He looked long into her eyes and then drew her closer to him. “You, Casey. I forgot you.”
“You what?” she whispered, barely daring to breathe.
“I had just about reached the city limits of Rimrock when I realized that what I was leaving was more important than what I was running toâand that's what I was doing. Running. Because you scared me.”
“Scared you?” she repeated, her heart thundering. “I didn't think you were scared of anything.”
“Oh, there was one thing.”
“Which was?” she prodded, hardly able to catch her breath.
“Love.” He groaned and touched her forehead with his. “I didn't want to fall in love again. Not with anyone and especially not you. You were too alive, too stubborn, Jenner's little sister. But I couldn't help myself.”
Her throat chocked up with emotion and she could barely speak.
“Casey, why I came back, why I couldn't leave is because I don't want to spend another day without you.” He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. “I want you to marry me.”
“Oh, Lordâ”
“And I want you to come to Warm Springs with me. Help me buy a ranch. Find the right place for us. For our children.”
“Ch-children?” Her heart soared. Could this be real?
“I love you.”
She couldn't believe her ears. “Butâ”
He placed a finger to her lips. “If you say no, I might just have to kidnap you myself.” He held her so tightly she could hear the pounding of his heart, see the raw emotions in his eyes. “I came back to ask you to marry me and then I found you with Barry White and I thought I'd lose you all over again.” He blinked rapidly and his dark eyes shone. “Marry me, Casey McKee, and I'll promise to make you happy for the rest of your life.”
She couldn't help but smile. “You already have, Sloan,” she whispered. “You already have.”
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Poinsettias filled every corner of the house. Holly, mistletoe and ivy were strung along the mantels and through the hallways. Millions of tiny white lights winked in garlands strung with miles of red ribbon.
Skye was in white, her simple gown touching the floor as she stood with Max in front of the preacher and exchanged vows. Casey watched the ceremony and her heart was filled to overflowing as she witnessed her brother marrying the woman he'd always loved. They shared a private secret, one that Skye had whispered to Casey just before the ceremony. Skye was pregnant. Despite the odds against it, she and Max had conceived a child. She planned to tell him tonight, on their honeymoon.
Casey couldn't help beaming. She shot a glance across the sea of guests standing in the living room and spied Sloan near the windows. Her life was so full and she loved him so much. They planned to marry soon, just after Jenner and Beth, then move to Warm Springs.
Everyone seemed blessed today. Even Dani was smiling at her sister, and Clarisse, escorted by her two boys, caught Casey's eye and winked. But Casey only had eyes for Sloan. He was staring at her so intently, she blushed. They shared a secret smile, but Sloan waited until the bride and groom had greeted all of their guests and were busy pouring champagne and cutting the cake before he pulled Casey outside.
“What are you doing?” she asked, laughing when he kissed her bare neck. She trembled, as much from his kiss as the snow-laden breeze.
“I have something for you.”
“What?”
“A pledge.”
She didn't know what to say as this man she loved handed her a cream-colored envelope. She opened it slowly. Inside was a diamond ring, along with a letter. She read the words and tears filled her eyes, then she turned to him and he slipped the ring over her finger.
“I love you,” he whispered as the wind kicked up and lifted the hem of her skirt. Somewhere in the distance, a horse neighed.
“And I love you.”
“Forever?”
“And a day.”
She smiled up at him and laughed at the snow catching on his eyelashes. She would spend the rest of her life with this cowboy. Finally, after years of searching, she'd found everything she wanted in life and oh, so much more.
Dear Casey,
I'm not much for words, so I'll be brief.
I never thought I'd fall in love again, never thought I'd want to settle down with a woman and raise children, but you've brought me past my pain, made me see that there is a tomorrow.
I vow to love you and our children forever. Trust me and know that I'll always be at your side.
Until eternity,
Sloan