“I love you Amy. Will you marry me?” he whispers into my ear, his voice cracking slightly.
“Yes. I love you so much,” I cry.
“Throw the chips in!” We hear from behind us.
I glance around at all of our friends and family as they stand around us clapping and whistling. Dillon helps me to stand. He takes a chip and hands me one and we both throw our chips into the pile.
CHAPTER 29
Amy
“You’re not going to decide to become a city girl, are you? Decide you don’t want to marry a farm boy and you want to marry a doctor or a lawyer and live in a high-rise?”
“Of course not,” I reply and laugh.
Once a week or so, Dillon has been driving with me to Denver to visit with Laney. He spends time with Daisy while Laney and I go out for dinner with a group of her friends. Sometimes we shop and sometimes we see a girly movie. I always look forward to getting away from the ranch, dressing up, putting some makeup on, and socializing with the girls about the latest books we’ve read, the new movie releases, fashion trends and of course, we talk about boys.
Although, I enjoy my time in the city now and then, I know where I belong. I belong on the ranch. It’s been a couple of months since the business has exploded. We’ve hired a second therapist and we have new clients signing up for sessions every day. I enjoy meeting the teens that come to the ranch for help. I love taking care of the horses. I love relaxing with Dillon by the lake and watching the sunset after a long day. We’ve established a very comfortable routine.
“You don’t want to shop on 16th street every day and have tea and crumpets at the spa with someone named Jasmine?”
“Dillon, stop. You know I could never be that girl. I love Buster. I would miss him.”
“Oh. You’d miss Buster. I see how it is.” He laughs, squeezing my thigh as I squirm in the passenger seat of his truck.
“You ticklish?”
“How would I know?” He squeezes harder and I jump away from him squealing.
“You so are. Good to know.” He throws me an evil grin.
Once we pull up to Laney’s apartment, I see the group of girls walking out. Dillon comes around to open the car door for me, always the gentlemen.
“Dillon, Caiden got called in for surgery. He has to leave, so you’re on your own with Dais,” Laney calls to us.
“No problem. I got this.” He leans over and kisses my cheek and then disappears into the apartment complex.
The group of girls start giggling and I can feel my cheeks warm.
“Amy, you’re one lucky girl. He is so darn cute,” one of Laney’s friends says, shaking her head.
They are a great group of girls. They are all a bit older than me, most of them have kids, but we always have a great time. We are all reading the newest smut novel so when drinks start to kick in and conversation flows, they always want to hear about Dillon and I. Apparently I’m the only one that uses the books as manuals.
We all pile into Laney’s minivan. It’s one of those luxury ones with every upgrade imaginable. The dashboard looks like an airplane cockpit. There are televisions falling from the ceiling. I’ve never seen anything like it.
We decide to eat at a popular Italian restaurant downtown. As soon as we’re seated, I start to feel funny.
“Amy? Are you okay?” Laney asks, putting her hand on my arm. “You look pale.”
“Yeah. I’m okay. Just don’t feel well all of a sudden.” The smell of garlic is so strong and overwhelming, it’s making me want to gag. I feel nauseous and lightheaded.
There are seven girls at the table all talking and laughing. I push the food around my plate and try to blend into the conversation, but I’m really not feeling well. I’m so thankful when Laney takes notice and ends the dinner early while not calling any attention to me.
In the parking lot of Laney’s apartment, the girls part and Laney guides me upstairs.
“I'll get you something that will calm your stomach, Amy.” She gives me a curious look.
“Thanks Laney.”
She quietly pushes the door to her apartment open and we both tip toe inside, stepping over dolls and barbie cars. Laney’s apartment is small, but they choose to live in the city close to the hospital, so it’s expensive, clean and modern. I glance around the living room. The flat screen television is playing some princess movie. Toys are everywhere. There are crumbs and sippy cups littering the floor. Laney disappears into the kitchen to get me crackers. Dillon is slumped on the couch with a sleeping Daisy on his chest. They are both making soft snoring sounds. His arms are wrapped tightly around her back and her head is resting on his shoulder with her mouth wide open, drool pooling on his shirt.