by Kim Redford
“I’m having second thoughts.”
“Why?”
“It hasn’t been the best of times…maybe it’s even been the worst of times.”
“It’s been rough, yes, but I learned something important.”
“What?”
She opened his hand and picked up the ring between two fingers. “Pretty.”
“Like you.”
“And like you.”
He gave her a slow smile. “What did you learn?”
“Love. It’s all about love—not fast pace, distant places, or applause. It’s about being with the one you love.” She held up the ring, where it gleamed in the lamplight. “Craig, will you marry me?”
“You’re my love…my forever love. I’d marry you a dozen times over.”
And as he placed the ring on her finger, she heard music…the beginning of a song she knew she would compose for him and him alone.
Acknowledgments
One afternoon, I sat in a comfy rocker on the wide porch of a cedar cabin overlooking the Red River, drinking sweet tea and enjoying the scent of pine trees while Joe Snow strummed his acoustic Martin guitar and Laura Romberg played her Choctaw flute. I’m grateful to them for their personal insights into making and sharing music.
Gerald Bailey of Devils River Outfitters took me on a canoe ride—deep in Texas near Del Rio where the country is hot and the river is cool—while he explained the intricacies of player pianos. Lots of thanks go to him for the fun, as well as the research.
Once more, a shout out goes to Brandon, Christina, Luke, Lank, Logan, and Laren of Gee Cattle Ranch. We shared a great trail ride around Sardis Lake on a beautiful spring day full of light and laughter. Naturally, the further adventures of Fernando came up and we made plans for my favorite Angus bull.
While sharing chocolate at a writer’s conference, I brainstormed names for Fernando’s ladylove with my editor, Deb Werksman. She suggested Daisy Sue, so much appreciation goes to her for this name.
Over a cozy campfire, Darmond Gee shared important information about how bulls like Fernando come to be socialized, like other animals, by gentle care and love. Once more, thanks go to him for sharing his wisdom.
Stan Briggs and Jan Briggs Montgomery were my inspiration to create Wildcat Bluff Mounted Patrol, so they deserve a big thank-you. They’re always there for others, whether it’s on the back of a horse, straddling a motorcycle, or at the wheel of a vehicle.
Thanks to Sabine Starr for the use of her fascinating Wildcat Falls legend from her historical novel Belle Gone Bad. I brought the story up-to-date in Wildcat Bluff to showcase how historical events impact present-day life.
Rachel Caine continues to inspire me…not only as an author for such notable bestselling books as Ash and Quill, Still House Lake, Honor Among Thieves, and the Morganville Vampire series, but also as a supportive and generous friend.
One day I ventured into the backwoods, took a canoe down the Kiamichi River, and arrived at the red rock enclave of the Williams—Buck-Saw, Hot-Rod, and Reed-the-Steed—to consult with them on the historic construction of my one-room schoolhouse and the trees appropriate for the Sure-Shot memorial grove. I appreciate their generous contributions to my book.
About the Author
Kim Redford is the bestselling author of Western romance novels. She grew up in Texas with cowboys, cowgirls, horses, cattle, and rodeos. She divides her time between homes in Texas and Oklahoma, where she’s a rescue cat wrangler and horseback rider—when she takes a break from her keyboard. Visit her at kimredford.com.
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