Boone's Surrender

by Shirleen Davies

  Boone’s mind whirled as he watched Del drive away. Had I really said nothing mattered except Ty? He couldn’t remember much about anything the day Tyler and Carly were rescued, except bringing him home to be welcomed by Thorn, Grace, Amy, and Del.

  He’d thought of Willow almost every minute, missed her more with each passing day, but hadn’t wanted to disturb her time with Carly. Boone didn’t know Carly hadn’t been home.

  Checking the time, he raced inside. If he hurried, there’d be enough time to take a shower, pick up Tyler from school, then buy some roses for his best girl. The same girl who thought he didn’t want her. It was time for Boone to show off some of those fancy cowboy moves. This time for the woman he loved.

  Willow walked around the store, putting a few items back in place as she moved down the aisles. Going in back, she flipped off all the lights, except the ones they left on at night, grabbed her purse, and locked the front door. Standing on the stoop, she looked out at the parking lot to see a lone truck—her own.

  Before reconnecting with Boone, she’d never thought of it as such a lonely sight. Now that was pretty much all she thought about when she left work. Shopping alone, cooking alone, eating alone, going to bed alone.

  Willow told herself it was for the best. As a single father, Boone didn’t have room in his life for a relationship. Especially now, with the issues Tyler must be facing and would continue to deal with for months or years. It didn’t matter how much she wanted to help and be there for both of them. When he’d talked with Greg, Boone made it clear there wasn’t room in his life for anyone except his son. Willow understood. She just wished it didn’t hurt so much.

  Climbing into her truck, she gripped the steering wheel, trying to remember if she had any leftovers. Whatever sat inside the refrigerator would have to do. Starting the engine, she stopped at the sound of tires on gravel, letting out a sigh. A late customer. She couldn’t just drive away without at least saying hello and asking them to come back in the morning.

  Opening her door, she started to climb out, then froze. Pulling up beside her, Boone rolled down his window and leaned out.

  “I need to talk to you.”

  Seeing Ty sitting next to him, she waved, then shook her head. “Now isn’t a good time.”

  Opening the door, he got out, walking straight to her. “It’s a perfect time. The store is closed, no one is around, and my guess is you’re heading home. Am I right?”

  Licking her lips, she lifted her chin. “Maybe I have a date.”

  Resting his hands on his hips, he stared at her a moment. “Our deal was we were exclusive. No one else, Willow.”

  “While we were together. Given that I haven’t heard a word from you in almost a week, I’m pretty certain our deal is off. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have someplace to be.” She turned to get back into the truck, stopping at his low, rough voice.

  “With me and Ty.”

  She shifted back toward him. “What?”

  “If you’ve got someplace to be, I want it to be with me and Ty.” Taking a step closer, he let his arms hang by his sides, his face full of torment. “I’m sorry, Willow. I never meant to push you away.” He glanced over his shoulder at Tyler. “Hey, buddy. Can you bring me the present for Willow?”

  Nodding, Tyler unbuckled his seat belt, grabbed something off the front seat, and ran around the truck. A broad smile split his face as he held his hand out to Willow. “Me and Daddy got these for you.”

  Willow’s hand shook as she took the flowers from Tyler’s hand. Clearing her throat, she nodded. “Thank you, Ty. They’re, um…beautiful.”

  “Daddy went to three places before he found the ones he wanted. Right, Daddy?”

  Boone nodded, watching her expression, seeing her features soften a little.

  “Smell them. Daddy says they smell almost as good as you.”

  Her chest tightened as she brought them up to her face, inhaling.

  “Do they?” Tyler asked.

  She blinked, glancing at Boone, then down at Tyler. “Do they what?” Her voice was shaky, almost too quiet to hear.

  “Smell as good as you?”

  Stepping closer, Boone settled an arm around her waist, feeling her body shake. “I believe I’m the person who has to determine that, Ty.” Leaning down, he smelled the roses, then shifted to a spot below her ear, inhaling. “Almost as good as Willow.”

  Giggling, Tyler ran back to the truck, scrambling inside.

  “Come home with us. I already stopped by Doc’s and picked up your favorite.” He watched her face, seeing the hesitation, but also seeing desire in her eyes.

  “I don’t know, Boone.” She glanced away, unable to hold his intense gaze.

  “Then let me ask another way.” Reaching into his pocket, he got down on one knee, looking up to see her jaw slacken, her eyes widen. “I love you, Willow. So much, I ache with it. No matter what you heard, I don’t just need Ty. I need you.” He held up the ring, seeing the moisture in her eyes, a hand covering her mouth, attempting to hold back a sob. “I bought this a couple weeks ago. If you don’t like it, we can find another.”

  She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “I, um…I love it,” she choked out.

  He took her hand, slipping it on her ring finger. “Marry me, Willow. Take away the ache.” Rising, he stood before her, waiting to hear his fate.

  Looking down, she touched the ring with her right hand, as if making certain it was real. Lifting her head, she locked her gaze with his. “I love you, Boone. I’ve loved you so long, I wouldn’t be good for anyone else.”

  A wary smiled curved the corners of his mouth. “Is that a yes?”

  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she drew him to her, whispering against his mouth. “Yes.”

  Epilogue

  Two months later…

  “Willow. Did you see me?”

  “Yes, I did. You’re doing great, Ty.” She rested her arms on the top railing of the corral, watching him make figure eights on his horse. “He’s come a long way.”

  Boone draped an arm over her shoulders, nuzzling her neck. “Yes, he has.”

  She smiled as his lips brushed across her cheek. “Are you even watching him?”

  Kissing her lips, he straightened, looking into the corral. “Of course I’m watching him, Mrs. Macklin. Keep your heels down, Ty.”

  “I’m still not quite used to that.” Looking down at her hand, she twisted the rings on her finger.

  “What?”

  “Being called Mrs. Macklin.” It had been two weeks, and each time she saw her hand, an excited shiver ran up her spine.

  Chuckling, he leaned over, stealing another kiss. “I got used to it real quick.”

  Hearing the sound of a truck, they looked behind them to see the Robinsons pull up. Thorn, Grace, Del, and Amy were on a ride. When they returned, the two families would have a barbecue, the first since the wedding.

  Boone waved at his son. “Hey, Ty. Put up your horse and say hi to your grandparents.”

  Willow kissed his cheek. “I’d better help them take what they brought into the house.”

  “I’ll help Ty and we’ll be right in.” Wrapping an arm around her waist, he dragged her against him, sealing his lips to hers for a kiss that left her weak. Letting go, he smiled at the effect he always had on her. Shifting her around, he nudged her forward. “Get along.”

  Willow knew she must look like an idiot, a goofy smile on her face, as she made her way to the car. Saying her hellos, her mother directed her to a large box in the back.

  She looked at it. “What is it?”

  “A present your father and I had made for you and Boone. You got married so fast, we didn’t have time to pick it up before the wedding.”

  “Don’t you remember? You already gave us a present.”

  “Well, this is a special present. The other was the practical gift people give to newlyweds.”

  “Need help with that?” Greg came walking up, Carly not three f
eet away. He kissed Willow’s cheek, taking the box out of the car, nodding behind her. “Looks like Thorn and Del are back.”

  Turning, she waved at the four riders. Grace and Amy had been wonderful, helping to make the wedding happen in a short six weeks. Having it at the ranch helped, as did the friends who insisted on supplying the food, drinks, and the band.

  Walking alongside her brother, she opened the front door, noticing Carly heading into the barn to see Tyler. “Did you make a decision?”

  Heading into the kitchen, Greg set the box down. “I did.”

  “And?”

  “I’m getting out. I had a long talk with my commanding officer and it’s all settled.”

  Willow felt an unexpected peace claim her at her brother’s decision to leave the army. “No regrets?”

  He looked behind her, smiling when Carly and Tyler ran into the house. “Not a one.”

  “Let’s get this party started.” Thorn and Grace joined them in the kitchen, shaking Greg’s hand. “Good to see you, brother. How’s it going?” It was a common greeting between the two Army Special Forces soldiers.

  “Real good. I just told Willow I’m getting out. Our parents bought a house south of Flagstaff, Arizona, and a motorhome for traveling. I’ll be taking over the house.”

  “That’s great news.” Grace hugged him.

  Within a few minutes, the house filled, everyone grabbing something to drink. Willow moved next to Boone, taking his hand.

  “Mom and Dad brought us another present.”

  His brows furrowed. “They already gave us a present.”

  “Well, we gave you another,” her mother said from across the room. “Go ahead and open it.” She pointed to the box on the kitchen table.

  Setting down their drinks, they opened the box together. Willow gasped. Reaching inside, Boone pulled the gift out, placing it on the table beside the box.

  Tyler walked to the table, running a hand down the curves of the bronze statue. “It looks like Daddy, Willow, and me.”

  “Why, that’s exactly who it is, Ty,” his grandmother said.

  “It’s gorgeous.” Willow stared at the intricate detailing of a horse and rider, a woman standing next to the horse, holding the hand of a little boy. “I’ve never seen anything quite so beautiful.”

  “We sent the artist pictures of you three and told him what we wanted,” her mother replied. “We’re so glad you like it.”

  Boone looked at her parents. “We’ll place it on the mantel so everyone can see it.” He looked around the room, seeing it full of his family. There was only one person missing. His best friend and brother of his heart.

  The sound of the front door opening drew everyone’s attention. An instant later, Kell Brooks walked into the kitchen. “I hope I’m not interrupting something.” He set his duffle down, taking a deep breath.

  Boone took three long strides up to him, a broad smile on his face as he pulled him into a hug. “You’re never an interruption.”

  “Sorry I didn’t make it to the wedding, Boone.”

  “You’re here now and that’s all that matters. Can you stay long?”

  Kell glanced around the room, realizing he knew everyone. He was back home. “I’m here for as long as you’ll have me.”

  Thank you for taking the time to read Boone’s Surrender. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.

  Watch for the other books in the Burnt River Contemporary Western Romance series.

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  About the Author

  Shirleen Davies writes romance—historical western romance, contemporary romance, and romantic suspense. She grew up in Southern California, attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. Her passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. Shirleen had been on numerous bestseller lists and releases several books every year. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.

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  Books by Shirleen Davies

  Historical Western Romance Series

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Tougher than the Rest, Book One

  Faster than the Rest, Book Two

  Harder than the Rest, Book Three

  Stronger than the Rest, Book Four

  Deadlier than the Rest, Book Five

  Wilder than the Rest, Book Six

  Redemption Mountain

  Redemption’s Edge, Book One

  Wildfire Creek, Book Two

  Sunrise Ridge, Book Three

  Dixie Moon, Book Four

  Survivor Pass, Book Five

  Promise Trail, Book Six

  Deep River, Book Seven

  Courage Canyon, Book Eight

  Forsaken Falls, Book Nine, Coming next in the series!

  MacLarens of Boundary Mountain

  Colin’s Quest, Book One,

  Brodie’s Gamble, Book Two

  Quinn’s Honor, Book Three

  Sam’s Legacy, Book Four

  Heather’s Choice, Book Five

  Nate’s Destiny, Book Six, Coming next in the series!

  Contemporary Romance Series

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Second Summer, Book One

  Hard Landing, Book Two

  One More Day, Book Three

  All Your Nights, Book Four

  Always Love You, Book Five

  Hearts Don’t Lie, Book Six

  No Getting Over You, Book Seven

  ‘Til the Sun Comes Up, Book Eight

  Foolish Heart, Book Nine

  Forever Love, Book Ten, Coming next in the series!

  Peregrine Bay

  Reclaiming Love, Book One, A Novella

  Our Kind of Love, Book Two

  Burnt River

  Shane’s Burden, Book One by Peggy Henderson

  Thorn’s Journey, Book Two by Shirleen Davies

  Aqua’s Achilles, Book Three by Kate Cambridge

  Ashley’s Hope, Book Four by Amelia Adams

  Harpur’s Secret, Book Five by Kay P. Dawson

  Mason’s Rescue, Book Six by Peggy L. Henderson

  Del’s Choice, Book Seven by Shirleen Davies

  Ivy’s Search, Book Eight by Kate Cambridge

  Phoebe’s Fate, Book Nine by Amelia Adams

  Brody’s Shelter, Book Ten by Kay P. Dawson

  Boone’s Surrender, Book Eleven by Shirleen Davies

  Watch for more books in the series!

  Find all of my books at:

  http://www.shirleendavies.com/books.html

  Copyright © 2017 by Shirleen Davies

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  For permission requests, contact the publisher.

  Avalanche Ranch Press, LLC

  PO Box 12618

  Prescott, AZ 86304

  Boone’s Surrender is a work of fiction. Names, ch
aracters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is wholly coincidental.