Page 28 of What the Cowboy Wants (The Westons of Montana #3)

B y the time Cooper helped Rose into his truck, the need to be with her had him short of breath. As he lifted her on to the seat, he couldn’t help himself, he had to touch her. With his eyes on hers, he slowly slid his hands up her leg.

Her eyes darkened. “Get in the damn truck.”

Grinning, he pulled her dress down over her knees. “Yes, Ma’am.”

As he got in beside her, his body was on fire, his heart just about jumping out of his body. “I want to take you to my house…”

She was shaking her head before he could finish. “Nope. Not tonight. Too far. Step on it, cowboy.” Sliding toward him, she put her hand on his leg.

“Hang on, Red,” he grunted as he started his car and stepped on the gas.

Without answering, she ran her hand slowly up his leg.

Groaning, he grabbed her hand and kept it tightly in his. “If you touch me now, I won’t be able to concentrate.” By the time he took the turn-off to the street where she lived, his hands were shaking. Seconds later, he parked in front of her house.

Pulling her hand from his, she continued where he’d stopped her. Within seconds, she was pulling his shirt from his pants, and he was struggling to breathe. “Rose…”

“You can just relax,” she whispered as she unbuttoned his shirt, one button at a time.

“Damn, Red, we have to talk but if you…”

“Enough with the talking.” Leaning closer, she opened his shirt, bent her head and the next moment her warm, eager mouth was moving over his chest, sending his blood to boiling point within seconds.

Before he could catch his breath, she lifted her head, and with eyes twinkling, opened the door. “Who’s going to get to the door first?” She was out of the car and running toward the front door before he could blink.

Chuckling, he grabbed the ring he’d left in the glove box before getting out of his truck, his shirt still hanging open. By the time he’d closed the front door behind him, Rose was nowhere to be seen. Where was she?

“Rose?”

“Kitchen!”

He found her making coffee. Seriously? He was just about ready to explode, and she wanted to have coffee? Not quite sure of her mood, he leaned against the kitchen counter and waited.

“So, talk,” she said while waiting for the coffee machine.

He was burning up and she wanted to talk. “Now?”

“You’re the one hell-bent on talking. I don’t know what else you want to say. You don’t want anything serious, I know. You just want a fling until you want to move on, I know. Anything else you want to add?”

Taking the box from his pocket, he got down on one knee. “Yeah, I have something to add.”

*

Rose sighed. Seriously, what else did Cooper want to say? She’d made it clear she understood what he wanted and didn’t want, why did he have to drag this out? Taking a deep breath, she turned around. And promptly lost her breath.

He was on one knee, his shirt still open, giving her a glimpse of his muscled chest, but what drew her eyes at the moment was the small box he had in his hand. Her heart skidded to a standstill before it bravely tried to resume its beating.

“Rose Dalton, I lost my heart to you the moment I saw you. I’m no prize, believe me, I know.

I live on a ranch with my interfering family and a sister who knows things.

I talk to animals, I feel my family’s pain.

The reason I didn’t want to get married was because I was worried I won’t be able to handle one more person’s pain.

But then you showed up, hurt and wet but so brave, I fell head over heels in love with you right there, standing in the rain next to your car.

You told me a while back what kind of man you would want when you ever fall in love again.

Well, I’m that man. I never want to be without you if I can help it.

And when I’m with you, I don’t notice anyone else.

I’m the someone you were looking for to love you.

Will you please marry me and be my wife and live with me and Prince and Charlie and Ebony and Lady? ”

By the time he’d finished talking she was on her knees in front of him, tears streaming down her face. “And Scarlett,” she sniffed. “You remembered my words. Tell me again?”

In the depths of his blue eyes she could see his love, but she was finding it hard to believe it. “You were so adamant about not getting married and here you are, on your knee with a ring. Are we talking about a wedding?”

“We’re talking about a wedding.” he said with a grin.

“You do know what that means? There will be people. And I want the whole shebang—flowers, dress, cake, lights, the works. It doesn’t have to be a big wedding, I’m happy with just family and friends, but are you sure you’re up for it?”

“I told you everything has changed. I love you, Rose Dalton. Last night I told you in all the ways I knew how much. For you, I’ll do anything, even a wedding.” Smiling slowly, his gaze slid over her face. “What about you? You haven’t told me how you feel.”

“Can’t you feel it?”

His eyes were dark pools of emotion. “The words, Rose, I need to hear you say it.”

She put her hands around his face. “I love you, Cooper Weston. And yes, I’ll marry you and share your house with you and your furry friends. I’m not sure what Ebony is going to say about another woman in her house, though.”

His smile took away her last doubts. “She wants you to know you’re very welcome as long as you remember she was there first.”

“Noted,” she laughed.

Cooper opened the little box. A green stone with diamonds on either side winked at her.

“It’s my mom’s ring.” His voice wasn’t quite steady. “That’s why I was late tonight. My dad gave it to her when I was born. We can get you something else if you don’t like this…”

As she lifted her hand, her heart finally settled into place. “It’s beautiful. I’m honored to wear your mom’s ring.”

With his eyes on her, he took out the ring and slipped it on her finger.

“So, are we engaged?” she asked breathlessly lifting her hand to admire the ring.

Getting up, Cooper shrugged off his shirt. Before she realized what he was about to do, he picked her up. “Yes, we are. And now I’m taking my fiancé to bed, I’m done talking.”

“Finally!” She grinned as she put her arms around his neck.

*

Deep in the night, Cooper opened his eyes. For a moment he was disorientated but he became aware as he inhaled, the scent of wildflowers all around him told him he was next to the person he always wanted by his side—Rose.

The beams from the full moon fell across the bed. Turning on his side, he found Rose with her hands tucked beneath her face, looking at him.

“Hello, beautiful.” With their eyes locked, he slid a hand down her arm. He waited for the question he saw in her eyes.

“What made you change your mind?”

He didn’t have to ask what she was talking about. “Something Becket said.”

“What did he say?”

With his hand stroking her body, he watched her. “That yes, you could probably do much better than marrying an animal-talking cowboy, but there is nobody that will love you the way I do.”

Her smiled touched all the corners in his heart. “That is so beautiful. Corny, but beautiful.”

Laughing, he bent forward and kissed her.

The moment their lips met, the fire was back, burning brighter than ever before.

As he deepened the kiss, he gathered her close.

What he’d ever done to deserve her, he would probably never know, but he was going to show her every day how grateful he was to have her in his life.

The kiss had, like every time his lips touched hers, stirred the simmering embers and within minutes a fire was raging through his body again, urging him to become one with her. As he pulled her closer, her warm body came willingly, one of those long legs slid over his thigh, and he was lost.

When he next opened his eyes, the rays of the sun were streaming through the window. Something else had woken him up. There it was again. The front doorbell.

Rose was still fast asleep, her red hair spread out all over her window. He couldn’t resist pressing his lips against her forehead before he got out of bed. Slipping into his jeans, he grabbed his shirt as he left the room.

Who would be ringing the bell this early? Okay, it wasn’t that early, but still. His family knew he was here, it couldn’t be any of them. His mind had been on Rose all night, but if anything was wrong, he would’ve known. Shrugging on his shirt, he opened the door.

An older man and woman were standing on the doorstep. It took him another second to realize who they were. Smiling, he put out his hand. “Cooper Weston. And you are Mr. And Mrs. Dalton, Rose’s parents, I take it?”

They both looked stunned for a moment. Rose’s mother was the first one to recover and took his hand. “Rosalyn Dalton, Rose’s mother. What a lovely surprise to meet you… here, in Rose’s house. I take it you’re the one who put the smile back in our daughter’s voice?”

Grinning, he shook her hand. “I like to think so.” Rose had her eyes. The small smile playing around her mouth was also familiar.

Rose’s dad, however, was another matter entirely. He nearly crushed Cooper’s hand. “Miles Dalton. You mess with my daughter, you mess with me,” he grunted.

“Yes, Sir,” Cooper said, doing his best not to wince. “Rose is still sleeping, but please come on in. We have things to talk about.”

“You think?” Papa Dalton was not impressed.

“I’ll make coffee,” Cooper offered.

“That sounds lovely, Cooper,” Rose’s mom said as she elbowed her husband.

He just grunted.

*

With her eyes still closed, Rose put out a hand to find Cooper, but he wasn’t there.

Smiling, she sat up and looked at her ring again.

It was still so surreal. Days ago, her heart was breaking because she’d thought Cooper only wanted to be with her for a while, but here she was, engaged to the animal whisperer.

She couldn’t be happier. He wanted to get married. Her animal whisperer. Married.

Grinning, she got up. Where was her fiancé? They’d again hardly slept. Every time she’d turned, he was there with his warm, urgent hands and mouth to take her to new heights. She hadn’t known it was possible to be transported to a completely other reality when making love.

But then, she’d never made love with someone who could read her mind, who knew exactly what she wanted. There was definitely something to be said for that.

As she moved toward the door, she heard other voices. Who on earth would be here on a Sunday morning?

Tiptoeing to the door, she listened. That was Cooper talking. Another male voice interrupted him. Her breath hitched. Oh, my goodness, that, if she wasn’t mistaken, was her dad’s voice.

For a moment she was frozen, but then she spun around and ran to her closet. Swallowing down a half hysterical giggle, she quickly put on a track suit and pulled the brush through her hair.

She hadn’t even told Cooper her parents were planning on visiting her. Her mother had figured out there was someone in Rose’s life, but she hadn’t told them about Cooper. When she’d spoken to her mother, she had no idea Cooper wanted to marry her.

“Mom, Dad!” she smiled as she rushed into the kitchen. “Why didn’t you tell me you were arriving earlier? I’m so, so happy you’re here!”

Both her mom and dad got up. Smiling, her mom held out her arms. “We’ve just met your fiancé. Congratulations, sweetheart. I like him, he makes good coffee.”

As Rose hugged her mother, she glanced in Cooper’s direction. Although clearly a bit rumpled, he was dressed. He winked at her. Of course he would’ve handled the situation.

“Hi Dad, I’m so glad you’re here,” she said as she turned to her dad.

He was still frowning, clearly very unhappy.

“I love him, Dad,” she coaxed as she walked into his arms.

Grunting, he hugged her tightly and for a few moments, he wouldn’t let go. Relaxing against him, she waited.

Cooper’s phone rang and he left the kitchen to answer it.

After another few minutes, he dad finally dropped his arms and stepped back. “Are you sure about this?”

She nodded. “I am, Dad. He’s special, and once you get to know him, you’ll understand why he has my heart.”

Her mom was grinning. “The fact that he’s tall, dark and handsome, doesn’t hurt either. He’s clearly besotted with our girl. Show us your ring, I can’t wait to see it!”

Rose lifted her hand. “Cooper’s mom gave it to him. It’s so special to wear something that belonged to her.”

Just then Cooper returned. “That was my sister, Willow. We’re all having lunch at her place today and Mr. and Mrs. Dalton, she’s invited you too, of course. You can meet the rest of my family—it can be overwhelming, so get ready.”

“Mom, Dad, let me show you to your room if you want to freshen up,” Rose said. “The room is ready for you. I cleaned it earlier in the week, I was so excited to know you’re visiting.

“I’ll bring the luggage,” Cooper said.

As he left, her mother took Rose’s arm, her eyes bright with tears. “You’ve chosen well. He lights up when he sees you.” She smiled. “I’m so happy for you.”

Rose opened the door to the guest room. “Are you really okay if we join the Westons today? I know we have a lot to talk about…”

“We’d love to meet them, sweetie,” her mom smiled as Cooper walked in with their bags. “Just wait a moment, I have something for you.” Unzipping her bag, she took out a beautifully wrapped present. “When I saw this, I thought of you. See if it fits? Maybe you can wear it today.”

“Thanks, Mom, you always know what I like.” Rose smiled as she took it. “There’s a bathroom through there if you want to freshen up.”

Silently, Cooper and Rose walked back to her room. As she closed the door behind her, the giggle she’d been trying to keep down, finally escaped. With her hand around her mouth to muffle the sound, she ran to the bathroom before she burst out laughing.

Cooper entered and closed the door behind him.

“Were you dressed when you opened the front door?” she asked in between fits of laughter.

Grinning, he pulled her close. “More or less. I don’t think I’m your dad’s favorite person right now, but I’ll work on him.”

“You were wonderful with them, thank you. I haven’t even had time to tell you they’re coming to visit. We’ve been otherwise occupied.” Smiling, she slipped her hands underneath his shirt.

“I don’t have clean clothes with me.” Cooper brushed her hair from her face. “And maybe you and your parents need time alone together. I’m going to pick up Mom and take her with me and we’ll meet you at Willow’s place, how does that sound?”

“I haven’t had a morning kiss, and you want to leave me?” she said, pretending to be indignant.

“I’ll always have time to kiss you, Red.” Winding her hair around his hand, he proceeded to kiss her soundly.