Elijah instinctively wrapped his arm around her waist in his sleep.

Dakota woke up the next morning, not realizing where she was at first. When she remembered, she got up and put on her jeans, popping on a sweatshirt over her t-shirt as well. She walked out to the horses who were happily awake and waiting to be turned out after being fed. "Morning, guys." She said, feeding them.

Dakota walked back inside once she was finished

Elijah woke up and realized Dakota had went out to feed the horses. He was planning on sneaking out that day, to prepare to propose, he wasn't sure how he'd manage before she found out. He needed to set up before leading her and proposing

Dakota grabbed a bagel and went back outside for a ride. "Shit. Rodeo's tomorrow night." She muttered, remembering. She finished her bagel once she had tacked up Secret, now leading the antsy mare to the trail that led around the property. She had made sure to grab a snack, water bottle, and her phone with portable charger before heading out. She mounted up after texting Elijah real quick. Going for a ride. BRB <3 She asked for a jog from Secret as the two headed toward the start of the trail

Elijah took this moment to sneak out. Once she left he wrote a note and placed it on her bedside table. The note said Meet me outside at 3 pm - Your boyfriend <3

He then quietly left, calling a few places to ensure everything was ready. He began decorating the backyard. He hung up garlands with wildflowers and little lanterns.

Dakota got back 3 hours later, untacked the sweaty mare, and groomed her out. "Sweet girl." Dakota said, putting the cooler on Secret before Dakota turned her horse out to play across the fence with Whisper. Dakota laughed when Secret perked her ears and went to check out Whisper. Whisper was sweet and tried giving her wither scratche, but Secret flipped a switch and nipped at Whisper. Dakota knew that was how mares acted, but it was still funny all the same. "Babe?" She called as she got inside. She went to grab a fresh NOT horse-covered sweatshirt and saw the note. She looked at the time. 2pm.

Elijah had finished preparing the decorations. There were many flowers and even a rose petal path.

Elijah was quite nervous. He double checked everything and made sure he had the ring. He then waited by the back door. When he saw Dakota, he took her hand, blocking her view. "Can you close your eyes for me baby?" he asks. "I will guide you and make sure you don't fall"

"Sure?" She said, but she closed eyes, trusting him. "If I fall, Elijah." She joked, clinging to his arm

Elijah chuckles, "Hey! You don't trust me?" he jokes back, carefully leading her to the beginning of the rose petal path. "Now stay here and keep your eyes closed. Don't open them till I tell you to. Really, I'm serious" he instructs her, letting go of her waist.

She just smiled, listening to him walk away.