A Buckhorn Bachelor(31)
Carefully, so he wouldn’t spook her, Adam scooped her up and into Issy’s lap. “What do you say we start by getting engaged? That way everyone will know you’re not available. We can take our time figuring out everything else.”
She didn’t even blink. “I’d like that.”
Smiling, he said, “We can pick out rings whenever you want.”
Nodding hard, she gasped, “Okay.”
Adam had to kiss her, so he did. As usual, she tasted so good, stirred him on so many levels, that he got carried away. Things might have gotten inappropriate, given they were in his uncle’s house, except that Cupid’s tail hit him in the chin, reminding him of the here and now.
He leaned away with a grin. “I want everyone to know you’re taken.”
Staring at his mouth, she whispered, “Long as they know you’re taken, too.”
“I’ll be telling it to everyone who’ll listen.” And definitely to anyone male who came sniffing around Issy.
“I love you,” she whispered.
Adam cupped her face, his heart full. “I love you, too.”
A tap sounded at the door, and Amber gave a loud, “Ahem.”
Adam groaned. “What now?”
“Everyone’s gathered to eat if you two want to make any—hint, hint—announcements.”
Adam stood and opened the door. “It’s uncanny how you do that.”
Beaming, she bragged, “I have my skills.”
Issy appeared at his side, leaning into him while holding Cupid. “Do your skills include ropin’ in Noel Poet?”
Amber frowned. “I’m working on it.”
From behind her, Noel said, “Good to know.”
Aghast, Amber went still, then red in the face before slowly pivoting to face Noel. “It’s rude to sneak up on people.”
“That’s never stopped you.”
Adam enjoyed seeing his cousin in the hot seat for once.
Issy broke the growing tension with a happy laugh. “Neither of you are showin’ Amber the appreciation she deserves.” Issy smiled up at him. “Adam and I are gettin’ engaged, and I couldn’t be happier!”
“And before your head gets any bigger,” Adam said to Amber, “you only played the smallest of roles in it.”
“Small, but integral,” Amber countered, grabbing them both for hugs. “Now let’s go make that announcement!”
Noel caught her arm before she could take a single step away. “Since you already know what’s going on, you don’t need to be there.” Ignoring her protests, he urged her into the room they’d just vacated, and right before he closed the door, he said to Adam, “Congrats to you both.”
Surprised, Adam stared at the closed door, and slowly smiled.
“She deserves to be happy,” Issy whispered.
They both heard Amber say, “Now wait just a—” Then her voice faded into a soft hum.
“She does,” Adam agreed. “I’d say Noel has her well on her way.” Putting a hand to the small of Issy’s back, he led her out front. The sooner everyone knew Isabella’s changed circumstances, the sooner he could relax.
And then they could get started on their future.