled the diamond ring from its pillowy perch and slipped it on her finger.
Ginny held out her hand and the diamond sparkled in the sunlight. Then she faced him again. “Just to make it official, yes.Yes, I’ll marry you, because you’re exactly who I need. Past, present, and future.”
“I love you.” He whispered it this time, so many years of memories built up between them coming together in this moment. “I’m yours,” he said again.
It was the utter truth.
The yardbetween the main ranch house and Ginny’s little cottage was full of friends who had come to celebrate her birthday and to spend time in the beautiful June sunshine.
And, unexpectedly, to celebrate her and Tucker’s engagement.
The last-minute addition to the agenda had been received with everything from shouts of approval and a massive back pounding for Tucker from Luke, to adorable kisses as Emma and Sasha welcomed their new uncle-to-be into the fold.
Everywhere she looked, Ginny saw happy faces and people close to her heart. But one thing was still missing.
Which was why, when her sister’s truck pulled into the yard, Ginny all but vibrated with excitement.
Jesse and Dare had made the drive from Rocky Mountain House for the birthday party. They’d brought their three boys, and Ginny couldn’t wait to not only get caught up, but to sniff a few toddler cheeks.
Babies were on the someday list. Which meant using her sister’s children to stave off the craving that had begun to simmer deep inside.
Getting engaged was enough excitement for right now.
“Don’t get run over,” Tucker warned with a chuckle when she shot to her feet and went to rush forward.
Ginny held herself back long enough for Jesse to put the truck into park, and then she hauled open Dare’s door and swamped her sister with a massive bear hug. “You’re finally here. Oh God, it’s so good to see you.”
“Can you see anything but my backside?” Dare teased, but she squeezed just as hard. “Welcome to your thirties, babe. The water’s fine.”
“Tucker,” Jesse called. He walked from around the truck carrying one of the twins in his arms while three-and-a half-year-old Joey blasted forward out from under his feet and headed at a toddler sprint toward his cousins up the hill. “Come and shake my hand then buy me the drink you owe me.”
Ginny frowned at Tucker. “Why do you owe him a drink?”
Her brother-in-law adjusted the infant he held. “It’s a permanent debt. I plan to collect from now to eternity.”
Tucker raised a brow but turned to answer Ginny. “You told Dare about us fooling around. She toldhim, which means for the past three plus years, he’s had to keep it secret.”
“You know how hard it’s been to know such a juicy tidbit and not spill the beans every time I saw your brothers? You totally owe me.” Jesse wrapped an arm around Ginny’s shoulders and squeezed. “Hey. How’s my favourite poisoner doing?”
“Peachy,” she said with a smile.
