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Okay, so here they were. He’d hoped to talk about this after they’d spent a few more days together. Not that he’d change his mind, but she would have a bit more time to feel comfortable with where she was moving. And she was moving to his ranch. Her not being with him every day from now on wasn’t an option. She was meant to be his Little girl. He’d been born to be her Daddy.

Sure, it had only been a couple of weeks. But she was his. He knew it as well as he knew his own name. And even more important, she knew it, too. The question was whether she’d thought through how this was going to work once they left the yacht.

“Well?” Tildi demanded.

“Do you trust me, Bluebell?”

That seemed to startle her. “Yes?” she answered.

“Was that an answer or a question?”

“Um, both? Cause I still don’t know what we’re talking about.”

“I’ve told you all about the Wild River Ranch, and you’ve talked with my brothers and sister. I can’t wait to show you the beauty that we have in Wyoming. Like I said, the fishing is great. You’re going to love it.”

Fishing? Really? He was having the most important conversation of his life, and he led withfishing?

Damn, was it him, or was it suddenly really hot in here? She was looking at him like he had three horns growing out of his head. He was blowing it.

She placed a hand on his cheek. “Do you need to breathe with me, Daddy? You don’t have to be scared. I’m right here to keep you safe, too.”

Now it was his turn to stare at her. Outside of his siblings, when had anyone worried about taking care of him? That was his role, and he loved it, but for her to realize caring went both ways was one of the eight million, four hundred and sixty-two thousand reasons he was in love with her.

He placed his hand over hers, pressing her soft palm into his cheek. “I want you to come to the ranch with me with the plan to stay there forever, Bluebell. I don’t want to let you out of my sight. I’m damn sure not putting you on a bus. You’re gonna love it. My family already loves you. What do you think? Would you like to at least give Wyoming a try?”

She studied him for a long time. An eternity. He was dying here.

“No,” she said, shaking her head.

His heart cracked open, bleeding out from the wound that one word delivered. But she wasn’t finished speaking. “I’m sure it’s great, and your family is wonderful. I don’t need to give Wyoming a try. But giving us a try is everything I’ve ever wanted. Is that part of the deal?”

His girl. In that moment, Boone made a plan. He was gonna kiss her. Hard. And then spank her even harder. And then make love to her again, this time sweet and slow.

“Yes, babygirl. That is definitely part of the deal. As a matter of fact, it is most of the deal. I just threw the mountains in for free.”

She smiled, and the light was more beautiful than any sunrise he’d ever seen. He took in all she was and decided the most important part was she was his. And then Boone followed his plan.

Tildi stared down at Boone.If her love for him filled her any more she was going to burst wide open. It was settled. She was going to a ranch in Wyoming. With Boone. And not just for a visit. No, she was going to stay.

She was thrilled. Ecstatic. Overflowing.

Terrified.

She ran her hand over his thick hair. There was so much she wanted him to know that she’d never be able to say with him looking at her. So she whispered it to him as he slept. “You’re everything I’ve ever wanted. Everything I never thought I’d have. I probably don’t deserve your love, but I’m so, so glad you think I do.”

He’d taught her that. And not because of the things she did or didn’t do. He loved her for who she was.

He’d seen every side of her and loved her anyway.

And she loved him. Deeply. Completely.

“I never knew what love was before you came into my life. You rescued me from so much more than that compound. I have no clue what will happen tomorrow or the day after that.” No onecould predict what life would throw their way. But they’d be okay as long as they faced it together.

“You’re the first man I’ve ever loved, and you’ll be the last. And when this life is over, our love will draw us together, whatever comes next. One lifetime will never be enough.” Their bond was that strong.

They’d never actually said the words to each other. She wanted to practice first, so she could get it just right. The first time you told someone you loved them was important. She should practice, and now, while he was sound asleep, was as good a time as any.

She concentrated on each word as she whispered, “I love you, Daddy.”

Sleeping Boone smiled and muttered, “I love you, too, Bluebell. Top of my heart to the bottom of my soul.” He opened his eyes and rolled to face her. “And nothing will ever separate you from my love. Not time. Not space. Not eternity.”

She should be irritated that he’d been playing possum. But who could be upset after a declaration of love like that?

He was right. The future might hold anything, but they would face it together. And that was all that mattered.