Page 69 of Mateo & Nicole
His smile felt plastered to his face as he attempted to calm his racing heart. “I know that.”
“She’s not going to leave you for someone else. And Caroline gave up tormenting y’all months ago.”
“What are you trying to say?” he asked weakly.
“I’m trying to find out if you’re going to make an honest woman out of her and ask her to be your wife.”
He hated how much that question gave him anxiety. They were in a good place—had been for months. It was comfortable and easy. But Sophia was right. Mateo had come to that same conclusion two months ago when he’d bought the ring. He just hadn’t gotten the courage to actually do it.
“She’s perfect for you, Mateo,” she said softly.
Mateo raked a hand through his hair and sighed. “Yeah, I know.”
“And you love that kid.”
That brought a smile to his face. “He’s a neat kid.”
“So, what’s the hold-up?”
He made a face.
“Uh-oh.” Sophia teased.
“What?”
“You’rescared.”
“I’mnotscared,” he argued.
Sophia snickered. “Yes, you are. You’re scared to get married. What is it? You can’t be scared that she’s going to leave you. Is it the wedding day?”
He stilled. That was it. She made an excellent point. The thought of planning a big wedding and having to stand in front of a group of friends and family terrified him. It made him sick just thinking about it. Mateo turned to his sister and grabbed her by her upper arms. “You’re a genius!” He kissed her on the forehead and hurried away, ignoring her snarky comeback.
Mateo immediately sought out Paxton. He’d been waiting for the right time to talk to the kid about his plans. If Paxton knew too soon, he was bound to let the secret slip. Now, Mateo was ready. And if Paxton wasn’t, they could wait until he was.
Paxton was standing on a rung of a corral fence near the barn, watching his new horse. Dragon had a spunky personality, but he adored Paxton. Mateo could see it in the way they worked together.
Mateo slowed his steps as he approached, then leaned against the rail at the boy’s side. “Hey, bud.”
Paxton glanced up at him and smiled.
“I wanted to ask you something if that’s okay. Actually, a couple somethings.” Part of this conversation had a lot more to do with Paxton than Nikki. The boy needed to know just how much he meant to him.
“Okay,” Paxton said eagerly. “Are we going to talk about riding?”
Slowly, Mateo shook his head. “Actually, it has to do with you.”
Paxton frowned. “Me? Am I in trouble?”
He chuckled. “No, of course not. It has to do with your mom and me, too.”
His frown remained, and a crease formed between his brows. “Okay,” he hedged.
Mateo dropped down so he was eye-level with the boy. “Did you know that I love you?”
A hesitant smile spread across Paxton’s lips. “Yeah. And you love Mom, too.”
“I sure do,” Mateo agreed. “And do you know what men do when there are people they love?”
