Page 120 of A Rancher's Vow
Dustin slowed his mad dash. “I’m sure they were mudcakes, being as it’s a birthday and all.”
“Probably. I’m sure the kids will tell us all about it when they get here.” Charity followed him into the bedroom, watching with appreciation as he stripped off the dress jacket he wore. “I like how you look in your cowboy gear, but can I just tell you… In a suit? You are devastatingly handsome.”
“Thehashtag silver stone studhad to put on another good show for the media.” Dustin slid into his usual jeans with a contented sigh. “I’m glad I only have a few more of these lined up to do, though. You were there when I did the first interview. You saw how fancy they did everything up.”
“I did.” She dropped to the bed, enjoying the current show as he stripped off the tie and shirt. “I also saw your Uncle Frank act like an entirely new man after you and Caleb insisted he be a part of the interview. Making that first story about both Silver Stone and Crooked Creek, and the family connection between them, was brilliant.”
“It let us give the media the story we wanted to tell, about the horses and the operation. Kept their noses out of private lives and our pocketbooks.”
“Mostly. I’m stillhashtag the silver princess.” Charity rolled her eyes at the latest social media tag to have shown up. She didn’t want to waste time watching the drama, so Fern kept an eye out for any changes for them. “Which is better than people talking about your cock or stud services.”
“Tons better. By the way, Uncle Frank was there today,” Dustin shared.
Charity blinked. “Really?”
“Yup. Showed up in the parking lot and insisted on coming with us. He told me he’d listen closely to make sure none of our pre-arrangedout of boundstopics slipped into the conversation.”
Her amusement was bigger than her shock. “Go, Uncle Frank.”
“I still can’t get over the change in the man. I mean, he’s still a cranky bastard at times, but he’s turned a completely new leaf when it comes to the family. I told him we’d come visit later this month.”
“Good.”
“And Walker decided he’ll come with me for the next interview. And I think Kelli is doing the final one. It’s aimed at the breeding community, so she’ll be brilliant.”
Charity rose and strolled over, the roses on her skirt flashing as she walked. “You are all brilliant, how you’ve managed to take the whole media circus and turn it into a positive thing for Silver Stone. And Crooked Creek.”
“We all have different talents. It’s helped.” He followed her into the kitchen and leaned against the counter beside her, looking thoughtful. “There’s something… I can almost remember it.”
She opened the pot and gave the soup they were bringing to the party one final stir.
Dustin snapped his fingers. “That’s it. Stone soup.”
Charity paused and frowned into the pot. “What? It’s tortilla.”
He stepped behind her, hands settling on her waist. “Not what you're cooking. What my family does. It’s a story I was told a long time ago. About how even though we're stones, we're not just immobile lumps.”
“Ahhh.” She nodded with amusement. "You're rolling stones.” She wiggled from under his fingers and shook the soup spoon at him.“No tickling.”
“We're resilient. And resourceful. Stones by birth or Stones by choice. He put the spoon aside. “Even when it feels as if there's no solution, we put on a pot of water and all chip in. Anything we've got. Some put in more, some less. Some days more, some days less, but we all do what we can. And in the end, we have enough to support the entire family. Enough—”
“Love,” she interrupted before kissing him. The truth shone bright and clear. “You have enough love for an entire family because youarea family. Through and through. Even if you don’t always do things the same way. Even if you like different things, you’re always supportive of each other. That’s love—we both know it.”
The way he looked at her then was as if she had hung the moon.
“God, you’re brilliant and beautiful, and I should wait and do this up special on your birthday next week like I’d planned, but I can’t.” He pulled a ring from his pocket. It was silver with pale blue stones set in the shape of a flower. “You know that bit I just said about being a Stone by choice?”
Charity’s jaw dropped. “Dustin Stone. Tell me you did not just pull an engagement ring from your pocket.”
“Not going to lie.” He dropped to one knee. “Since we have mudpies baking, there’s more than enough time to let you know that I’m one hundred percent certain. I’m in love with you, Tee. You make me want to do everything I can to make you smile. You make me want to sit still and listen to your heart beat. You make me want to climb mountains and shout your name to the moon.”
She pressed her fingers to her lips, gaze darting between his eyes and the ring. This was really happening. Her heart overflowed with happiness, and she wasn’t sure her feet were still touching the floor.
He spoke softer. “You make me hard, but while I’m glad we enjoy that part of our time together, this isn’t just about sex. Because you make me want to be soft, too. To learn how to give to you, and be there for you, from now to eternity.”
This was all right, and all wrong. Charity didn’t want the traditional parts—she wanted him. A moment later, she was down on the floor next to him. Fingers wrapped around his.
Amusement bubbled inside along with joy. “One, your timing sucks.”
