The Cowboy's Fate (The Govain Cowboys Book 1)

by Janalyn Knight

  She grinned. "And we will always be. I vow to help you in your dreams and desires, and to create a life, a family and a loving home as your wife. Our love is unique and to be cherished. I promise my constant devotion and love, forever and ever." She slid the ring on his finger, and he gripped her hand, smiling and gazing into her eyes.

  The pastor said, "In the eyes of God and by the powers vested in me by the State of Texas, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride, Caleb."

  He picked her up, bringing her face level with him and kissed her jubilantly. Then he whirled her around before setting her down again. The crowd applauded, and the organ rang out as they headed down the steps for the front of the church.

  Dylan reached out from a pew and clapped Caleb on the shoulder, grinning hugely.

  Caleb stopped and gave him a hug. "I love you, baby brother."

  With Eve on his arm, they walked next door toward the church hall where the informal reception would be held. He laughed and bumped her with his shoulder. "I can't believe you said pretend husband in your vows, woman."

  "I loved our game. You won me over with that, I'll have you know."

  Two ladies manned the punch table. And, in true Texas tradition, there were two kegs of beer and red plastic cups right next to the punch.

  Eve and Caleb, along with their parents, received well wishes from friends at the head of a long reception line. Eve's feet began to throb. Used to her comfortable boots, the tall heels she wore with her dress were torturous as the minutes passed by.

  Caleb must have noticed the strained look on her face because he slipped his arm around her waist and whispered, "Are you okay, honey?"

  She looked up and grimaced. "These damn shoes." Glancing to her right, she said, "The line is almost gone. Let's throw the bouquet and cut the cake as soon as we can."

  He nodded and squeezed her close, then smiled at the next person in line.

  When they'd shaken the last hand, Caleb whispered to Eve's mother who spoke to Eve's father.

  Her father raised his voice. "If I can have your attention, please? Can we have all the young ladies here in front of me? Eve's going to throw the bouquet. Following that, we'll cut the cake."

  A few moments later, Eve looked over the small group of young women and girls gathered before her. Most she recognized from years past, but, Lord, they'd grown. She'd been gone from her little hometown for so long. Turning her back, she raised the bright bouquet and tossed it hard over her shoulder.

  The sound of scrambling feet came to her as she spun around, and two grinning girls had their hands on the bundle of flowers. One gave in and let go, and the other held the bouquet triumphantly over her head.

  Eve laughed. "Good luck, honey. Next it'll be you in a dress like mine."

  The girl blushed and smiled even bigger.

  Caleb led Eve to her beautiful cake which was decorated with brightly colored roses.

  Her mother was there, smiling happily, and gave her a kiss for nothing but pure joy, then handed Eve the cake knife. Her mom said, "I love you two," and stepped away.

  Caleb grinned at Eve, and placed his hand over hers on the knife. The room was silent except for a low hum of whispers.

  She guided the knife to the bottom layer and made a cut.

  The photographer snapped a picture.

  Placing two pieces on plates, she took one and gently fed a bite to Caleb, looking into his eyes and smiling as she did. Another picture snapped.

  Caleb fed her a piece, grinning, looking so in love with her that she wanted to kiss him right there in front of everyone. The camera flashed.

  They wiped their hands with napkins to a round of applause, and Caleb kissed her. As they left the table, the band started playing a country waltz.

  The crowd moved back to the edges of the dance floor, and her father walked toward her.

  Eve's heart melted at the sweet look on her father's lined, tanned face. She strode out to meet him.

  He pulled her into his arms and swept her out to the middle of the floor. Her father was the one who'd first taught her to dance, and he was good at it. As he twirled her to the music, she felt like his baby girl again.

  She smiled up at him, her heart so full of love, so thankful for this kind, respectful man who had taught her that she was smart and capable and strong.

  The song ended, and her father kissed her cheek, a bittersweet smile on his face as he handed her over to Caleb. His little girl was no longer his alone. She was Caleb's now, too.

  The band played a slow song, and Caleb held her close, swaying to the music. He whispered in her ear, "A little while more, and we're out of here, Mrs. Govain."

  She laughed softly. "Just what I wanted to hear, husband."

  The music stopped, and couples moved to the floor, dancing to the next song, a lively Texas two-step. Caleb danced with her, shortening his long strides so that she didn't trip on her dress.

  Before the next song started, Adam touched Caleb's shoulder and said with a grin. "My turn, brother." And to Eve, "May I have this dance, sister-in-law?"

  She smiled. "Of course."

  Adam clasped her in a firm grip and swung her out on the dance floor.

  Eve compared him to Caleb as she concentrated on following him to the quick beat of the music. He wasn't quite as tall but was equally as broad shouldered. And his eyes were brown, like Roy's were. But he was just as handsome. That Govain jaw had come through on all three brothers.

  Adam smiled at her. "Eve, I'm glad you snared my brother. I didn't think he was ever going to find the right girl. You're perfect for him. He's a very lucky man." He squeezed her waist and twirled her around again.

  Caleb claimed her after that song for one last dance. He led her through the country waltz, spinning her in circles and moving to the rhythm of the music. As the song ended and they walked off the dance floor, he said, "Let's say our goodbyes. I can't wait for you any longer, my love." His devilish grin sent shivers through her, and she laughed.

  Guests were sitting at tables enjoying the catered barbeque and the band’s music. Though they were leaving, the reception would go on for hours.

  They found Caleb's parents first. Eve said, "Millie, thank you for everything you've done to make me feel welcome in your family. I'm so glad to have a second mother, now."

  Millie pulled her into a tight hug. "I've always wanted a daughter to fuss over, Eve, and now I have one. You two have a marvelous time. Now, get on out of here before somebody stops you."

  After saying goodbye to Eve's parents, Caleb walked with her to the dressing room, releasing her in the hallway so she could change clothes.

  Fifteen minutes later, with Ann's help, Eve wore a more casual dress in her favorite color of gold and walked out the door.

  Caleb waited, his eyes on fire. He'd changed to his normal attire of Wranglers and a dress shirt. Taking her arm, he said, "Come on, baby, let's get this honeymoon started!"

  As they stepped out of the building, birdseed pelted them. Caleb grabbed her, and they raced to his truck which was parked at the steps.

  Eve groaned at the long lines of tin cans tied on the back and the wise cracks written on the windows. His brothers had thought of everything. Caleb helped her inside then slammed her door. She waved at her parents and Millie and Rob.

  Caleb jumped in and started the truck, throwing a wave to the crowd and pulling away from the curb. He grinned at her. "You look gorgeous, Mrs. Govain."

  She smiled back. "So do you, husband."

  He flipped up the console and yanked out the center seat belt. "Move over here and buckle up. I don't ever want to be separated from you again."

  Chapter Fourteen

  THEIR FLIGHT OVERSEAS had gotten them into Athens in plenty of time to make the ferry to the island. They enjoyed the transit over the water, as the travel agent had said they would, snuggling together as they watched for dolphins from the cold windy deck. Inside, they people-watched, enjoying trying to figure out who were islan
ders and who were tourist like them—even catching a catnap in each other’s arms on the way.

  When they arrived at the island, Eve followed Caleb into their suite at the Santa Maris, just steps from the small village of Oia, nestled atop the cliffs of Santorini Island in Greece. Oia was a mile-long community of small white-stucco houses and bright-blue domed churches, winding pathways, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Ocean. Their room was done all in white, opening on a cozy stucco patio overlooking the beautiful blue water—a picture-perfect dream of her honeymoon come true.

  Caleb tipped the bellman, and they were finally alone. He took her in his arms and kissed her slowly, exploring her, his tongue gentle and probing. Meeting her gaze, he said, "We have seven whole days to spend in bed. I don't care if we step foot out of this room."

  She laughed. "Hey, you spent good money on this trip. I want to take advantage of it." Tomorrow would be a spa day in the fabulous facility at the Santa Maris. The spa had an indoor heated swimming pool, a steam bath, sauna, cryotherapy, massage therapy, and beautiful, relaxing treatment rooms. They'd also scheduled an afternoon to go hiking on the trails running along the cliff's edge later in the week and a visit to a historic cliffside winery. They were even going sailing. She kissed him with a smack. "But I want lots of time on that bed over there, too."

  He grinned slyly, "Just on the bed?"

  She looked around the room, her face playfully thoughtful, "This place does have some great possibilities. I'll leave that part up to you."

  He grabbed her and nibbled her neck, making her giggle. "Are you hungry? That five-hour ferry ride was fun, but I worked up an appetite."

  "I am. I think room service and a good, long nap is what we need."

  They went over the room service menu, and Caleb ordered their food while she undressed and crawled under the covers.

  He laid beside her, pulling her close to his warm, hard body. "Mrs. Govain, I do love you."

  She thrilled, goosebumps rolling across her chest and down her arms. How long would it take before she got used to those words? She brought his fingers to her lips. "I love you, too. Thank you for this amazing honeymoon. I'm so happy right now. The wedding hassle is over, and I can spend all my time loving you."

  "Hmm." His voice rumbled in his chest. "Loving me? I like the way that sounds."

  "Uh, I need my food first. And that nap. And a fancy dinner in the restaurant you booked for us."

  "Oh, I see where your priorities are. It's the extras that count."

  She laughed and pulled his arm tighter around her. "You're the only thing that counts, my real husband, Caleb. Don't you ever forget that."

  When the food arrived, he brought it to their bed. Eve set it up while he undressed. Snuggled together with their backs against the plush headboard, they tucked into their snack. Caleb opened the crisp white wine the kitchen had suggested and poured himself a glass, opening a sparkling water for Eve.

  She took a sip and gazed out at the patio and the deep blue ocean beyond. "This is so beautiful, honey. I can't believe I'm here."

  "Believe it, baby. You're all mine for a whole week."

  He held out his glass, and she tapped it with hers. "To our time in paradise."

  EVENING IN OIA WAS a magical thing. Narrow, curving pathways, softly lit, ran between the small stucco buildings crammed one against the other with their arched windows and curved walls and rooflines. Caleb asked directions to the Restaurant Neptune and walked confidently forward, his arm around her shoulders.

  When they arrived, they were seated immediately at their table next to the many-paned window overlooking the ocean. Moonlight glowed on the watery horizon. They were here in February, the cold season, and though the temperature was in the sixties during the day, the nights were too chilly for eating on the beautiful outdoor patio. Caleb smiled at her. "What do you think about this extra?"

  She smiled. " I don't have the words to tell you how happy I am."

  He reached for her hand. "I want you to always be this happy."

  Looking at his sweet, sincere face, her heart expanded, love for him filling her so fully, so deeply, that her eyes grew wet. "Honey, thank you for not giving up on me. It would have been so easy for you. I'm sorry I didn't value your love more. I'm sorry it took me so long to see that, despite what else I had or didn't have in my life, I couldn't live without you. I know that now. You're all that matters to me." She looked down, laying her hand on her belly. "You and this little bump here." At more than five months pregnant, her rounded tummy was noticeable now.

  He squeezed her hand. "I'd never have given up. You were always my one. From the moment I met you."

  The waiter came and helped them order dinner as they were unfamiliar with many of the items on the menu.

  Silently, they sipped their tea, gazing at each other, exchanging secret smiles, each envisioning the night to come.

  Eve slipped her heel off her foot and slid her toes up Caleb's leg.

  He jerked and grinned, squeezing her foot between his calves.

  She bit her lower lip and pushed free, sliding her foot higher, moving along his thigh until her leg was fully extended, hoping no other guests could see what she was doing.

  Caleb sucked in a breath, and narrowed his eyes, mouthing, "You devil."

  She grinned and drew her foot back along his thigh, down his calf and slipped it into her shoe again. Oh, how she loved driving him wild.

  He shook his head at her, still grinning, and glanced at the waiter as he brought them their shrimp appetizer.

  The waiter stepped away, and she popped open a shrimp's shell, then looked up.

  Caleb was eyeing her hungrily. "I hope they serve the rest of the food soon. I want you back in that room of ours." He grinned wickedly and cracked his shrimp.

  Eve laughed softly. "Sounds like you have plans."

  "Oh, yes I do, wife, so get yourself ready."

  She narrowed her eyes. "I was born ready, cowboy."

  He grinned. "I'm just saying. It's going to be a long night."

  "I'd better tank up on coffee."

  "Crazy woman, you're going to need it, and so will I."

  AFTER A WONDERFUL DINNER, Caleb led her unerringly back through the winding paths to their suite.

  Eve entered ahead of him and heard the door slam. Powerful arms came around her, and Caleb pushed her firmly against the wall, her hands above her shoulders.

  Turning her face so she could see him, she smiled. What was her husband up to?

  He kissed her cheek and pulled her hair back, nibbling her neck. He drew one arm down, then the other, and tugged her coat off. Running his hands up and down her arms first, he leaned in and whispered, "I love you."

  She shivered—wondering what he would do next.

  Moving her hair aside, he grasped the zipper of her coral short-sleeved dress and slid it down, letting the dress drop to the floor. This exposed her lace-clad butt, and he clasped it in his palms, squeezing it gently.

  Sighing, she closed her eyes. Desire awakened, sending goosebumps up her belly and hardening her breasts—her nipples.

  He quickly released her bra and slipped it off her shoulders, dropping it.

  She sucked in a breath as the rough cool surface of the wall touched her breasts, making her harder. "Caleb." She started to turn around.

  Touching her shoulder, holding her still, he tugged on her panties, pulling them down and off as she stepped out of them.

  He ran his hands over her, touching each muscle and dip, each cranny and crevice, as if he needed to know her completely for the first time.

  Finally, he pulled her away from the wall and kissed her thoroughly. He knelt in front of her, touching her again—every inch of her body. At last, he came to her tummy, covering it with his big hands. He lay his head against it as if listening for a heartbeat.

  She clasped his head—held him close. Caleb loved her baby as he loved her. God had blessed her abundantly.

  He stood and took her in h
is arms. "Eve, I'll cherish you and love you and our baby every day of my life." Then he picked her up and carried her to the bed.

  Overwhelmed, feeling safe and loved and completely happy, she said, "Caleb, I'll spend the rest of my life trying to deserve you."

  He undressed and settled in beside her.

  Her pulse thrummed. She needed to show this amazing man how much she loved him. She wanted him to know that she would cherish him as he cherished her. He was hard, and she took him in her hand, holding firmly and stroking up and down.

  Caleb sucked in a breath, pressing his head into the pillow. "Baby!"

  She increased the pace, and he clutched her shoulder. Then she stopped and took him in her mouth, sliding her lips down until he filled her.

  He groaned and held her head, "Oh, God, Eve ... Eve."

  She sucked him, stroking him with her mouth, as he moaned softly, holding her head in his hands.

  Suddenly, he pulled her away—drew her face to his and kissed her hard. "Enough, or I'll spoil everything."

  He rolled her on her back and lowered his mouth to the hollow of her throat, kissing her as he cupped her breast. Trailing kisses to her taut nipple, he sucked gently, caressing her with his tongue.

  She clasped his face, sighing, pleasure rolling through her in waves.

  His mouth wandered from her breast, tracing the contour of her belly, his teeth scraping over her hyper-sensitive skin, sending shivers up her spine. Clasping her tummy in both hands, he kissed it lovingly.

  Kneeing her legs apart, he slid down and nestled between her thighs.

  Her pulse raced. Anticipation tightened her muscles, and she sucked in a breath.

  His clever tongue found her sensitive spot, giving her a jolt of pleasure. He did things to her—wonderful things—and she couldn't lay still. Reaching for him, she moaned her desire, and arched into him, clutching him.

  Her mouth went dry—she licked her lips. Her body was on fire. She pulled on him. "Caleb, come here."

  He didn't budge—continuing to pleasure her.

  She pulled harder. "Caleb, now!"