Eagle's Refuge (11 page)

The wedding reception at the ranch was in full swing now and most of Morgan’s Creek had turned out to celebrate the happy couple. Leah and Shane stood at the perimeter and Mac swore that even from this distance, Leah’s eyes were just a little misty over the whole thing. Shane leaned close and said something that made her smile.

“Dash and Carmen look so wonderful together,” Callie said as she slipped her hand in his.

“Damn fine couple.”

She stepped back a little and gave him a teasing up-and-down look. “You look pretty damn fine yourself, cowboy.” He and Shane matched Dash today, each wearing Texas wedding duds, black, western-cut tuxedos with their boots and cowboy hats.

“Think I might just keep you around.”

Mac grinned. “You’d better, woman. Don’t think you have much choice in the matter.” Reaching out to hug her close, he marveled at the love he felt for her. She was so damn pretty in a simple dress in a soft blue color. Callie had told him the color was

aqua. He didn’t know shit about that stuff but she damn sure looked good enough to eat. “Want to take a walk?”

Callie nodded. “Sure.”

Hand in hand they ambled through the crowd of people until Mac spotted several bales of hay stacked high near the barn. Shrugging out of his tuxedo jacket, he spread it out. “Sit.”

“On your nice jacket? No way.”

“Sit, Callie. I won’t have you getting your pretty butt scratched from this hay.”

She rolled her eyes, laughing. She was always laughing. Mac loved that about her.

“Okay. Okay. Jeez, you’re bossy.”

When he settled down next to her, he pulled her against him as music drifted over them, surrounding them. From the barn a horse whinnied. “Been meaning to talk to you about something.”

“Shoot.”

“I really love living with you, Callie, but it’s not enough.” Her eyes went wide and he knew he was fucking this up. Mac shook his head. “Shit. I’m not doing this right.”

“I’m listening,” she said quietly.

“When I was a kid, I wanted to be a part of this ranch so badly I could practically taste it.” He leaned over, propping his forearms on his knees as he struggled with his thoughts. “My life was tough and I guess I was pretty damn bitter over everything that Joe Morgan didn’t do for me and for my mom. Maybe now I’ve figured that happiness doesn’t work that way. A man can’t wait for the good stuff to happen. He’s got to grab it and take it and make it his.” Mac looked at Callie, willing her to understand. “That’s what happened when I met you, honey. I saw happiness the minute I looked at your pretty face. I realize now that I want you more than I ever wanted acceptance from my father or a place on this ranch.”

“Oh Mac.” Callie reached out and swept her palm over the length of his back.

Mac straightened and reached into the front pocket of his pants. When he pulled his hand out a platinum and diamond engagement ring winked from the end of his pinky finger. His heart in his throat, he watched Callie’s eyes go wide and then instantly fill with tears. “I know this is sudden but I love you, honey. Will you marry me? Live with me here on the ranch? Build a future with me?”

Tears rolling, Callie cupped his cheek and kissed him. “Yes, Mac. Oh yes. How could I ever say no? I love you so much.”

Joy exploded in his chest as he took her hand and slid the ring into place. His kiss was hungry but tempered by the solemnity of the moment. He’d never thought to do such a thing. Never had he thought he’d find a woman who completed him as Callie did. As she sank against him, her nose buried against his chest, the lone eagle swooped regally across the blue Texas sky to land on the roof of the barn. Its unblinking gaze took him in, measured the man he was and seemed to approve.

Mac had home, family and a woman who loved him. It damn sure didn’t get any better than that.

THE END