Page 72 of Taming the Billionaire Cowboy
“Next stop?” I ask.
“The feed store, then we need to check on the new calf. Miles said she wasn’t looking great yesterday.”
Miles has stayed on as our second ranch hand, joined by two other full-timers and a college kid who works weekends during the school year. Between the six of us, we keep the ranch running smoothly. Business is good. Carly’s idea to expand into hosting events has taken off, with weddings booked through next summer.
The day passes in the rhythm we’ve established over the past year. Hard work under the sun, breaks in the shade of the old oak tree, stolen kisses when our employees aren’t looking. It’s not the life I imagined for myself, but it’s better than anything I could have dreamed up.
By late afternoon, we’ve finished the essential tasks. Carly heads inside to shower while I check in with Miles about tomorrow’s schedule.
“Got everything handled for tonight?” he asks with a knowing smile as we finish up.
“I think so,” I reply, nervousness suddenly bubbling up.
“You’ll be here at six?”
“On the dot. Don’t worry, boss. It’ll be perfect.”
I hope he’s right. I’ve been planning this for months, wanting everything to be just so.
Back at the house, I shower quickly and change into the one dress shirt I kept when I purged my Houston wardrobe. As I fasten my watch, Carly walks in wearing a sundress I haven’t seen before. Her hair falls in soft waves around her shoulders, and she’s put on a touch of makeup.
“Wow,” I breathe. “You look incredible.”
A blush colors her cheeks. “It’s just a dress. Ferris convinced me to buy it when we went shopping last month.”
“Remind me to thank her.” I step closer, sliding my hands around her waist. “You’re beautiful.”
She rises on her tiptoes to kiss me, her fingers threading through my hair. “You’re not so bad yourself, city boy.”
I grin at the nickname that’s stuck despite my complete transformation into a rancher. “Ready for dinner?”
“Starving. What’s the plan exactly?”
“You’ll see,” I say, taking her hand and leading her downstairs and out the back door.
The sun is beginning its descent, casting long golden rays across the property. I guide her toward the stables, where a path of wildflowers leads around the corner.
“Oliver,” she gasps as we turn and see what’s waiting. “What is all this?”
The small clearing behind the stables has been transformed. Strings of fairy lights hang from the surrounding trees, a table set for seven at the center, and Mason jars filled with more wildflowers create a pathway leading to it. Miles is tending to a small fire pit nearby, where steaks are grilling.
“Happy anniversary,” I say softly.
“You did all this?” Her eyes shine with emotion.
“I had some help,” I admit. “Miles, Ferris, your mom…”
“Mom knows about this?”
As if on cue, a truck pulls up the driveway. Moments later, Bradley comes racing around the corner, Ferris and Carly’s mom and aunt following at a more sedate pace.
“Surprise!” Bradley shouts, launching himself at Carly. “Do you like it? I helped pick the flowers!”
“I love it, buddy,” she says, hugging him tight. “It’s beautiful.”
Carly’s mom embraces her, then me. “Everything ready?” she whispers in my ear.
I nod, patting my pocket where the ring box sits. “Perfect timing.”
