CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

 

Weston spewed. Sammie grabbed a napkin from the holder and sopped up the puddle.

“Not the reaction I was hoping for.”

He offered her a million-watt smile. “You got me.” He swiped his palm down his cheek. “Maybe I should quit drinking because it’s doing something to my brain cells.” He pushed the bottle aside.

It was interesting how things were coming into perspective with a little provocation. She realized how much she missed her old life. The love for the horses, mostly her love for the cowboy who was staring at her right now as if she’d grown a third breast.

There were so many plans rolling around inside her head, things she could do for the ranch. Expansion would be an option. She’d learn the tricks of the trade, and she couldn’t imagine wanting anyone else by her side in all this but Wes. Although she still loved him, she saw how marriage would be an advantage to both. “I’ve grown to care for Brie. You’ve been kind to my father and to me.”

“Is this your payback? Marry me?”

“You’re the one who suggested it first.” She rolled her tongue along her bottom lip.

“And you turned me down flat.”

“Oh, you heard a no come from me? I didn’t turn you down exactly. I only said a man should think more before he throws out a proposal.”

“You don’t think ten years is long enough for a man to ponder over a woman? But damn, Sammie. You’re not doing this out of love. You’re wanting to save Brie.”

“I love her, but she’s not the only reason. You said yourself that I could have the baby I’ve always wanted. I’m ready to be a mother before I get any older.”

He blinked. “I did suggest that. Sorry, I’m a little slow right now.”

Sammie shrugged. “For several years now I thought the only way I’d be a mother was if I signed up for artificial insemination or adoption. I want a baby. And I want to be Brie’s stepmother. You and I will run Tanner together.”

He still seemed to be soaking in her words. “Like a business arrangement?”

“Like a marriage. Come on, Wes. Is it that bad of an idea?” Suddenly the spritzer threatened to come back up.

He sat up straight and pondered her words. “This isn’t the most romantic proposal.”

“I’m not the type to get down on my knee,” she chuckled. “If you need to sleep on it…”

“I don’t need to sleep on it. I need to get the hell out of here.” He got up so fast he upset the stool. He picked it up, reached for his wallet and settled with the bartender. He stormed toward the door.

She had to hurry to catch up to him, but didn’t quite manage it until they were in the parking lot. “Wes? Wait! Where are you going?”

He stopped and turned to face her. His jaw tight and his eyes narrowed. “This ain’t right. Two people can’t marry just for circumstances. It doesn’t work.”

Crossing her arms over her chest, she stared. “Do you believe that’s all we have between us? Just a complex amount of issues?”

He blinked and blew out a long breath. “You infuriate me, Sammie. I asked you to marry me and you blamed me for being disconnected, and now you’re asking and it’s different?”

She shrugged. He had a good point. “Don’t be bull-headed, cowboy. I don’t see a line of women wanting to become Mrs. Weston Jericho,” she snapped…angry that he was putting her through a swamp to reach a rainbow.

“Oh, trust me. There’s a line,” he growled.

“Then go find one!” She stormed past him and stomped across the parking lot to her Daddy’s truck.

Hearing his heavy footsteps behind her, she took off into a run for the driver’s side, but he caught up to her just as her hand touched the handle. He grabbed her by the arm and dragged her back against his chest. She could feel his iron-hard chest rising and falling, his breaths sweeping across her cheek. “You don’t get to ask me to marry you and run away, sweetheart,” he whispered.

She wanted to pull away from him, his warm hold, and gather her emotions. Her feet planted and she couldn’t have moved if her life depended upon it. “And you don’t get to put me through a ringer. I don’t know what I was thinking anyway. You and I have had our chance to be together and we let time pass.”

He turned her around, gently pushed her against the door of the truck and slammed his mouth on hers. He kissed her with a fire and fury she’d never known. Moaning, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, allowing his tongue to slip past her lips. She could have stayed there forever, and when he pulled away, she felt cold and suddenly alone.

“Don’t move,” he barked.

She watched him stroll across the lot to his truck, throw open the passenger door and reach for something. He came back, his eyes dazzling in the overhead security light. There was a passion in his expression that she’d never seen before.

“Sammie Tanner. I don’t want you to marry me for the ranch or to keep Ashley from seeing Brie. I want you to marry me because you love me. Because you can’t live another day of your life without me. Because, darlin’, I can’t imagine another day of my life without you. I love you. I’ve loved you for so long. Now, stop being stubborn and let’s finally do what should have been done in our twenties.” He dropped to one knee. “Marry me, baby. Let me be the man you wake up to every morning. Let me be the father of your children.” He rolled his hand over and opened his palm. Sitting in the center was the prettiest diamond ring she’d ever seen.

“Wes…?”

“Don’t Wes me, sweetheart. It’s now or never.” His voice sounded choked.

“I love you. Why didn’t you do this at the steak house?”

“I was an idiot. Sometimes a cowboy can be a little slow, but when we get it, we get it right.” He smiled.

“Get up, cowboy.”

He did as she demanded, holding the ring between his thumb and forefinger. The light reflected in the diamond. “So, what’s it going to be?”

“It’s going to be a yes. A thousand times yes!” She flung herself into his arms.

After a moment, he whispered in her ear, “Let’s make this official. I’ve held this ring for so long and it’s time I placed it on your finger.”

And he did…