A Cowboy in Manhattan(76)
“About?” asked Katrina. She pulled off the leather gloves and twisted her new engagement ring back into place. The band was a stylized tension wave, platinum, holding a round diamond solitaire, with two small emeralds embedded in the outsides of the band.
She and Reed had found it at a funky jewelry store in Brooklyn. Katrina had loved it on sight. An hour later, she had her ring, and Reed had bought into the jewelry business.
“Why don’t we have a double wedding?” Mandy asked in a breathless, animated voice.
Katrina blinked in surprise at the unexpected suggestion.
“Katrina doesn’t want to get married in Lyndon Valley,” said Reed.
“It doesn’t have to be in Lyndon Valley,” Mandy responded.
Reed moved up next to Katrina. He took her free hand and placed a kiss on the back of her knuckles. “I think she wants a New York City wedding. And I’ve promised her anything she wants.”
“We’ll be living in New York City,” Katrina put in. Not that she wanted to get married in Lyndon Valley. But Reed had certainly made one huge concession. She could do the same.
“What about Chicago?” Caleb suggested. “That’s halfway in between.”
Katrina glanced at Reed. She kind of liked the idea of a double wedding with her sister and Reed’s brother. But Chicago didn’t mean anything to either her or to Reed.
“Denver,” said Mandy, with conviction. “It’s Colorado, but with skyscrapers and beautiful parks and five-star hotels.”
“It doesn’t have to be a double wedding,” said Reed.
“I like Denver,” said Katrina, her heart warming to the idea. “It’s a nice compromise.”
“You sure?” asked Reed, concern in his voice.
Katrina let go of her sister and turned to Reed, slowing to a stop, taking his hands and looking deep into his eyes. Her chest was tight, her heart full. “I’m sure,” she told him. “After all, I am marrying Colorado.”
“Yes, you are,” said Reed, drawing her into his arms, holding her close while Mandy and Caleb got farther ahead. “And I’m marrying the very best thing in all of New York City.”
“Our children can ride bareback to the Met,” she teased.
“Or wear a Versace dress to a barn dance.”
“I can’t wait to see that.”
He paused and the sounds of the ranch filled the spaces around them. After a minute, he stroked the rough pad of his thumb across her cheek. “I’m an ordinary cowboy, Katrina. As ordinary as they come. How’d I ever deserve someone as amazing as you?”
He had it all wrong. But she didn’t know how to explain. “You’re the one who’s amazing,” she tried. “And I love you so much.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” He leaned down for a kiss, his voice turning hoarse. “I’m going to love you forever.”
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