by Joanna Wayne
“That’s Candice Cameron,” Tyler said. “She was ready to push Julie out of the window and almost fell herself.”
“Yeah, we caught the tail end of the action, but we weren’t close enough to make the tackle.”
“Where is Guy?” Candice asked.
“He’s waiting on you—in jail. So is your friend Caleb Grayson.”
“And you, Tyler, can take Julie home, unless she’d rather we drive her.”
“I’ll go with Tyler,” she said.
“Somebody will be by tomorrow to ask a few questions, but right now I’d say Julie Gillespie deserves a warm bed and a pair of strong arms to comfort her.”
Tyler would be more than happy to provide that—if she’d have him.
Julie took one step, and then winced in pain.
“We’d better call an ambulance,” Hayden said.
“No need,” Julie said. “Tyler knows exactly how to carry me.”
Both rangers grinned. “Nice work, cowboy.”
Tyler scooped her in his arms, carried her down three flights of stairs and placed her in the passenger seat of the car.
“Don’t drive yet,” she said, scooting into his arms. “Just hold me for a minute.”
“I’ll hold you for as long as you’ll let me, Julie. A minute. A day. A lifetime.”
“Is that a promise?”
“I kind of meant it as a proposal. Dylan needs a partner. I need a job, at least I will in a few months.”
“What about Troy?”
“I don’t expect miracles, but you were right about that, too. I’d convinced myself I didn’t need him or my family. But in truth, it was my need to belong that brought me back to Texas. It’s time I give him and Willow Creek Ranch a chance.”
“No reenlisting?”
“No reenlisting. I’m glad I did my part for my country. But that’s not the life for me.”
“But…”
He kissed her silent. “I had all the time I needed to learn about love when I saw that shotgun pointed at your head tonight, Julie. I know we’ll have some things to work out, but if you love me the way I love you, we can’t miss.”
“I love you with all my heart,” she said. “And I know just where I want to get married.”
“Anywhere you say.”
“In that field of bluebonnets behind the ranch house.”
“They won’t bloom again for another year.”
“Then we’ll just have to get married before you leave.”
Tyler kissed her again, knowing the wedding couldn’t come too quickly for him. “I have one request, too,” he said.
“Name it, cowboy.”
“I want to see you wearing those shorts and cracking that whip on our honeymoon.”
“Why wait? That’s just the warm-up act.”
Julie snuggled in Tyler’s arms for one long last kiss before they started the drive home. The wedding would be in less than a week, but the lifetime of love was already beating in her heart.
When it’s right, you get a sign. And the sign is love.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-8833-5
AK-COWBOY
Copyright © 2011 by Jo Ann Vest
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#Special Ops Texas
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