The Sheriff's Mail-Order Bride (The Watson Brothers #2)(26)

“Chance? I hear he’s on the mend, thank goodness. Do you think he’ll ever forgive me?” His father’s lips trembled.

“Who knows? Give him time and we’ll see. It was good to talk to you again, but I really have to get back to work.” He stood up, the years melting away. “Call me if you need anything, okay, Dad?”

Tears rolled down the wizened cheeks and Rory wished he could take back the missing years. He knew exactly how his father felt when he lost his wife. If Rory were any other person, he could easily have gone down the same path of destruction losing himself in a bottle. He reached for his father and held the frail shaking body close.

“Thanks, son. Appreciate it and I’m doing okay now I’m sober. Took me awhile. I have things under control.”

Rory put his hat on and hugged his father again. “See you around.” He walked out, thankful he’d had the chance to make peace with that part of his life.

As he turned into the main street, a familiar car drove past and pulled up in front of his office. Gina opened the door and slid her legs out, climbed out, and smoothed down her skirt. His heart raced as she stood there looking around, so timid but so lovely. He hurried back, waving as he crossed the road.

“Hi. Glad you decided to come in. Where’s Fisher?”

Her eyes widened when she saw him and a small hint of pink tinted her cheeks which made his chest tighten. “Callie insisted on taking care of him. I think he has her wrapped around his little finger.”

Rory reached her and put his arm over her shoulders. “I know how she feels. He’s got me sorted too, and Chance. Now that I have you here, how about a quick tour of the town before we have a coffee. There’s something I want to show you.”

“Sure. I said I’d be a couple of hours so I’m all yours.” She smiled up into his face and let him lead her down the street. He kept up a running commentary as they passed each shop. When they got to the jewelers, he pushed the door open and guided her in. Her mouth dropped open and she paled.

“I think it’s about time I let you know how I really feel, don’t you?”

“Are you sure, Rory? Really sure about this?” She stared at him, hope in her eyes and also fear that it would all come crashing down around her ears. Once more doubt tapped him on the shoulder but only for a fleeting second.

“Yes, I’m sure. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and Fisher, and whatever life throws at us. I’m sick of being alone and I want you if you’ll have me.”

He ignored the gasps of the sales lady watching them and sank down on one knee. “Gina Taylor, will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He held his breath and waited for her to answer.

*

She licked her top lip and swallowed the sudden fear racing up her throat. His eyes beseeched her to answer him. This was what she’d been waiting for, working for, and now that he was asking her nerves were all over the place. “Yes, if you’re sure it’s what you really want.”

He stood up and leaned into her. Gina took a step back, her butt hitting the wall as he dipped his head down to her mouth. She sank into the kiss, letting her body take over. Starved of love and affection, she wrapped her arms around his neck and opened her heart to him. His tongue pressed between her lips, opening her mouth so he could twist his tongue with hers, sending a need to her stomach that thrilled her to the core. If it wasn’t for the lady watching them, Gina would have raised her leg and wrapped it around his hips to get her body closer still.

When he moved back, she almost cried out in distress at the distance between them.

“That is so romantic, Deputy. You sure know how to sweep a girl off of her feet.” The sales assistant clapped her hands, their one-person cheer squad in full flight. “I do hope you’re here to let me help you choose a ring. Heaven forbid you’re just using the inside of my little shop to create shenanigans with the young lady.”

Rory gripped her hand and pulled her to the counter. “Sandra?” He looked at her name tag and smiled with a charm that made her blush. “My fiancée and I would like you to help us choose a ring.”

“Well, it just so happens that you’ve come to the right place. What does the lady prefer? Diamonds?” Sandra looked eagerly at Gina.

“I don’t have a preference actually.” Gina looked at the trays in front of her and shuddered. How on earth did anyone choose between all of this stuff?

“Well now, let me get out some that I think will suit your hand and we can take it from there. Do you have a budget, Deputy?”

Rory shook his head.

For the next hour and a half, Sandra showed them ring after ring until Gina was ready to pull her hair out. Nothing stood out as the one for her. Ready to give up, she turned away. “Gina, how about this one?” Rory pointed to a small block-set ring on a plain gold band.

She glanced at it, ready to shake her head when she caught herself. “It’s perfect.” When it was on her finger, a happiness she had never know settled upon her shoulders. How had she gotten so lucky? All the years of hardship drifted away as she looked at the man who’d rescued her from a life of poverty.

“Happy?” Rory leaned on the counter watching her.

“Happy.”

Together they walked back toward his office holding hands. “Are you sure it’s what you want to do, Rory? I hate the thought that I might have pushed you into this.”