The Cowboy’s Runaway Bride (BBW Romance - Billionaire Brothers 1) by Jenn Roseton Page B

committing every detail of his face to memory.
    He shook his head. “Not everything.” A muscle pulsed in his jaw. “Carol doesn’t know the full story.”
    “But I won’t let you lose the ranch. And you will if—”
    He placed a warm finger against her lips. “No. I won’t.”
    Her eyes widened, hope fluttering in her heart.
    “Let me explain.” His eyes gleamed with love and passion.
    She nodded, wishing she could stay in his embrace forever.
    “My grandfather did write a will, leaving his grandsons nothing if we married or were involved in a permanent relationship. My brothers and I knew about it the whole time we were growing up. And we were all determined not to let that man rule our lives.” Garrett sighed. “He was a very bitter old guy. He’d always been difficult to live with, but he got worse as he got older. My grandmother, who was a wonderful woman, eventually couldn’t take any more. She fell in love with a schoolteacher in town, and they moved to Pennsylvania. My grandfather couldn’t accept what had happened and made that stupid will.”
    He threaded his hand through her loose hair, her spine tingling at his sensual touch. “Sweetheart, we all knew we’d have to make our own way in life. The estate pays us a generous sum every month, as long as we’re not in a relationship. But none of us care about the money.” He grimaced. “It did come in handy for college, and afterwards, when I was getting started, but as soon as I could I gave it all to charity. And I still do. Every month.”
    “But what about Farley?” Maddie whispered. Was it possible they could be together?
    A shadow crossed his face. “Farley’s death was a blow, but I’m hardly bankrupt. When I said I could support you, I meant it.”
    She gazed up at him, her arms tightening around his back. “And your father?”
    Garrett chuckled. “He runs a bed-and-breakfast with Mom in Vermont. My grandfather cut him out of the will completely because he took my grandmother’s side when she finally left him.” He added ruefully, “My parents refuse to take money from any of us, even money we‘ve made ourselves.”
    Maddie’s brow wrinkled. “So you hired me to clean cabins that you didn’t really need cleaned?”
    He wrapped her more firmly in his embrace. “You have no idea how many times Carol asked me what I was going to do with those cabins. When I met you, I knew those cabins would be a good excuse to spend time with you.” He smiled down at her. “I couldn’t let you wander Wyoming in your wedding dress.” His hands tightened around her waist. “As soon as I met you, I wanted you. I had to hope you felt the same - in time.”
    “I did,” Maddie breathed. “I mean, I do. I love you, Garrett.”
    “Good.” His lips claimed hers, his tongue demanding entry, which she gladly gave. Maddie lost herself in his kiss.
    “Come home with me,” he murmured against her lips.
    She nodded, her pulse pounding as he ravished her once more. Garrett finally dragged his mouth away, cupping her face. “But first, I have to ask you something.”
    Maddie held her breath as she watched him get down on one knee on the side of the highway. He pulled out a small velvet box from his pocket. Garrett took her hand, her spine tingling with excitement and anticipation at his touch.
    He looked into her eyes, his emotions laid bare. “Maddie Stanton, I love you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
    For a second, she couldn’t speak. Then she gripped his hand. “Yes,” she breathed. “Yes!” Garrett loved her. The reality was even better than her fantasies.
    Garrett stood, still holding the box as he pulled her to him.
    “I already said I’d marry you two weeks ago.” Maddie smiled and looked into his face, joy flooding through her. She finally knew exactly how Garrett felt about her. All her hopes and dreams had come true! “I love you.” She tugged his head down, knowing she would never grow tired of saying those