“You look absolutely beautiful to me.”
“Did you hit your head, too?” she teased pointing at the bandage on her forehead. She saw his smile fade away quickly.
“I thought I might lose you,” he admitted thickly. “When I got to your place and saw the door kicked in, it was like someone ripped out my heart. I knew Brent had gotten to you but couldn’t prove it. They found a bug attached to one of the rose stems.”
“He told me he listened to us talking. How did you know where I was?”
“I was sitting at a stop light and happened to see your car drive past. Your car! He certainly wasn’t the brightest kidnapper. I did a double take and turned to follow him. I didn’t want to alarm him or have him ditch the car, so I hung back until I saw him exit for the lakefront. Do you remember how he bragged in high school about the parties he would throw at his parents’ lake house? I assumed he’d taken you there.”
“You assumed correctly.”
“I called it in on the radio and they pulled the records. They still own the lake house or what’s left of it. Calling it a lake house is pretty much a stretch, isn’t it?” Nodding, she smiled at him.
“It killed me to wait for backup. We had to wait until he was inside with you. Once we heard your voice from outside, we made our move. I have been beside myself wondering if you were okay. I think I have my first grey hair,” he admitted, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s a first I could have gone without though.”
She could see the rings under his eyes and knew he hadn’t stopped looking for her since she went missing. He would always be there and take care of her. Brent had always been wrong for her. While her gut instinct knew it, her mind now understood why she’d rebelled against him so much. He was a taker. He took her confidence, her freedom and her security. He’d always tried to put her under his thumb, undermining her when he had the opportunity. Calling her Becks, spreading rumors and acting generally abrasive towards her.
Gabriel was too good for her and she only wished she had known it sooner. He was supportive and encouraging, waiting in the shadows for her to spread her wings. He always seemed to be around her, even when she’d pushed him away. He was steadfast. He gave her the freedom to be herself and loved her through her own self-discovery.
“So many firsts since I’ve come back home,” she said quietly, holding his hand. “I think this is the first time I have given my heart away.” His hopeful eyes shot up at her words, his face ravaged with emotion.
“I don’t want to miss my chance at happiness ever again. I have a history of being late for meetings, deadlines and events. Apparently, I was late in realizing that I had a wonderful guy right here where I grew up. Immaturity kept me from giving you a chance back then when you were after me. I hope you are still chasing me now.”
“I will be chasing after you forever. I think it might be time for another first.”
“I hope it’s a first kiss,” she whispered, brushing her fingers over his worried brow as he kissed her fingertips on the hand he held.
“I’d like that, but I don’t ever want to hurt you.”
“I think it would hurt me more if you didn’t kiss me.”
She felt the side of the bed give way as he sat next to her. His warm hand tenderly cupped her face and brushed her hair back from her forehead. Her hand rested on his chest. She could feel the rhythm of his heartbeat through his uniform shirt. He brushed his lips against her bruised temple ever so softly, making each second take forever between them. As he leaned closer, she smelled the spicy scent of his cologne and sighed happily as his lips finally touched hers.
Epilogue
“Becky! Get back here, young lady!” her mother whispered hotly as Rebecca ran down the hallway of the church to where a circle of officers stood outside of an open doorway. They made way for her and stood back smiling. She knew she was causing a scene. Her gown trailed behind her and was getting creased, but she didn’t care.
The only thing she cared about was holding her fiancé’s hand and taking a moment of privacy to be alone with him before they said their vows before God. She was nervous. Gabriel was her rock, her strength. The angel of her heart.
“Becky Ann Tulle! You get back here right now so we can finish getting you ready before the service starts!”
“Mother, I need a few minutes!”
“We don’t have any extra minutes to spare right now. If we have to get that dress repaired cause it snagged on something or get it dry cleaned…”
“Mother! Stop!” she interrupted her mother’s tirade. She whirled around, frustrated at the fussing her mother was doing. Pushing her mother’s hands away, Rebecca quickly kissed her on the cheek. “You want those grandbabies or not? Then give me a moment, please!”
Rebecca heard Gabriel’s laughter from behind the door, making her grin with happiness as she saw her mother do an about face and walk away towards the sanctuary where their friends and family waited patiently.
“You shouldn’t tease her like that, Rebecca,” he murmured from behind the door.
“Open up,” she ordered and tried the knob, jiggling it aggressively.
“We aren’t supposed to see each other, remember? Bad luck and all that jazz.”
“You aren’t supposed to see the bride. There is nothing that says the bride can’t see the groom.”
“Touché, my love.”
Gabriel opened the door a mere inch and she took the liberty of pushing it aside. Stepping inside, she raked her eyes over his body possessively. He was dressed exquisitely in his dress uniform and was quite the sight. Starched collar, white gloves, breathtaking. She whistled appreciatively.
“You sure clean up nice, Mr. James. Someone might think today was important to you.”
“This day has been a long time coming, Mrs. James,” he breathed, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles softly. His tender gaze would warm her heart for years to come and she was beyond ready for their life to begin together.
Grinning, she playfully waved her cell phone at him. “You promised me a new wallpaper for my phone. Remember? I want lots of photos of us, starting right now.”
Smiling, she shimmied up next to him as he wrapped his arms around her. She extended her arm up and laughed as he took the phone from her in order to hold it out a bit further. She placed her hand directly over his heart.
“Love you.”
“Love you more,” she admitted as her phone clicked, capturing the moment forever digitally as well as in her mind. She would always see this very moment as he stood in his uniform with unabashed adoration in his eyes as the beams of light danced colorfully through the stained-glass windows of the church.
“Another first for the record books?”
“The best one yet,” she admitted and stepped back, hearing a knock on the door. “My mother will have fits if my dress gets any more wrinkled.”
“Come here, Mrs. James,” he said and held out his hand. She placed it in his and stood just inches from him. He shut his eyes and bowed his head in prayer.
“I dreamed and hoped this day would come. I knew in my heart from the moment I met her that Rebecca was meant for me, Lord. I cannot thank you enough for giving me the strength to wait for her and thank you for leading her back to me. Amen.”
“Amen,” she acknowledged, drawing from his strength and faith. He was a good man and she was blessed to become his wife. “You were right, Gabriel. The best things are worth waiting for.”
Lawfully Betrothed
Once upon a time…
That was how fairy tales were supposed to begin, except in the case of young Faye Miller. When a dark-haired boy sneaks into her favorite hiding spot, she isn’t sure if this was the beginning of a fairy tale, a blessing, or an evil curse. Captivated by the sincerity and earnestness in his kind eyes, she’s convinced that this boy was an angel sent from the heavens to show her life would be okay someday. When he pledges to marry her and gives her a ring made of grass… how could she ever say no?
Now, two decades later…Faye is still waiting for her grey-eyed angel to return to her.
Gabriel Reardon remembered that long-ago day fondly. That memory of an innocent pledge between children got him through the last twenty years of upheaval. He’d been coldly abandoned by his father, struggling for a chance at life and love. Now, he’s returned home as a Ranger and a widower. He is intent on subduing the cattle rustlers in the area and hoping to rekindle a childhood dream.
Could it be that the two of them have missed their opportunity at happiness? Is the fairy tale over… or is this the very beginning of something beautiful?
Lawfully Chosen
Penelope Brown had been tossed to the curb, a victim of the times. The start of the Great Depression had forced her lifestyle to change significantly from what she’d grown accustomed to. She’s now working as a waitress in a small diner instead of seeing picture shows with friends, listening to the radio and living frivolously.
Sheriff William Clarke was tired of the riffraff happening in town. Dallas was a bustling city full of motor cars, hidden speakeasies, and burgeoning outlaws. The world was changing, and it was his job to maintain order. In a struggle to keep the peace, he found himself shutting off his emotions to protect his heart and soul. What he needed now was a sweet, gentle woman in his life to crack through the shell built around him.
When libation, recklessness and wild abandon whirl around all around Penelope, can the promise of excitement and carelessness be even more tempting than her very own handsome Lawkeeper? Will she hold fast to her faith and morals, finding that love can be just as thrilling with fewer consequences? Can she choose to be true to herself and not fall victim to the pressures of the world around her?
Lawfully Challenged
Officer Cindy Lance had waited eagerly for a K-9 position to open up in the small town of Mayhew, Texas. Her career choices were driven by personal tragedy and shaped her life. She vowed to make a difference in the community. She accepted the challenge that being a K-9 officer could bring but that hadn’t been the tough part. It was dealing with the arrogant instructor!
“Mad-dog” Enoch Wesson had no intention of taking it easy on the pretty blond officer that was selected to attend K-9 training class. Her career was full of promise, yet she had the nerve to challenge him at every turn in front of the others. He wanted nothing more than to make sure she knew who the boss was at the training facility.
Cindy strived hard to gain the respect of her handsome instructor and worked diligently with her dog, Duchess. She wanted to make sure she was ready to resume her career with the force. But when an assignment hits too close to home, she finds herself bonding with the one person she thought hated her most of all, only to find that maybe they aren’t so different after all. Can she find the strength to perform a job that could break her heart and crush her soul? Could he overcome his own personal nightmares and be the man she needs?
A Perfect Bride
Orphaned as a child, feisty Colleen O'Mara is discovered by the Cherokee people and adopted as one of their own. She becomes a sister to the chief's only daughter. Learning their ways, she teaches them her language in return. As the United States Army uproots them from their homes, she is fascinated with the dark-haired lieutenant that has come to her rescue as they are forced to make the treacherous journey to the Oklahoma Territory.
Lieutenant Daniel Williams is among the soldiers called up to enforce the removal of the Cherokee people from Georgia. It only took one glance into Colleen's pale green eyes amidst the chaos to become fascinated with the so-called Indian maiden. Feeling guilty over what is happening to the Cherokee and his love for the enchanting young woman, he abandons everything he had once known in order to make things right for his perfect bride.
Gunfighters, Saloon Women, and one determined Bounty Hunter!
Bounty Hunter, Logan McGuire, is aggressively hunting down a desperado who killed someone dear to him. A saloon woman, Paulina Flanders, finagles herself into accompanying him since she’s holding back valuable information about the criminal. Word gets back to the outlaw that Paulina is a witness to his crime, and Logan McGuire is on his trail for the bounty money. Both Paulina and Logan’s lives are in danger, especially when a woman assists the killer in trying to murder Paulina. Will Logan’s friend Woody come to the rescue—or will he cause more havoc? Twists, turns, and romance keep you guessing in this story.
Lawfully Rescued by Barbara Goss
Katherine McGuire began to clear the dishes from the breakfast table. “I’m going to miss these meals together, dear brother.”
Beatrice, Katherine’s best friend, smiled up at Logan. “I will, too. This has been such a wonderful visit. I finally got to meet the big brother Kate is always bragging about.”
Logan blushed. “I’ll miss the company of you both.” Poor Beatrice had been inviting him to get to know her even better since she’d arrived. Katherine had dark brown hair and green eyes, much like his own. Beatrice, in contrast, had hair the color of coal, was slim, and had huge brown eyes. While she was pretty, he didn't like the way she was always giggling and making eyes at him. Truth be told, she wasn’t his type—or maybe he wasn’t interested in forming a relationship just yet.
“What time does your stage leave?” Logan asked.
Katherine put the last dish in the sink. “Twelve, sharp.”
“I’ll dry those,” Beatrice said.
“We have enough time to take a walk through the park,” Logan suggested.
“Oh, I’ll pass, Logan,” Katherine said. “I’m going to make sure the house is clean as a whistle before I leave. Why don’t you and Beatrice go?”
She'd thrown Beatrice at him once again. Why did she continue to do that? She should have taken the hint that he wasn't interested by then.
Logan walked through the small park on the edge of town with Beatrice, who kept looking up at him and smiling until Logan knew he just had to say something.
“Beatrice,” he began, “I’m at a time in my life when I never know if there’ll be a tomorrow, and you know my house is small and the least desirable place in town. My sister seems to want me to find a wife, and I’m just not ready for one yet. I hope she understands.”
“I’m sure she does,” Beatrice said, somewhat sadly, “but if someone really loved you, all that wouldn’t matter.” She looked up at him hopefully.
“It would matter to me,” Logan said. “I want to have something to offer a wife besides an uncertain future and a rundown cabin.
“I wouldn’t mind; it’s a cute house,” Beatrice said.
Logan stopped walking and took gentle hold of her shoulders, “Beatrice, that’s what I’m trying to tell you: I’m not at a place in my life for romance or a wife. I need you to understand, because I think you’re a wonderful person and friend to Katherine, but I’m just not ready yet. If you have more than friendship on your mind for me, I’m sorry.”
Logan McGuire had two suitcases slung over his shoulders as he guided Katherine and Beatrice to the waiting stagecoach.
“I feel happy and sad all at once,” Katherine said. “I'm sad to leave my brother, but I'm happy to be getting home to Jonathan. I've loved being the sister of the sheriff of Laredo—it was a real kick.”
Beatrice, who usually giggled and blinked her eyes at him, simply gave him a weak smile. Logan sighed inwardly. He’d enjoyed his sister’s visit and was glad she had a good companion with whom to travel, but he’d be somewhat relieved not to have Beatrice around, flirting with him. Still, he felt bad to have let her down the way he had.
“I wish you could have stayed longer, sis. I’ve enjoyed having someone to cook and clean for me, not to mention the good company of you both.”
“And I enjoyed doing it, but I can’t keep my betrothed waiting too long. Absence may not always make the heart grow fonder, and Jonathan’s eyes might wander to other eligible females." The women laughed while Logan shook his head.
“He’d be crazy.”
He kissed Katherine and gave Beatrice a light hug. “Safe travels, ladies, and send me a telegram when you get to San Antonio.”
He assisted the women into the stage, where two elderly men and a middle-aged woman were already seated. He was about to close the stage door, when a young woman yelled, "Wait!" from the wooden walkway, waving her arms wildly.
The woman, a blonde with most of her hair piled up on top of her head and the rest falling about her face raced to the stagecoach. Gripping her suitcase, she skidded to a stop in front of the stage. Since he was standing closest to the door, Logan took her suitcase before assisting her into the coach where she took a seat by the window beside Beatrice and Katherine.
The stage driver’s assistant threw the luggage on the top of the stage and tied them with a rope before he jumped up beside the driver. He grabbed a rifle and nodded to the driver, and with a flick of the reins, the stagecoach was on its way.
Logan watched as it disappeared around a corner in the road before he headed down the wooden walkway to his office. He wished Laredo had railroad service, but he was told it might be another five years before that happened.
Once in his office, Logan tossed his hat on his desk and sifted through his paperwork. He'd been appointed sheriff two years ago, and at age thirty, he was still putting his life on the line daily for a small paycheck and a tiny cottage behind the jail. And his sister wondered why he wasn't looking for a wife.
He rolled his eyes. What had he to offer a woman besides a husband who may or may not come home each day and a tiny, ramshackle cottage?
Lawfully Freed Page 8