“No to Austin.” My selfless, ridiculous man. I would never ask him to quit ranching for me, but his offer made me love him that much more. “I’m moving back to Magnolia Ridge.”
He let go of my hand and drew both arms around my back, tugging me close until I pressed against him from knee to waist. “Since when?”
“Not that long ago.” I loved the way he held me as if I was the most important woman in the world. As if I was the only thing he could ever want. “I’m going to partner with Marilyn. Do some work out of her store, strike out on my own a little.”
His dazed look melted into a grin. The warmth of his smile only rivaled the heat from his hands on my back.
“You’re really staying? You’re not going back to Austin?”
“I didn’t become a pro at mucking stalls for you to give up your ranch now.”
He kissed me again, pressing his lips to my mouth, my forehead, my temple. “You only love me for my horses.”
“I loveyou.” I pressed close against him as “Hey Ya” by Outkast started up. “The horses are just an added bonus.”
* * *
Long after Booker and Eden were ushered off into the night as Mr. and Mrs. Robinson and the reception had broken up, I snuggled against Ty in his recliner. Most of the lights in the house were out, but moonlight streamed in through the front window. We were both exhausted from the day’s celebrations, yet not quite ready to say goodnight.
“Are you sure this is okay?”
I gave his injured chest as much room as possible, even as I tucked myself up against him. I didn’t try to hide how I breathed him in now, letting his scent swirl through my senses.
He ran one hand along the leg I had casually draped over his lap. I still wore my bridesmaid’s dress, but I’d kicked off my shoes long ago. His suit jacket hung over the arm of the sofa, and he looked more like himself with his messy hair and rumpled shirt.
“It’s more than okay. I only wish I were a little more recuperated.”
His voice rumbling in my ear sent shockwaves of anticipation up my spine. “We’ve got time.”
He made a sound in the back of his throat, but he pulled me closer. “I’m not patient.”
“So you keep saying.” I glided one hand along his arm, exploring the firm bicep there now I was free to touch and caress him as I liked. “You still owe me, you know.”
He kissed the crown of my head, his hands wandering over my body. “You’ll have to be more specific. I owe you plenty.”
“The public declaration.”
“Oh, that. I’m willing to make public declarations every day, if you want.” He shifted, and I tilted my head up to look at him. “I, Ty Hardy, do solemnly swear I’m crazy in love with you, June Evans.”
I grinned until I could have lit up his whole house. “I am never going to get tired of hearing that.”
We kissed, long and luxurious in the peaceful quiet. His hand moved over my hip, up my arm to stroke my neck, sending sparks cascading over my skin, and I sighed against him.
Eventually, he broke the kiss, resting his forehead against mine. “You should probably go soon. I don’t want to get on Clint’s bad side right out of the gate.”
“I’m a grown woman.”
“Doesn’t mean your dad wouldn’t bust my head.”
“I’ll go in a few more minutes.” I snuggled back under his arm. “Anyway, Pop thinks the world of you. I’m pretty sure he’s been rooting for you all along.”
Ty made a sound low in his chest. “You mean the dinner thing?”
“That, too. He’s been dropping hints.”
“Hints.” He pulled me in as close as he could without crushing me to him. “Clint’s never struck me as devious. You, on the other hand…”
I laughed against his chest. “I am not devious, Ty Hardy. I’m just—”
