Page 70 of Chasin' Cole

The moment my fingers wrap around the ring box, my heart picks up pace and Rose lifts her eyes to stare up at me.

"What's goin' on?" she gives me a sly smile.

I drop down to one knee and open the box. She covers her face with her hands, tiny droplets of water still puckering her skin.

"Cole Strickland," she chastises. "You can't do this while I'm in my underwear!"

"I can," I tell her. "This is where everything started. Just like this."

She slowly slides her hands down her face.

"Ring Around the Rosie," I swallow hard. "I have loved you for the past three years with everything I have. I know I haven't always given you a reason to love me in return, but you have. You've loved me so well. I want to spend the rest of my life proving to you thatyouare the greatest adventure of my life. Will you marry me?"

Rose tilts her head to the side, a single tear slipping down her cheek.

"Yes. A thousand, million times,yes."

I slip my grandmother's ring on her finger as she gazes down at me with more love and affection than I deserve.

But I'm going to spend the rest of my life trying to earn it—earn her.

If anyone needs me, I'll be chasing Rose.

—

I’m nervous. I’ve never been this nervous before. I feel around in my pocket for a tissue. I can’t believe I’m 34 and I’m crying.

Brock slaps my back. “Pull it together, man.”

“I’m trying,” I sniffle.

Today, she becomes my wife. And I just want to see her face.

The music plays and everyone stands. I shove the tissue back into my pocket and wait for her. She spent a lot of time waiting for me. Now, it’s my turn.

In the distance, she steps out of the farmhouse we’ve settled into. I’m waiting in front of the barn, surrounded by a hundred of our closest friends and family.

Howard is on one arm and Rowdy on the other. She sees me and her face breaks into a wide smile. I know she wants to run to me, but Rowdy whispers something to her, causing her to slow down.

The tears fall down my cheeks as she makes her way to me. She’s vibrant and stunning with wildflowers in her hair and a knee-length silky white dress. She winks at me and motions to her feet. I don’t hide the laugh when I see she’s wearing turquoise cowboy boots.

“What do you think?” she beams when she’s standing in front of me.

“You’ve never looked more beautiful,” I honestly answer.

Pastor Frank begins the ceremony as Rose hands her bouquet off to Lacey. Both Howard and Rowdy place her hand in mine.Together. Man, we’ve all come a long way.

We exchange vows and rings. Rose’s joy pours out of her as she holds my hands, anxiously waiting for Pastor Frank to announce us husband and wife.

“Now,” Pastor Frank grins, “the moment we’ve all been waiting for. “Cole, you may kiss your impatient bride.”

I tug her into my arms and dip her. “I love you, Rose.”

“Not as much as I love you.”

“Endearingly competitive.”

Her eyes crinkle as I plant a kiss on her lips. The crowdwhoops and hollersas I pull her up.

Mary Ellen slides open the barn doors, revealing the reception inside. Dangling lights and a long table full of wildflowers.

I hold onto my bride, thanking my lucky stars she never stopped chasing me.

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