Page 29 of Ropers Can’t Tie Knots (Kissing Ridge Cowboys #3)

My best friend’s gaze ping-pongs between the two of us. After I spilled my feelings to him the last time we were here, he’s more than aware of what’s at stake for me. Hunter reaches for my hand, and Riley engulfs me in a hug .

“You told him!? You’re staying together?”

Riley steps back, and Hunter graces him with a rare, beaming smile. “Sit down, Riley, and we’ll explain, but yes, after we get a divorce.”

“What!?” Both Jackson and Riley say in perfect unison.

“I don’t want our day tarnished by my grandfather,” Hunter begins. We take seats on the sofas, and Hunter finds my hand again, holding on to it so tight it almost hurts.

“We’re getting a divorce, then picking a date we want to be married on—for us,” I finish.

“Why don’t you just stay married and celebrate it on another day?” Jackson asks, and it’s something I’ve thought about as well.

“I think it’s important to Hunter that we make a fresh start, and I agree. It’ll only hurt for a day, but we’ll remarry in the spring.”

“Before or after rodeo season?” Jackson laughs.

“Actually…” Hunter begins before turning to me. “We never discussed that, but could we do it early? Rodeo really picks up in July and August. How do you feel about June?”

“Did you commit to more rodeo already?” I ask. He said he would, but he never actually confirmed it.

Hunter flushes and pulls me to his side. “Uh…is it a problem? I haven’t told Levi yet, but yeah, I want to do more rodeos and run the rodeo school with Jackson. I should have—”

I cut him off and cover his mouth with my hand. “Do I get to come and watch these rodeos?”

Hunter pulls my hand away. “I hoped you would.”

“I’m in! ”

Riley laughs in the background, and it all fades away, because nothing else matters. My husband wants to throw that rope around and be all sexy on a horse. I’d be a fool to say no.

We spend the next half hour speaking with our two closest friends about how things have changed and that we’re in love for real.

No faking. It’s great to get it out there finally, and I’m obsessed with the way Hunter smiles now.

He’s so laid back and…happy. Genuinely happy to be here and talking with friends.

The former standoff aura has all but disappeared as he constantly reaches out to touch me.

The rest of the group arrives, Jamieson and Griff, and a few of the guys from rodeo school who live near town. Levi greets Hunter with the same stars in his eyes as he always does, still struck to be around a legend in his sport.

Honestly, I can relate. Sometimes I think I’ll never get used to having this man kiss me and call me his.

Hunter takes a moment to tell Levi he’s up to returning to rodeo roping with him, and the resulting shout of joy is enough to make your eardrums ring.

The conversations carry on around me, and I drift away for a bit, wondering when my life got this full.

“Penny for your thoughts, Mr. Handsome?” Diamond holds a fresh slice of apple crumble. “Or a crumble for your thoughts?”

Riley excused himself to the restroom, and the others are talking about rodeo training and schedules.

I guess I let myself zone out. I’m just soaking it all in.

This group of men who have welcomed me into their mix, even this coffee shop that feels like home.

Contentment has wrapped itself around me, and I just want to soak in it like a sponge for a while .

“Ah, thank you, Diamond.” Taking the crumble, I motion for the empty seat next to me. “Do you want to join me?”

“I can spare a few. Luckily, the boss is a nice guy like that.” He smiles warmly, and for the first time since I’ve been coming here, Diamond drops the effervescent mask and touches my arm lightly.

“I’m truly happy to see both of you smiling and in love.

He was always so distant, and you make him smile. That’s special.”

Diamond’s tone sounds like he knows more than just the love part in his statement, but he quickly turns back on his charm. “If you ever need to talk, I’m a good listener, and I really am so happy to be included. You’re not just a handsome customer…you’re a friend.”

“You’re a friend to me, too, Diamond. Thank you for making me feel at home here.”

He smiles softly. “That means everything to me, Gabe. Truly.”

Hunter approaches our seats, and Diamond winks as he stands.

“Just kept the space warm for you, hunky.”

Diamond struts off, his long legs taking him away from us quickly.

“Did I interrupt?” Hunter asks gently.

“No. Not at all, but if you’re ready, I’d like to go home.”

“Of course.”

We take a few minutes to work through the goodbyes and congratulatory hugs with everyone.

Griff chats about his dad with me for a moment.

Charlie wants to make us dinner one night, and Jamieson promises to bring me blueberry jam the next time he drops by.

Levi hugs me so hard my ribs hurt, and tells me he’ll take great care of Hunter when they’re on the road .

By the time we’re in Hunter’s truck, the silence of the cab is welcome.

“Are you okay, counsellor? You got pretty quiet.”

“I’m okay. Just thinking about how much my life has changed.” Hunter reaches over and clasps my mittened hand.

“In a good way?”

“In the very best way.”