Page 22 of Cooper & Jake (Gomillion High Reunion #2)
JAKE
“Bailey! No!” I yell as Bailey takes off from the house. “Get back here! Leave the goats alone!”
Cooper rushes out of the house, tossing his kitchen towel over his shoulder.
“Bailey! Leave Toto alone! Why do you always have to chase him? You would think she would get used to them, but she never does,” Cooper says, resting his head on my shoulder as we stop chasing her and watch Bailey take off.
Cooper has been in heaven.
Five years ago, Cooper was able to pack up his practice and move here to be with me. We’ve been inseparable ever since. Taylor has come down a few times to visit, bringing her husband and kids, who love being out on our land.
Doctor Scott retired a few months after Cooper moved here, claiming he finally felt comfortable enough to leave the animals in good hands.
Cooper’s vet clinic has been thriving. He’s been in his element, loving animals and making sure they’re okay and healthy.
My favorite times are when he’ll get a call in the middle of the night about one of the animals going into labor, and he’ll let me tag along to experience it.
It’s been nice to spend that extra time with him while he’s been loving life.
And I’ve never been happier. Living life with Cooper every day has been more than I could have imagined. It’s what I used to dream of back in high school when I would plan my future.
The bar is still going strong, and Cooper has even helped us add new ideas to keep it lively. He doesn’t know it yet, but Taylor, her family, and all our family and friends are over there right now waiting for us to celebrate.
Hell, that’s if we have something to celebrate.
I’ve been working with Bailey all week, trying to plan a surprise proposal for Cooper. We’ve talked about getting married here and there, but he’s always said he’ll be fine even if we never get married.
But I want him to be my husband. I want to put a ring on his finger and for everyone to know he’s mine. Chuckling, I shake my head. Everyone in our small town already knows he’s mine, but I still want to make it official.
Bailey runs up to Cooper, letting him see she’s got something in her mouth. He tries to grab it, but she takes off running again. Cooper rushes after her, and I laugh as he chases her around the front of the house.
“Come here, girl. Let me see what you took off running to get. What did Toto have this time, hmm? A rock? A bug? Your toy?” Cooper asks, kneeling on the ground to see what she’s got in her mouth.
He tries to wiggle the box out of her mouth, my heart beating faster at the thought of him telling me no.
“What’s this?” This time, he’s speaking to me as he turns around, his eyes wide and his jaw slack as he stares at the little black box.
Walking over to him, I get down on one knee and grab the box from his hand.
“So, Bailey and I have been working hard to try to surprise you. I might have taught her to hold the package in her mouth. I thought it would be cute to have the animals involved, but, uh—” I wipe at the drool that’s surrounding the box and grimace.
“Maybe I didn’t really think this through. ”
“No, this is perfect,” he whispers, his eyes tearing up while he stares down at me. “Um—you still haven’t asked a question or anything.”
One of the reasons I love him is that he’s never afraid to call me out or let me know exactly what he wants.
Even now, when I’m trying to propose, he won’t let me control the moment.
In the bedroom, hell yes, he will always submit to me.
But in our everyday life? There’s not a chance in hell he will.
“Cooper Dalton, the past five years with you have been more than I could have ever imagined.”
“Well, I imagined it and it’s pretty damn close to what I thought our lives would be like,” he cuts in, smiling at me.
“Are you going to let me finish?”
“I guess. I’ll zip it now.” He mimes zipping his lips, and I laugh hard, taking the ring out of the box.
“God, I love you. This right here is one of the many reasons I want to spend the rest of my life with you. How easily you make me laugh. At a time when I should be anxious and nervous, all I feel is light and happiness. You do that for me, Cooper. And if you’ll let me, I want to do that for you.
Every day for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me? ”
“Hell yes, I will!” he yells, letting me slide the platinum band on his finger. I knew that with him working with animals every day, he wouldn’t want something too flashy, and by the huge, beaming smile on his face, I picked out a good ring.
As soon as I stand up, Cooper jumps into my grasp, throwing his arms around my neck. “I love you, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
He leans down, and I kiss him deeply, showing him everything I’m feeling. “I love you too. Forever, baby. I can’t wait.”