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“Well, you’ve put me in a pickle. Because if we tell her now, your announcement is going to completely overshadow all our hard work.”

Chet grinned. “I’d say I’m sorry, but I’d be lying.”

“Yeah, yeah. I wouldn’t be sorry either.” They shared amused glances.

“I don’t mind if you want to announce—” He broke off at Lydia’s excited squeal. Colt, who’d joined the crew after Jason followed up on Chet’s recommendation, was leading Misty toward her while Tate told her the news she hadn’t expected.

She turned bright eyes to her brother and threw her arms around his neck. Chet couldn’t make out what she was saying, but he had a pretty good idea. Misty had been a horse she’d wanted from the moment she spotted her at auction. While she’d been sad to discover she’d been purchased, she’d happily put in the hours to train her simply because of the kind of person she was.

Lydia hurried forward and wrapped her arms around Misty’s head, stroking her and murmuring to her so only those nearby could make it out.

Once again, her eyes found his and all he could do was admire the woman he’d fallen head over heels for.

Jason nudged him. “I believe that’s your cue.”

“What do you mean?” Chet murmured.

“Go over there and tell her whatever you were rehearsing in the mirror this morning.”

Chet shot him a flat look. “Funny.”

“Don’t lie. We all do it.”

At that, Chet couldn’t help but chuckle. He was likely right on that front, as well. “All right. Wish me luck.” He didn’t stick around to wait for Jason’s response. Instead, he wove through the crowd, his hand closed around the box in his pocket.

They’d spent evenings talking about the life they wanted together. The conversation might stretch over dinner. Or she brought it up while they put away tack, making him stop what he was doing when she asked how many children he wanted. They’d agreed on that, too.

Three.

His grin widened as he closed the distance between the two of them.

She bounced on her toes, her eyes shining bright with all the happiness she deserved. “You knew about this, didn’t you?” she accused, though there was no bite in it.

“Actually, your brother didn’t tell me a single thing up until a few minutes ago. In fact, I don’t think he’d realized that Tate was going to give Misty to you so soon. They might end up having words.” He grimaced playfully and she giggled. “I wanted to come over here and tell you congratulations for everything you’ve accomplished.”

She beamed up at him as he slipped an arm around her waist. “Me? What about you? Misty wouldn’t be nearly this good if it weren’t for your skills.”

“I think we can thank Lola for that, as well.”

“You’re probably right.” She buried her face into Misty’s neck. “I can’t believe it. I’m so happy. I don’t think there’s a single thing that’d make today better.”

“I can think of something.”

Lydia snorted. “What would top—” She broke off in a gasp, her eyes going impossibly large.

He lowered to one knee, retrieving the ring. “Before I start, I have one thing to say.”

She wasn’t capable of speaking at the moment, so he pressed forward.

“Don’t blow it.”

Lydia started laughing. Her hands came to cover her mouth as she stared at him. “Chet?”

He flipped the ring box open. “Lydia, you’re the person I want to come home to. I want to hear about your day, take the long way on our rides, and find out what you’ve talked me into next.” Her smile trembled, and he had to steady himself before he could finish. “I love you. Will you marry me?”

The conversations around them fell quiet. Chet kept his eyes on Lydia as she lowered her hands from her mouth. She reached toward him, her fingers brushing his cheek.

“Yes.” She laughed through the word, then nodded. “A thousand times yes. I’ll be very happy to marry you, Chet Callahan.”