Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 66518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Then, to my absolute amazement, he and the huge stallion began to dance. They both sidestepped to the right, then to the left, turned in a circle, and pranced in unison. It was cute and funny, but it was also a truly impressive accomplishment. More than that, the way this traumatized animal trusted him was deeply touching.
When the song ended, I cheered and applauded, and Ryder grinned self-consciously. He held out his hand and lowered it, and both he and the horse took a bow.
I left my shawl on the chair and climbed onto the lower rung of the fence as he hurried over to me. Then I leaned over the top rail and kissed him before saying, “You’re amazing. So’s Barbie.”
“I guess that means you liked the show.”
“I loved it.”
Ryder kissed me again and said, “Dancing with a horse is kind of a weird lead-in to this next bit, but I was dyin’ to show you what we’ve been working on. I also couldn’t wait another minute for your real surprise.” He climbed through the fence and called, “Deogee, bring me the bag.”
The dog got up and retrieved a small drawstring pouch, which had been sitting on an upended milk crate. As he brought it to Ryder, I asked, “What’s that?”
“I’m about to show you.”
He removed something from the pouch and got down on one knee. I didn’t realize what was happening at first, not until he took my hand and said, “I love you more than anything in this whole entire world, Hal. You’re my sun and moon, my better half, and the best thing that ever happened to me. Would you do me the incredible honor of being my husband?”
I shouted, “Oh my god, yes!” When he slipped a purple amethyst ring onto my finger, my breath caught and I whispered, “It’s beautiful.”
Ryder stood up and grabbed me in a hug. “You’ve made me so happy.”
“I absolutely adore you. And wow, way to spring this on me out of the blue!”
He leaned back a little and smiled at me as I caressed his cheek. “I was planning on proposing when we’re in New Orleans, with champagne, candlelight, the whole nine yards. But then, like I said, I couldn’t wait. Plus, I thought it was better to do it here, on our ranch. This place is a part of us.”
“It is. How could we get engaged without being surrounded by dogs, chickens, a donkey, and a horse?”
“Exactly.”
“We need to have the wedding ceremony here, too,” I said, “in the springtime, when the bluebonnets are in bloom.”
“That sounds perfect.” The donkey brayed loudly, and Ryder grinned and said, “I think Jeff approves. He’s going to be jealous though, because I’m planning to ask Tank to be my best man, not him.”
“He can still be one of your groomsmen. Jeff and your friends can even get matching outfits.” I was joking, but I could totally see that happening.
“Speaking of outfits, I can’t wait to see what you decide to wear. I know it’s going to be the most spectacular thing you’ve ever designed.”
“I’ve sketched five different ideas so far.”
“You knew I was planning to ask you!”
“Actually, I was planning to ask you next week, when we’re in New Orleans.”
Ryder looked shocked. “Seriously?”
I nodded. “I was putting a whole thing together with champagne, candlelight, all that romantic stuff. But it was much better to do it here at home.”
He kissed me and asked, “So, should we shoot for this spring, or the one after that?”
“This one. I don’t want to wait to be your husband.”
“I don’t want to wait, either. There’s a lot to do, though. Spring will be here before we know it, so we’ll have to start planning the wedding right away. But I already know one thing we can cross off the list.”
“What’s that?”
“The song for our first dance.” He hit a button on the boombox, and “Boogie Shoes” started up again.
I shook my head. “No way.”
“Yes, way! It’s perfect, and I’ll prove it.”
With that, he grabbed my hands, and the two of us started to dance. It was silly, and clumsy, and pure joy. When he lifted me up and spun me around, I shrieked with delight, and both of us started to laugh.
As recently as a year ago, I couldn’t have predicted I’d end up here. And yet, my entire life, every choice, every high and low, every experience had led me to Ryder. I knew, without a doubt, that this was exactly where I was always meant to be—in this wonderful place, with this absolutely extraordinary man.
The End