“You know what that means though, right? You can’t just focus on yourself anymore. You need to find a way to fit her into your life—into your sun-up to sundown ranching schedule.”
I take a drink, mulling over his words. “Yeah, been thinking about that. Decker has been itching to take on more at the ranch since Ranger is already handling a lot. I think I can offload some stuff to him. I’ll talk with him about it.”
Dad looks at his watch then pulls out his phone. “Your mom will be calling me any second. Better get going. You have my blessing if that’s what you’re looking for, and I know your mom will be more than happy to give you that ring. Just talk to her.” He pats me on the back and tips his hat to Danelle before heading out.
I pull out my phone to see if I have any texts from Brooklyn. She let me know when she got into town in Grand Lake the other night. She also sent me a selfie of her in a sexy little black dress she was wearing out with her friends. I made sure I put that image to good use in the shower later and then told her about it.
Sure enough, her name is on my screen.
Brooklyn: Thinking about you. Miss you and can’t wait to crawl into your arms tonight. Xoxo.
I smile and put the phone back in my pocket. I don’t want to bug her while she’s out with friends, especially with her sister in town. She seems to be having a blast and I know she’s heading back here later tonight.
Mallory is a pistol, just as much as Brooklyn. The two of them together can go from 0 to 100 instantly, but she’s a good time. She teases me, so I assume that has to be a good sign. Brook has assured me she likes me, so I don’t fret over it.
“I’m proposing too.”
I look up and the stranger who came in earlier is talking to me, I think. I look over my shoulder to see if there’s someone behind me, but it’s just me.
“Pardon?”
“Sorry, didn’t meant to eavesdrop. Just heard you talking to that man about a ring and marriage.” He holds up something and it’s only now that I see that it’s a ring between his fingers.
“Oh, congrats,” I say, raising my beer toward him before finishing it.
“Yeah, she’s something else.”
“You new in town then?”
He nods. “Yeah, first time here. Just passing through.”
I turn in my stool back to the bar, trying to mind my own business. I lift my beer toward Danelle to signal another. Not sure I really want to go home and sit alone. The house feels so empty without Brooklyn in it.
She’s still in the small house. We haven’t had the talk about her officially moving in with me, but she’s pretty much stayed in my bed every night since we made things official.
“I screwed up with her.”
“Huh?” I turn back to the stranger.
“My fiancée—er, ex-fiancée, I guess.” He lifts the ring up again and shakes his head.
I feel bad for the guy, but I really don’t want to get involved in anyone else’s business. I’m just trying to enjoy my beer and think about taking the next step with Brook.
“Well, good luck.”
“Thanks, I’m gonna need it. Yeah, I’m the one who messed it up. Dragged my feet with the commitment. I’m an idiot.”
Clearly this kid wants to talk to someone.
“She’s my soulmate. You know when you meet someone and it’s like a light comes on—like the universe put this person in your path for a reason and there’s no denying that fate feeling?”
“Yeah, I get that.” I nod, because I do know that feeling—now. I feel like Brooklyn and I are just meant to be together. “So she gave that ring back to you?”
“Yeah.” He shakes his head and places the ring on the bar top to reach for his beer. “She changed her mind or got cold feet or something. All I know is, I’m not going to let her get away this time. I’m going to make sure she knows what she means to me and remind her of what we had together.”
I finish my beer. “That’s all you can do.” I toss a few bills on the bar top and pat it. “Thanks, Danelle. Have a good night.” I tip my hat toward her and shrug into my jacket. “Hope things work out for you and your lady friend.” I hold out my hand toward the kid, suddenly having a soft spot for him when I put myself in his shoes. I can’t imagine losing Brooklyn like that.
“Thanks,” he smiles and shoves his hand into mine.