by Donna Alward
Frustration knotted up her stomach when she realized that for all of her best intentions—her attempts to put herself out there and chase after her dreams—she’d failed to do the most important thing of all.
She’d never spoken the actual words “I love you” to Cash.
Tex Northridge took control of the microphone. “Wait until you see the carefully planned menu we have to tempt your tastebuds!”
Meghan caught sight of Cash stepping onto the stage. What was he doing here?
“Ladies and gentlemen,” continued Mr. Northridge, “in order to share this culinary experience with many of you, we have a number of gift cards to give away to some lucky winners.”
Another round of applause and whistles filled the air, but all Meghan heard was the pounding of her heart. Her gaze remained glued to the rugged cowboy stepping into the spotlight. The fact he was willing to push past his fear of standing in front of a swarm of reporters to get to her made her love him all the more.
She wanted to run to him and shield him from the cameras, but her rubbery legs refused to move. A hush fell over the crowd. Even Mr. Northridge paused as Cash crossed the stage. He dropped to his knee and took her left hand in his. Camera flashes flared in the background, lighting up the sky like the Fourth of July.
“What are you doing?” she whispered.
He smiled up at her, causing her stomach to flutter and rob her of air. “I came here to stake my claim on the woman I love.”
The fluttering in her chest increased and she grew giddy. Had she heard him correctly? She stared into his unwavering gaze. He was perfectly serious. “But you didn’t have to come here. In front of everyone.”
“Yes, I did. You taught me that I can’t run or hide from my past. I no longer need to lurk in the shadows, always worrying about someone digging up ancient history.”
“Oh, Cash.” She swiped at her moist cheeks. “You’re a great man, inside and out. Anyone who can’t see that is blind.”
His grip on her hand tightened. “Miss Meghan Finnegan, I love you.”
This was her chance to put herself out there in front of everyone and reach for her dream—her happiness. “I love you too.”
His confident gaze held hers. “Would you agree to be my bride?”
Her free hand pressed on her abdomen. The public didn’t know she was in the family way, and she didn’t want to announce it here, but she hoped Cash would know what she meant.
“Are you sure? I come with a lot of baggage.”
“I wouldn’t have you any other way. I love you and all of your baggage.”
She pulled on his hand until he got to his feet, and then she held up her index finger for him to wait. She turned back to Tex Northridge and retrieved the microphone.
“Wow! I can’t believe this day. I think I must be—no, I know I am the luckiest woman in the world. Thank you, everyone, for sharing this special moment with me.” Tears of joy slipped down her cheeks.
Her new boss’s brow arched. “Are you sure you want to pin your future on this cowboy?”
She couldn’t think of anything she wanted more. She grinned. “I’m absolutely positive.”
“Then let me be the first to congratulate you both.” Mr. Northridge’s tanned face lifted into a smile as he leaned toward Meghan. Loudly he said teasingly, “I hope Cash knows what a wonderful woman he’s getting.”
Cash stepped up and placed an arm around her waist. “I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
Her unwavering gaze held his.
The crowd broke out into applause, shouting, “Kiss her!”
Cash swept her into his arms. “I’ve wasted enough time. What would you say to a brief engagement?”
He pulled her close for a deep, soul-searing kiss that gave way to a round of hootin’ and hollerin’ from the onlookers.
“I’d say when do we leave on the honeymoon?”
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from The Man Behind the Pinstripes by Melissa McClone
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ISBN: 9781459254299
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holders of the individual works as follows: A Cowboy to Come Home To
Copyright © 2013 by Tina Leonard
How to Melt a Frozen Heart
Copyright © 2013 by Cathy McDavid
The Cattleman’s Ready-Made Family
Copyright © 2013 by Brenda Smith-Beagley
Rancher to the Rescue
Copyright © 2013 by Carla Daum
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