Dreams of Gold
Page 9
“Although the man denies the act.” Bud scratched his chin, rasping sounded from his thick beard. “Kept telling me the sheriff arrested the wrong man.”
“I did.” Two gruff words rasped from the head of the bed.
That voice. Her heart rate leapt, and she turned to look at his handsome, but pale, face. “You’re awake.”
“Barely.” He swallowed hard, and his eyelids blinked.
Grinning, Bud stood and slapped his hat on his head. “Glad to have you back with the living, Sheriff. I’ll get Doc.”
Ciara lifted a nearby glass of water and held it to Quinn’s mouth. “How are you feeling?”
“Sore, but I’ll be fine. More water, please.”
With a handkerchief held under his chin, she gave him a few more sips, her gaze taking in his dear features. The tension she’d been carrying in her shoulders eased.
“I’m better now, after hearing the marshals will arrive soon.”
“You heard that? How long have you been awake?”
“Since ‘oh my stars.’” An eyelid dropped in a slow wink, and his lips quirked up on one side. “A man would have to be dead not to react to a beautiful woman’s hands on his bare skin.”
“Oh no.” Heat infused her cheeks, and she looked away, her heart beating double time. “I am…I do not…let me—”
“Miss Ciara Morrissey without a quick reply?” His hand covered hers, and he brought their clasped hands to his chest.
The gesture touched her deep inside, probably more than she dared to admit. “Wait a minute.”
“I’ll wait forever. I want to hear everything you have to say.”
Excitement fluttered in her stomach, and she sucked in a breath. “What are you saying?”
“Stay here in Bull City…with me.” His fingers cupped her jaw, and his thumb brushed her cheek. “Keep me entertained with your ideas and schemes for the next forty or fifty years.”
Epilogue
Two weeks later, Ciara tugged green-striped curtains along the wooden rod in the high window of the sheriff’s office. “There, don’t you think that looks better?”
Quinn twisted to look over his shoulder and grimaced at the twinge in his side. “Blocks out the sky.” Although he liked the homey touch the curtains brought to the room, he found a secret pleasure in arguing with his Irish beauty.
“But only an inch or so at each edge. The window looked so bare before.” She walked backward, hands held out in front of her, framing the window. “I could tie them back at the sides. Would that be better?”
He reached for her hand, tugged her into his lap, and held her close. “They’re fine.”
“Watch out for your injury.” After a moment of resistance, she laid her head on his chest. “Good, because I’m almost finished with the ones for the front windows. And I have ideas about new bedding for the cell cots.”
“Ciara, you don’t have to do this.” He brushed a kiss on the top of her head. His contentment would be complete as soon as his wound fully healed and they stood up before the preacher.
“I know but these projects are my excuse to see you during the day.” She angled her head so she could meet his gaze. “Amazing how things worked out, right? I’m getting acquainted with the father I thought had died many years ago. He is working a successful business venture—the first after many failed attempts. The townspeople are seeing a bit of return on their investment.”
“A fact that has sweetened everyone’s tempers. And relieved most of my folks’ worries.” His head dipped in a nod. “Thanks to Shamus.”
She shifted in his lap and an idle finger stroked his jaw. “And I’ve found all the excitement I was looking for right here…with you, Quinn. I can’t wait to fix up the ranch house we’re going to build.”
A smile he couldn’t contain widened his mouth. “With you, my wild Irish rose, life will never be dull.”
A word about the author…
As a child, Linda was often found lying on her bed reading about characters having exciting adventures in places far away. In later years, she started writing romances and achieved her first publication—a confession story. Now Linda writes heartwarming contemporary and historical stories with a touch of humor.
Other Titles
A Legend Of Ireland
Business is Blooming (free read)
Lone Star Angel
On With The Show
One More Time (free read)
Only For One Night
Stepping Out Of Line
Ten Fantasy Wishes
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