Page 55 of Barry

“Then we should fix that.” She ran her hands through his hair as he lowered her to the mattress.

“We’re going to.” Barry stood up, stripped his t-shirt, and toed off his boots. Kathy made haste to shed her clothes. He watched her closely as he finished undressing. The attention would have made her blush, but not with him. The way he adored her and told her how beautiful she was to him gave her confidence. It was a feeling she hoped every woman could experience. The perfect acceptance and love that was given freely. She accepted him into her arms, and the sensation of his weight and firm body against her once again ignited the fire deep inside her.

He was careful to avoid the painful area on her hip caused by that damn snake and the madman who’d tried to pull them apart. Kathy wound her fingers through his hair as his lips traveled down her neck and lower. She gasped at the sensations and the rivulets of pleasure that pooled deep inside her.

He was a patient lover, using tender touches that left searing trails of enticement that she arched against in herneed. The world narrowed to their connection. His taste, his scent, the contact, the sensitivity of flesh against flesh, all combined in an explosion of need so basic that the culmination felt raw and vulnerable.

He held her as she caught her breath. “I’m so happy.” She brushed a tear away.

He lifted to his elbow and wiped another tear away with his thumb. “Crying?”

She nodded. “You make me so happy that I get emotional.”

“It’s my fault you're crying?” He dropped a kiss on her nose. “Because you're happy?”

“Of course, it’s your fault, and yes, I’m happy.” She laughed and sniffed a bit.

“Ah. Then this should be an interesting moment.” He looked behind him. “Hold on.” He rolled to the edge of the bed, picked up his jeans, and then rolled back to her. He had something in his hand. She rolled to her side. “What do you have?”

He looked at his closed fist. “Andrew sent me home early today. So, I stopped by your mom and dad’s before I came home.”

She lifted on an elbow. “Why?”

“To make it official.”

“What?” Kathy shook her head. “I’m sorry, I think I missed half of the conversation somewhere.”

He laughed; the sound was magical, and it caused her to smile. It probably always would.

“I asked your mom and dad for permission to marry you.” He opened his palm. “Your dad had already said yes, but your mom agreed only if I used this as my engagement ring.”

He opened the box, and Kathy gasped. The old-fashioned ornate silver setting held a small diamond. “That’s my grandmother’s ring.”

“It is.” He took it out of the box and held it between two fingers. “Kathy, will you marry me and wear this ring so your mom doesn’t disown either of us?”

She smiled at him and leaned over, kissing him. “I will marry you, and you don’t have to use this ring.” The tears she’d just managed to corral were loose again.

He slid it on her hand. “I was going to go to Rapid and buy you one, but when your mom told me you’d always admired the ring, and she wanted you to have it …” He slid it on her finger, and it fit beautifully.

Taking her hand in his, he kissed the back of her hand. “I don’t want to wait forever, but if you need to plan the wedding …”

She pushed him back and laid on top of him, staring down at him. She wiped at the new tears. “I know exactly what I want. I want to be married at our ranch. I’ll need two months, maybe a bit longer if Kayla is busy. I want her to make a dress for me.”

“I’ll give you three months. After that, we’re eloping.” He winked at her and smiled.

“Deal.” She leaned down to kiss him, and his hand slidup her back to her neck. He held her gently as they kissed. Happiness wasn’t a diamond. A big ceremony wouldn’t guarantee a forever love. What they had, the deep friendship, the shared struggles, similar likes and dislikes, and an almost magical chemistry would see them through the lean times. Life was hard. Love made it easier. Love made it worth the struggles.

EPILOGUE

Two and a half months later:

Kathy glanceddown at the wildflowers in her bouquet. They were perfect even though they were out of season, and the order of flowers had cost way too much money. Her dad told her he had the money saved and that she was worth the cost, which made her cry. But then again, she’d been so happy lately the tears were from joy, not sadness.

“Are you ready? Andrew just escorted your mom to her seat.” Her dad offered her his elbow.

She slipped her hand through his arm. “I am.” Shesmiled at him.

“You know, you can back out of this, right?” Her dad winked at her.