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She scowled. “You really are bad at love declarations.”

He grinned. “But you still love me.” He was glad she didn’t even hesitate to answer.

“I do, you ornery man.”

“So what do you say, Libby Lou?” He took the ring out of the box. For his fiery girl, he had chosen an engagement ring with a large ruby in the center and diamonds encircling it. “You up for the challenge?”

She hesitated. “Are you? Even if I can’t have kids?”

He got to his feet and looked into those beloved green eyes. “I don’t care if you can or can’t have kids, Liberty. What I care about is making you happy. If you don’t want kids, we won’t have kids. If you do, we will. Because if I’ve learned anything in my life it’s that being able to have children doesn’t make you a mama. Being willing to love a child with all your heart does.”

She flung her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. “How did I find you, Jesse Cates?”

“I believe I found you, Lib.” He drew back and held up the ring. “Now are you going to say yes?’”

“Yes! I accept the challenge of marrying you, Jesse Cates. And you know what?”

He slipped the ring on her finger before he pulled her back into his arms. “What, my love?”

She smiled the kind of smile he wanted to see every day for the rest of his life. “I think we’re both gonna win this one.”

He did too.

He damn well did too.

THE END