by Liv Brywood
“Aren’t you cold?” Abby asked.
“I like it when it drops below freezing. It’s invigorating,” he said.
“I don’t.”
“You’ll get used to it,” Mack said.
“I was thinking about moving up here.”
“To the ranch?”
“Well, no,” she said. “Cody hasn’t asked me to move in or anything. I was thinking I might get an apartment in town. I really like him, but I don’t want to rush into anything.”
“You have a good head on your shoulders. Cody’s a lucky man,” Mack said.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
“Is it really safe to be around him?”
“Are you asking because of his bear?” he asked.
“Yeah.”
“You’re safer with his bear around than without it. If you’re his mate, he’ll protect you with his life.”
“Thank you,” she said. “I really needed to hear that.”
“Don’t overthink it. He loves you. If you love him back, don’t waste time looking for reasons to stay apart,” Mack said.
“You’re a wise man,” she said.
He shrugged. “He’s my brother. I look out for him the way I’d look out for anyone in my family.”
“Thanks, Mack.”
As she headed back toward the B & B, she smiled. She couldn’t wait to tell Cody that she was thinking about staying.
She’d just lay down to take a nap when a knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” she called.
Cody opened the door and stepped into the room. He held a large brown shipping box in his hands. A row of stickers marked “overnight mail” covered one side.
“Am I interrupting a nap?” he asked.
“No.” She sat up in bed.
“Good, because I brought you something.”
“What?”
“Open it.” He set the box on the bed and sat down next to it. “I would have wrapped it but I couldn’t find any paper.”
“You didn’t need to buy me anything,” she said.
“But I wanted to,” he said.
As she ripped open the tape, anticipation quickened her heart. What on earth could he have bought that would require overnight shipping?
When she looked inside, she gasped. Artist-grade canvases lined the sides and bottom of the box. Nestled between them were several types of paint sets. Tubes of oil paint rattled around as she leaned in to remove them. A full spectrum of watercolors in resealable containers mingled with a variety of brushes. She lifted a brush set out of the box.
“They’re sable.” She gasped.
“The art place I called said they’re the best for watercolor painting,” he said.
She moved more of the supplies to the side and found a huge block of watercolor paper. Tears formed in her eyes.
“This is too much,” she said.
“Nothing’s too much for you,” he said. “I believe in you and I know that you’re going to be an amazing artist. Regardless of what happens between us, I want you to follow your dreams and become a professional painter. Will you do that for me?”
“Yes.”
As she flung her arms around his neck, a bottle of turpentine rolled onto the floor. He grabbed her and swung his arm down to retrieve it.
“I know you’ve only tried watercolors, but I thought you might want to give oil painting a try too.”
“You’re not going to turn the barn into a painting factory, are you?” she asked in a playful tone.
“I hadn’t thought of it before, but now that you mention it…”
She giggled before forcing a more serious expression.
“Cody?”
“Yeah?”
“I want to stay.”
“You do?” He sat up straighter.
“I do,” she said. “I don’t want to rush what’s happening between us, but I’m not ready to leave. I don’t know if all this fated mate stuff is real or not, but I want to find out. This… what you just did… you understand me in a way no one else ever could.”
He pulled her into his arms and gave her the kiss of a lifetime. By the time he released her, her spine had turned to jelly. She slid back against the pillows.
“We could drive down to Texas together to get your stuff,” he said as he slid under the covers.
“I’ll have it shipped. I have no desire to go back there.”
“What about your parents?” he asked.
“They can come visit.”
“We don’t have much room at the ranch,” he said.
“I’ll get an apartment in town. I really don’t want to rush this,” she said. “I care about you a lot, but I need time to take it all in.”
“Okay.” He snuggled against her. “But I’m not the most patient man when I find something I want.”
“I gathered that from all the overnight mail stickers.” She waved a hand toward the box.
“Well, I needed some way to convince you to stay.” He grinned.
“I would have stayed anyway.” As she leaned over to kiss him, she knew it wouldn’t take much time for her to make up her mind. Unless he was hiding another deep, dark secret, she could see herself falling in love with him faster than a shooting star.
Epilogue
One month later…
Abby held a glass of champagne in her hand. As she looked around the packed gallery at all her friends and family, she couldn’t stop smiling. The last month had been a whirlwind of getting to know Cody. The more time they spent together, the more she knew what she wanted—him.
When she spotted him across the room, her heart melted. He’d been fidgety all night. Although she’d told him he didn’t need to wear a suit, he’d insisted on dressing up for the premier of her first art collection, Bears of Yellowstone. He looked so incredibly handsome and she couldn’t wait to peel those pants off.
Her mom stepped into view.
“Darling, I love the grizzly bear paintings.” She dropped her voice to a whisper. “And I saw how much they’re selling for.”
“Nothing’s been sold yet,” Abby said. Of course her mom would be obsessed with the prices.
“They will dear. Cody’s a very nice man. I can only hope that he makes you happy,” her mom said.
“He does. Every morning I jump out of bed and can’t wait to go see him. We’ve been spending so much time together that I may as well move in,” Abby said.
“Not until you’re married,” her father said as he strolled up. He’d been working the room since he arrived. So far he’d chatted up the mayor and half the city council.
“I know,” Abby said with a sigh.
In a way, she regretted telling Cody that she’d wanted to wait until they got to know each other. As the month of January rolled into February, she couldn’t help but think it would be fun to be engaged by Valentine’s Day. But she didn’t want to rush him. He’d been sweet enough to wait for her. Waiting for him was the least she could do.
Julian, the gallery director, stepped to the center of the room.
“Can I have your attention please?” he asked.
The various conversations died down as everyone turned to face him.
“Thank you all for coming to the exhibit. I consider myself very lucky to have discovered such a talented new artist,” Julian said.
Cody coughed loudly.
“Courtesy of Cody Grant, of course,” Julian added with a grin. “I have no doubt that both locals and tourists will snap up Abigail’s paintings faster than she can paint them. It’s an honor to display her work.”
As the gathering clapped, waiters circled through the room with trays of champagne. When everyone in attendance held a glass, he nodded toward Cody who moved to take his place.
Cody stuffed his hands in his pockets and took a breath. When he raised his head to meet her gaze, he smiled.
“A few of you know that Abby and I have been dating for the past few weeks,” Cody b
egan. “I’ve spent almost every waking hour with her. We’ve mucked out stalls together, loaded countless bales of hay into Logan’s new barn, and various other illustrious chores.”
Her mom frowned but her dad cracked a smile.
“Abby’s the most incredible woman I’ve ever known,” Cody said. “When I first met her, she had a lot going on in her life so we decided to take things slow. Much slower than my brothers and their shotgun relationships.”
“Worked for me,” Logan said as he wrapped his arms around Kate.
“It sure did,” Carol said as she gazed up at Hank.
“It feels like Abby and I have known each other for more than just a few weeks,” Cody said. “It feels like a lifetime, but in a good way.”
“Thanks, honey,” Abby said.
“And that’s why I want to do something special tonight,” Cody said.
When he dropped to one knee, she gasped.
“Abigail Ann Holt, I’ve been in love with you since the day I met you. I know the life of a rancher’s wife isn’t very glamorous, but it’s a good, honest life. I can’t imagine spending it without you by my side. If you would do me the honor of being my wife, you’d make me the happiest man alive. Honey, will you marry me?”
Tears streaked down her face as she nodded. She couldn’t speak as Cody pulled a small black velvet box out of his pocket. He reached for her trembling hand then paused.
“Yes,” she said.
Cody slid the gorgeous diamond ring onto her finger. He stood and pulled her into his arms.
“I love you,” he whispered in her ear.
“I love you, too.”
Her parents were the first to congratulate them on their engagement. She hadn’t expected them to approve, but she didn’t question it. Maybe Cody had talked to them in advance.
The Grant brothers and their mates gathered around to give them words of encouragement. Love flowed through the room until her heart was almost bursting with it. But nothing could compare to the happiness in her mate’s face. She couldn’t wait to have a moment alone with him.
After countless hugs and words of congratulations, Abby stepped outside to get a moment to herself. Cody came out right behind her.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“I just needed some air,” she said. “I’m not used to being the center of attention.”
Cody came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He pulled her close and whispered in her ear. “I’m hoping we get some time alone later.”
“Really?” she asked in a seductive tone.
“Mm hum.” He nibbled on the side of her neck.
“How on earth are we going to find anyplace to be alone? Between your brothers and their mates, and my parents, the ranch is overrun,” she said.
“We could go to your apartment,” he suggested.
“They’ll find us there.”
After a moment’s hesitation, he said, “I have an idea. Come with me.”
“We can’t just leave,” she said.
“I told Mack to let everyone know we wanted some time alone together. He’ll do damage control,” Cody said.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“You’ll see.”
A mischievous twinkle flashed in his eyes as he grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the truck. She giggled and ran beside him. She didn’t care where he was taking her as long as they were together.
***
“Keep your eyes closed,” Cody said as he led Abby up to the hayloft in Logan’s new barn.
He’d made her wait at the bottom of the ladder while he set everything up. This hadn’t been part of his original proposal plan, but he liked being spontaneous.
When they reached the corner of the loft, he gently grabbed her shoulders and positioned her.
“Stand right there,” he said. He moved to stand slightly in front of her so he could watch her expression. “Now open your eyes.”
Abby blinked a few times as she opened her eyes. Then her jaw dropped. Tea lights sat on various blocks and wooden crates, casting a soft, candle-lit glow over the room. A pile of pillows and blankets formed an Arabian Nights style bed.
“Cody,” she whispered. “This is amazing. When did you have time to do all of this?”
“Honestly, I just whipped it up as soon as we got to the ranch. I threw everything into a few bags and hauled them up while you were changing out of that dress.”
“I’m so much more comfortable in jeans and a sweater,” she said.
“Me too.”
“This is so romantic,” she said.
“They’ll never find us here.” Cody grinned.
“Are you sure about that? Have your brothers been up here to break it in yet?” she asked wryly.
He chuckled. “I don’t know, and frankly, I don’t want to know. I don’t want to think about anyone else right now but you.”
“Well then, take me to bed, cowboy.”
He scooped her into his arms and knelt to lay her on the blankets. Since they were testing the heater, it was warm enough to be comfortable. As he peeled her clothes off, he couldn’t believe she was finally his. When she’d said yes, he’d almost fallen on his face with relief. Asking her to marry him had been the most nerve-wracking thing he’d ever done in his life.
After removing the last piece of clothing, he gazed down at her perfect, curvy body. The swell of her breasts gave way to the soft roundness of her belly. Her silky thighs tapered to delicate feet. Every inch of her was a work of art.
“Stop staring and come over here,” she whispered.
He loved the hint of demand in her tone. The fire in her soul was only one of the many reasons he wanted to be with her forever.
His bear hadn’t stopped bouncing around in celebration since they’d gotten engaged. And for once, Cody didn’t mind. He had every reason to be overjoyed.
As he knelt before her, he peeled his shirt off of his shoulders. Dark heat entered her eyes as she raked her gaze across his chest.
“Have I ever told you how incredibly sexy you are?” she asked.
“Yes, but you can tell me again.”
She smiled as she reached up to run her fingers across his chest. Every inch of him caught fire as tendrils of desire unfurled in his belly. He couldn’t wait to have his sweet, sexy fiancée writhing beneath him.
As he bent to kiss her, she leaned up and caught his bottom lip between her teeth. He growled and interlaced his fingers with hers. He pinned them over her head and reveled in the way she twisted and arched in an attempt to draw him closer.
“What’s the rush?” he teased.
“Take me,” she whispered. “It’s been far too long.”
“We just made love this morning.” And it had been amazing.
“What time is it?” she asked.
“Almost midnight,” he said.
“It’s almost Valentine’s Day.”
“Will you be my valentine?” he murmured as he slid his hand between her thighs.
She squeaked a response.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
“Ohh,” she moaned as he stroked her damp flesh.
As he coaxed sighs and whimpers from her lips, he couldn’t stop watching the way the candlelight played across her face. This was the woman he was going to marry. He couldn’t wait. If they’d had a preacher at the gallery, he might have just sealed the deal on the spot. But she deserved the wedding of her dreams. Hell, maybe after Madison and Hank, and Rachel and Brady got married, Cody could throw his own wedding on the ranch.
“You’re spacing out,” she said.
“I was just thinking about everything I’m going to do to you tonight,” he said in a wicked tone.
“Well don’t keep me waiting.”
He didn’t need any more encouragement as he growled and rolled to cover her with his body. When he plunged into her wet heat, she moaned and wrapped her legs around his waist. He moved slowly at first, relishing her soft cries
and urgent whispers.
And just when he couldn’t hold back another second, she cried out and shattered beneath him. Pulsing waves of heat enveloped his cock and brought him to the point of breaking. One long moan spilled from his lips as his own cries of release joined hers.
He rolled onto his side and wrapped his arms around her. She dragged a blanket across them. Minutes passed before either of them spoke.
“Cody?” she asked.
“Yeah?”
“I think you were right.”
“About what?” he asked.
“Fate,” she said. “I can’t imagine this happening any other way. Who would have thought that a lawyer from Dallas would end up in the arms of a Montana cowboy?”
“We were meant to be together,” he said with a yawn. “Should we head back to the house?”
“No. I want one more thing from you,” she said softly.
“What’s that?”
“If it would be okay… could you shift into a bear and let me snuggle with you tonight?” she asked.
His heart soared. He knew his bear would never hurt her, but she was trusting him with her life on blind faith.
“Of course,” he said.
He rolled to his feet and stepped back several paces. They’d already weight-tested the floor to make sure they could store thousands of pounds of supplies in the loft. As he shifted, he watched her expression change from awe-filled to loving.
His bear lumbered across the floor and rolled onto his side next to where she sat. She scooted into the crook of his arm and let him rest his paw on her thigh. Within minutes, her breath slowed into the steady pace of sleep. He closed his eyes, secure in the knowledge that he’d never be alone again.
~ The End ~
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~ ~ Coming Soon ~ ~
February 1 – The Cowbear’s Mail Order Valentine (Curvy Bear Ranch, Book 6)
***
Don’t miss the other books in the series:
The Cowbear’s Secret Christmas Baby (Curvy Bear Ranch, Book 1)
The Cowbear’s Curvy Christmas (Curvy Bear Ranch, Book 2)