Page 95 of Mister Cowboy
“Well, hello, Mister Cowboy,” she said, letting her eyes run up and down his body, memorizing every detail. Tight denim stretched over his thick, muscular legs and a black shirt with pearl buttons covered his torso in a way that left no doubt he was just as capable of working a long day on the ranch as he was sitting behind a desk.
“Ma’am.” Brecken tipped his hat and held out his arm. “Can I talk to you for a minute outside.”
She looked over to Michael, who nodded and quietly said, “Looks like you’ll have a chance to woo your cowboy.”
She shot Michael a look and rounded the bar to follow Brecken outside.
“What are you wearing and please tell me you have more?” she asked when they were outside.
“Henry and I went riding. I figured it was time I quit ruining perfectly good suits.”
He took the hat off and held it in one hand, he ran the other through his hair. “Nadia isn’t pregnant. Actually never was. I found out yesterday. I came to your apartment to tell you, but then you gave me that journal, and I don’t know. I guess I was still grieving the loss of it, you know? Sounds ridiculous probably, but I was excited about being a father even if the circumstances were screwed up.”
She stood frozen and the only thing that registered in her mind was that Nadia wasn’t pregnant. She’d barely heard a word after that.
“I’m so sorry,” she said, unsure what the proper thing was to say in such a situation.
“Look, I know I said I wanted to take this slow, but that’s bullshit. I want you. I want you to move in with me, and I want you to be my wife. I know it’s quick, and I know you’re probably thinking this has something to do with Nadia and my excitement about being a dad, but that’s only partly true. I do want to be a father, but I realized after you left today that all that has changed is that now I get a chance to do this the right way. With the woman that I love. So, please say yes.”
Brecken handed her a set of keys and opened the door to a sleek SUV parked at the curb. “It isn’t a van like you always wanted, but this SUV will fit the six of us and we can take it on as many road trips as you want.”
“The six of us?”
“Me, you, and the four children I’m gonna give you as soon as you say yes.”
“You bought me a big, fancy car so I’d move in with you? Oh, Brecken, that’s crazy. I don’t need a car or anything else. I just want you.”
“I don’t think you’re listening.” He pulled out a ring from his pocket and held it up in the air between his thumb and finger. The large diamond sparkled, and she covered her mouth with both hands. “I don’t want you to just move in with me. I want you to be mine. Forever. In my home. In my bed. With my ring on your finger, and my cock buried deep inside you so often you forget where you end and I begin.”
“I’m pretty sure the word ‘cock’ isn’t supposed to be part of a marriage proposal.”
“That’s all you have to say? I’m sweating bullets over here, woman.”
“One condition,” she said, her heart beating so loudly she barely heard her own words as she spoke.
“Name it, and it’s yours.”
“More of this,” she said, waving her hand up and down in front of him. “I want Mister Cowboy at least once a week.”
“Isheallowed to use the c-word?” he asked, stepping forward with a glint in his eyes.
She leaned up on her toes and let her lips hover over his. “Mm-hmm, and he better know what to do with it, too.”
Brecken smiled and pulled her into his arms, sliding the ring over her finger. “Damn straight he does.”
Epilogue
Dear Son or Daughter,
Your mother says this summer has been warmer than a ghost pepper. The warmest summer on record, actually. You’re sure to hear her complain about how hot it was the year you were born, so I’m just warning you now.
Aside from the temperature, which I’m not holding against you, you’ve been a pretty perfect little pea—or whatever you are in there. Your mom refuses to find out if you’re a girl or boy, so we’ve been picking out names for both. I like Ruby if you’re a girl. We haven’t decided on boy names. Your mother is refusing to entertain the possibility of naming you Brecken Junior. She says one is more than enough.
You come from a long line of strong and successful Blackstone men and women, but always remember this. Be happy. That’s it. If you read nothing else I write for as long as I write—hear that. Be happy. It’s all that really matters. I found my happiness in family and love. You find yours however you want. Be whatever you want and whomever you want, but make sure that life includes real happiness.
There are only a few weeks left until you make your grand entrance into the world. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m scared out of my mind. Don’t worry, though, you have the best momma in the whole world. She’ll more than make up for my shortcomings. I promise I will try to be the best father I can. I promise I will love you and your momma every second of every day. That was enough for me. I hope it’s enough for you.
Love,
Dad