Page 73 of Taming the Billionaire Cowboy

Dinner is a joyous affair. The food is delicious, and the company is even better. As we finish dessert — an apple pie Ferris brought — I catch Bradley’s eye and give him a small nod. We’ve rehearsed this part.

He stands up importantly. “Mom, Oliver and I have something for you.”

Carly looks between us, curiosity written across her face. “Oh?”

Bradley reaches into his pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper. With great ceremony, he hands it to his mother.

“Read it out loud,” he instructs.

Carly unfolds it carefully. “‘Reasons Why We Love You’” she reads, her voice already thick with emotion. “‘One: You make the best pancakes. Two: You always know how to make us feel better when we’re sad. Three: You work harder than anyone we know…’”

The list continues, alternating between Bradley’s observations and my own additions. By the end, tears are streaming down Carly’s face.

“There’s one more thing,” I say softly, standing up and moving to kneel beside her chair.

Her eyes widen as I take her hand in mine. Behind her, her mom has her phone out, recording the moment.

“Carly,” I begin, my voice steady despite the pounding of my heart. “A year ago today, I came back to this ranch because I realized something important — that success means nothing without someone to share it with. You and Bradley have taught me what really matters in life.”

I pull the small velvet box from my pocket and open it to reveal a platinum ring with a diamond surrounded by emeralds that match her eyes.

“You’ve made me happier than I ever thought possible. Every day with you is an adventure, and I want those adventures to continue for the rest of our lives.” I take a deep breath. “Carly Holloway, will you marry me?”

Time seems to stand still as I wait for her answer. Then, with tears in her eyes and the biggest smile I’ve ever seen, she nods.

“Yes,” she whispers, then louder, “Yes!”

Bradley lets out a whoop as I slide the ring onto Carly’s finger. Then she’s in my arms, kissing me as everyone around us applauds.

“I love you,” she murmurs against my lips.

“I love you too,” I reply, holding her close. “Both of you,” I add, reaching out to pull Bradley into our embrace.

As the three of us stand here, wrapped in each other’s arms with the sunset painting the sky in brilliant colors behind us, I know with absolute certainty that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

The journey from that panicked CEO in a Houston high-rise to this man — a rancher, a partner, a father figure — wasn’t one I ever planned. But standing here now, holding my future in my arms, I wouldn’t change a single step that led me here.

This is what happiness feels like. This is what home can be.

This is what it means to finally, truly live.

The End