“But you don’t feel that way now?”
She shook her head, smiling. “No. I’ve finally surrendered to God’s will.”
He leaned against the wall, looking less miserable. “And what is His will for you?”
“To be your wife. It took me a while to realize it, but I love you.”
A blue fire ignited in his gaze. He pulled her to him, kissing her soundly. She returned his wonderful kiss, heedless of their public display. Their lips melded together, their breath joining as one. He cradled her head against his arm, and she received the gift of his love.
The train whistled, and the car jerked, knocking Sarah against Luke’s injured shoulder. He hissed.
“Sorry.” Sarah grabbed his hand, tugging him toward the stairs. “We’ve got to get off.”
He tugged back. “Can’t.”
“Why?” Surely he wasn’t going to leave after her declaration.
“My horse is on this train. You’re gonna have to ride with me to the next stop until we can get him off.”
“I don’t have a ticket.”
He bent down and picked up the bag of money she’d dropped. “I’ve just come into a slew of money. I think I can afford a ticket for my soon-to-be wife.”
Grinning, she followed him into the car and sat down beside him as the conductor entered their car. She sidled a shy glance at Luke. “Soon-to-be?”
He smiled and winked at her. “You don’t think I’m giving you time to back out, do you?”
He paid her ticket then wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Sarah leaned against him, and he rested his head contently against hers as the train chugged out of the depot.
This was her home. Not a pretty house on a hill. But Luke. And Claire. She didn’t know where they would live, but it no longer mattered as long as she had the people she loved near her.
Epilogue
Ten days later
The sound of birds chirping and sunlight shining in the window drew Sarah from her sleep. She awoke cradled in the strong arms of her husband. Husband. She smiled. Never had a word sounded so nice.
“Mmm … you must be happy to see me.”
“Always.” She leaned up, placing a kiss on his lips.
Luke growled and rolled over. “You call that a kiss?” Bending down, he proceeded to educate her in an achingly delicious way. With her heart pounding and every part of her crying for him, he pulled back and grinned proudly. “That, my dear wife, is a kiss.”
She blinked, giving him an innocent gaze. “I don’t quite think I have the hang of it yet. I need more instruction.”
Luke’s beautiful blue eyes sparked. “I’m more than a little happy to oblige you, ma’am.”
An hour later, they stood at the back door of the cabin on Gabe’s land, looking out at the horses in the pasture. Luke kissed her head, drawing her close. “Sure was nice of Jack to loan us his cabin for a few days.”
“Yes. And I’m grateful to Lara for keeping Claire.”
“Me, too.”
“But I do miss her.”
“Is that a hint that it’s time to visit the big house?”
She exhaled a happy sigh. “Not yet. I have something I need to say.” She turned to face him, her hand pressed against his chest. “I’m sorry, Luke.”
“For what?”
“For wanting a house more than you. I was so foolish.”
He cupped her cheeks, gazing at her with the blue eyes she loved so much. “I’m not sorry. I’ll admit, there were times I had my doubts that I’d ever win your heart, but I thank God that we’re here together.” He bent and kissed her on the nose. “You were worth the wait.”
She smiled. Her husband was a good man. “Thank you for being so patient.” She laid her head against his chest, taking care to stay away from his wound, which was still tender.
She thought of their wedding yesterday in the little church that Jack had returned to pastoring on Gabe’s land. It was the most joyous time of her life, pledging herself to Luke and then spending the night together. She trailed her fingers through the hairs on his chest. “Um … is it awful of me to say that I’m not ready to share you yet?”
Luke leaned down, his gaze happy. “I feel the same, Mrs. McNeil.” He lifted her in his arms, carried her back into the house, and kicked the door closed.
Sarah breathed in a breath of happiness. In a few days, she and her new husband would head back to Anadarko, where the Petersons had already started on the new house. Luke would have his livery, but every night, he’d come home to her and Claire.
She snuggled against him, so glad she quit fighting God and His will for her life.
Surrendering had never felt so good.
About the Author
Bestselling author Vickie McDonough grew up wanting to marry a rancher but instead married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams in her fictional stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie is the award-winning author of forty published books and novellas. Her novels include the fun and feisty Texas Boardinghouse Brides series, as well as Gabriel’s Atonement and Joline’s Redemption, books 1 and 2 in her Land Rush Dreams series.
Vickie has been married forty-one years to Robert. They have four grown sons, one of whom is married, and a precocious ten-year-old granddaughter. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, antiquing, watching movies, and traveling. To learn more about Vickie’s books or to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: www.vickiemcdonough.com.
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