“Nothing’s been sold yet,” Abby said. Of course her mom would be obsessed with theprices.
“They will dear. Cody’s a very nice man. I can only hope that he makes you happy,” hermomsaid.
“He does. Every morning I jump out of bed and can’t wait to go see him. We’ve been spending so much time together that I may as well move in,”Abbysaid.
“Not until you’re married,” her father said as he strolled up. He’d been working the room since he arrived. So far he’d chatted up the mayor and half the citycouncil.
“I know,” Abby said withasigh.
In a way, she regretted telling Cody that she’d wanted to wait until they got to know each other. As the month of January rolled into February, she couldn’t help but think it would be fun to be engaged by Valentine’s Day. But she didn’t want to rush him. He’d been sweet enough to wait for her. Waiting for him was the least shecoulddo.
Julian, the gallery director, stepped to the center oftheroom.
“Can I have your attention please?” heasked.
The various conversations died down as everyone turned tofacehim.
“Thank you all for coming to the exhibit. I consider myself very lucky to have discovered such a talented new artist,”Juliansaid.
Cody coughedloudly.
“Courtesy of Cody Grant, of course,” Julian added with a grin. “I have no doubt that both locals and tourists will snap up Abigail’s paintings faster than she can paint them. It’s an honor to displayherwork.”
As the gathering clapped, waiters circled through the room with trays of champagne. When everyone in attendance held a glass, he nodded toward Cody who moved to take hisplace.
Cody stuffed his hands in his pockets and took a breath. When he raised his head to meet her gaze, hesmiled.
“A few of you know that Abby and I have been dating for the past few weeks,” Cody began. “I’ve spent almost every waking hour with her. We’ve mucked out stalls together, loaded countless bales of hay into Logan’s new barn, and various other illustriouschores.”
Her mom frowned but her dad cracked asmile.
“Abby’s the most incredible woman I’ve ever known,” Cody said. “When I first met her, she had a lot going on in her life so we decided to take things slow. Much slower than my brothers and their shotgunrelationships.”
“Worked for me,” Logan said as he wrapped his armsaroundKate.
“It sure did,” Carol said as she gazed upatHank.
“It feels like Abby and I have known each other for more than just a few weeks,” Cody said. “It feels like a lifetime, but in agoodway.”
“Thanks, honey,”Abbysaid.
“And that’s why I want to do something special tonight,”Codysaid.
When he dropped to one knee, shegasped.
“Abigail Ann Holt, I’ve been in love with you since the day I met you. I know the life of a rancher’s wife isn’t very glamorous, but it’s a good, honest life. I can’t imagine spending it without you by my side. If you would do me the honor of being my wife, you’d make me the happiest man alive. Honey, will youmarryme?”
Tears streaked down her face as she nodded. She couldn’t speak as Cody pulled a small black velvet box out of his pocket. He reached for her trembling hand thenpaused.
“Yes,”shesaid.
Cody slid the gorgeous diamond ring onto her finger. He stood and pulled her intohisarms.
“I love you,” he whispered inherear.
“I loveyou,too.”
Her parents were the first to congratulate them on their engagement. She hadn’t expected them to approve, but she didn’t question it. Maybe Cody had talked to them inadvance.
