The driver was dressed in a black chauffeur’s uniform, complete with matching cap. The cap was pulled low, obscuring most of the driver’s features.
“I’m Laramie Bowman.”
When the driver looked up, Laramie found herself staring into Anastasia’s distinctive blue eyes.
“You’re my driver?”
Instead of responding, Anastasia held up the sign in her hands. As she looked closer, Laramie noticed Anastasia was holding not just one sign but several.
Anastasia placed the first sign behind the others.
Welcome back, the second sign read.
“Thank you.”
Anastasia placed a finger over her lips, effectively shushing her.
“Oh, so that’s how you want to play it? Okay, what else you got?”
I am sorry for the way I reacted when you left, the third sign said.
When Laramie nodded to let Anastasia know she had finished reading what she had written, Anastasia moved the sign so she could read the next one.
But I thought I would lose you and did not know how to react.
Laramie had felt the same way. As she made her way back to Russia, she hadn’t been certain what she was making her way back to. Being greeted by Anastasia’s smiling face gave her hope that the journey hadn’t been in vain.
A few months ago, the fifth sign read, Mischa told me I have grown up. While you were gone, I realized how much growing up I still have to do.
Laramie had realized something, too: that family wasn’t a matter of biology. Family was a matter of the heart. Anastasia and all the people she had met in Godoroye each had a place in hers.
I love you, the final sign read. Please forgive me.
“Is it my turn now?” she asked when Anastasia finally lowered her bundle of signs.
Anastasia nodded, and Laramie stepped toward her.
“I only have two things to say.”
She pushed the brim of Anastasia’s cap up so she could get a better look at her face. The last time they had seen each other, Anastasia’s eyes were filled with tears. Today, they were filled with something else: hope.
“First of all, I love you, too.”
Unconcerned about who might be looking on or what they might think, Laramie kissed her long and hard.
“What is second thing?” Anastasia asked after they finally came up for air.
“My brother’s taking the reins back in Broken Branch, which means I’m free to accept the ranch manager job Duke offered me. We might have to fight Elena and Shorty for it, but I thought we could move into Yevgeny’s old room. Spruce it up some and—”
Anastasia’s eyes widened. “Does that mean you are staying?”
“If you’ll have me.”
Anastasia dropped the signs and jumped into her arms. This time, Laramie didn’t intend to let go.
“You’re gonna get us arrested,” she said as Anastasia peppered her face with kisses.
“For me, would not be first time. I will show you ropes, yes?”
“I’m still waiting for that lesson you promised me back in Godoroye.”
“Did you bring it?” Anastasia asked with a smile.
Laramie slowly lowered her to the ground. “I might’ve.”
Anastasia reached for her hand. “In that case, let’s go home.”
About the Author
Yolanda Wallace is not a professional writer, but she plays one in her spare time. Her love of travel and adventure has helped her pen numerous globe-spanning novels, including the Lambda Award-winning Month of Sundays and Tailor-Made. Her short stories have appeared in multiple anthologies including Romantic Interludes 2: Secrets and Women of the Dark Streets. She and her wife live in beautiful coastal Georgia, where they are parents to two children of the four-legged variety.
Books Available from Bold Strokes Books
Comrade Cowgirl by Yolanda Wallace. When cattle rancher Laramie Bowman accepts a lucrative job offer far from home, will her heart end up getting lost in translation? (978-1-63555-375-8)
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Wooing the Farmer by Jenny Frame. When fiercely independent modern socialite Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart and traditional country farmer Sam McQuade meet, trusting their hearts is harder than it looks. (978-1-63555-381-9)
A Chapter on Love by Laney Webber. When Jannika and Lee reunite, their instant connection feels like a gift, but neither is ready for a second chance at love. Will they finally get on the same page when it comes to love? (978-1-63555-366-6)
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Without Pretense by TJ Thomas. After living for decades hiding from the truth, can Ava learn to trust Bianca with her secrets and her heart? (978-1-63555-173-0)
Unexpected Lightning by Cass Sellars. Lightning strikes once more when Sydney and Parker fight a dangerous stranger who threatens the peace they both desperately want. (978-1-163555-276-8)
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Escape to Pleasure: Lesbian Travel Erotica edited by Sandy Lowe and Victoria Villasenor. Join these award-winning authors as they explore the sensual side of erotic lesbian travel. (978-1-63555-339-0)
Music City Dreamers by Robyn Nyx. Music can bring lovers together. In Music City, it can tear them apart. (978-1-63555-207-2)
Ordinary is Perfect by D. Jackson Leigh. Atlanta marketing superstar Autumn Swan’s life derails when she inherits a country home, a child, and a very interesting neighbor. (978-1-63555-280-5)
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The Ashford Place by Jean Copeland. When Isabelle Ashford inherits an old house in small-town Connecticut, family secrets, a shocking discovery, and an unexpected romance complicate her plan for a fast profit and a temporary stay. (978-1-63555-316-1)
Treason by Gun Brooke. Zoem Malderyn’s existence is a deadly threat to everyone on Gemocon and Commander Neenja KahSandra must find a way to save the woman she loves from having to commit the ultimate sacrifice. (978-1-63555-244-7)
A Wish Upon a Star by Jeannie Levig. Erica Cooper has learned to depend on only herself, but when her new neighbor, Leslie Raymond, befriends Erica’s special needs daughter, the walls protecting her heart threaten to crumble. (978-1-63555-274-4)
Answering the Call by Ali Vali. Detective Sept Savoie returns to the streets of New Orleans, as do the dead bodies from ritualistic killings, and she does everything in her power to bring them to justice while trying to keep her partner, Keegan Blanchard, safe. (978-1-63555-050-4)
Breaking Down Her Walls by Erin Zak. Could a love worth staying for be the key to breaking down Julia Finch’s walls? (978-1-63555-369-7)
Exit Plans for Teenage Freaks by ’Nathan Burgoine. Cole always has a plan—especially for escaping his small-town reputation as “that kid who was kidnapped when he was four”—but when he teleports to a museum, it’s time to face facts: it’s possible he’s a total freak after all. (978-1-63555-098-6)
Friends Without Benefits by Dena Blake. When Dex Putman gets the woman she thought she always wanted, she soon wonders if it’s really love after all. (978-1-63555-349-9)
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Pursuit of Happiness by Carsen Taite. When attorney Stevie Palmer’s client reveals a scandal that could derail Senator Meredith Mitchell’s presidential bid, their chance at love may be collateral damage. (978-1-63555-044-3)
Seascape by Karis Walsh. Marine biologist Tess Hansen returns to Washington’s isolated northern coast where she struggles to adjust to small-town living while courting an endowment for her orca research center from Brittany James. (978-1-63555-079-5)
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All of Me by Emily Smith. When chief surgical resident Galen Burgess meets her new intern, Rowan Duncan, she may finally discover that doing what you’ve always done will only give you what you’ve always had. (978-1-63555-321-5)
As the Crow Flies by Karen F. Williams. Romance seems to be blooming all around, but problems arise when a restless ghost emerges from the ether to roam the dark corners of this haunting tale. (978-1-63555-285-0)
Both Ways by Ileandra Young. SPEAR agent Danika Karson races to protect the city from a supernatural threat and must rely on the woman she’s trained to despise: Rayne, an achingly beautiful vampire. (978-1-63555-298-0)
Calendar Girl by Georgia Beers. Forced to work together, Addison Fairchild and Kate Cooper discover that opposites really do attract. (978-1-63555-333-8)
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Unforgettable by Elle Spencer. When one night changes a lifetime… Two romance novellas from best-selling author Elle Spencer. (978-1-63555-429-8)
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Comrade Cowgirl Page 25
