“Yeah. I wanted to see the goats,” he added.
“Fine. Then we’ll go see them,” Mindy caved. They’d both been acting weird for hours. Rushing her here and there. Why didn’t they want to rush now?
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining. The sky was clear and blue. There was a scent of sweetness mixed in the air. Oh how she missed the ranch.
Jane slid open the door to the barn and Mindy started to step in when she came to a halt. She had to blink twice to be sure what she was seeing was real. Creed stood a few feet away, smiling and holding a large bouquet of her favorite flowers. He looked handsome wearing a crisp white button-down shirt that emphasized the breadth of his shoulders and chest. The dark denims fit his long legs like they were tailor made for him and his boots were new. The whiskers were gone from his jaw and he looked younger.
Consumed with him, it took her a long moment before she realized he wasn’t alone. Standing next to him was Livvy who looked like she was dressed in her Sunday’s best. Her beautiful hair hung in long waves and the sea green dress was so pretty.
“Hi, Livvy.”
The teen came forward and hugged Mindy. She blinked back tears.
When Livvy moved back to join her dad, Mindy saw that behind them was a small gathering of family and friends. Rusty, Hank, Boone, Bo, Isabella, and a few more familiar faces from her childhood. They were all happy to see her.
“What’s going on here?” Mindy looked from Creed to Jane and back to Creed for an answer.
He swiped off his hat and handed it and the bouquet to Livvy. Sweat beaded his forehead and he looked both excited and worried.
“Creed?”
“Give me a chance.” He took Mindy’s hand into his. “If you can forgive me for being an idiot for letting you leave Cooper’s Hawk a second time in a lifetime, I want to ask you a question.” He reached into his back pocket, pulled out something, and bent to his knee.
Mindy realized he held a small velvet box in his palm. “Creed, this feels like a …”
“Marriage proposal?” He lifted the lid to the box. Inside was a twinkling diamond surrounded by a circle of rubies. “When we were little we were playing in mama’s room and we found this ring in a chest. You said it was the prettiest ring you’d ever laid eyes upon and one day you wanted a ring just like it. Remember?” She nodded, watching him through blurred vision. “Ma gave this to me to give to you. Sweetheart, I should have given you this ring years ago, but you know us Hawke’s. We’re a bit foolish when it comes to the matters of the heart.”
Laughter sounded from those behind him. Mindy looked up and saw Abby using a handkerchief to wipe tears from her eyes. “I’ve always admired that ring, Abby.”
“My mom would be proud to see it on your finger,” she said. Rusty put his arm around her to comfort her.
“Will you marry me, Mindy? Only say yes if you’re willing to tolerate me loving you for the rest of our lives.”
“Creed, I thought you’d never forgive me.” Tears fell to her cheeks.
“A wise person once told me that I could choose to never forgive you or forgive and see how happy we can be.” He stood. “I love you. I’ll always love you.”
“Yes, Creed. Yes a million times.” They walked into each other’s arms. He swung her around then put her back on her feet, giving her a quick kiss on the lips.
“What do you think?” He wagged his brows.
“I think it’s amazing that all these people have come to watch you ask for my hand in marriage.” She smiled at the small crowd of people.
“Sweetheart, these people have come to watch us get married, that is if you really mean yes. I’m not taking the risk of losing you again. We even have Pastor Michaels here.”
The silver haired man waved from where he stood behind Rusty.
“What?” She looked back at Jane. “Did you know about this?”
Her daughter nodded. “It killed me not to tell you, but Mom, isn’t this what you want? What you’ve always wanted? You have my blessing.”
“And mine,” Livvy said.
Mindy looked at her father. “Daddy?”
“You have my blessing as long as I get to walk you down the aisle.”
Turning her gaze to the man she had always loved, she nodded. “Yes, Creed.” She laughed in excitement. “I’ll marry you today, but what about a dress? I don’t have anything with me except for what I have on.”
“Don’t worry,” Jane said. “Pop Pop found something you might be okay wearing.”
“I’ll be right back.” Rusty stepped around a wall then came forward, holding the pretty lace dress that Mindy’s mom wore when she married Rusty.
“Daddy? Are you sure?”
“Your mom would have wanted you to wear this.” He had tears in his eyes.
“Then what are we waiting for? I’m ready to become Mrs. Creed Hawke,” Mindy exclaimed.
Everyone clapped and cheered.
That day fate brought a man and woman together—a love that not even time could fade.
Epilogue
MINDY GENTLY ROCKED on the porch as she watched Jane, Livvy and Jonesy tossing the frisbee. They were laughing and having such an amazing time.
Hearing a cooing sound, she lowered her eyes to the bundle of joy in her arms. Nicholas Rusty Hawke looked just like his daddy, of course. Thick black hair, bright eyes and a charmer at even a month old. Mindy’s heart swelled. Nic had been a surprise, but a very joyous one. She once believed she’d never hold a
