She had almost begun to fear her time with Wes had been but a strange and wondrous dream. If it hadn’t been for her lovebirds, the ones she’d brought home to Colorado, who chirped each morning and night before she went to sleep she would have thought Paris was a dream. All she had to do was look at them and she remembered each detail of Paris, and the way it felt to be in love with Wes. A grand adventure that now had ended. If only she could accept that.

As the days passed, he hadn’t called and she’d lost hope that what he’d said in the hospital about loving her had been true. He’d promised to never let her go. But he had. She’d given him everything and it hadn’t been enough.

A screen door opened behind her and her father walked out onto the porch. He looked pleased.

“What are you so happy about?” she asked.

“That damn boy is finally coming.” Jim rubbed his hands together and watched the distant road that led to the highway.

Hope surged through her, but she buried it. Her heart wasn’t strong enough to survive any more hope.

“What boy?” She stared at her father, afraid of his answer.

Jim held up his cell phone. “Wes. He’s pulling onto our road and should be at the ranch in a few minutes. He just called.”

“What?” Her heart shuddered and she felt that weak bit of hope blossom. “Why is he coming now?” She knew her father didn’t have an explanation.

“He promised to explain when he gets here.”

A black Range Rover appeared from the woods and crunched over the falling snow as it drove toward them. Callie was strangely nervous. She hadn’t spoken to him in so many days and it felt like years.

The SUV parked in front of the house and Wes climbed out. He looked…sexy. In jeans and a knee-length black wool coat and a charcoal gray sweater. His hair was combed back.

Holding her breath, she watched him. He closed the car door and walked across the snow and up to the steps of the porch. It took everything in her not to run to him, to throw herself into his arms. He looked at her, just an all too quick glance before he focused on Jim.

“Jim,” he said, greeting and nodding at her father.

Jim cleared his throat. “Remember what I told you. I better see you on one knee or I might not give you a second chance.” Then her father turned and went back inside, the screen door slamming behind him.

Wes walked up the steps until they were nose to nose. They simply stared at one another for a long moment. Callie held her breath, every muscle tense, her entire body craving his warmth and his touch. He reached for her, but Callie flinched, so afraid she’d do something stupid, like beg him to kiss her. His eyes darkened and his lips parted in a soft exhale before he spoke.

“God, I’ve missed you.” His voice was rough and low.

“Why did you send me away? You promised to keep me, Wes! But you sent me away and I haven’t seen or heard from you in three weeks! You and your stupid bets!” She hit her balled fists against his chest as a sob caught in her throat, betraying just how hurt she’d felt at his abandonment.

His eyes softened. “My darling, my sweet darling,” he murmured and tucked her into his arms, kissing her roughly as though starved for her. She was lost for a long wonderful moment in that kiss that seemed to go on for years. He was tasting her like he would a fine cognac or pure dark chocolate, savoring her taste, and she did the same to him. Going too long without him had been one hell of a withdrawal without her sweet addiction of his kiss.

“I’m sorry I didn’t call you. I didn’t think you would see it as me leaving you. I wanted you to rest and get better. That couldn’t happen if I was here. I’d lose control and take you to bed and that could hurt you if you were too weak. You almost died…” He stopped, took a deep breath, and pressed his forehead to hers. She could feel his hands shaking as they cupped her face.

“And?” she pressed.

“Callie. I love you. I’ve never loved any woman before. I’m sure I’m going about this all wrong. I wanted to surprise you and bring you home to Long Island, where I’ve made everything perfect for the rest of our lives together. The last three weeks I’ve been making changes to my homes both in Weston and in Paris so that you would have everything you could ever want or need. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

“Wes, I don’t need perfect. I need you.” She curled her arms around his neck and brushed her fingertips into his hair at the nape of his neck. His lashes dropped to half-mast.

“I want to be with you. To stay wherever you are, the ranch or the mansion in Weston.”

“That’s good. Because I’ve spoken to your father and a ranch cabin is all ours for the winter holidays, on one condition.” He reached into his pocket and then got down on one knee. “Callie, you’re the center of my world. A life without you isn’t living. You were right all along. I’ve never been in love. I couldn’t have imagined what that meant, not until you. I need you in my life. Do you understand? There will be no walking away. You’re mine and I’m yours. Forever. I’ll do anything, give you anything, just to make you happy. I’m begging you. Marry me.”

He was the most powerful, dominant man she’d ever met, and yet he was on his knees begging her to marry him. Warmth blossomed in her chest and she started to nod, tears blinding her eyes. A future with Wes, one full of life, love, art, adventure, someday even children. It was a future she would fight to keep every day of the rest of her life.

“Yes,” she gasped. “Yes.” She couldn’t get out any other words, but it didn’t matter. She was in his arms again and he enveloped her with his warmth.

“I never had dreams before I met you.” His rough whisper in her ear made her heart clench. His blue eyes were so brilliant and she saw love shining in their depths. “You are my dream,” he said. “I will do everything in my power to make you happy.”

She pressed a finger to his lips. “You only have to love me. It’s the only thing I want. To love you and to be loved in return.” She peeled back the collar of her coat and showed him the chain necklace she wore. His necklace.

His sweet smile turned wonderfully wicked. “Then you will be the most loved woman in the world.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Once we’re alone, I’ll show you just how much I can give you.”

“Alone?”

He nodded his head at something behind her. When she turned, she found her father standing in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest, but he seemed satisfied.

“That will do, boy. You have my blessing. Welcome to the family.”

“Thank you, Jim.”

“Why don’t you both come inside and warm up.” Jim held the door open.

Callie turned to Wes, hoping he wouldn’t mind being around her father. Emotions flashed across his face and he hugged Callie close.

“What are you thinking about?” she whispered.

He smiled down at her.

“I’m thinking I’m the luckiest man alive. I have a woman to love and a real family. I thought I had everything I wanted. And then I met you.” He nuzzled her cheek, then placed a tender kiss on her lips, and she felt his heart there, beating in time with her own.

“You’re burned into my soul, Callie.” He placed her hand to his chest above his heart.

She leaned into him, hugging him. “From the moment I met you, you’ve always been in mine. Even before I knew that I loved you, my heart loved you. Just promise me one thing, no more wagers. I don’t think I’d survive another bet.” This time she kissed him, pushing him against the wooden porch beam. He chuckled against her lips.

“No more bets,” he promised.

“Good. Now get over here and make me blush.” She tugged at the lapels of his coat.

“Easy, little sub, I owe you plenty of spankings.” He murmured seductively.

“Mmm, sounds tempting. Maybe later though. Now, I want you to kiss me, damn it.”