Marrying The Cowboy: A BWWM Cowboy Billionaire Romance (6 page)

"My love, more than I care to admit."

She understood the gravity in his words. "So then you know what
it feels like to be unsure of where things are going. To feel like
your feet are not on solid ground."

Bruce kissed her cheek. "That is what I think is the best part
of falling in love. The not knowing. You don't know who the person
will be. You don't know how deeply you will fall. You don't know how
much it will take over your life. You just don't know anything. But
why on earth would you let that stop you from being with the person
you care about? I would rather have the one I love than not. And I
want that woman at any cost."

He stared through her with those deep blue windows to his soul. It
was as if he thought that keeping his attention on her would help her
to calm the raging tide of anxiety that swirled within her.

"Anything? You'll do anything?"

"Anything."

"Even sweep her off of her feet, chartering a private jet to
Paris?"

"That is only the beginning."

Kate's heart skipped a beat. She was not sure what to say next. Here
was the man she loved, confessing he was willing to do whatever it
took to have her. She knew that many women could not say they had
heard that from another.

She knew she had to go along for the ride. Being in love had to be
worth something. It had to be worth the risk she was taking.

*****

Touching down in Paris sent a surge of exhilaration through Kate's
body. Just to know she was in the City of Love with the man she loved
was such a treat. Although there were many places she wanted to go
and sites she wanted to see, the first thing on her list was getting
to the hotel and taking a long hot bath so she could change clothes.

The car service did not take them to a hotel like Kate expected.
Instead, they were taken to a private villa. The last time they were
there, Bruce had booked a quaint bed and breakfast. She was growing
accustomed to traveling with him and having all of the best that
money could offer.

Rolling hills and the countryside were a picturesque backdrop. "This
is breathtaking, Bruce. How did you find this place?"

He tried to appear nonchalant. "A friend of mine suggested we
use his villa for the vacation. I took him up on the offer. We could
always stay at a hotel in the city if you prefer that."

"I appreciate the offer. But I think this will be perfect. A
little quiet will do me some good I think."

Bruce nodded as the car pulled into the crescent driveway of the
villa. The landscaping was breathtaking and Kate could not wait to
see the inside.

"We will have a chef and housekeeping daily, but otherwise, we
are on our own. I thought that would be a nice difference to the bed
and breakfast where there was staff swirling around all of the time."

"Thank you for being so considerate." Kate linked her arm
in his as they went to the front door. Bruce used a key to open the
door.

"I don't think the chef gets back until early in the morning for
breakfast, but there should be some food here in the refrigerator."

"I'm not too hungry, but I know I could use a snack a little
later."

Bruce brought in their bags and sat them at the front door. Flipping
a switch, the light gave way to an open space. The great room that
greeted them was beautifully decorated with contemporary furniture
that met an old world style.

Kate could not help but stare at the decorative crown molding as well
as the gold trim that was infused. The kitchen reminded her of the
pictures of country houses, a large island with a wooden counter and
the pots hung above it on a rack.

"This is so gorgeous. I can't wait to see the bedrooms."
Kate wandered off before Bruce could catch up with the bags in hand.

"I think this room here is perfect." Kate flung the double
doors open and there was a room large enough to be a small apartment.
With a sitting area and an area where they could take their meals if
they wanted, Kate thought the space was perfect. A brass four post
bed furnished with a royal purple satin duvet, a flat screen
television, and an enormous cherry wood armoire were among the décor
in the room.

"Bruce, this is absolutely fabulous. I can't believe this is
where we will be staying."

"I hoped that you would enjoy it. I, myself did not know what to
expect, but I am impressed as well. Here, let's put our things away
and grab a bite to eat."

"Why don't you check out what is in the kitchen while I shower
and change?"

"Sounds good."

Kate found the bathroom which was filled with luxury soaps and exotic
perfumes. A huge garden tub sat in the corner and she was completely
ready to jump in, but decided to take a shower instead. She knew if
she got in the tub, she would never get out and she definitely wanted
something to eat.

The warm water felt amazing and when she used the lavender scented
body wash, her mahogany skin felt silky smooth. All she wanted to do
was put on her pajamas and get in the bed.

Her stomach growled, reminding her that she was hungry and Bruce
would be waiting for her in the kitchen with something prepared. She
slid on some comfortable clothes; a tank top and a pair of shorts,
and went to the kitchen. She found it after getting lost down another
corridor.

"This place is way bigger than I thought. I just got lost down a
hallway I did not even see when we were looking around."

"I'm so glad that you found me. Have a seat."

There was a nook in the kitchen where the two of them could sit down
to eat. Bruce already had it set.

"A little snack. Thank goodness the cabinets were stocked."

"You pulled all of this together that quickly?"

"A little something for my love. Sit. Eat."

Their meal was fresh fruit, a cut of ham, and an omelet. It was just
what she needed to appease her appetite.

"What time is it?" Kate asked.

"It is practically daylight. I thought that before we get some
rest, we could go out to the gardens and watch the sunrise."

"That would be wonderful. Let's do it."

Leaving their empty dishes on the table, Bruce and Kate walked hand
in hand out of the patio doors and out to the open. There was a fresh
mist overhead and a warm breeze enveloped them.

Bruce pointed to a spot on the hill that seemed like it would be the
perfect place to watch the sunrise. They traveled there hand in hand
through the ankle high grass. Kate sat down first, beckoning for
Bruce to sit near her.

He did, placing his arm around her shoulders. No words needed to be
spoken as they sat there, staring ahead, waiting for the sun to rise.
Kate simply leaned in and rested her head on Bruce's shoulder as they
relaxed in each other's presence.

As the sun peeked over the horizon, Kate squeezed Bruce's hand. The
view was breathtaking. Being there with Bruce made it all the more
special.

Colors of red and orange burst through, signaling daybreak.

"That was something I never thought of doing. This was... I
don't have the words to describe it."

Bruce turned to her. "What if life was like this for you all of
the time?"

Kate's initial response was affirmative, but then she took a moment
longer to realize what it was that Bruce was asking. Her heart almost
leaped out of her chest.

All she did was nod.

Bruce reached behind him and pulled out a small, shiny thing.

"Kate Walker, I would like to ask you to marry me."

The world started spinning. Kate could hardly catch her breath.

She closed her eyes, hoping she could still the emotions. She could
feel Bruce taking her by the hand and slip the ring over her finger.

"Kate, I want to love you for the rest of our lives. And if you
will let me, I promise to be there for you forever. Will you make me
the happiest man on Earth by saying yes?"

She choked back the tears and blurted out "Yes."

"Are you serious?" It was if Bruce could not believe her
answer.

Kate wiped away the tears, which were now streaming down her cheeks.
"I am so very serious. I would never want to lose you, Bruce. I
love you and I take pleasure in saying yes, I will be your wife."

Her hand in his, Kate and Bruce sat with each other as the sun hung
high overhead. So very symbolic of the new beginning the couple now
shared.

"This is all so surreal. I really can't believe we are getting
married," Kate exclaimed.

"You can't believe it?" Bruce asked.

"You say that as if you had some inside track on where our
relationship was going."

"Well, I knew where I wanted it to go and that I am in love with
you, so I thought that would always be enough."

Kate nodded. "That makes sense. Can I tell you something?"

"Anything," he replied, staring into her eyes.

"I always knew the two of us would be together too."

Bruce laughed and held her tightly in his arms. "Let me see that
ring, woman."

Proudly displaying her ring, hand in the air, fingers spread, Kate
showed off the princess cut diamond. The more she looked at it, the
more she realized the ring was the companion to the earrings that he
gifted her.

"Yep, that looks good on you. Almost like it was made just for
you."

"I agree."

The sun began to warm the earth, breaking the mist that was there
earlier.

"What do you say we get back inside and get our day started?"
Bruce proposed.

"I think that is a great idea. Wait. Do you have something else
in mind?"

"I can't tell you."

Kate shrugged. "Alright. I'll just go with it."

They walked arm and arm back to the villa.

"So what did you have in mind as far as a wedding date?"
Kate asked.

"Kate, I want to get married as soon as possible. Woman, I would
marry you today if you would say yes."

"Yes."

Bruce turned, looking at her with surprise.

"What did you say?"

"Yes. Let's do it today."

"Let me make sure I heard you correctly. You, Kate Walker said
that you will marry me, Bruce Stanger today."

"I did. I mean, I do. Or whatever. Let's do it today."

Bruce stopped walking and turned to her. "But what about your
family? I thought you would have wanted your family and friends to be
here."

"How many times do I have to remind you that I'm not as
conventional as you would believe? And since we are in the mode of
being spontaneous, let's continue. We can make this about us right
now, and then celebrate with friends and family once we get back
home."

Bruce thought about it, then lightly touched her on the nose. "I
think you have a great point. I have an idea. What if we exchange
vows at the Eiffel Tower?"

Kate practically jumped up and down. "That sounds amazing! Oh my
goodness, what am I supposed to wear? I have to find something
special. I mean, I don't need a wedding gown, but I have to look
perfect."

The words flowed so quickly, Bruce did not have a chance to get the
words in edgewise.

"Why don't we take this time to go shopping? Then, we can go and
exchange vows, and go out to dinner and a night on the town."

Kate threw her arms around Bruce's neck. "Mrs. Kate Stanger. Has
a pretty decent ring to it."

"Mmm. I like the sound of that too."

*****

Kate threw on a pair of jeans and a simple white tee shirt. She
wanted to be comfortable while she shopped. The car service arrived
and took them into the city. First stop was a small bistro for
breakfast. Kate was so full of energy, she did not even realize that
she had not gotten any rest since they arrived.

Her mind was solely on becoming Bruce's wife. Eating at the bistro
was exactly what she always wanted to do in Paris. The maitre d'
served them outside as they people watched. Paris had such a
beautiful flow; people strolling leisurely, the gorgeous
architecture, and the fashion of the natives.

Sitting there, Kate fell in love with the city all over again. This
time, it was an entirely different experience. The last time, her
schedule was filled with work. The only time she got a chance to
site-see was when she sat at a local café with her client and
grabbed a bite to eat, and when she was in the car going from one
celebrity event to another.

Now, she was one of those who took a leisurely stroll and got a
chance to take a look at the city from a visitor's standpoint, and
enjoy it. The best part, walking hand in hand with Bruce, taking in
all of the sites with the man she loved. They finished their meal and
the car service took them to an exclusive shopping district. Kate had
no clue what kind of attire she wanted. Maybe a dress, maybe a pant
suit. Bruce told her to get whatever she wanted, because he thought
she looked sensational in whatever she wore.

After trying on clothes at three different stores, Kate found a
boutique that spoke to her. The first thing that she tried on was a
black one piece pantsuit jumper that was strapless. The beading on
the bodice was intricately appliquéd, and the cut of the piece
fit her curves perfectly.

When she walked out of the dressing room to model for Bruce, he
jumped up out of his seat.

"That is most certainly the right outfit. That is the one."
His eyes drank her in.

"Are you sure? I have a pair of strappy heels I could wear with
this." She twirled around in the mirror, all the while relishing
in the fact that Bruce could not take his eyes off of her.

"No. We are going to buy you all you need while we are out. When
we return to the villa, we will be Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Stanger."

Kate did not fight the demand. She started browsing for a pair of
shoes to go with her new outfit. It took her a moment to find just
the right ones, a strappy pair of red high heels. She threw in a
purse to accessorize. Just as she placed everything on the counter,
Kate recognized the beauty in what was happening. One of her bucket
list items was that she wanted to afford to shop on Rodeo Drive back
at home. What a surprise to know that she was able to now shop in one
of the most exclusive shopping districts in the world, in France.