Ridge

  Chapter 18

  Slowly Mallory started to heal. The more time they spent together the closer they got. By the time he took her for the six week appointment he was beyond himself with love for her. Every waking moment was spent thinking about her and even his dreams were filled with visions of her.

  She wasn't looking forward to the moment when Ridge went back home. It was actually nice having him around. Her heart warmed every time he walked into the room. He'd taken such good care of her. Nobody would ever think that the hard edged Ridge Cauthen could be such a sweetheart.

  The doctor took the cast off her arm and was pleased with the healing. He replaced it with a smaller one that was more flexible. Her leg wasn't healing quite as fast though. The cast was replaced with a different type to help her get around.

  All in all the doctor visit went well and he released her to do more. She could go back to work, light duty. They were quiet on the ride back to her apartment. Both of them were aware of what the doctor's visit meant. Things could go back to normal. He could move back home.

  When he pulled up in front of the apartment, they just sat there. He turned to look at her. "It's good that your arm is healing."

  "Yeah it is." She was on the verge of tears.

  "I guess you're able to do things for yourself now." His voice was low as he spoke. The thought of not spending every day with her was making his chest hurt. The moment was here. "You'll be glad to get rid of me I'm sure."

  She couldn't look at him or she might cry. "It hasn't been that bad. I've actually enjoyed it."

  "Me too." They were silent for a moment. "Let's get inside."

  With heavy hearts they walked into the apartment. He put her keys on the table by the door. "Let's eat one last meal together before I head home."

  "You make it sound like we'll never see one another." She tried to laugh but it fell short.

  "I know we'll see one another." He pulled the sandwich meat out of the fridge and set it on the table as she grabbed the bread and plates. "It just won't?" The sentence fell flat as they stared at one another across the table.

  "It just won't what?" She asked as slowly she made her way around the table toward him.

  His heart began to beat hard as she came near. "It won't be the same." He managed to get it out as she stopped in front of him.

  "I know." She placed her good hand over his heart, feeling the erratic beat of his heart. "Thanks for all you've done the past six weeks."

  Reaching up he placed his hand over hers. "Mallory I don't know how this is going to come out, but I need to say this." Taking a deep breath he looked into her eyes. "I know I've got a long way to go, but I've grown to love you over the last six weeks."

  Tears filled her eyes as she saw the love in his eyes. "Oh Ridge." It was all she could manage.

  Pulling her gently into his arms, always careful not to hurt her, the kiss was gentle and achingly sweet. She'd missed their kisses as she healed.

  The last six weeks had been a test of his constraints. He wanted to pull her into his arms several times, but then he'd think better of it. This kiss was like a healing balm for both of them. Her arms wound around his neck as he deepened the kiss, exploring her lips with his.

  "I'd like to ask you something." He said as he lifted his head.

  For a moment her heart stopped. Was he planning to ask her what she thought he was? Her mind was playing over the scenario in her head. "What do you want to ask?"

  "Will you go out on a date with me to my special place tonight?" He reached out and tipped her chin up to look into those beautiful eyes.

  "That sounds wonderful, but I don't know if I can ride a horse yet."

  "Let me handle that part." The smile that spread across his face was contagious. "Now, let's eat our lunch, I have some things to do before tonight."

  After lunch he packed his things and headed home. They'd kissed for a long while on the front step, but finally he left. She walked back in the house and it felt empty.

  That evening he picked her up and drove her to the ranch. He kept smiling at her and she wondered what he had planned. They drove straight down to the main barn. Opening his door he turned to her, "Stay right there, I'll be back in a minute."

  A little thrill of excitement ran through her as he walked into the barn. What was he up to? Then she laughed as he came out with Blaze attached to a carriage.

  "Your ride my lady." He bowed and held out his hand for her. This was a romantic gesture and her eyes misted with tears as she placed her hand in his. After he helped her into the carriage, he climbed in beside her. "Shall we go?"

  "Yes please." Picking up the reins he clicked his tongue and Blaze started forward. She turned and placed her hand lightly on his arm. "This is simply wonderful. Thank you."

  "Oh it's my pleasure, but the best is yet to come." Winking at her surprised face he laughed. "Don't look so surprised. I have some romance in these stubborn bones."

  Giggling with complete pleasurable happiness she sat back and relaxed. Her heart was singing with love. How could it be possible that the man beside her was the same man that totally infuriated her some days? She was quickly finding out that there was another side of Ridge Cauthen and she'd fell head over heels in love with him.

  The cool night air gently blew across their faces as they made their way to the old oak. He took the narrow road that ran along the backside of the fence line. The only sounds were the jangling of the harness and the crickets that sang happily around them. It was as though they were as excited as she was. She looked up at the clear beautiful sky as the evening sun slowly sank in the far sky. The colors were a mixture of vibrant purple, peach and blue. It was simply heavenly.

  Her breath caught in her throat as they drew near the oak. Twinkling lights dangled from the lower branches and a table for two sat directly under the canopy of lights. Candles and shining china were set up in a beautiful table scape. All she could do was stare open mouthed as they pulled to a stop.

  "Ridge, how on earth did you manage this in such a short time?"

  He walked around to help her out of the carriage. As she stepped carefully down, her gaze took in the romantic setting before her. "It pays to have a large family. Maggie and mom were all too happy to help out." Pulling out her chair, she sat down. "Mom cooked fettuccine alfredo and Maggie tossed the salad."

  "I'll be sure to thank them also." Her eyes twinkled with the reflection of the white lights. She watched as he lit the two candles and poured their sweet tea in the goblets that sat beside their plates.

  Raising his glass he proposed a toast. "Here's to many nights of romance and to our lives. May they be happy and healthy." Gently tapping her glass he sipped his tea. "I know wine would be more romantic, but the meds that you're on call for tea only."

  The food was delicious and when they opened the container of dessert both were surprised to find heart shaped lemon meringue tarts. "Maggie's been busy this afternoon I see." He smiled knowing his sister loved to make these delicate tarts.

  Taking a bite of the decadent dessert, she closed her eyes. "Oh my, she did really well. I need to get this recipe."

  "I think that can be arranged." He said as he took another bite. "She's made these for years. We always get these for birthdays and other special occasions."

  He carefully watched her finish the tart. His heart was beating wildly as he thought of his plans for the evening. How would she respond? Standing up he walked over to a remote, pushing a button and suddenly the pasture was filled with soft love songs.

  "Well you're just full of surprises aren't you?" She took his hand as he held it out. He pulled her into his arms and slowly moved her around.

  "Don't worry, I'll lead." He cleared his throat as he picked her up into his arms. "I can't have you hurting your leg, but I do want a dance with my favorite lady."

  As they slowly moved around under the growing night sky she smiled. This was like something out of a fairy tale. For a moment she wondered i
f she was dreaming. Here she was in the middle of a pasture under an oak that had to be over two hundred years old, with the most handsome cowboy ever. It had to be a dream.

  Closing her eyes as she let the music overtake her senses, Ridge smiled. He'd accomplished the first part of his plan, but what about the next part? Slowly he set her back on her feet. "Now for the next part of the evening." He placed her back in her chair.

  She watched as he walked over to the carriage. Since his back was to her she couldn't see what he pulled from under the seat. When he turned she put her hands over her mouth. In one hand, he held a dozen long stemmed roses in one hand and something she couldn't quite see in the other.

  "These are for you." He handed her the bouquet which she immediately brought up to her face. "And this?" He knelt down in front of her on one knee. "is for you also, if you'll have it."

  In his other hand he held a black velvet ring box. For a moment she forgot how to breathe. Looking up into his gorgeous eyes, she smiled.

  He opened the box and nestled inside was an emerald cut diamond with little Safire's situated around it. "Mallory I know we've only know each other about two months, but I knew the first time I saw you that we had something special. I love you with everything I have in me and I know that together we can create an unbreakable bond of love." He cleared his throat as nerves took over. "Will you marry me?"

  It took her a moment to regain her voice. She looked from the ring to his eyes and back to the ring. "Yes Ridge, I'd be honored to be your wife."

  Leaning forward he kissed her as he placed the ring on her finger. "I love you." The words were breathless as the kiss deepened. His head was spinning as he picked her up and sat down in the chair, pulling her back into his lap. "You've made me one happy man."

  She gazed at the ring on her finger. "We need to talk before setting a date."

  "I know one thing you're worried about and I took care of that this afternoon. Tomorrow I start therapy sessions at the base." He kissed her nose. "I want to be a whole man when we say our vows."

  Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks. "That's all I ask for."

  He pulled her into his embrace and held her for a long while. It was nice just to have her in his arms. She was his now and it was as it should be.

  An hour later they started back to the main house. When they arrived she noticed all the brothers were home which was unusual. They walked into the main house to cheers of happiness. "Congratulations you two." His parents said together.

  "We're so happy for you both and glad to gain another daughter." His mom said as she hugged Mallory tightly.

  It took a long while to get through with the hugs and well wishes. Everyone laughed and talked for what seemed like hours. Mallory was quiet as she watched her new family enjoying the moment. It was surreal to her because she'd been without family for a long time. Now she'd be a part of this large brood and it made her smile.

  Ridge watched her carefully hoping this was not too much too soon. When he squeezed her hand she looked up at him and he was lost. The love that shone back at him was all he needed. He leaned in for a heated kiss, which drew a lot of hoots of approval from his brothers.