by Erica Penrod
“What?” She scanned the area for a second time. “I don’t see anything.”
“I promise it’s there.” Waylon put his hands in his pockets as his breath billowed around him. “Maybe you should broaden your search. I promise you’ll find it.”
Tayla walked forward, searching the area until she got to the edge of the deck where the stairs led down to the grass. “I don’t see—”
And there was her gift, at the bottom of the stairs. Lane stood there, holding a pink lead rope connected to a pink halter on a beautiful grey horse. Tayla looked closer as recognition came over her. She glanced back at Waylon and then hustled down the stairs; his footsteps were right behind her.
Tayla slowed her approach and stopped in front of the horse. “Promise?”
Waylon stood beside her and took the lead rope from Lane, and the boy walked away. “Merry Christmas.”
Tayla gazed up at him. “She doesn’t even look like the same horse.” The mare’s body had filled out, and her mane was long and thick.
“Mended Soul Ranch did a good job with her.” Waylon stroked the mare’s neck. “She’s all yours.”
“Thank you.” She turned and threw her arms around Waylon’s neck. “I love her, and I love you.”
“I wanted to give you a promise for Christmas, and this Promise represents everything I wanted to say.” He touched her face. “Like us, she’s been through some hard times and she’s overcome so much. She’s strong now and ready to take on the future. Anything is possible.”
Tayla stared into Waylon’s eyes. “Anything is possible as long as we’re together.”
Waylon held her tight. “Promise?”
“Promise.”
Epilogue
Tayla slipped the fork into her mouth, savoring the decadent cake. The tabloids would be deeply disappointed at the lack of fanfare at billionaire Jamon West’s New Year’s Day wedding to Gemma Stonewall. The ceremony was held in Jamon’s home with only a few close friends and family members in attendance. Gemma’s parents had flown in from New York a couple days ago, and they beamed every time Gemma entered a room. Adam Moreau, his new bride Bella, and the Jetton Bolt family were among some of The Cove residents in attendance. Gemma insisted she’d always wanted a small wedding, and since they didn’t want to expose Howard to any more germs than necessary, at home was the perfect option.
“Hello.” A beautiful woman with blonde hair approached her. “You must be Tayla.” She held out her hand. “I’m Sky Kent. I’m married to Koven.”
“Oh.” Tayla swallowed the cake. “Yes. It’s so nice to meet you.” They shook hands, and Tayla brushed the crumbs from her skirt. “I met Koven a while ago out at Jamon’s barn. He told me all about you.”
Sky’s cheeks turned crimson red. “Don’t believe everything the man says.”
“It was all good. He went on and on about your brilliant scientific mind and your work in the lab.” She paused. “But there was one thing he did mention.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to hear this.” Sky laughed; amusement swirled in her blue eyes.
Tayla grinned. “Something about the way you drive.”
Sky swatted the air. “He’s just intimidated by my skills.” She laughed. “This sure turned out perfect, didn’t it?”
“Yeah, it did.” Tayla took in the scene. The great room was cleared, and a handful of round tables and chairs were brought in. Long-stemmed red roses in chunky crystal vases served as centerpieces on silk white tablecloths. Two rows of white chairs draped with red sashes, and an aisle in between, gave the guests an up-close view of Jamon and Gemma reciting their vows. The ceremony had been sweet and simple.
She stole a glimpse of Waylon from the corner of her eye in his black tux. Her breath caught at the sight of him. His dark eyes watched her from across the room. The connection between them burned through her body, and then he smiled. Tayla saw the twinkle in his eyes as she drew closer to him. How lucky she was to be so attracted to her best friend.
“You ought to be careful with the way you look at a man.” He strode up beside her and whispered in her ear. “With those smoldering eyes of yours, he might get the wrong impression.”
She turned to him, took his face in her hands, and kissed him slowly and methodically. When she stopped, Waylon opened his eyes. “Did that give you the right impression?” She raised a brow.
He gulped as she let her hands fall to his waist. “Yes.” Waylon smiled.
Tayla laughed. Maybe it was time to buy an island.
* * *
For more great clean romances, check out these books!
Her Brilliant Cowboy Billionaire
Romance and Renovation
The Carpenter’s Christmas
Charming Christmas
Heart’s Desire: Heaven and a Cowboy Series
The Chef, the Holidays and the Husband: Country Brides & Cowboy Boots
Find out what happens when you combine three strong willed (some may say stubborn) cowboys, one reality television show, the women they fall for, and rodeo in the Cowboy Reality Romance series.
Cowboy Reality Romance: Kip
Cowboy Reality Romance: Jaxon
Cowboy Reality Romance: Tayson
Invitation
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Also by Erica Penrod
Check out Erica’s other Billionaire Bachelor Cove titles:
Her Brilliant Cowboy Billionaire
Her Counterfeit Wedding to the Billionaire
If you enjoyed reading this novel, then you’ll love the Cowboy Reality Romance series by bestselling author Erica Penrod.
Cowboy Reality Romance: Kip
Cassie Carter, a single mother of three-year-old twin boys, needed a start after her husband died. Working as a nanny in Park City, Utah, for a wealthy family seems like the best place to start. She can keep her children with her, room and board is provided, and there's no chance of falling in love. The the mountains, mansion, and horses are all beautiful but what blows Cassie away is Kip Morgan.
Kip is a horse trainer and reality television star who can send her pulse into a stampede with just one touch. While Cassie works to sort out her feelings and what really happened to her late husband and keep her feelings for Kip at arm's length, her boys become Kip’s biggest fans. Caught in a dangerous web her late husband left behind, Cassie scrambles to protect her family from harm and her heart from Kip. However, Kip holds the key to unlocking the mystery behind her husband’s death . Cassie will have to trust him or risk leaving herself and her boys exposed to the dangers lurking in her past.
Available here.
Cowboy Reality Romance: Jaxon
Jaxon Davis thought he was doing the right thing creating the television show The Cowboys, in an effort to bring his family ranch out of foreclosure. Seduced by the glamour and the lights, he let the one thing he really valued slip through his fingers. When his barely ex-wife finds out she’s expecting his baby, Jaxon works for a chance at reconciliation and redemption. Can he let go of the fame that sucked him in or will he fall to the temptress once again and lose Janie and their baby forever?
Available here.
Cowboy Reality Romance: Tyson
When Tess took a break from her successful career as a television reporter to help her mother recover from back surgery, the last thing she expected was to run into Tayson Cole. The man broke her heart on New Year’s Eve and the two of them clash like bulls on a regular basis. However, she’s seen the better side of the reality television star and fallen for him which makes keeping her resolution to stay away from the professional bull fighter all that more difficult to keep.
Tess wants the real Tayson and refuses to play the games he uses to keep people away from seeing the guilt eating him up inside. The accident wasn’t Tayson’s fault and yet he continues to blame himself. The threat of losing Tess forever might be the only thing that saves this cowboy’s trampled heart.
Available here.
About the Author
Erica spends her time folding laundry for her four children and husband. In between loads she loves to read, move furniture and display junk she’s collected at local thrift and antique stores. Most weekends she’s in the stands as head cheerleader watching her family compete in rodeo. Her favorite place is anywhere her husband is and she’s saddened by the thought of cooking dinner every night for the rest of her life. Erica loves to write, enjoys looking for inspiration in the candy aisle, and then eating her inspiration while typing.
To join Erica’s newsletter and receive information about her new releases, click here.