A Cowboy's Holiday (The McGavin Brothers Book 12)
Page 20
“Uh, okay. Merry Christmas to you, too.”
She took a step closer. “And because Christmas is a great time to get clear on things.”
“Is it?” His heart beat a rapid tattoo.
“For me, anyway. When I was braiding Honey Butter’s mane, I told him all the reasons why I didn’t want to get serious about you.”
“And?” He could barely breathe. Please don’t let me be dreaming this.
“To borrow your words, it was all BS.”
“Oh?”
“I’m serious about you. I have been for a long time. I love you, Pete.”
He sucked in air. “Taryn…” He started toward her.
She held up her hand. “Wait a sec. Once you kiss me, it’s all over. I need to say this. I’ve been falling for you ever since we met. But like an idiot, I wouldn’t—”
“I know. I get it. Doesn’t matter.”
“It does matter. I acted like all the time together didn’t count. I was so wrong. Every day, every hour, every minute I spent with you led to our first kiss.”
“Do you think maybe it could lead to another one? Because I’m going crazy over here.”
“Sure. I think that’s the gist of what I needed to say.”
“Thank God.” He eliminated the distance between them and swept her into his arms. “I love you so much.” He lowered his head. “So very much.” He settled down lightly, still not quite believing that he was awake.
But she didn’t disappear. Instead she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back with so much enthusiasm that he groaned and pulled her in tighter.
A much louder groan sounded nearby. Then a nicker came from another stall. One of the horses blew air through his nostrils and another stomped his hoof.
He discovered it wasn’t easy to kiss a laughing woman, so he gave up, because it was pretty damn funny and he loved hearing her laugh.
“Pete, the horses are talking.”
“Yeah, they are.”
“I even know what they’re saying.”
“Oh?”
“They’re saying hey, you two, get a room.”
He grinned. “Think we could find one on Christmas Eve?”
“I think so. It so happens I know the innkeeper.”
“Lucky me, so do I.” And he dived in for one more hot kiss before hustling her out of the barn and across the frozen ground to her house, lit up with dozens of sparkling white lights. On his way, he glanced up at the night sky filled with stars, including one that was especially bright. Just like his dad had predicted, magic was happening.
Epilogue
Didn’t get any better than this. Brendan had enjoyed some amazing Christmas celebrations, but spending the big day at Wild Creek Ranch topped them all. The huge family Quinn had latched onto was worth the price of admission. Brendan had been impressed with the food and good cheer at the Christmas Eve bash, but Christmas dinner was even better.
Or maybe it seemed that way because he’d learned everyone’s name and had all the connections straight. Or maybe it had to do with his nephew Pete, who looked happier than a koala with a handful of gumtree leaves.
Whatever had happened at midnight in Taryn’s barn had done that boy a world of good. Could be whatever had happened after midnight, too, judging by his besotted expression. Made Brendan a little wistful, although he wouldn’t trade places with the kid. Forty-nine suited him fine and he wasn’t afraid of the big five-oh, either. Maturity had its advantages.
For example, a younger man might not appreciate the lovely attributes of Jo Fielding. She was tall, lithe and sexy as hell. Whenever he flirted with her, she gave as good as she got. And yet…beneath her bravado and quick wit lurked a touch of uncertainty.
Quinn had filled him in on a few details about her divorce some thirteen years ago. But Quinn was protective of Jo and clearly wouldn’t stand for anyone messing with her. She was Kendra’s best friend. Jo’s daughter Mandy, the latest mother-to-be, was married to Kendra’s son Zane. Anyone interested in Jo would do well to keep those parameters in mind.
Brendan was interested. More than he cared to admit. Her uninhibited laughter drew his attention from across the room. He’d caught himself staring like a stunned mullet at the graceful curve of her neck and the movement of her fingers as she stroked the stem of her wineglass while she talked.
Quinn, his ever-vigilant older brother, had cornered him later in the day over by the Christmas tree. “Everything okay?”
“Couldn’t be better.”
“Just thought I’d ask. You’ve been exceptionally quiet today. Couldn’t help wondering why.” His gaze was direct.
Brendan gave him a big smile and clapped him on the shoulder. “Just soakin’ up the holiday ambiance, big brother. Takin’ it all in.”
But Wait, There’s More!
Coming in February!
Confirmed bachelor Brendan Sawyer returns to Eagles Nest to court the lovely Jo Fielding in A COWBOY’S CHOICE, book thirteen in the McGavin Brothers series.
Saddle up for all the stories in the McGavin Brothers series!
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Want more cowboys? Check out my Sons of Chance and Thunder Mountain Brotherhood series!
MIDNIGHT THUNDER – (TMB #1) Cade Gallagher must save his foster parents’ ranch and win the heart of the woman he left behind.
WANTED! – (SOC #1) Can sexy cowboy Nick Chance convince a beautiful photographer to see the man behind the muscles?
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Praise for Vicki’s cowboy series
“Vicki Lewis Thompson has a reputation for putting enough sizzle between the pages to actually create steam.”
Fresh Fiction
“This modern cowboy tale expertly balances sex and emotion with a touch of humor. It’s one of the hottest western romances of the year!”
RT Book Reviews
“Once again Ms. Thompson’s writing is crisp and straightforward, with an uncanny ability to weave the beautiful western landscape of the Grand Tetons into the storyline. Overall a hot, sexy read.”
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Also by Vicki Lewis Thompson
The McGavin Brothers
A Cowboy’s Strength
A Cowboy’s Honor
A Cowboy’s Return
A Cowboy’s Heart
A Cowboy’s Courage
A Cowboy’s Christmas
A Cowboy’s Kiss
A Cowboy’s Luck
A Cowboy’s Charm
A Cowboy’s Challenge
A Cowboy’s Baby
Wild About You
Werewolf in Manhattan
Werewolf in the North Woods
Werewolf in Seattle
Werewolf in Denver
Werewolf in Alaska
Werewolf in Las Vegas
The Nerd Series
Nerd in Shining Armor
The Nerd Who Loved Me
Nerd Gone Wild
Gone with the Nerd
Talk Nerdy to Me
Nerds Like It Hot
My Nerdy Valentine
About the Author
New York Times bestselling author Vicki Lewis Thompson’s love affair with cowboys started with the Lone Ranger, continued through Maverick, and took a turn south of the border with Zorro. She views cowboys as the Western versi
on of knights in shining armor, rugged men who value honor, honesty and hard work. Fortunately for her, she lives in the Arizona desert, where broad-shouldered, lean-hipped cowboys abound. Blessed with such an abundance of inspiration, she only hopes that she can do them justice.
Connect with Vicki online!
VickiLewisThompson.com
VLTAuthor@aol.com