by Rhonda Grice
Two hours later Stormy was standing outside looking for any sign of the men or the sheriff. Finally she saw a cloud of dust and knew horses were coming her way. She prayed it was good news. If anything had happened to Jed she didn’t know what she would do. She was in love, and knew it for sure. These hours of waiting on news tore at her heart and she knew then what she had been afraid to admit. Jed Rivers was the man she wanted and the man she loved!
Soon she saw the men. It was Jed, Jake, and Mr. Turner. “Praise God Almighty,” she breathed the words softly. Stormy ran to Jed and he immediately got down from his horse and pulled her into his arms.
“Thank God you are alright,” Stormy signed. “I’ve been so worried about all of you. Did the sheriff show up? Did you catch Biggs and his men?” she bombarded them with questions.
“Let’s go inside and I’ll tell you everything,” Jed turned her to walk by his side. It was like they had an understanding and she was right where she was supposed to be; right by his side. He should have told her how he felt sooner, but knew she didn’t fully trust him and so he just patiently waited.
Well, even though she certainly knew how he felt now, they would still need to have a talk and get everything out in the open. After all, you can’t marry someone you can’t trust, and he was going to marry Stormy Calder. His mind was made up and he would make it happen.
It was almost dark by the time the four of them reached the Double LL. Bone tired Carmen and Katy Marie went to bed instantly, but it was time for Jed and Stormy to talk. It couldn’t wait until tomorrow.
Stormy fixed them both some coffee and handed a cup to Jed. He put the coffee down, took her cup from her hands and placed it on the table as well. He reached out, placed his hands on her shoulders and pulled her close. “Stormy Calder, I love you. I realize you may not feel the same way, and I’ll wait until you do, but Stormy, I mean to have you for my wife.” He spoke nervously.
“Jed, I’m sorry I didn’t trust you, but I was so confused and didn’t know who to trust. But Jed, I realized that I can’t live without you either. I love you too,” she smiled timidly.
Jed responded as he pulled her even closer. “I don’t have much to offer you Stormy.”
“Oh Jed, that doesn’t matter. I may not have anything to offer you either. You see, a few days ago I received a letter from a man claiming to be a relative of Katy Maries. As you know, Aunt Lucy’s will stated that Katy Marie live here on the ranch as long as she wants. I’m not really related to her, so the will might be contested. I may not even own this ranch legally or be able to raise Katy Marie. If those people really are Katy Marie’s relatives they may be entitled to the ranch. Oh Jed, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I’m scared”
“Stormy, you should have told me as soon as you got the letter. Don’t worry my love, we will figure this out together and we will fight for what Aunt Lucy wanted you and Katy Marie to have,” He soothed her. Then he gently tilted her head and spoke softly. “Don’t you think it’s about time I saw you completely out of those underpants you’re always showing off?” His smile looked tasty and a little bit wicked.
“Jed Rivers! Not until you put a ring on my finger!” Stormy teased.
“Better make it quick because I want you and can’t wait to make you Stormy Rivers!” They both laughed and held each other as they realized her new name seemed to fit their lives! Whatever stormy rivers came along they would meet them together!
Epilog
The Turners, Jed’s father, and everyone at the Double LL attended the wedding and it was beautiful. Katy Marie walked Stormy up to the preacher since her pa was dead and Stormy was so proud of her. But now it was nightfall and Stormy and Jed were finally alone. They were alone as man and wife. Carmen and Katie Marie were invited to spend the night with the Turners, which made it a perfect day for Katie Marie.
Stormy sat in her night clothes on the edge of the bed and Jed came to set next to her. “Jed, I love you so much, but I’ve never been alone with a man before.” Her eyes looked downward as she spoke.
Jed took her hands in his and she looked up. “Stormy, I would never hurt you,” he whispered. “I love you too much, but you must trust me, Stormy”.
Jed pulled her close and kissed her gently at first and then with a passion that set them both on fire. No more doubts, no more questions. Jed respectfully and gently lay Stormy back on the bed and made her his.
Upcoming Books and Credits
If you enjoyed “Unusual Inheritance” please leave me a review on Amazon and download book 2 in the Kansas Prairie Series, “Trouble at The Double LL Ranch – Saving Katy Marie. You can find it here.
Book three will be out around the end of December 2014. Please email Rhonda at [email protected] if you wish to be notified when it arrives on Kindle. Find out if Stormy and Jed get to keep the Double LL ranch and custody of Katy Maries goes to distant relatives that just came on the scene.
And, if you’ve been thinking we need another love interest at the Double LL then you won’t be disappointed when Anabelle Winters shows up with problems that only add more excitement to book two!
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter 2
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
