Holding You

Turning to me, Scott looked right into my eyes. “Colt, I’d be honored to have you ask for Lauren’s hand in marriage. I see the two of you together and I know there is no other man that would make my little girl happier than you.”



I bit down on the inside of my cheek to keep my tears at bay. What the hell was wrong with me? I’m acting like a pussy. I’m not going to cry. I’m not. I’m not a pussy. Don’t you dare cry, Colt Mathews.



Reaching deep down inside, I pulled out the memory of seeing Luke naked that one time. My body shuddered at the memory and the tears quickly vanished.



Reaching my hand out to shake Scott’s, I smiled. “Thank you, sir. That means the world to me to have your blessing.”



Scott nodded, shook my hand fast and hard before dropping it. “Right. Okay then. That’s done.” Turning, he made his way back to the house. Jessie wiped a tear away as she watched Scott walk toward her. It wasn’t lost on me the motion of Scott’s hand coming up to his face and wiping a tear away.



Glancing back at the barn, I watched as the love of my life came walking out with Mia on the end of the reins as she told Mr. Betrim what her plans were.



Leaning against the fence I took it all in. The way the sun was shining on her hair, the smile that she wore that seemed to brighten the area around her. The way she laughed when Mia got excited about heading out. Everything about this moment was perfect.



Beyond perfect.



SITTING NEXT TO the fire, I watched everyone laughing. Alex was sitting on Will’s lap and I could practically see the love pouring out of them.



Someone bumped my arm so I looked up. Libby was standing there. “Walk with me?”



Nodding my head, I got up and started following her to the river’s edge. “These parties just don’t seem as fun anymore.” I said as Libby nodded her head in agreement.



“Yeah, I agree. I’d rather be snuggled up on the sofa in Luke’s arms.”



Smiling, I looked over at Libby. Her blonde hair was blowing softly in the breeze as she stared straight ahead. Taking in breath, I slowly blew it out as I said, “What’s on your mind?”



Shrugging her shoulders, she peeked at me. “You.”



Laughing, I pointed to myself and said, “Me? What about me?”



Taking my arm in her arm we started walking along the riverbank. “I see something in your eyes, Lauren. Something I saw in my own eyes not too long ago.”



“Oh yeah? What would that be?”



Thinking Libby was going to say something about being in love, or being happy, I wasn’t prepared for what actually came out of her mouth.



“You’re not happy and I talked to Colt about it.”



I stopped walking and glared at her. “What? How dare you tell Colt I’m not happy. I’ve never been so happy in my entire life, Libby! Why? Why would you do that to me? Why would you say something to Colt like that?”



My heart was beating like crazy because deep down inside, Libby was right. No. No. No she was wrong. So very wrong because I’m happy. I am. I have everything I’ve ever wanted.



Placing her hands on my shoulders, Libby chuckled. “Calm down, Lauren. I don’t mean you’re not happy with Colt.”



Wait. What? I’m so confused. What in the hell is she talking about?



“What? Libby, are you like on crack or something because you aren’t making sense.”



Laughing, Libby slowly shook her head. “No, I’m not on crack, but I am tired. Mireya hasn’t been sleeping very well through the night and I’ve been trying to figure out a way to get her to sleep and—”



Oh. My. Glitter. Is she serious right now? She tells me she told Colt I’m unhappy, yet she babbles on about her daughter not being able to sleep? I’m about to vagina punch her.



Libby continued to talk about some new lavender pillow she bought for the baby. Shaking my head, I held up my hands. “Stop. Oh my glitter, please stop talking. Libby! Focus, bitch. Focus!”



“Oh right, gosh I’m so sorry. Okay, focusing back to you not being happy.”



Ugh!



“I am happy! Do I need to shout it from the rooftop?”



Libby tilted her head and gave me that look. The same look my mother used to give me when she’s about to lecture me on something like, my shorts are too short, or I’m wearing way too much makeup or how guys like girls who are natural.



Oh holy hell. Now I’m not focusing.



“Lauren, honey I know you are so very happy with Colt. And he is so happy with you and he loves you so very much.”