“Good. Just making sure.”
I get a little thrill knowing Rhett’s protective of me.
I’m expecting to head back to the ranch, but instead, he pulls in front of the Prairie Rose Trading Post, which is a country store. “Did you need something here?”
“No, but I figured you do.” Me? What do I need? He gets out and comes to my door to help me down. “Now that you’re feeling better, I wanted to get you some boots. You used to like horseback riding when you were a kid, and I thought you might enjoy heading out with me some time, but you need boots to do that. Plus, I wanted to get you a graduation gift.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Unless there’s something else you’d like.”
Who knew that gruff Rhett Walker was such a sweetheart?
“I’d love a pair of boots, but I don’t want you spending money on me.” I’ve heard the guys talking. If the cattle don’t gain enough weight, we won’t get the prices we need for them. Or if the prices fall again, we could be in trouble. There are a ridiculous number of variables.
He threads our fingers together. “Darling, I’m really fucking proud of you for getting your degree. Let me get you the boots.”
My heart melts. “Okay. I’d love that. If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
We walk into the store hand in hand. Mrs. Nash greets us. “How are my favorite newlyweds doing?”
I haven’t seen Mrs. Nash in ages, but she used to give me candy when I was little even though I couldn’t afford it. “It’s so nice to see you.” I let go of Rhett to give her a hug.
“What can I get y’all?”
Rhett wraps his arm around my shoulders. “Wanted to get my wife a pair of boots, a coupla sundresses ’cause she likes those, and maybe some fabric ’cause she loves to sew.”
I glare at him. “That’s not what we agreed to.” And oh, my God, this man has been paying attention. I dated Marcus for ten months and I’m pretty sure he didn’t know those things about me.
Rhett chuckles and leans down to kiss me. “It would make me happy to get those things for you.”
Damn it. I wave a hand in my face so I don’t start crying. “Okay.”
Mrs. Nash looks back and forth between us. “Aren’t y’all the sweetest! Back in the day, I never would’ve imagined little Miss Paige would marry you, Rhett, but don’t y’all make the cutest couple.” She winks at him. “A happy wife makes for a happy life, and obviously Paige is doing something right to put that look on your face.”
His ears go red, and I chuckle. I can only imagine what he’s thinking right now.
Twenty minutes later, I come out of the dressing room in a burnt orange sundress and a lovely pair of brown boots.
Rhett lets out a wolf whistle. “Damn. You’re almost perfect.”
“Almost?” I frown.
He puts a cowboy hat on my head and tilts it back. “There ya go.”
I catch a glimpse of myself in the full-length mirror. A happy farm girl stares back at me. Her long red hair cascades from her cowboy hat. Her skin is golden brown from the Texas sun, and light freckles dot her rosy cheeks.
Rhett stands right behind me and leans down to whisper, “You’re hot as fuck in this outfit.” He turns to Mrs. Nash who’s behind the register. “We’ll take this. Can she wear it home?”
We don’t make it back to the ranch because he pulls off the road.
25
RHETT
“Where are we going?”Paige asks.
“Right here.” I pull off onto a narrow road behind the park and turn off my truck. It’s dusk, but with all the trees, it’s dark back here. I can’t wait a minute longer to touch her. “Come here.”
I unsnap my seatbelt, then hers, before I tug her over into my lap. She immediately straddles me. “Thank you for my gifts, husband. I love everything.” She removes her cowboy hat and lays it on her seat before returning her attention to me.
