The Cowboys Heart: 3 by Helen Evans Read Free Book Online

rather, play host to him and Jamie.
    “I mean, I’ve made other plans for the day,” I said as I put
my sunglasses in my purse. “It’ll be fine. Besides, it will give you and Jamie
some time to spend together. Without me.” I didn’t wait for a response before I
was out the door and meeting Hudson in the driveway. The sight of him brought a
smile to my face.
    He was leaning against his truck, arms crossed. When he saw
me, he pushed off and came toward me, his eyes hidden behind his sunglasses,
but I knew they were probably dark, just as eager for today as I was.
Wordlessly, he greeted me with a kiss. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and
never let go, but I could feel Phillip watching me from the front window. His
gaze was like a laser to my back, and I cut the kiss short, smiling.
    “So, did you figure out what we’re doing today?” I asked as
he led me to the passenger’s side of the truck.
    “Yup.” He helped me inside and slammed the door.
    I shook my head, laughing softly. He wasn’t going to tell me
anything. He rarely did when it came to our dates, and that was okay because I
really liked Hudson’s surprises.
    It was a short ride, less than five minutes, and he was
pulling over and parking the truck alongside of the road. I gave him a
questioning look, but he only responded with a smile. A moment later, we were
out of the truck and walking down a secluded path that led us to the lake. It
was quiet and beautiful. Perfect. Just like being with Hudson always felt. I
squeezed his hand and rested my head on his arm as we walked.
    “This is so nice,” I said, sighing with content.
    Hudson kissed my head. “I’m glad you were able to get away
today.”
    “Me too. I really needed this.” I hesitated to say more. I
knew he didn’t want to hear about my time spent with Phillip, and I wasn’t
about to rub it in. Today was supposed to be about me and Hudson anyway. It was
my day to really figure out my feelings for him, to determine if they were as
strong and true as I hoped they were.
    We walked in silence a bit more then stopped at a massive,
fallen log. He sat and brought me down next to him. I could tell something was
on his mind, but didn’t want to ruin the day by prying, so I simply waited for
him to speak.
    “I miss you, Heather,” he finally said after several
moments.
    I looked up at him, shocked by the sadness I saw in his
eyes. “I know this has been tough on you, but I promise he won’t be here much
longer.”
    “I know.” He smiled then grasped the back of my head gently,
bringing me to him for a kiss. I really did love kissing him. He was always so
soft and needy. “I have to be honest, though. I have an ulterior motive for
bringing you out here today.”
    My heart stopped. “Uh, okay,” I said slowly.
    “Oh, it’s nothing bad,” he said, smiling.
    I sighed with relief. “Okay, then what is it?”
    He licked his lips and kneeled in front of me. “This isn’t
how I wanted this to go at all, but the surprise of this kinda got ruined.”
Hudson laughed nervously.
    Oh God! I knew what he was going to do. My eyes widened, and
I tried to think of something to say, but my mind was blank, and I was
paralyzed. All I could do was watch as he pulled a black, velvet box from his
pocket and opened it. Inside was the most beautiful diamond ring I’d ever seen.
Not too big, but a princess cut with smaller diamonds along the gold band. I
cupped my hands over my mouth.
    “I love you more than anything, Heather, and I don’t want to
ever be without you. Will you marry me?”
    “Hudson…” I whispered, shaking my head. Not in answer, but
in awe.
    He took my hand and caressed it, but he didn’t take out the
ring or try to put it on me. I knew he was waiting for my answer. I swallowed
hard and looked deep into his eyes. A week ago I would’ve jumped at his proposal;
I would’ve flung my arms around him, kissed him, shouted yes so everyone in the
county could hear me. But so much had