Cowboy Mine (3B Ranch Series) Book 1

27

**** Kyle cast a concerned look at Ava's pale face and gently placed his hand on her arm. "Are you feeling better, Ava?"

"Some, but I think my stomach is still at home." She said striving to put on a brave face.

"It's okay, Ava. Flying does kind of take some getting used to. I left my stomach behind a lot at first, too." Kaylee said.

The kids were sitting together with Ava between the twins while Beau, and Bobbi sat directly behind them, should assistance be needed.

Beau realized he shouldn't have worried about Ava. The twins were so good with her. The three fit together just like he, Brett, Rowdy, and Brody had as youngsters. So much so that Yancy had dubbed them, 'The Four Musketeers'. They loved it and he thought it made the twins really feel as if they were part of the ranch - like they really belonged. And to him, they did, in fact, if things worked out, he wanted to adopt them as well. He felt like all three of them were his children already. He couldn't believe his life had changed so much... so wonderfully since that little songbird and her attitude had stepped foot on the 3B ranch.

He smiled and looked at the engagement ring his mother had presented to him before they left.

* * *

"Have you thought about an engagement ring? You can't very well propose and not have one." Lillie had asked him.

"I, I really haven't had time to think much about it mom, there's been so many other things to arrange. Why?"

Lilli placed a small red velvet box in his hand. He flipped the lid up and looked at the beautiful ring.

"I don't know if you remember sweetheart, but this is the ring your dad gave me when he proposed. He knew how much I treasured my Irish heritage and found this." She looked at the ring lovingly and smiled.

It featured three diamonds together to form a heart, flanked by a three pointed Celtic knot on either side. It was made of stanless steel to better stand up to the riggers of ranch life.

"I've been saving it all these years. I knew the right time would come to bring it out. I've just been waiting and think your father would love for Drina to wear it when she joins our family."

"Mom," Beau said choking up, I would love to put this on her hand, but don't you think Bobbi would want it?"

"No." Bobbi said walking into the room. "Mom asked me about it the other day when you announced you had wised up and was going after her. I love the idea of her wearing it and she'll appreciate it's history."

"You're sure, Bobbi? You have to be sure." He said wiping a tear before it fell onto his cheek.

"I am absolutely, one hundred percent sure. I love that she has made you so happy and she just..." she waved her hands searching for the right words, "fits, she fits you and the ranch. She belongs here with you. They all belong here with you... with us. And this..." she pointed to the ring. "would tie her to all of us from the beginning. I also think daddy would approve." She said looking at their mother who nodded in agreement.

Beau nodded and was in the process of putting the box in his pocket when the kids trooped in and announced they were packed and ready to go.

"What's that?" Asked the ever curious Kyle.

Beau thought a moment before opening and holding the box over for them to see. "It's the engagement ring my dad gave to mom when he proposed. I hope to put on Drina's hand when I propose to her. Think she'll like it?"