Page 38 of Want You Back (Second Chance Ranch #1)
Chapter 38
Maverick
A chilly wind whipped through the ranch, an unwelcome reminder that winter would soon be on the way. October was full of pumpkins and Halloween prep as the girls endlessly debated costume ideas. And each Friday brought Willow and Colt to the ranch, something I never took for granted. Tonight, Colt had arrived early in jeans and a thick flannel jacket, allowing enough time for me to walk him around the ranch, sharing the progress on my big plans.
“So the bunkhouse makeover will start in a few weeks.” The phrase “it takes money to make money” was never more true than when starting any hospitality project. A survey of the current bunkhouse situation had revealed plenty of room for upgrades to make the facilities more appealing to potential guests. Some might stay in one of the guest suites in the big house, but the idea was that we’d only take on a select few guests and house them in the actual bunkhouse for the complete ranch experience. Eventually, I wanted to turn a few of the outbuildings into little cabin rentals. I swung Colt’s hand as we walked. “The goal is to be up and running for guests by spring, once Adler finishes training.”
“Training?” Colt looked adorably confused, a rarity for him.
“While I’m managing the renovations, he’s going to be a hand for a few months, see what tasks are too hard to ask guests to do, which might get us into liability trouble, what might be fun or relaxing for folks. He’ll take a lot of notes.” Adler had come up with this plan himself, but I loved it because it gave us time to get our project up and running and would also give him some real-world experience to do what he did best and give guests a wonderful stay.
“Grayson’s gotta love that idea.” Colt shook his head.
“He already said yes.” I was putting a positive spin on Grayson’s reaction, which had included a fair bit of muttering about pony rides and craft projects, but in the end, he’d agreed to put Adler to work.
“Because he hates saying no to you, boss .” Colt shot me a pointed look.
“Hey, I didn’t strong-arm him into agreeing.” I offered my most innocent smile. “It will be fine.”
“Uh-huh.” Colt didn’t sound too sure, but he continued to follow me as I introduced him to two new rescue horses Kat had found, older mares perfect for inexperienced riders.
“Adler’s making cookies with the girls while we have our date night,” I shared as we returned to the house.
“Knew I loved that guy.” Colt chuckled as he followed me toward my new-to-me truck. I’d traded in my sports car for something more suited to ranch life. “And you’re not telling me where you’re taking me?”
“Nope.” I’d told Colt to dress warmly but had otherwise left our destination a surprise.
“Pretty nifty truck here.” Colt admired the logo adorning the doors and tailgate. “Second Chance Ranch logo looks mighty fine.”
“We paid a local designer for some branding.” More startup expenses, but it was worth it to have a true fresh start. “Turned out awesome.”
As we left the ranch, Colt pointed at the large sign, which also featured the new ranch logo. “Sign looks like it’s always been there.”
“Yep. That was the idea. New, but classic. Not ignoring the past, just building upon it.”
“I like that attitude.” Colt gave my thigh a quick pat as we drove. I headed into the backcountry, and Colt’s easy smile widened as he guessed our destination.
“Our spot?” he asked as I parked. I’d been out earlier to build the firepit and ensure we had kindling and firewood. In the back of the truck, I had a cooler, cooking supplies, and blankets to keep warm.
“Thought we’d have one last campfire before the winter really hits.”
“Pretty cold tonight.” Colt rubbed his hands together before turning his attention to the firepit.
“You’ll keep me warm.” I stamped my feet. I’d had big plans for sex under the stars, but the wind had me thinking that making out under the blankets might be more prudent. “Might save any naked fun for later though.”
As usual, Colt got a fire going in no time at all.
“What’s for dinner?” Colt helped me unload the cooler and cooking supplies.
“Grilled cheese.” I revealed the classic loaf of white bread and the same cheap cheese we’d used for years as kids. I’d added some of Colt’s favorite cheese chips for more of the throwback feel.
“Did I miss some sort of anniversary?” Colt asked warily.
“Not exactly.” My tone became cagey, and I busied my hands in lining up slices of bread on a plate. “I mean, I hope today becomes an anniversary…” I trailed off because I was revealing far too much in entirely the wrong order. “I’m rambling.”
“Yep.” Colt plucked the butter knife from my hand, taking over preparing the sandwiches. “And mangling the heck out of these sandwiches.”
“Sorry.” I shuffled my feet, more from restless energy than the chilly air. “I’m nervous.”
“About visiting Faith for that family day thing when she makes it to sixty days?” Colt looked up from finishing the sandwiches.
“A little.” I followed him to the fire, where he started preheating a cast iron skillet. “Faith says she wants to sign paperwork making the guardianship more permanent. She still wants to be involved, but she wants to make sure Hannah will always have me.”
“And she will. Paperwork or not.” Colt’s voice was reassuring and firm. “And I’m here for both of you.”
“Thank you. But that’s not the real reason I’m nervous.” I’d been planning to wait until after we ate, but I was seriously about to jump out of my skin any minute from the wait. In typical me fashion, I plowed ahead. “I keep thinking about what you said at Back to School Night. You asked me to stay forever.”
“Yeah.” Colt’s voice turned more guarded. “And all the plans for the ranch, those show you mean it.”
“So does this.” I pulled the little ring box from my pocket.
“Maverick Lovelorn, what are you doing?” Colt sounded somewhere between amused and stunned, an uneasy chuckle escaping his throat.
“Asking you to marry me.” I lowered myself to one knee in front of him on the dirt in front of the campfire. I popped the box open to reveal the two gold bands inside. “Then I can’t get away.”
“You asking me to hold you prisoner here?” Colt wrinkled his forehead.
“No, Sheriff. I’m asking you to be my anchor. My North Star, if you will.” I pointed at the side of his chest where the comet tattoo lived. “Or the place my comet orbits. Pick your metaphor.”
“How about I pick you?” Colt offered me a hand back to standing. “I don’t need to marry you to believe you’ll stay.”
“You don’t?” My whole body sagged, defeated. I snapped the ring box closed again.
Colt reached out and tipped my chin up. “I need to marry you because I love you, and I’m serious about a life together.”
“You’re hijacking my proposal.” I was laughing too hard to manage a frustrated tone, relief and delight mingling.
“Better call the sheriff.” He leaned in for a slow, perfect kiss, firelight dancing in his eyes as he held me close.
“So that’s a yes, right?” I broke away to ask.
“It’s a yes, but?—”
“But?” My voice rose. My back tensed. I should have expected some conditions.
“Let me tell Willow, one-on-one, just us.”
“Oh. That’s reasonable.” So reasonable that I likely should have thought of it myself. Luckily, I hadn’t said anything to either girl.
“Not tonight. She’s baking cookies with Adler and Hannah and watching movies. I’m gonna take Willow out riding tomorrow.”
“Good ol’ Pepperjack to the rescue.” I laughed, then sobered. “You think she’s going to be upset?”
“Dunno. I want to let her feel what she needs to feel.” Colt shrugged, wise and measured as ever. “Her mom was important to us. Those vows meant something just like these ones will too.”
Vows. We were really going to do this. I was going to get to marry Colt. Hopefully, as soon as humanly possible. For once, my love of speed and my impatience could be a good thing, get us to the altar that much faster. I pocketed the ring box for now. We’d get to wear them for real soon enough.
“You’re a good dad, Colt.” My voice was thick, and my eyes stung like I’d stuck my face too close to the fire. “A good man.”
“You’re a good one too, Maverick.” Colt leaned in for another kiss. “I want to raise these girls up right with you.”
“Yeah.” I gave a happy sigh right up until another thought hit me. “What if Faith doesn’t sign?”
“Then we cross that bridge together.” Colt held me close, squeezing my ass. “Same as anything else.”
“We do make a good team.” I preened, trying to earn another kiss, but Colt released me in favor of fetching the plate of sandwiches for the hot skillet.
“Just leave the sandwich-making to me.”
“Deal.” I chuckled as two of the sandwiches hit the skillet with a loud sizzle. “I’d say leave the ranching to me, but I’m gonna need all the help I can get there.”
“You’re gonna do just fine, Mav.” Colt left the fire again to come draw me close. “And I’ll be right by your side.”
“Good.” I stole the kiss I’d been seeking. It had taken decades to get here, but Colt Jennings was mine forever now. We had our second chance, and I wasn’t ever letting it go.