“You got a job, right?” Jed asked. “Then you need to save up if you want to do things like that, right?”
More silence as Jed obviously listened to what Sylvie had to say.
“And your sister works hard for her money. You’re an adult. She raised you from a kid, she’s always gonna love you. Always gonna want you in her life, but it ain’t up to her to bankroll your life. Especially for stupid shit like this.”
Oh, crap.
“You got a real problem; you can call me. You want to call just to chat about your life or ask advice or shit like that, call your sister. You need money for something important, we’ll figure out if we can help you. Together. But your days of calling and your sister sending you money because you think you need shit you don’t are over. Time to take responsibility for your own life, doll.”
Her mouth was open as she stared at him. Sh
e could not believe he was saying that to her sister. Fuck, Sylvie would be having a conniption.
“You think anyone ever paid your sister’s way? She’s worked hard all her life to take care of you and your brother, too hard. Like I said, we’re always here. But you want to go to Hawaii, you find your own way there.”
He ended the call and placed her phone up on the top of the bookcase that flanked the television. It rang. He ignored it.
“I cannot believe you did that.” She stood up. “That was taking things too far. Even for you. She’s my sister.”
“She uses you.”
She winced. Ouch. “She loves me.”
He nodded and some of that hurt eased. “I’m sure she does. But she’s gotten used to coming to you when she needs something and that has to change. You got a lot in you to give, but I’ve got to make sure you don’t give so much there’s nothing left for you.” He sat and pulled her onto his lap.
He rubbed his hand up and down her back. “I’m gonna do what I have to in order to take care of you. Including when it comes to your family. No one hurts my baby girl.”
She melted against him. “I love you, dragon.”
He leaned in and kissed her. “I love you too, sugar.”
* * *
Ellie took one look around Aunt Rose’s house before following Bear out the door. He locked it and pocketed the key.
“I think Aunt Rose is still watching us. That she brought Daisy here for Jed.”
Bear cut her a look but didn’t say anything. He just took her hand and led her around the back.
“The security system is a good idea. And boy, these lights are pretty,” she said, following behind him with a frown of surprise. “Bear? What’s going on? Where are we going?”
He wasn’t the biggest talker, but he was being a little odd. He walked into the middle of the yard, where you could see the trees twinkling around and to her surprise, he stopped and dropped to one knee.
Her heart thumped.
“Ellie. I know I don’t always know what to say or how to say it, but I think you know by now how special you are. That you mean everything to me. I can’t imagine life without you and I don’t ever want to. What I want is for you to be mine in every way, so will you marry me, baby girl?” He reached into his pocket and drew out a ring. She couldn’t see much beyond the fact it was a big diamond that glinted under the lights. She didn’t really care what it looked like, though. All she knew was her big, gentle Bear was asking her to be his. Totally his.
And there was only one reply to that.
“Yes.”
Ready for a Christmas wedding? Read on for an excerpt. . .
Excerpt from a Montana Daddies Christmas
“I want you to have a fantastic time, baby girl and I know with what your girls have organized for you that you will. But I also want you to be safe while having that fun. So, while you might not have to follow some of your rules tonight, like going to bed on time, all safety rules apply. Understand?”
Her eyes filled with warmth. “Love you, Bear.”