She shrugged, staring into the trunk as tears fell onto her cheeks. She had no energy to wipe them away. He gently took her elbow and turned her around. His hand cupped her chin and gently pushed it upward so he could look into her eyes. "Caitlin, I'm a jerk, I know. I never realized until now how much I need you in my life. You make things right. You are the reason I wake up every day and the reason I work so hard. I do all of this for you. I tried giving you time and space, but no more. I need to know, right now, if there is a place in your heart for me. Will you be my girlfriend?"
Laughter escaped as she shook her head. "You have lousy timing."
"One of my downfalls," he said with a shrug and an adorable smile that left her breathless. "Can you overlook it?"
She smiled. "You were always in my heart and right now I can't imagine spending my days with anyone else. Yes, Garrett, I will be your girlfriend."
They leaned into each other. Garrett put his hands on the sides of Caitlin's head as his lips touched hers like a whisper. She wrapped her arms tighter around his neck to keep from falling over. The gentle thoughtful kiss reached into every inch of her body. She never imagined a kiss this special and romantic. As they pulled away, their gazes locked and happiness and devotion shone through. When their lips met again, there was more power as they gave into their feelings.
He pulled away and led her inside to the living room. While Garrett built a fire, Caitlin watched, still unsure if she was dreaming. How did a horrible day wind up being the best day of her life?
Garrett sat beside her and exhaled. "After Emmaline died, Marshall pulled me aside and asked if I would look after things, if anything should happen to him. Remember, you were only fifteen. Of course I agreed, but never dreamed I would have to follow through with it. Truthfully, I had forgotten until last week when the attorney called."
He took her hands and kissed them. "See, Caitlin, it's not that no one trusted your ability to handle the finances or the ranch, but you were once too young. When you became of age, we forgot. Honestly, didn't we all believe Marshall would live to be at least 100 years old?" Garrett rubbed her hands. "At any time, I'll sign it over."