Shepherd's Song
Page 15
She combed her fingers through Sassy’s mane, already slick from the daily attention she gave the horse. Touching Sassy took away the sadness of being away from Tyler. “I can’t leave Thomas.”
“Sure you can.” Knot Dover put his foot up on the lowest rail of the corral gate. “Thomas is a big boy. He’ll regain the use of his leg, you watch and see, but there’s someone up at that Rocking M, isn’t there? Greg said you were with someone the day he found you riding in. Must be the sheep man you talk of so much. He’s more to you than a shepherd by my guess.”
“I don’t think I could be happy knowing Thomas—”
“No.” Knot’s voice snapped the syllable whip-like then softened. “You’re not going to sacrifice your happiness for guilt. Thomas wouldn’t want it.” He stripped off his hat and swiped his forehead with a kerchief. “It took losing you and Thomas to see that was what I was doing. I was afraid to be near you, to let myself be happy because it seemed like your ma’s death required me to be miserable. I won’t let you do that.” His gray eyes, so much like her own, were dark with determination. “You plan on riding on out tomorrow. You say your good-byes to Thomas, and I’ll tell Greg and Dale to go out with you. We’ll be needing to get some things together for you that you’ll be wanting over there, since I’m guessing you’ll be staying.” His smile reached his eyes. “Your mama would want that, and this way I’ll know how to find you.”
thirty-six
Renee crested the hill that overlooked the Rocking M. She glanced back at Greg and Dale and raised her hand to let them know all was well. They turned their horses toward home. She traced their path until they were dots on the horizon, using the time to gather herself, her thoughts. She’d not heard from Tyler since the day they’d said good-bye. She hoped he was home, that all had gone well for him in Cheyenne, and that Rich’s recovery was complete.
The chill of winter was beginning to bite. She shivered beneath her heavy coat. Drawing the reins into her hands, she gave Sassy her head. As she neared the ranch house, she thought she saw Rich on the porch. He disappeared inside and another man emerged, a familiar profile her heart recognized instantly. Her tears smeared against her face, chilly paths of ice in the cold air of Sassy’s gallop. She slowed the horse to a lope as they approached. Tyler swung down from the porch and hurried to her side, touching her leg, a question in his hazel eyes.
“I came home,” she said as she slid from the saddle. Tension ebbed from his face as he gathered her into his embrace. She breathed the smell of him and felt the pressure of his lips against her hair.
“I was afraid—”
She raised her face and touched his lips, his cheek. “You had nothing to fear. Didn’t your heart tell you that? Besides, it’ll be spring again in a few more months, and I wanted to hear the sheepherder’s song.”
His arms tightened, and when his lips touched hers, she felt the thrill of his silent promise.
“Well, well. . .”
Renee heard the throaty groan Tyler gave as he broke off the kiss and turned toward Rich. “Can’t you leave us alone for two minutes?”
“Sure I can.” Rich’s smile was unrepentant to Renee’s eye. “Just wanting to make sure you’re properly chaperoned and all.” Rich turned toward the corral. “Tate!” Renee saw a disheveled young man striding from the direction of the barn. “Why don’t you hitch up the wagon. We’re needing to make a trip into town for a preacher.”
Tyler slanted a crooked smile down at her. “I think he just asked you to marry me.”
“We’ll be back before sunset if you two will hurry,” Rich urged. The man turned and headed back inside. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Renee rose on tiptoe. “Should I tell him yes, or you?”
He stroked the length of her hair, twining a tendril around his finger. She watched as the lock retained the shape and bounced gently against her shoulder. His fingers grazed her jaw, her cheek. She raised her face to meet his kiss. “Tell me.”
She raised her hands to his shoulders, clasping her hands behind his neck as his lips hovered inches from hers. “Yes,” she breathed.
About the Author
S. Dionne Moore is a multi-published author who makes her home in Pennsylvania with her husband of twenty-one yearsand her daughter. You can visit her at www.sdionnemoore.com.
Dedication
To Renee, for paving the way of arthritis, menopause, wrinkles,and bodily malfunctions for your MUCH YOUNGER sister.Still love me? And to Sharon, thanks for being there for mom.I’m so glad we’ve united. Finally. Love you both!
A note from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
S. Dionne Moore
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