by Jillian Hart
I love him, she finally admitted. I truly love him.
When his hand cupped her chin, she went up on tiptoe. His lips brushed hers with a beauty that brought tears to her eyes. She hated for it to end. Sean must have felt the same way because his hand lingered against her jaw and his gaze locked with hers. It was like being soul-to-soul.
“I love you with the kind of love that never fails.” Love sailed through her so forcefully, it nearly lifted her from the ground. Bliss drove out all doubt as she wrapped her arms around Sean, her Sean. Being enfolded against him was the sweetest blessing, the only one she could ever want. Dreams she thought long lost burned as bright as the sun. There was so much good ahead in store for her life she could not hold the images back—glimpses of Sean proposing on bended knee, a wedding in the town church, a little home made happy with their lasting love. So very much good ahead, she held him more tightly, determined never to let go.
“There is one more thing we have to talk about.” Sean stepped back just enough to meet her gaze. “I would like to discuss the possibility of more kisses.”
“I would be in favor of it.”
“Good, then we are in perfect agreement.” He claimed her lips in a kiss that dimmed the sun with its beauty and captured her soul with its sweetness.
Romance had found her, after all.
Epilogue
“Do you know what your problem is, Eloise?”
“I didn’t know I had a problem, Gran.” Eloise adjusted her cell phone against her ear as she reined Pixie off the country road and onto Main. Town was busy for a hot June Saturday afternoon. A couple of vehicles were parked in front of the diner, she recognized a Granger pickup, and a truck or two at the feed store. Yep, there was nothing like small-town living. Enjoying the peace, she lifted her face and let the temperate winds puff her bangs off her forehead. “My life is nothing but blue skies. Not a cloud in sight.”
“You spend way too much time helping in my garden instead of with that young man of yours. Next time you come over to weed, you bring along young Mr. Granger.”
“I might consider it.”
“I’ll make him some of my homemade lemonade. I’m pleased you found Mr. Right, but I’m bummed I didn’t find him for you.”
“Yes, sadly my blind-date fix-ups have come to an end. Forever.” Hallelujah. That wasn’t the greatest thing about being with Sean, but it was a definite perk. She’d found the best man, the very best. “Now that my blind-date days are over, whatever will you do to amuse yourself?”
“You need to ask? I’ve already got your wedding figured out. The minute he pops the question, you let me know. I’ve got a notebook started and the church hall booked.”
“Help me, Lord.” She sent the prayer heavenward. Was her grandmother ever going to stop meddling? Not that she minded, but it was the principle.
“I just want you to be happy, sweet pea.”
“I want that for you, too.” She so loved her grandmother. Pixie lifted her head, neighing in welcome at the sight of the black gelding standing in the drive-in lot where a car should be parked. Bandit lifted his nose in an answering welcome, and a cowboy moseyed into sight.
Handsome.
“Gran? I’ve got to go.”
“All right, dear. I’ll see you this evening. Don’t forget to bring that boyfriend of yours.”
“I’m making no promises.” She didn’t remember disconnecting the call or stuffing the cell into her pocket. The man beside his horse with a Stetson shading the splendor of his face commanded every shred of her attention.
“Hey there, pretty lady.” He tipped his hat, his deep baritone layered with warmth and humor. “How would you like to join me for an ice-cream cone?”
“I could be tempted.” The strong, lean lines of his cheekbones, his sparkling blue eyes and his chiseled jaw held her captive. Wow. “What is a handsome man like you doing here all alone?”
“Trying to pick up a gorgeous chick.” Humor flashed in his bright blue gaze. “Interested?”
“Very.” She slipped off the saddle and into his waiting arms, such strong arms. There was no place on earth she would rather be than enfolded against his chest, so near to him their souls felt as one.
His chin rested on the top of her head as she snuggled closer and cozy feelings left her smiling into his sun-warmed T-shirt. He smelled like summer and hay and leather. She never wanted to let go. If she could stay just like this cuddled in Sean’s strength, she would ask for nothing more.
“Guess what I did today?” His lips brushed her hair.
“Did you end up going to the sale with your uncle?”
“Sure did. I tagged along at the auction over in Sunshine. The ranch did real well selling off some of the cattle.” He paused, remembering. He was a permanent employee now and the excitement of the bidding, all the cows to check out and spending time with his uncle and cousins had been fun. But it wasn’t the highlight of his day. “Frank came on an errand with me to offer his opinion.”
“An errand? You didn’t say anything about that before.”
She leaned back in his arms, so lovely she knocked the air from his lungs, so beautiful his spirit ached with adoration. Spending time with her and opening his heart to her had been the greatest reward of his life. He was no lone wolf, never had been. He could admit it. He was a pack man, a family man, and he was proud of it. He thanked God daily for the blessing of Eloise in his life.
“It was a top-secret mission.” In the bold summer sunshine he saw another piece of his future. A little toddler clinging to her knee and a new baby in her arms. Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries spent with her, years rolling by, each one better than the last. A sense of rightness filled him up until his vision blurred and all he could see was her, Eloise, the reason for his life.
“Ooh, sounds mysterious. Top secret.” She dazzled, from the inside out. “Don’t tell me you made a stop at your favorite pizza place and didn’t bring home any leftovers for me?”
“No pizza, no leftovers. It wasn’t that kind of mission.” Behind him he heard Bandit snort his opinion, as if he disapproved of the place and time, but Sean could not wait. Love overwhelmed him and his decision was made. Pixie nodded at him, as if she were saying to go for it. So, he did.
He tugged the ring out of his pocket. The gold band gleamed warmly in the light. The square-cut diamond framed by emeralds winked like a promise made to be kept. His entire spirit stilled with the importance of the moment.
“I was going to do this tonight at sunset in a field of wildflowers,” he confessed. “I hope you don’t mind we are in a parking lot, but where I am standing is where I first was bedazzled by you.”
“That’s an engagement ring.” She stared wide-eyed, surprise on her dear face. “That was your secret errand?”
“Yes. The diamond is forever, the emeralds are because they match your eyes, which are now my favorite color. You are my favorite gal.” He took in a shaky breath. Worry crinkled his forehead. Love warmed his voice, so much love. “Do you know what I see when I look at you? A porch.”
“A porch?” Fine, not what she was expecting but the adoration on his face made her pulse skip three beats. Anticipation left her breathless. “Why a porch?”
“Because on that porch I see a gray-haired couple sitting side by side on a porch swing, holding hands.”
“Are they watching the evening unfold?”
“Yes. They do that every warm summer evening, just as they’ve done every year of their married life. They are happy together.” He towered over her, stalwart and incredible and true. “You can tell how much the man adores his wife every time he looks at her.”
“That couple is us?” she asked, her eyes growing watery.
“Yes.” His eyes deepened with emotion as he cradled her hand in his. Such a gentle touch. “That is what I see when I look at you. I want to marry you. I want to raise a family with you. I want us to be that silver-haired couple happy with a life well spent adoring one another
through thick and thin. With every day that passes, I promise to cherish you more. Please marry me, Eloise. I love you so much.”
“Not more than I love you.” How could she say no to that? It was every dream she’d lost, everything she’d ever wanted with the one man she treasured above all. The sun chose that moment to brighten, as if heaven were trying to spotlight the moment. She realized this is where God had been leading her all along, that He had given her more than the accident had taken away.
“Y-yes.” Happiness made the word stutter like a sob in her throat. Tears filled her eyes, and she blinked hard. Joy was too small of a word to describe her feelings. “I want to marry you more than anything and spend all my days loving you. It’s a fairy-tale ending.”
“This isn’t an ending. It’s a beginning.”
“The best beginning.”
He slid the ring on her hand and his gaze locked with hers. She felt the impact all the way to her soul. She twined her hand with his, overwhelmed with emotion. Their hearts, now in synchrony, beat as one and always would. Their bond was unbreakable and everlasting.
“Hey, Eloise! Hey, Sean.” Chloe clumped up on her skates, carrying two ice-cream cones. “I was right! You guys were dating. Now you’re engaged. I so called it. Hey, a guy was just in for lunch. He’s from the next town over and he asked me if the inn was still taking in horses. Are you?”
“Absolutely.”
“I have an address. I’ll get it.” Chloe thumped off, her skates clumping on the blacktop.
Eloise saw the spark of happiness in Sean’s eyes as the sunlight caught the diamond on her left hand. Life was good, so very good. “Can you believe it? More horses to rescue.”
“Looks like our mission continues, gorgeous.” He knelt to boost her into the saddle. “Let’s go.”
Questions for Discussion
What are your first impressions of Eloise? How would you describe her? What do you think she is looking for? What does she fear most when Sean spots her cane?
What are your first impressions of Sean? Are you surprised at his reaction to Eloise’s disability? What does this tell you about his character? How do you know he’s a good man?
What do you think of Eloise’s grandmother? What role does she play in the story? What advice does she give Eloise? Have you ever had a family member like Gran?
What do you think of Sean’s intention to be a lone wolf? What function does this serve for him? How does he use the excuse to keep his heart safe?
How did Eloise’s accident affect her? How have all the losses that followed affected her?
Family, friends and the town speculate about Eloise and Sean’s relationship. What part do they play in the budding romance? How does this affect Eloise? Sean?
Why does Eloise reject Sean’s kiss? How does this affect her? Affect Sean?
What are Sean’s strengths as a character? What are his weaknesses? What do you come to admire about him?
What values do you think are important in this book?
Little Julianna Stone wants every homeless animal to be saved and to find a home. What Biblical basis is there for her wish? What impact does Julianna’s hope have on the story? On Eloise and Sean’s romance? What impact does one little girl make?
What do you think are the central themes in this book? How do they develop? What meanings do you find in them?
In the beginning of the story, Eloise wrestles with the losses resulting from her car accident. What does she learn by the end of the story? How has God given her more than the accident took away?
How does God guide both Eloise and Sean? How is this evident? How does God gently and quietly lead them to true love?
What role do the animals play in the story? Have you ever helped an animal in need?
There are many different kinds of love in this book. What are they? What does Eloise learn about true love?
ISBN: 9781408951330
Wyoming Sweethearts
© Jill Strickler 2011
First Published in Great Britain in 2011
Harlequin (UK) Limited
Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR
All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. The text of this publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, including without limitation xerography, photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.
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All characters in this work have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.
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Table of Contents
Cover
Excerpt
Title Page
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Epilogue
Copyright