“Well, I guess it won’t hurt to keep going alittlewhile longer. Seeing as I’m going to be practicing here, every little vote of confidence helps.”
“Wait…” I wasn’t sure what I’d just heard. “What?”
“Ruth changed her mind. She’s selling me the practice after all.”
I remained frozen for a half second to process the news before throwing myself into his arms.
“Declan, congrats!” I said, the words muffled against him as I tried not to greedily inhale his scent. He’d gotten what he wanted, but I still wasn’t sure what he thought aboutus.
I backed away, even though it felt like Declan was reluctant to let go of me.
“What changed?” I asked, trying to slow my racing heartbeat.
Declan laughed. “Ruth. Her exact quote was ‘Fuck em,’ they ain’t got a choice. They’ll figure out how good you are soon enough.’”
I could picture Ruth’s defiant expression as she spoke her mind.
“Wow, I can’t believe you’re really staying,” I said.
“Yeah.” He cleared his throat. “Because I’m ready to fight for what I love.”
“Well, you’re such a great fit at the practice. I’m glad you fought for it,” I started, but Declan closed the distance between us before I could finish.
“Shannon.” He reached out to gently grasp my arms, sending a shiver cascading through me. “Youare what I’m fighting for. I’m fighting for us.”
Something in my chest constricted, making it hard to breathe.
“You mean…”
“Yes. I’m in love with you, Shannon Cafferty.”
Declan stared into my eyes, then leaned down and pressed his lips to mine before I could say another word.
It was all the confirmation I needed.
The kiss seemed to last forever until an annoyed whinny and kick from inside the trailer interrupted us.
“Who’s in there anyway?”
The mischievous smile returned to his face. “Oh, just a sweet horse named Sunshine. She’s looking for a new home.”
My mouth dropped open, and I backed away from Declan in shock.
“No.”
He nodded. “Oh yes, she’s yours.”
“But how did you…”
“I pulled some strings, called in a few favors and convinced Becca that she needed to trade up to a different mare better suited to breeding racehorses instead of ranch horses. But according to Ruth,you’rethe one who made out in the deal.”
I ran to the trailer to peek in the window, then back to Declan with my mouth still hanging open.
“No one’s going to mess with Lost Valley Ranch again, you have my word,” he said, holding my gaze.
I walked over to him and nestled against his chest, squeezing my eyes shut and finally allowing myself to breathe him in. “I don’t need your word as long as I have you.”
I leaned back and looked up at him as tears filled my eyes.
