Jake set her on her feet. “You’re as beautiful as ever.”
“Me? How about you? My God, don’t you ever age?” Dixie asked. “It’s been years. Hell, I thought I’d come here and find a crippled old man.”
“I am a crippled old man!”
“Not from what I’m looking at.” Dixie ran her hands over his chest and arms. “You haven’t changed one bit. And here I was feeling sorry for you.”
“Don’t be feeling sorry for the likes of me,” Jake laughed. “I have a bad right hip and a bum left leg, but I’m alive and here with my family and friends.” Jake grabbed her close to plant a kiss smack on her lips. “Come and meet Gretta MacBain. You two have a lot in common.”
“I’ll bet we do!” Dixie kept an arm around his waist and let Jake lean on her shoulders a little as they walked to the tables, where some just stared and shook their heads as Jake introduced Dixie and Gretta.
“Good God, Dixie’s damn right,” Lloyd said, shaking his head. “He hasn’t changed one bit. Not even a little.”
Randy stood up with Sadie Mae in her arms. “The man hasn’t changed, Lloyd,” she answered, smiling as Jake introduced Dixie to the men. “It’s the boy inside that has changed. That boy is happier now. That dark place down deep inside is gone.”
They all enjoyed a long afternoon of eating and visiting and celebrating.
Inside the house, Jake’s guns again hung where they always had—over the front door…just in case.
Christmas in a Cowboy’s Arms
On sale October 2017
In the wild and untamed West, it takes a cowboy’s embrace to see you through a long winter’s night. Stay toasty this holiday season with Christmas in a Cowboy’s Arms, eight heartwarming tales from bestselling authors Leigh Greenwood, Rosanne Bittner, Linda Broday, Margaret Brownley, Anna Schmidt, and Amy Sandas.
Author’s Note
This is supposed be the last book in my Outlaw series, but never say never. Jake’s legacy will go on…in Lloyd…and in Little Jake. Maybe someday I’ll write a fifth book about Jake. I truly don’t want to leave this man or his family, and I have thoroughly enjoyed writing every one of these stories and watching Jake grow from an abused little boy turned outlaw turned lawman, and finally, a settled rancher and family man. What’s more, this deeply troubled man learned how to give and accept love…and how to finally be free of his past. And one woman led him through all of it. There is nothing better or more fulfilling than to read—or to write—a great love story. This has been one of my very favorites. The Harkners have lived in my heart for years, and I will never be able to truly let go of these characters. I hope it’s the same for my readers. As a finishing touch to this story, be sure to read my Christmas story about the Harkners in “A Chick-A-Dee Christmas,” coming October 2017 in the anthology Christmas in a Cowboy’s Arms.
About the Author
Award-winning novelist Rosanne Bittner is highly acclaimed for her thrilling love stories and historical authenticity. Her epic romances span the West—from Canada to Mexico, Missouri to California—and are often based on personal visits to each setting. She lives in Michigan with her husband, Larry, and near her two sons, Brock and Brian, and three grandsons, Brennan, Connor, and Blake. You can learn much more about Rosanne and her books through her website at rosannebittner.com and her blog at http://rosannebittner.blogspot.com. Be sure to visit Rosanne on Facebook and Twitter!
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The Last Outlaw Page 40