Page 58 of What the Cowboy Wants
Shaking his head, Cooper followed the dogs.“Behave!”he called over his shoulder.
As he opened the front door, his mom was right behind him.“For moral support,” she whispered before she turned to the newcomers.“Welcome to the Weston Ranch.I’m Cooper’s mom, Arlene Weston.”
Cooper heard his mother, but he wasn’t listening.His eyes had found Rose.She looked so beautiful, he struggled to breathe.In a soft yellow sweater he hadn’t seen before, she was breathtaking.His fingers itched to touch her.Quickly moving toward her, he took her hand.His heart settled.She was here.
The dogs were just about climbing over each other in their eagerness to meet the visitors.
“The dogs are part of the family.”Cooper smiled.
Her eyes bright with tears, his mom held out her arms for Rose.“Welcome to the family, Rose.I’m so glad Cooper has asked you to be his wife.”
“Thank you for the lovely ring,” Rose said with a sniff as she hugged his mom.“It’s beautiful.How are you feeling?I’ve told my parents about your scare.”
Wiping her eyes, his mother took Rosalyn’s hand.“I’m absolutely fine, thanks to Cooper.Come on in, I’ve been dying to meet my neighbor’s parents.”
“Neighbor?”Rosalyn asked as they walked into the house.
As his mom began to explain, Rose’s dad followed them into the house.
Cooper pulled Rose closer.“Everything okay?”
She stepped into his arms.“Of course.My mom knew there was someone, but Dad didn’t know about you.He was a bit surprised, but don’t worry, he’ll come around.”
“You look beautiful, by the way.”He smiled as he kissed.
“Thanks.The top is a present from my mom.”
“She has great taste.How long are they staying?”he asked as they entered the house.“Do you know?”
Rose grinned.“They just got here!”
“I know.Just checking.”
“Probably for about two weeks, I’m not really sure,” she said as they walked into the living room.
Willow, Ellie, Laura, Vivian, Annie, Riley, and Janice all rushed closer.“The ring!We want to see your ring!Congratulations!”they exclaimed in unison.
Laughing, Rose lifted her hand.Amidst all the laughter, Willow clapped her hands.“Dining room everyone, please.We have an engagement to celebrate.”
*
They were havingcoffee after a lovely lunch when Cooper’s mom cleared her throat.“So, Rose and Cooper, when are you getting married?”
Everyone laughed.
“She’s been making plans since last night,” Willow chuckled.“I’m just amazed she’s managed to keep quiet about it until now.”
Unfazed, Arlene continued, “We’re all here, it just makes sense to talk about it now.”
“We’re listening, Mom,” Becket said.
“Becket Weston,” Rose’s mother said before Arlene could continue.“You’re the one who posts those sketches of your dogs on Instagram?”
“Guilty,” Becket smiled.
“I love those illustrations, Becket!”Rose’s mom exclaimed.“They usually make my day.I used to be on Instagram regularly when Rose”—her eyes darted in Rose’s direction—“well, before.”
“They all know what happened, Mom,” Rose said.“It took me about four months to tell them, but they know every sordid detail.”
