The Prairie Prince
Page 14
“Because I love you,” he said, his voice deep, low, alluring.
Katie felt tears fill her own eyes as she said, “Not as much as I love you.” She thought at that moment of the night she’d nearly lost him—the night he’d been shot three times, stabbed—the night she thought she might have died herself if he’d been killed.
“Will ya kiss me, Stover Steele?” she whispered. Stover smiled and caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. His touch was like Heaven itself, and Katie closed her eyes for a moment, reveling in the bliss of it.
Stover chuckled and asked, “What kinda kiss do ya want, princess? A sweet ‘Sunday-go-to-meetin’’ kiss? Or ‘The Devil’s-out-after-midnight’ kiss?”
Katie giggled and squeezed Stover tighter. “I finished with your ‘Sunday-go-to-meetin’,’ kisses long ago,” she told him.
Stover chuckled and said, “All righty then.”
Katie closed her eyes and inhaled deeply the scent and feel of her husband—his hair, his rough whiskers, his strong arms around her, the moist heat of his mouth as he kissed her. Four years and two children and she still broke out in goose bumps when he kissed her.
“Merry Christmas!” Pillar called as she, Jared, and little Johnny entered the house by way of the front door.
“Merry Christmas!” Katie said, disappointed at having to end their kiss.
“I gots a dead cat in a sack in da wagon, Uncle Stove!” Johnny announced excitedly as he ran up to Stover and looked up at him with eyes as wide as dinner plates.
“Do ya now?” Stover said, hunkering down to look the boy in the face.
“Uh-huh,” the boy confirmed. “Papa says me and him and you can put him in a grave after supper!”
“Oh, that’s lovely, Jared,” Pillar said, rolling her eyes, but smiling all the same. “I suppose that’s what was in the sack next to my bread!”
“Oh, let the boy have his fun, sweetheart,” Jared said, hugging Katie and slapping Stover on the back. “Mama? Ya got that stuffin’ done yet?”
Pillar kissed Katie on the cheek and then Stover. “You two get back to yer sparkin’. Come on and give some sugar to Grandma and Grandpa, Johnny.”
“We’ll get at that dead cat soon as supper’s over, all right, Johnny?” Stover said.
“All right, Uncle Stove,” Johnny said, toddling along behind his parents.
Katie watched Stover smile at the boy and then took his hand, turning him toward her again.
“I wasn’t finished with ya yet,” she told him.
“Really?” Stover said with a smile.
Katie reached out and unbuttoned the middle button on Stover’s shirt. Slipping her hand into his shirt, she pressed her palm against his chest and closed her eyes as she felt his heart beating strong and sure. Katie liked to feel Stover’s heart beat, liked to feel the strong muscles of his chest—it gave her an odd sense of security and peace. She laid her head against his shoulder and sighed.
“I’m not dreaming,” she said. “I’m really not.”
Stover cupped her chin in one hand and tipped her face toward his.
“No, princess—you’re really not,” he whispered as he kissed her.
To my husband, Kevin…
A “Real-Man” through and through!
I love you!
About the Author
Marcia Lynn McClure began writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends. She weaves her tales of love, life, laughter and adventure around those compelling, romantic moments which most appeal to a woman’s romantic and loving heart. Gazing out her window into the surreal beauty of the New Mexico desert, she writes her stories inspired by life and imagination. Blissful in the company of her wonderful husband, two sons, a daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, Marcia continues to captivate readers with her own, unique writing style and adored stories.
Visit www.marcialynnmcclure.com to order books and e-books by Marcia Lynn McClure.
Also by Marcia Lynn McClure
Romantic Vignettes
The Windswept Flame
Weathered Too Young
Beneath the Honeysuckle Vine
Saphyre Snow
A Crimson Frost
The Time of Aspen Falls
The Highwayman of Tanglewood
The Whispered Kiss
The Touch of Sage
The Fragrance of Her Name
Dusty Britches
Shackles of Honor
The Visions of Ransom Lake
The Heavenly Surrender
Daydreams
Divine Deception
An Old-Fashioned Romance
To Echo the Past
Desert Fire
Love Me
Born for Thorton’s Sake
Sudden Storms
The Prairie Prince
E-Books by Marcia Lynn McClure
A Better Reason to Fall in Love
The Tide of the Mermaid Tears
Kiss in the Dark
The Light of the Lovers’ Moon
Sweet Cherry Ray
Kissing Cousins
The Rogue Knight
Weathered Too Young
Historical Romance, 304 Pages
Lark Lawrence was alone. In all the world there was no one who cared for her. Still, there were worse things than independence—and Lark had grown quite capable of providing for herself. Nevertheless, as winter loomed, she suddenly found herself with no means by which to afford food and shelter—destitute.
Yet, Tom Evans was a kind and compassionate man. When Lark Lawrence appeared on his porch, without pause he hired her to keep house and cook for himself and his cantankerous elder brother, Slater. And although Tom had befriend Lark first, it would be Slater Evans—handsome, brooding and twelve years Lark’s senior—who would unknowingly abduct her heart.
Still, Lark’s true age (which she concealed at first meeting the Evans brothers) was not the only truth she had kept from Slater and Tom Evans. Darker secrets lay imprisoned deep within her heart—and her past. However, it is that secrets are made to be found out—and Lark’s secrets revealed would soon couple with the arrival of a woman from Slater’s past to forever shatter her dreams of winning his love—or so it seemed. Would truth and passion mingle to capture Lark the love she’d never dared to hope for?
The Windswept Flame
Historical Romance, 280 Pages
Broken—irreparably broken. The violent deaths of her father and the young man she’d been engaged to marry, had irrevocably broken Cedar Dale’s heart. Her mother’s heart had been broken, as well—shattered by the loss of her own true love. Thus, pain and anguish—fear and despair—found Cedar Dale, and her mother Flora, returned to the small western town where life had once been happy and filled with hope. Perhaps there, Cedar and her mother would find some resemblance of truly living life—instead of merely existing. And then, a chance meeting with a dream from her past—caused a flicker of wonder to ignite in her bosom.
As a child, Cedar Dale had adored the handsome rancher’s son, Tom Evans. And when chance brought her face-to-face with the object of her childhood fascination once more, Cedar Dale began to believe that perhaps her fragmented heart could be healed.
Yet, could Cedar truly hope to win the regard of such a man above men as was Tom Evans? A man kept occupied with hard work and ambition—a man so desperately sought after by seemingly every woman?
Beneath the Honeysuckle Vine
Historical Romance, 304 Pages
Civil War—no one could flee from the nightmare of battle and the countless lives it devoured. Everyone had sacrificed—suffered profound misery and unimaginable loss. Vivianna Bartholomew was no exception. The war had torn her from her home—orphaned her. The merciless war seemed to take everything—even the man she loved. Still, Vivianna yet knew gratitude—for a kind friend had taken her in upon the death of her parents. Thus, she was cared for—even loved.
Yet, as General Lee surrendered signaling the war’s imminent end—as Vivian
na remained with the remnants of the Turner family—her soul clung to the letters written by her lost soldier—to his memory written in her heart. Could a woman ever heal from the loss of such a love? Could a woman’s heart forget that it may find another? Vivianna Bartholomew thought not.
Still, it is often in the world that miracles occur—that love endures even after hope has been abandoned. Thus, one balmy Alabama morning—as two ragged soldiers wound the road toward the Turner house—Vivianna began to know—to know that miracles do exist—that love is never truly lost.
Saphyre Snow
Historical Romance, 250 Pages
Descended of a legendary line of strength and beauty, Saphyre Snow had once known happiness as princess of the Kingdom of Graces. Once a valiant king had ruled in wisdom—once a loving mother had spoken soft words of truth to her daughter. Yet, a strange madness had poisoned great minds—a strange fever inviting Lord Death to linger. Soon it was even Lord Death sought to claim Saphyre Snow for his own—and all Saphyre loved seemed lost.
Thus, Saphyre fled—forced to leave all familiars for necessity of preserving her life. Alone, and without provision, Saphyre knew Lord Death might yet claim her—for how could a princess hope to best the Reaper himself?
Still, fate often provides rescue by extraordinary venues, and Saphyre was not delivered into the hands of Death—but into the hands of those hiding dark secrets in the depths of bruised and bloodied souls. Saphyre knew a measure of hope and asylum in the company of these battered vagabonds. Even she knew love—a secreted love—a forbidden love. Yet it was love itself—even held secret—that would again summon Lord Death to hunt the princess, Saphyre Snow.
A Crimson Frost
Historical Romance, 296 Pages
Beloved of her father, King Dacian, and adored by her people, the Scarlet Princess Monet endeavored to serve her kingdom well—for the people of the Kingdom of Karvana were good, and worthy of service. Long Monet had known that even her marriage would serve her people. Her husband would be chosen for her—for this was the way of royal existence.
Still, as any woman does—peasant or princess—Monet dreamt of owning true love—of owning choice in love. Thus, each time the raven-haired, sapphire-eyed, Crimson Knight of Karvana rode near—Monet knew regret—for in secret, she loved him—and she could not choose him.
As an arrogant king from another kingdom began to wage war against Karvana, Karvana’s king, knights and soldiers answered the challenge. The Princess Monet would also know battle. As the Crimson Knight battled with armor and blade—so the Scarlet Princess would battle in sacrifice and with secrets held. Thus, when the charge was given to preserve the heart of Karvana—Monet endeavored to serve her kingdom and forget her secreted love. Yet, love is not so easily forgotten…
The Highwayman of Tanglewood
Historical Romance, 293 Pages
A chambermaid in the house of Tremeshton, Faris Shayhan well knew torment, despair and trepidation. To Faris it seemed the future stretched long and desolate before her—bleak and as dark as a lonesome midnight path. Still, the moon oft casts hopeful luminosity to light one’s way. So it was that Lady Maranda Rockrimmon cast hope upon Faris—set Faris upon a different path—a path of happiness, serenity and love.
Thus, Faris abandoned the tainted air of Tremeshton in favor of the amethyst sunsets of Loch Loland Castle and her new mistress Lady Rockrimmon. Further, it was on the very night of her emancipation that Faris first met the man of her dreams—the man of every woman’s dreams—the rogue Highwayman of Tanglewood.
Dressed in black and astride his mighty steed, the brave, heroic and dashing rogue Highwayman of Tanglewood stole Faris’ heart as easily as he stole her kiss. Yet, the Highwayman of Tanglewood was encircled in mystery—mystery as thick and as secretive as time itself. Could Faris truly own the heart of a man so entirely enveloped in twilight shadows and dangerous secrets?
The Visions of Ransom Lake
Historical Romance, 295 Pages
Youthful beauty, naïve innocence, a romantic imagination thirsting for adventure…an apt description of Vaden Valmont, who would soon find the adventure and mystery she had always longed to experience…in the form of a man.
A somber recluse, Ransom Lake descended from his solitary concealment in the mountains, wholly disinterested in people and their trivial affairs. And somehow, young Vaden managed to be ever in his way…either by accident or because of her own unique ability to stumble into a quandary.
Yet the enigmatic Ransom Lake would involuntarily become Vaden’s unwitting tutor. Through him, she would experience joy and passion the like even Vaden had never imagined. Yes, Vaden Valmont stepped innocently, yet irrevocably, into love with the secretive, seemingly callous man.
But there were other life’s lessons Ransom Lake would inadvertently bring to her as well. The darker side of life—despair, guilt, heartache. Would Ransom Lake be the means of Vaden’s dreams come true? Or the cause of her complete desolation?
The Touch of Sage
Historical Romance, 272 Pages
After the death of her parents, Sage Willows had lovingly nurtured her younger sisters through childhood, seeing each one married and never resenting not finding herself a good man to settle down with. Yet, regret is different than resentment.
Still, Sage found as much joy as a lonely young woman could find, as proprietress of Willows’ Boardinghouse—finding some fulfillment in the companionship of the four beloved widow-women boarding with her. But when the devilishly handsome Rebel Lee Mitchell appeared on the boardinghouse step, Sage’s contentment was lost forever.
Dark, mysterious and secretly wounded, Reb Mitchell instantly captured Sage’s lonely heart. But the attractive cowboy, admired and coveted by every young, unmarried female in his path, seemed unobtainable to Sage Willows. How could a weathered, boardinghouse-proprietress resigned to spinsterhood ever hope to capture the attention of such a man? And without him, would Sage Willows simply sink deeper into bleak loneliness—tormented by the knowledge that the man of every woman’s dreams could never be hers?
The Whispered Kiss
Historical Romance, 256 Pages
With the sea at its side, the beautiful township of Bostchelan was home to many—including the lovely Coquette de Bellamont, her three sisters, and beloved father. In Bostchelan, Coquette knew happiness, and as much contentment as a young woman whose heart had been broken years before could know. Thus, Coquette dwelt in gladness until the day her father returned from his travels with an astonishing tale to tell.
Antoine de Bellamont returned from his travels by way of Roanan bearing a tale of such great adventure to hardly be believed. Further, at the center of Antoine’s story loomed a man—the dark Lord of Roanan. Known for his cruel nature, heartlessness, and tendency to violence, the Lord of Roanan had accused Antoine de Bellamont of wrong doing and demanded recompense. Antoine had promised recompense would be paid—with the hand of his youngest daughter in marriage.
Thus, Coquette found herself lost—thrust onto a dark journey of her own. This journey would find her carried away to Roanan Manor—delivered into the hands of the dark and mysterious Lord of Roanan who dominated it.
The Time of Aspen Falls
Contemporary Romance, 272 Pages
Aspen Falls was happy. Her life was good. Blessed with a wonderful family and a loyal best friend—Aspen did know a measure of contentment.
Still, to Aspen it seemed something was missing—something hovering just beyond her reach—something entirely satisfying that would ensure her happiness. Yet, she couldn’t consciously determine what the “something” was. And so, Aspen sailed through life—not quite perfectly content perhaps—but grateful for her measure of contentment.
Grateful that is, until he appeared—the man in the park—the stranger who jogged passed the bench where Aspen sat during her lunch break each day. As handsome as a dream, and twice as alluring, the man epitomized the absolute stereotypical “real man�
�—and Aspen’s measure of contentment vanished!
Would Aspen Falls reclaim the comfortable contentment she once knew? Or would the handsome real-man-stranger linger in her mind like a sweet, tricky venom—poisoning all hope of Aspen’s ever finding true happiness with any other man?
Dusty Britches
Historical Romance, 307 Pages
Angelina Hunter was seriously minded, and it was a good thing. Her father’s ranch needed a woman who could endure the strenuous work of ranch life. Since her mother’s death, Angelina had been that woman. She had no time for frivolity—no time for a less severe side of life. Not when there was so much to be done—hired hands to feed, a widower father to care for and an often ridiculously lighted-hearted younger sister to worry about. No. Angelina Hunter had no time for the things most young women her age enjoyed.
And yet, Angelina had not always been so hardened. There had been a time when she boasted a fun, flirtatious nature even more delightful than her sister Becca’s—a time when her imagination soared with adventurous, romantic dreams. But that all ended years before at the hand of one man. Her heart turned to stone…safely becoming void of any emotion save impatience and indifference.
Until the day her dreams returned, the day the very maker of her broken heart rode back into her life. As the dust settled from the cattle drive which brought him back, would Angelina’s heart be softened? Would she learn to hope again? Would her long-lost dreams become a blessed reality?