Cowboy's Bride

by Barbara McMahon

  He nodded, licking suddenly dry lips.

  She shook her head. "It's not enough."

  "Hell, what do you want? I've never asked anyone else to hang around. We have something special between us. Stay and see what happens." Fear rose again. She was going to leave, and all because he couldn't say what he felt. Couldn't voice the emotions that threatened to swamp him. Fear spread through him like a plague. Dammit, he was going to lose her just because he was a coward.

  "I need more than wanting," she said.

  "I need you to stay."

  "Here? Run my ranch with your help?" She tried for clarity. If he wanted her that much, how much bigger was the step from that to love? She wanted it all. She was greedy and demanding, and he would say the words to her before she'd say yes.

  "I thought you wanted the Triple T," she said, stalling for time. Trying to figure out a way to get him to admit he loved her. He had to, didn't he, to ask her to stay? Please, God, let him love me.

  "When I heard from Richard that you were leaving, I knew the ranch didn't mean anything to me. I want you."

  "Richard told you I was leaving?" She frowned. Had he really said that?

  "The letter said you were leasing me the land. Hell, lady, you can't leave."

  "Why not?" Her fingers slipped between the buttons on his shirt, rubbed lightly against his warm skin. She breathed in the tangy scent of him, the mixture of horses and sunshine and masculine strength.

  "Why not?" He rested his forehead against hers, his breath fanning across her cheeks. "Kalli, you're the sunshine in a dark life. You are laughter and enthusiasm and delight. You've brought me more than I can ever give you. I can't let you go."

  "You're always giving orders."

  "Yeah, and you're always arguing with me. Only don't argue with me on this one, Kalli. Stay."

  "Give me a good reason, cowboy, and I'll see what I can do." Kalli smiled, love spilling out of her heart for this man.

  He read the demand in her eyes. "You've never done anything to make it easy for me."

  She grinned and shook her head slowly, but took a step closer. They were almost touching from chest to thigh. "You're tough, Trace, you don't need anything made easy."

  "Stay with me, Kalli. Live with me. Build a life with me. Don't go back to Boston." He was getting desperate. She was toying with him, damn her, and he wasn't sure he was getting through to her.

  Her face was on a level with his, her body so close now be could feel the heat radiating from her. Could feel her breath stir the air near him. Could smell the sweet scent of her hair, the fragrance of wild flowers from her warm body. He took a deep breath, knowing he would always recognize her in a dark room by her sweet scent alone.

  "Tell me why you want me," she breathed, one finger trailing down his cheek, feeling the muscle tighten in his jaw when he clenched his teeth. "Is it so very hard?"

  "Damn you, yes!" He swept her up in his arms and lowered his mouth to hers, ruthlessly plunging into the heat of her. His lips found a hot response, his tongue its mate. His hands molded her against him, running up and down her spine, cupping her bottom and hauling her closer still. He relished the feel of her full breasts pressing against his chest, the softness of her belly against his. If he lived to be a hundred and had her every day he'd never get enough of her. She was his life, his happiness, his future. He had to have her, now, tomorrow, forever.

  Setting her on her feet, he rested his forehead against hers. His breath was harsh and rapid. "I'm incomplete without you," he growled.

  She pressed her lips against his gently, speaking as they clung. "Incomplete?"

  Incomplete described her life perfectly when Trace was not there. He'd completed her in a way she would never have known if she had not come to Wyoming.

  "Yeah."

  "There's more. Say it, Trace. Say it!"

  His eyes opened to find has, gaze deep into hers as he said slowly, "Hell, you make me so mad I want to strangle you. But I won't.. .because I love you, Kalli. As hard and deep as any man can. I don't want to. I was content with my life before you came and I know you're going to bring me a truckload of heartache, but I can't help it. I love you beyond belief. Stay!"

  Snuggling closer, she brushed her lips across his again. "I'm not bringing you anything but love, Trace. I've loved you for weeks. Maybe since the first time I saw you."

  He hugged her tightly, his mouth tender as he nibbled kisses across her cheeks, on her nose, her eyelids, avoiding her lips as he teased her into arousal. His tongue flicked against her soft skin, his breath bathed her face. The feelings of relief and love swelled in him until he couldn't tell what was what. She loved him! Thankfully she was going to stay and love him.

  "Kiss me," she demanded, almost frantic with love and desire.

  He complied, and the embrace was endless, gloriously endless.

  "Becky said you haven't been happy lately," she murmured, when he pulled back to breathe. Her heart melted at his love words. Who would have thought her cowboy capable of such a romantic turn?

  "When I'm with you I am." He loved her so much. Was she really going to stay? "These last days have been hell. And then to get this blasted letter from Richard-"

  "Tell me what Richard said," she murmured, snuggling against him, wanting to rip the shirt from his chest and press her bare breasts against him. Wanting to draw his mouth to hers and plunder it. To capture the spiraling ecstasy only he brought. To reaffirm together the love they'd just confessed.

  "Who the hell cares what Richard said?" He was frustrated. She wasn't saying yes. Though she hadn't said no, either.

  "Tell me," she insisted. Had Richard embellished what she’d told him?

  He flung himself away and walked across the porch, leaning his forearm against a post. He gazed out across the grassy acreage that he'd longed to own.

  "You're driving me nuts, you know that?" he asked.

  "You'll get used to it. Tell me."

  “He said you were willing to lease the Triple T to me. And split the cattle proceeds if I'd take them on. The ranch was not for sale."

  "That's right."

  He turned back. "Why?"

  "I told you."

  "Were you going to say goodbye or were you going to just leave without a word?"

  "Did Richard tell you there were a couple of restrictions to the deal?" she asked.

  "Yeah, he mentioned something about that. But I didn't call to find out the details, I had to see you." Had to make sure she was still here. Had to convince her to stay. Even now he had doubts.

  "I wanted you to keep Charlie and Josh and Jose and Tim on. This is their home, and I didn't want them turned away."

  "No problem, they're good men. And I would need more cowhands with the increased land. But I've changed my mind. I don't want the land. Now I want you. I had to face it when I got the letter. When I thought of all it meant. I've done a good job with Flying Cloud, but my life has been very one-sided for years. Except for Becky, I do nothing that doesn't pertain to the ranch. Your coming changed that. I don't want to change back."

  "I get unlimited access to the property, whenever and wherever I want," she continued as if he hadn't spoken.

  He frowned at her. "What do you mean?"

  "And I get the house, barn and ten acres surrounding it. Your men can live in the bunkhouse same as always, if you like."

  He stared at her.

  "I'm not leaving," she said softly, watching him as he realized what she had done. "I was never leaving. I told you I was here for the duration."

  "But you gave up your ranch?"

  "I told you, I've thought about it a lot. I love it here, but you were right, I'm not a rancher. I don't know enough and don't think I can learn. I'm not crazy about cattle, the roundup showed me that. I'm certainly not crazy about that damn computer. I loved visiting Uncle Philip, thought I could settle in and run it, but it's more than I can handle. Plus, I like people. I'd rather help people who need me than worry about roundups or cutt
ing hay or doing taxes. I told you, it’s time I admit ranching's not for me and move on. I've applied for a nurse's job at the hospital in Jackson. I'm not cut out to be a rancher."

  Trace stared at her, stunned. She wasn't leaving. Even if he hadn't rushed over here today she would have stayed. Slowly the last vestiges of fear faded. Slowly he let himself hear what she'd said, all she'd said.

  "How about a cowboy's wife?" Trace asked. Time stood still as he waited for her answer.

  "Maybe, for the right reason," she said, that slow smile lighting up her face.

  "And that is?" He wanted her so badly he could taste it. He took a step closer, trying to read her expression, trying to figure out what reason she could demand, so he could make everything come right.

  "Love," she said gently, her eyes sparkling at him, shining with love for him.

  "God, Kalli, I love you more than life itself," he said, reaching for her, lifting her in his arms, spinning her around. "You already have that. Marry me, live here with me, love me. Forever."

  She laughed in delight, hugging him close, her feet still off the ground. "Yes, yes, yes! I love you, Trace. I'd be so proud to be your wife."

  Her mouth found his and Kalli knew she was home. The gamble, to offer him her ranch with no strings, had paid off, and she had won. She was home, forever.

  Epilogue

  Kalli stood by the window, the soft smile reflecting her happiness. She could hear the guests in the yard. Her brothers' voices were loud and boisterous, as they always had been. It had been a wonderful week, having her entire family visit.

  Her mother settled Kalli's gown once more. Fluffing the veil, she regarded her daughter with tears in her eyes.

  Kalli turned and reached out to hug her mother. "It'll be fine, Mom. I'm so happy, be happy for me."

  "I am darling. But Wyoming’s so far from home and you'll be here all alone with him."

  "Trace is more than enough to fill my days." And nights, but best not to have her mother thinking about that. "And I have a new daughter to get to know, to love."

  "Trace is a fine man. A bit quiet, but he seems to dote on you."

  Kalli grinned and nodded. It worked both ways, she doted on him.

  A soft knock sounded at the door.

  Kalli's mother answered and smiled at the young girl dressed up before her.

  "Hi, Becky, want a minute with Kalli?" Sensing their need for privacy, Mrs. Bonotelli turned to the door. "I'll go out and be seated. They can't start without the mother of the bride in place. Your dad will be along any minute."

  "Okay, Mom, see you out front."

  The entire Bonotelli clan had gathered for her wedding to Trace. In addition, half the neighboring ranches had come, as well as all the ranch hands from both ranches. The August day was perfect. There was not a cloud in the sky. The wedding was to be held at noon, allowing time for the bride and groom to enjoy the reception before departing on their honeymoon. She was going to see Yellowstone at last.

  "Becky?" Kalli moved over to the girl. "What is it, honey? Is everything okay?"

  Becky fiddled with the sash on her dress. She was to be Kalli's maid of honor and the pale yellow dress she'd chosen to wear was perfect. "I guess. Dad said I could ride again while you two are gone."

  Trace had been furious when he discovered the pranks Becky had done. He'd restricted her from riding and given her extra chores, including doing all Kalli's paperwork for four months. But he had also listened to the lonely little girl and spent extra hours with her all summer, to show his precious daughter that he still loved her, to reassure her that falling in love with Kalli had not diminished his love for Becky, only enlarged their family.

  Kalli had been included in many of the activities, and until now she’d thought she and Becky were getting along fine. Was the child having second thoughts?

  "That's good, about riding. Was there something else?" It was almost time to start the ceremony. Her heart began beating faster at the thought of joining her life with Trace's. Becky couldn’t be having doubts at this late stage. Did she not want the wedding to take place?

  "You and Daddy are marrying soon." Becky glanced at the clock, then back at Kalli. “Really soon.”

  "Yes, my father will be here any minute and then we'll get this show on the road. Is that a problem?"

  Becky shook her head quickly. "I just thought, I mean, I wondered if because you're marrying Daddy you'll be like my mom or something."

  "Yes. I'll be your stepmother." Kalli watched her closely. Where was this conversation leading?

  "Could I call you Mom?" Becky asked softly, her eyes resting pleadingly on Kalli.

  "Oh, sweetheart, of course you can. I would love nothing better." Kalli leaned forward and gathered the preteen into her arms, holding her tightly, tears of happiness shimmering on her lashes. "You are the sweet child of my heart. Even if your dad and I have a dozen kids, I'll never love any of them more than I love you."

  Just then Trace pushed open the door.

  "Trace, You can't come in here!" Kalli exclaimed, horrified.

  "Scat, brat." Motioning to his daughter, he jerked his thumb toward the door. Becky grinned and scooted out. "See you out front, Dad. Mom."

  "Mom?" he closed the door behind his daughter.

  "Yes. What are you doing here? Don't you know it's bad luck?"

  "The only bad luck I've had is that I've had to wait so long to see you again. To kiss you." He crossed the room in three strides, gently gathering her up in his arms, bridal dress, veil and all. "God, sweetheart, you're beautiful."

  Then his mouth descended and Kalli forgot all about bad luck, the waiting guests and her new daughter. She was consumed by Trace. Her world narrowed until it was only the two of than. Endless delight spiraled through her at his touch. She could float forever in his arms.

  He tasted the honey sweetness of her mouth, plunging again and again into her moist warmth. He would never get enough of this woman if they both lived to be a hundred.

  He lifted his head and glanced toward her bed.

  "Don't even think it," she warned, snuggling closer without a single care about wrinkling her gown.

  "These last months have been murder," he said brushing his lips against hers as if he couldn't bear to be separated.

  "It wasn't as if we've been practicing abstinence," she remarked, framing his face and smiling warmly up into his hot eyes.

  "Well, I haven't woken up every morning with you in my bed where you belong, either!"

  "Starting tomorrow you will," she promised. "Why are you here?"

  "To get a couple of good kisses in before the ceremonial peck at the altar. It'll be hours before I can get you alone again. I couldn't wait."

  Kalli thrilled once again to his touch, as she always did, and probably always would. She knew she'd have to face the wedding party with her lips swollen and rosy from his embrace, but she wouldn't trade a single second of being in his arms for anything.

  Finally he broke the kiss and stepped back, fingering the veil with his roughen fingers. "That will have to hold me, I guess. I'll see you out front?"

  "You can count on it, cowboy."

  “Yeah, I remember. You're in it for the long haul."

  She nodded, her eyes shining with happiness and love. Today she’d become the cowboy’s bride, and be his wife in love and happiness for all the years to come.

  About the Author

  Barbara McMahon is an award-winning, best selling author of more than eighty novels. Known for warm family type stories, she enjoys capturing the first stage of a relationship and showing how despite obstacles thrown in their way, a man and a woman can find true love and lasting happiness.

  Her books have been translated into 23 different languages and sold in more than 50 foreign countries.

  For more than twenty-five years she's made her home in Northern California, the last seventeen in the rural county of Amador—in the heart of the Mother Lode, California's gold rush country.

 
; Watch for Bluebells On The Hill, coming in August, 2011.

  Visit Barbara at : www.barbaramcmahon.com

  or on Facebook at AuthorBarbaraMcMahon

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Cowboy's Bride

  All Rights Reserved No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews

  1 Trace Longford balanced on the narrow platform of the tall windmill and raised his head

  2 Trace spurred his horse and caught up with her

  3 Determined to prove to Trace that she was capable of running a ranch

  4 Kalli stared at Trace

  5 Trace stared out the kitchen window

  Midpoint

  7 It was mid morning when Trace drove into Kalli's yard and drew to a stop beside the kitchen door

  8 Kalli remained still

  9 Kalli awoke from her nap refreshed

  10 Kalli struggled with the heavy saddle

  11 Kalli heard the throaty growl of Trace's big pickup before she saw it

  Epilogue

  About the Author Barbara McMahon is an award-winning