She swallowed. “Would allow us to love each other.”
That was all he needed. He swept her into his arms. “Loving you has nothing to do with money.” Then he kissed her and poured all that he felt for her into that kiss.
With a moan, she responded, telling him without words how much he meant to her.
She’d told him all this before with her kisses, and he hadn’t been willing to listen. No one surrendered like this without love in her heart. She’d cared all along. He’d been the fool who hadn’t recognized it.
He kissed her, and kissed her some more. “I’m so sorry,” he murmured between kisses. “I’m so sorry I doubted you.”
“I’m so sorry I gave you reason to doubt.” Then she wrapped her arms around him as if she would never let go.
At last he raised his head and looked into her eyes. “I love you, Astrid, and I intend to marry you. Is that a problem?”
She smiled. “No, it’s a solution. If you didn’t love me, I would be heartbroken, because I love you, too.”
“What about your parents?”
“A very dear friend gave me some wonderful advice. She said that once they see how happy you make me, they’ll come around.”
“I intend to make you so happy that they’ll come around really fast.”
Her expression sobered. “I wasn’t kidding, Fletch. If you’re uncomfortable with the money, I’ll get rid of it. It doesn’t matter to me.”
“Let’s not get carried away.” He hugged her tight. “If you’re determined to divest yourself of your fortune, I have a suggestion for where to put it.”
“Into your breeding program?”
“Yep.”
“That’s wonderful! I thought you wouldn’t take it.”
“That would be dumb, now, wouldn’t it? What idiot turns his back on the prospect of making a dream come true?”
“Not me.” She cradled his face in her hands.
“Not us.” And instead of kissing her, he scooped her up in his arms. The barn might be great for stolen moments, but he had some serious lovemaking in mind. For that, he intended to take the love of his life inside and make use of a sturdy king-sized bed. This time, they wouldn’t even have to worry about mud.
Epilogue
Wanting to share her joy with her friends, Astrid called for a girls’ night out at their favorite watering hole, Golden Spurs and Stetsons, in downtown Dallas. Melanie and Val were waiting for her at their customary table near the front door when she hurried in.
They both leaped up to hug her and exclaim over how happy she looked.
“I’m beyond happy.” She beamed at her friends as they settled into their chairs. “I didn’t know a feeling this great even existed!”
Melanie practically bounced in her chair. “I knew it! I knew he was right for you!”
Val reached over and squeezed Astrid’s hand. “Good for you, getting away from the bad kisser and going for the guy who knows how.”
Astrid grinned. “Yes, ma’am, he sure does.”
“Look at you.” Melanie regarded her with pride. “You’re positively glowing.”
“And we need drinks!” Val said. “The waitress was just here, but it’s busy tonight. I’d better go find her.”
After she left, Astrid glanced at Mel. “It was a close call with Fletch. I should have followed your advice and told him about my family sooner. Thank God he didn’t stay angry with me.”
“He didn’t because he loves you. And you love him.”
“I do. I can’t believe how much.” She lowered her voice. “So how is Val taking this? Now two of us are in relationships. Is she still determined not to date anyone?”
“Yes, and I’m worried about her. That fire at the concert was horrible, I know, but she’s not getting over it. I wish she’d see a therapist, but she keeps putting that off. Her paranoia is ruining her love life, and I get the feeling it’s affecting her job, too.”
“That’s bad. I mean, when we’re forced to sit at the front table every time we come here, just so she’s near the door . . .”
“Right. Here she comes.”
Val flashed a smile as she pulled out a chair. “Talking about me, weren’t you?”
“Yes.” Astrid met her gaze. “We both think you should see somebody.”
“I see lots of people!” Her determined smile grew brighter. “The law office is chock full of them. People everywhere.”
“I mean about your issues.” Astrid refused to let Val joke her way out of it. Her friend’s funky clothing choices and trendy haircut made her look like a confident woman of the world. Instead, after breaking her arm during a mob scene at a concert, she’d become a scared rabbit. “This overly cautious person is not the Valerie Wolitzky I remember from college.”
“That’s for sure,” Melanie said. “I still think about that epic trip to Six Flags our senior year. God, that was fun. We should do it again.”
Val’s face grew pale. “We could,” she said quickly, “but you have so much to do getting ready for your wedding to Drew, and all signs point to Astrid launching into wedding planning soon, so maybe—”
“It’s okay.” Astrid touched her arm. “We wouldn’t drag you there. Not until you’re ready. But seriously, would you at least start researching therapists?”
“Sure.” Val nodded. “I’ll do that.” But she glanced up with obvious relief when the waitress arrived to take their drink orders. Then she changed the subject.
Astrid let her, because beating her over the head about the situation wouldn’t help. But she hated that Val wasn’t living life to the fullest.
Now more than ever, Astrid understood how important that was. Thanks to Fletch, she was alive, in every sense of the word. She wanted that kind of joy for Val, too. If only something, or someone, would come along and jolt her out of the miserable rut she was in.
Their margaritas arrived, and Val raised her glass. “Here’s to Astrid and Fletch finding each other.”
“At long last,” Melanie said with a smile.
“It was truly a miracle.” Thanking her lucky stars, Astrid clinked glasses with Melanie and Val and sipped her drink. Then she raised it again and glanced at Val. “Here’s to going for the gusto.”
Val laughed. “All right, all right. I’ll find a therapist. Geez.” And she touched her glass to Astrid’s and Melanie’s.
Astrid wished she could get a time commitment on that promise, but decided not to push it tonight, which was supposed to be about celebrating, not soul-searching. Astrid had much to celebrate. She had great friends and a wonderful career, and she’d been lucky enough to find a guy who was everything she’d ever wanted. He wasn’t the billionaire she’d always assumed she’d marry, but she’d learned that, for her, a cowboy was the perfect man.