Tonight should have been one of the best nights of my life, the culmination of my years of hard work to make the M&M the best ranch it could be. And I was alone. Though I shouldn’t be all that surprised since I’d done everything in my power to make it that way.

I hadn’t seen or heard from Sage in a week, since I slipped out of her bed in the middle of the night like the damn coward I was. But holding her in my arms and listening to her deep, even breathing as her scent, our scent invaded my nostrils, I knew. I recognized what my heart had known for weeks if not months. I loved her. That realization had flooded me with terror and the feel of her soft curves was no longer comforting. So I fled.

A few days later I came to my senses and called, but Sage never answered and never returned my calls or texts. Even when I stopped at the Double Barrel, Sierra claimed to not have seen her even though we both knew it was a lie. I tried every day to get in touch with her, to apologize and explain, only she wouldn’t give me the time of day. My last message yesterday simply gave her the information for the induction ceremony and ball, and an offer of a ride. She hadn’t responded at all.

So on the biggest night of my life I was all alone and feeling like hell. Oh, and dressed up in a damn tux. I felt like a fool.

“Mason, there you are my boy! How are you and where is that pretty little fiancée of yours?” Walt was all smiles as he took my hand and clapped me on the back with the other.

No point in lying anymore. “We had an argument Walt and she’s been staying at a friend’s house. Honestly I’m not even sure she’ll show up.” I waited for suspicion or worse, condemnation. What I hadn’t expected was his raucous laughter.

He shook his head. “It happens more than you’d think, but she knows how important tonight is to you so she’ll be here. She might not be happy with you, but since she loves you she’ll show up. Trust me.”

I doubted that, but I didn’t say a word. If she loved me, wouldn’t she return my calls? Hear me out? That’s what I hoped, but I couldn’t dwell on it so I pasted on my best smile and mingled with the other guests. Handing out cards and talking horses with likeminded businessmen. My heart wasn’t in it, but for all the world I looked like a successful rancher who’d just climbed another rung.

The lights flickered overhead indicating the guests should make their way to the assigned tables so the ceremony could begin. Disappointment swamped me, hung on my shoulders like the proverbial albatross. Sage wouldn’t show up because I hurt her too bad.

Ma was right. You only realize what you had when you start missin’ it.

I hated that she was right, but now with the lights dimming I could pretend to focus on Walt and the myriad speeches lined up while dinner was served before the induction ceremony. When this was all over though, I would be coming for her. Be ready Sage.

“Well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes, dear?” Nancy gasped over my shoulder but I didn’t need to turn to know who it was because I felt the hair stand on the back of my neck. The atmosphere changed, became charged.

I caught my breath at the sight Sage made in a blue dress the exact color of her eyes. It hugged her curves, highlighting beautiful breasts and a slender waist with delicious hips that flared out enticingly. And good lord that split showed off one sliver of long lean leg.

“Sage.”

“Hey,” she said with a shy smile. “Sorry I’m late, traffic was a beast.” She bent and pressed a kiss to my cheek and I closed my eyes, inhaling the scent of expensive flowery perfume and…grass?

“I’m glad you’re here,” I whispered in her ear, feeling masculine delight when she shivered.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

I leaned into the delicate but capable hand cupping my jaw and pressed a kiss to her palm. “I’m glad to hear you say that. We have a lot to talk about.”

“I know, but not now.” She squeezed my hand and held it cradled between hers in her lap. Nothing had ever felt better. “After the ceremony.”

Heat flooded my body at the implication. “After the ceremony I’m going to hold you in my arms and tell you everything Sage. That’s a promise.”

She smiled. “I’ll hold you to it.”

The rest of the induction ceremony, which was more elaborate than I thought it would be, passed in a blur. Certificates were handed out and placards received. By the time the speeches were over and dessert was served, my hands itched to hold Sage again. “Hey sorry about that.”

“No worries. I had Nancy to keep me company.” She grinned and offered me a bite of cheesecake, which I happily accepted.

“Good, but I’ve had something much better.” My gaze went to her mouth as her tongue slicked over her bottom lip.

“Mason,” she warned.

“I’m sorry. Let’s take this to the dance floor.” She took my hand and followed me to the small area set up near the front for dancing. I hadn’t danced in years unless you counted the barn dances we occasionally held for big events. But now with Sage in my arms, I felt like I belonged right here. In this moment.

Her arms went around my neck and she pressed her chest against mine. “I’m sorry I didn’t return your calls.”

“I deserved it Sage. I shouldn’t have left the way I did.” I blew out a breath and spun her around as her eyes lit up. “Holding you in my arms, listening to you sleep made me realize a few things.”

She looked up at me with a knowing grin. “And those things scared the crap out of you?”

I barked out a laugh at her accurate assessment. “Yeah it did. Lying there after the most incredible night of my life, aside from the night Lily was born, my mind wouldn’t quiet down. I realized that you were the reason I felt so miserable. So wrecked.”

“Gee, thanks.”

I kissed her forehead. “Not like that. Missing you was the reason. And then it hit me, I’m in love with her. And that’s what sent me running. I shouldn’t have run Sage.”

She stopped dancing and stared with wide-eyed curiosity. “Her as in me? You’re in love with me?”

I nodded, biting back the amused smile playing around my lips. “Yes, that’s what I’m trying to tell you Sage. I love you. I probably have since you strolled into my barn in those painted on jeans and that sassy smile.”

“Seriously?”

“Hell yes. Sage you’ve had me twisted up since you came back, all grown up and nothing but trouble.” She laughed and it was the sweetest sound I’d heard in a week.

“Oh Mason, you love me? For real?”

This time instead of answering, I bent low and kissed her like I meant it. I held her face and kissed her so there would never be any doubt how I felt about her. “I love you for real, Sage. Forever too. If you’ll have me.”

She laughed again and caressed one side of my face. “I’ve only wanted you since I was about six years old, you think I’m gonna give you up now?”

“Hell no you’re not. I won’t let you.”

“Then we’re in agreement.” She flashed a wide grin that hit me right in the gut, but the soft kiss on the corner of my mouth knocked me out cold. “I love you so much Mason. I’m glad you finally saw what I’ve always known.”

“Just one more thing.”

“What?”

“This,” I told her and pulled out the ring I’d bought. “Will you marry me Sage, for real this time?”

She looked at the yellow emerald cut diamond surrounded by smaller white diamonds in the shape of a flower. “But…how?”

Now it was my turn to surprise her. “The last time we were in Houston I bought it. For you.”

Sage flung her arms around me and when her lips touched mine, I knew I’d never have another doubt in my mind about she felt about me. She loved me. Still. “I can’t wait to marry you Mason Manning. Let’s do it on the ranch. Soon.”

“There hasn’t been a M&M barn dance in more than a year.”

She leaned in close and whispered. “Only this time I won’t be watching you get to third base with some stacked chick in the hayloft.”

I pulled back surprised by her admission. “You saw that?”

She nodded. “And I want my own time in the hayloft Mason.”

“Anything you want sweetheart, you only have to ask. That includes the land for your therapy center.”

“With a discounted rate for M&M horses?”

“I’m willing to pay in trade,” I told her with a mischievous glint in my eyes.

“My services are expensive. Very, very expensive.”

“Then how about we get out of here so I can start on a down payment?”

She weaved our fingers together and pulled me off the dance floor and out of the ballroom with a quick “See ya,” to Walt and Nancy. Inside the elevator she gripped my lapels. “Say it again Mason.”

One hand on her fine ass and the other cupping the back of her head, I dipped Sage low and grinned. “I love you Sage.”