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The next thing I knew, Gunner had his ar the three of us stood there, but I finally regained some composure When I pulled away, I saw boththeir tears away

I knehat I had to do, and I needed to do it right now "Gunner, sir, may I speak with you alone?"

Gunner looked at me, surprised, but he nodded his head I looked back at Luke and Colt, and they both smiled Luke and Libby had both asked me why I said I was Lex’s fiancé I’d told theed Then, I’d told Colt, Lauren, Meagan, Grace, and Taylor I was sure Colt and Luke knehat I was about to do now

Gunner walked a ways away and leaned up against a fence He looked atI’d been drea for a few years now

I cleared my throat, took a deep breath, and looked Gunner in the eyes "I’d like to ask Lex to marry me, sir It wouldn’t be anyti , sir"

Gunner didn’t do anything at first I silently prayed to God that my life wouldn’t end here, in the east pasture, at the hands of Gunner Mathews I heldto walk away from her--not now, not ever

Gunner slowly let a smile move across his face Finally, his full crooked sory Hayes, do you have any idea that you just proved what type of man you are?"

My mouth dropped open Anytime my parents used my full name, my ass would be in trouble, so I wasn’t sure how to read this situation

"Uuess I don’t Truth be told, your s with my full name has me all kinds of confused"

Gunner threw his head back and laughed When he looked back at me, he shook his head "Will, after what happened to Alex, not very uys would stick around--let alone, ask her father for her hand in e I’m proud of you, Will I’m proud that you never once backed dohen I pushed you and Alex for a break, that you never gave up on the one thing you loved It shows the man you’ve beco you, Will"

Gunner smiled as he reached his hand out for mine and shook it "Will, I’d be honored to have you ask Alex to marry you, and I’d be even raduate froe and Alex starts her career, and not a second before then"

I s overon asking her?" Gunner’s face became a bit more serious

"I wanted to ask her this suht now Even though we’ve talked about it, I think it is best if I wait for a bit"