Page 91 of Cowboy Needed

When they both came up with ring boxes, the kids all started laughing.

“Great minds think alike,” Ellis murmured, he winked atIchabod, who chuckled, his smile so wide and bright it lit up the room better than the tree.

“I told you when I was ready I would do it,” Ichabod said, holding the ring box out to him. “You’re everything I could want in a husband, Ellis, and you’re an amazing father to our kids. I love you very much.”

He took the ring box and handed Ichabod the one he had been hiding, in return. “I love you too, baby. I don’t even know what else to say besides that. I love you with everything in me.”

“Well then, looks like we’re going to get married.”

“A wedding? Can I help plan it?” Katie asked.

Zane groaned. “Oh God, please, Dad. No kissing. Say there won’t be any kissing.”

Allie rolled her eyes at her biggest brother. “Zane, it’s in love. There has to be kissing.”

“Yeah, Zane!” Chrissy agreed. “There hasta be kissing!”

“There absolutely has to be kissing,” Ellis said, staring right into Ichabod’s eyes. “Here, let’s practice.” He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to Ichabod’s lips to seal the deal. “Will you marry me, baby?”

“Only if you’ll marry me, cowboy.”

“I reckon it’s like I said the day we met. I’m your cowboy, then and now.”