Cowboy Lies
Page 26
“I want to believe it.”
“I could make all kinds of excuses, but the truth is I was just plain scared. Scared of losing you, of losing our baby.” He drew Molly into his arms and kissed her, his fingers burrowing deep into her hair. “You make me want to be less controlling,” he murmured against her lips. “Take the reins with me. Please, Molly.”
The sun peeked out from behind a dark cloud. Although it only stayed out for a moment, Molly took that as an omen that she should grab the sunshine of his love before it slipped away. “Okay, move over, cowboy. From now on we’re in this together all the way, but—”
His lips covered hers, cutting off words and breath. She didn’t care. She had a lifetime to tell him everything in her heart.
****
A week later, Matt and Molly rode Gold King and Starlight out to Verde Creek where the minister and several dozen friends, ranch hands, and family waited. She smiled at Matt riding so close, purposely making her acutely aware of the masterful rhythm of his body riding easily in the saddle, acutely aware of her own desire.
Matt wore a black western tuxedo with a string tie and a brand-new black Stetson. Riding a horse in a cowboy tux was no problem for Matt, but trying to ride in a traditional bridal gown—that was a challenge for Molly.
As they rode into the shade of a cluster of oak trees, Molly heard the sweet strains of a mockingbird and saw the tree-shaded, silvery green waters of Verde Creek spilling over boulders in frothy mini-waterfalls. It was just like the first time they came here. But better. This was her wedding day.
Matt frowned. “Guess I’ll have to stop calling you Molly now, won’t I? Your name is Katrina.”
“I rather like the sound of Molly Ryan,” she said. “You can call me anything you like, cowboy, as long as you never forget that I’m your little darlin’.”
He winked. “Never.”
Matt reined his horse to a stop. The brim of the Stetson shading his eyes couldn’t hide his intense expression. He looked every molecule the handsome groom. He swung from his saddle, and his thigh muscles tightened under his tuxedo trousers. Molly didn’t bother to steel herself against the familiar hot tremor that shot through her when he grasped her waist through a thin layer of delicate lace and swung her to the ground. How lucky she was to have a body that was so sensitive to her future husband’s touch.
The restful sound of Verde Creek soothed her inner turmoil and steadied her racing heart. Matt moved aside the veil that framed her face and looked into her eyes. She entwined her arms around his neck and drew him closer. Memories flooded over her, beautiful memories of the times they’d made love. Of all the kisses, she remembered best the kiss they had shared here. At the time she’d thought she was already married; now that was about to become a reality. A thrill charged through her, and she examined the face of the man she loved. Matt’s face was a sculpture of strong angles and planes, and she loved every square centimeter of it.
He let out a groan of pleasure, bent, and captured her lips in a taking that was completely familiar—completely welcome and wonderful.
When they ended the kiss, the wife of one of the vaqueros handed Molly a huge bouquet of bluebonnets and baby’s breath. “You look muy bonita,” she said, smiling.
Tita, holding a smiling Sara Jane, sat nearby with Alfonso, Roberto, and Suzy on folding chairs on a stage that had been erected under a big old oak, Roberto strumming a guitar and Suzy looking at Roberto like a lovesick pup. Luke and Connie Lou sat at the edge of the makeshift stage, her holding their baby and Luke holding her.
Matt’s parents and Molly’s mom and sister were driving out together. They were a little late, but in the distance, Molly saw a cloud of dust and knew it came from the tires of Matt’s parents’ Cadillac.
Molly stared at her Stetson-wearing bridegroom pacing next to the creek. “I can’t believe you’re so nervous over a little ol’ wedding ceremony.”
He lifted a dark devilish brow. “And I suppose you’re not?”
She flung herself into his arms and whispered against his lips. “Not at all. How could I be when everything is so right?”
A word from the author…
I hold a Master’s Degree from the University of California, and I’m a full time writer and a member of RWA.
Publishing credits include eighteen E-books, four anthologies, and a romantic intrigue cowboy trilogy.
I’m a charter member of the Aloha Chapter of the RWA and have appeared often on local writer panels and alone. I’m the author of eighteen novels and several novellas.
My novels are romantic intrigues, with several paranormal and fantasy intrigues. I’m on Facebook and Twitter and would love to connect with other Wild Rose authors.
My passions are family, writing, teaching, and travel. I’m an avid dancer, skater, and walker.
http://www.lyndelakes.com
~*~
Other Lynde Lakes titles
available from The Wild Rose Press, Inc.:
BILLBOARD COP
UNDERCOVER COWBOY
LASSO THAT COWBOY
Thank you for purchasing
this publication of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.