A Cowboy's Love (Ford Brothers Book #3)

Chapter Seventeen: Jackson

Mom picked us up and drove to the school. Mom went with Kate and I went with Gabby. We let the principle know what is going on with Amelia. Telling them that only us or our family is allowed to check the girls out of school. They understood and sent us off with well wishes for Amelia and our family.

Now we are on our way to the hospital to see Amelia. It has been way too long since I have seen my girl. I know mom is anxious to see her again. Mom has always thought of Amelia as a daughter she never got. She has been more of a mother to her than the one who gave birth to her. I know Amelia has always felt the love and care that mom would give her. I understand why she was afraid to tell us; she was afraid that we would turn her away. That would have left her on her own without anyone, but her children. We are the only people she has left.

"She will wake up soon. I have a feeling that it will be soon. She's a fighter; I know she can beat this." Mom says from behind the wheel.

"I know mom. It is our time, we have missed out on each others lives. I have already asked her to marry me."

"Have you got her a ring yet?"

"I still need to pick one out. I haven't had time with everything else going on."

"We have the time now. Might as well get it taken care of. Do you have one in mind that you want to get her?"

"Mom, I had her ring in my mind since we were in high school. I just didn't know it would take this long to get it."

"We will pick one out before we go to the hospital." Mom declares as she pulls into a jewelry store. We got out and headed for the door. Walking inside I could see cases full of jewelry. It will take me hours to find the perfect ring.

"Start here. I think you will like these." Mom says from a case to my right. Walking over I glanced at the rings staring back at me. These ones are simple and not too flashy.

It did not take me long to find the perfect ring for Amelia. As soon as I saw it I knew it was the one. It is a simple band with three small gems on top. It is a rose gold with silver gems; I know she will love it. It is not a big flashy ring and I know she will appreciate that.

"Thanks for helping me mom." I tell her once we get back into her car.

"You're welcome. Now let's go see Amelia." She replies as she starts the engine.

************

Mom stayed in the hallway giving me some alone time with Amelia. She is still in the same position she was in when I left yesterday. Her arms are at her sides above the covers. There is an IV in her right hand, her face looks peaceful, but her eye lids are rapidly moving. I wonder what is going on in her head. Is she reliving her past? Is it nightmares of Drew?

I sat down on the side of the hospital bed and took her left hand in mine. I know that I have asked her to marry me once before, but I have a gut feeling that I need to ask her again. I know she cannot respond, but I already know the answer. She wanted us to get married once we have dealt with Drew and now that he is behind bars we can move forward with our plans.

"I know I have asked you this before, but I have your ring now and I want you to wear it. I want to start our lives together. I want you to know that I will always be here for you and our girls." I tell her as I slip the three stone engagement ring onto her finger. I placed a kiss to the back of her hand as I continued my speech.

"I know that you can hear me, baby. I have been waiting for years for you to come back to me and you did. You came back and brought two wonderful girls into my life. I want to marry you and to adopt both Gabby and Kate. I want y'all to have my last name. I need to be your husband and our girls' dad. Please, Amelia wake up. I need to see your baby blues. I love you, baby. I always will; forever and ever." I could not hold the tears in any longer. I let them fall as I held her hand tightly in both of mine. Bowing my head as the tears came faster and rolling down my face.