Her heart hammered against her chest erratically. She took an unsteady breath. “Yes,” she managed to say. “Later on.”
* * * *
Once inside the house, Kiera showed Cory to the large bedroom near the kitchen. The largest of the two spare bedrooms had been readied for him as best she could on her limited budget. She'd found a small chest at a nearby second hand store, and the twin bed had come from a friend at work. The solid navy blue bedspread with light blue sheets had been on sale at a local department store—just perfect, she'd thought. From Cory's reaction, he felt the same way.
“Wow.” Cory walked in and put his suitcase on the floor.
“Do you like it?” Kiera asked.
Cory looked up at her. “Love it, Miss Kiera. It's better than any room I've ever had.”
“Man, Cory. Nice digs,” Sam commented as he carried Cory's trash bags inside the bedroom. He glanced around appreciatively, then looked directly at Kiera as he set the bags down. “Very nice.”
She shrugged, flustered. “Oh, I—” She looked at Cory. The happiness in his face was boundless. Kiera's heart caught in her throat. She wished she had so much more to offer him. He deserved every good thing—
Tears welled in her eyes, and she blinked them back, determined not to ruin the moment. “I'm glad you like it,” she managed to say, aware of Sam's strong hand at her back lending his silent support.
“I do! Oh, I really do!”
Sam nodded at the empty hangers in the closet. “Why don't you get started putting your things away?”
“I need to make a phone call,” Kiera said softly.
Sam nodded his understanding. “I'll help Cory while you're doing that.”
“Thank you,” Kiera murmured, touching his arm. “I won't be long.”
“Sure.” Sam leaned forward and kissed her forehead, as if he did it every day of his life.
The casual familiarity did more to her than any passion-filled kiss could have done. Warmth rushed through her, relieving any remaining tension that lingered from the earlier altercation at the Landrums’. With that simple gesture, Kiera knew everything was going to be all right between them. Somehow, this impossible situation was going to be resolved. And no matter what, she knew Cory was going to be well cared for—whether he stayed with her or went with his Uncle Sam.
As she turned to go, she was aware of Cory's chatter—and of Sam's relative quietness. Had that light kiss affected him, or was she imagining it? Maybe he was just letting Cory talk, getting to know him. Maybe the gesture meant nothing to him. Maybe he kissed every girl he knew—stop it, she told herself sternly.
Only time would tell about how Sam felt. And time was something they had very little of—a month, before Sam had to get out of the Marines or re-enlist. She fumbled in her purse for Mrs. White's number. The sooner she spoke with Cory's case manager, the better she'd feel.
* * * *
Cory's belongings were pitiful. He was badly in need of some new clothing, Sam noted. His jeans were getting too short, and his jacket was not warm enough for the cold winter wind.
Cory took a book out of one of the trash bags and laid it almost reverently on top of the chest.
How Car Engines Work
“Cool book.” Sam nodded toward the chest and Cory grinned.
“Miss Kiera got it for me for Christmas. She got me that and a Lego set to build a car with.”
“Did you build it already?” Sam reached to pull a box from the trash bag at his feet.
“No. I didn't have anywhere to build it. It has lots of pieces—it's one of the hard ones. At the Landrums’—” Cory's lips lightened and he looked down. “I couldn't do anything there.”
Sam wanted to hug his nephew, but he knew Cory was on the verge of tears. There would be time for serious talks later, but tonight he wanted Cory to be happy. He reached over and tousled Cory's dark hair playfully.
“I bet we could talk Miss Kiera into letting you use the dining room table. Might even find a small table to put in here.”
Cory's eyes were bright with anticipation. “If we did it in the dining room, you could help me. We could work on it together. Miss Kiera could do it with us. She likes Legos. She's the only girl I know who does.”
Sam laughed. “Well, that makes her a keeper in my book.”
“Mine, too. There's lots of good things about her.”
Sam's smile faded at Cory's heartfelt words. Did his nephew expect a miracle? Sam had had plenty of women in his life, up until the past couple of years. He didn't want or need the distraction of a relationship in a war zone. That was a good way to get killed. Oddly enough, he'd had no real reason to live—not until he'd come back here to claim his brother's son, and discovered a woman he was rapidly falling for despite his usual cautionary nature. Kiera had a way of stripping away his defenses without trying—just by being herself; open, honest, and good.
“She's helped me for three years now. Since second grade.” Cory put another shirt on a hanger and hung it inside the closet. “I was sure glad, too, because I couldn't read and I really felt dumb. Everyone else was able to get it except me. But Miss Kiera told me I was not dumb and I could do anything I tried to do. She said I just had to want it bad enough. Then, she bought me prizes.”
“Prizes? What kind of prizes?”
Cory bent to pick up another book and laid it beside the first one. “Stuff like plastic dinosaurs and Match Box cars. When I tried hard and did what I had to do, I would get to pick a prize.” He was quiet a moment, then said softly, “I still have all of them. I collected them, and I kept them all.”
“Can I see them?”
“Sure. They're here somewhere. I'd never leave them behind. They're in a shoebox—Here they are.” He pulled the box out of the trash bag and held it out to Sam, taking the lid off carefully.
Inside was an assortment of cars and dinosaurs of every size and kind, from Mustangs to Corvettes, from tyrannosaurus to pterodactyl.
“Wow. That's quite a collection, Cory.” Sam didn't remove any of the items from the box. These were precious to Cory. He respected that. “We'll get a shelf to put them on. Would you like that?'
“Sure. But, where? I mean, here in this room or—when I come live with you?” The question was like a punch in the gut for Sam. He hadn't realized how he'd been sailing along in his own world, trying not to think about the hard questions—and answers he might not have.
“Cory—” he sighed heavily. What could he offer Cory? He didn't have a roof over his own head; didn't even know if he was going back into the corps for another four years or not. And what about Avery? There was no way he could care for a two-year-old, Cory, and work full time. He couldn't do it alone and do a good job of it. And what was more important than raising a child? His parents certainly hadn't done right by him and Matt. Matt hadn't done right by Cory and Avery. But Sam knew he could. If he made a good choice. Kiera was a good choice—he felt it instinctively. But how did she feel about him? And were these feeling for her honest or...because it was convenient?
“We'll put one up here for now, Cory,” Kiera said from the doorway. “You'll always have this room for your own, no matter what else happens in the future.”
She was beautiful, the way she stood looking at him now, and Sam felt the leap of attraction pass between them. He gave her a smile of gratitude. She always seemed to know the right thing to say. “We've made good progress. Want to take a look?”
She nodded approvingly, taking a step into the room. “It's taking shape. Maybe over the weekend we can go get some posters for the walls—make it the “Cory pad” you want it to be.”
“That would be awesome!”
Pure love shone in her green eyes at Cory's enthusiasm. Sam didn't wonder any more. She cared for Cory, but Sam was attracted to her for so much more than that.
Chapter Nine
“I put coffee on,” Kiera said to Sam as they walked into the living room. He looked uncertain for a moment, then he came towar
d her, stopping just in front of her.
“That's nice, Kiera. I appreciate everything you're doing—to make me welcome.”
She couldn't help but smile at the serious undertones in what he was saying. She wondered if he realized they were already a team— adversaries no longer. Maybe—maybe he was waiting to see how she felt about it.
“I want you to feel at home, Sam, since you'll be staying here for the next month.”
“Kiera—”
“You haven't changed your mind, have you?”
“Huh-uh.” He stepped even closer, and Kiera knew this was a silent challenge. He was going to kiss her again. “You?”
“No. And you know something?”
He shook his head slightly. A secret smile curved her lips. “It's 2100 hours.” She stepped into his embrace and lifted her face as his lips crushed hers, stealing her breath away.
His hands moved upward to frame her face, and he held her as gently as a flower as her mouth opened under his.
Without a word, he was telling her he loved her. She felt it in the tenderness of his hands, in the certainty of his kiss. But how? It seemed impossible. She'd never been a dreamer—always practical and no-nonsense. This seemed like a fairy tale come true. She'd never believed in fairy tales before, and she was too old to start now.
But what if...
And how many times had she wished for this very thing to happen to her? It was all she'd ever wanted—a man who loved her, who would stand up for her and work beside her to make a home. A heart for a heart.
As if he'd read her thoughts, his kiss deepened, in a promise of fulfilling the very dreams she'd kept locked inside for so long.
“Kiera,” he muttered as he lifted his lips and looked down at her. In his dark eyes, she saw everything she'd hoped for, everything she could have ever wanted—and more. “I swear, you're magic. What kind of spell have you cast over me?”
Kiera smiled, reaching to trace the line of his nose, then his cheek. “Sergeant Tiger, I—I think I'm starting to fall in love with you.”
The words hung between them, like colored confetti in a holiday parade; like magical stardust sprinkled form a fairy wand.
“A heart for a heart. Wasn't that what we said?” Sam's voice was low and rough.
Kiera nodded, unable to speak.
His sensuous lips quirked. “Here's mine, Kiera. On a silver platter.”
“It's Valentine's Day tomorrow,” she blurted.
Sam laughed. “Maybe that's it. The reason we found this love so fast.” The smile faded, and his dark features became serious again. He put a finger under her chin. “Think we can make this work, Kiera?”
The longing in his voice couldn't be disguised. She nodded. “Yes. Oh, yes, Sam. Cory needs both of us.”
He shook his head. “I have to know there's more than that between us.” He took a deep breath. “I told you earlier that I want what's best for Cory, and I mean that. But, you and I—we're separate from that. You know what I mean?”
Kiera reached up to put her hands behind his neck. “Yes. I know. I know you're prepared to do whatever it takes to give Cory the best. That's first for you. So I also know, if you didn't feel right about us, you would have been gone hours ago.”
He nodded. “Yep.” He stood silently, looking into her eyes. “I have to know you are the real deal, Miss Leslie. This has happened so quickly for both of us—but I know in my heart that there's a reason I came home today—before everything happened with Cory. Tomorrow, it would have been too late—everything would have been in place.” He drew a deep breath. “I'm offering you a choice, Kiera. You and me together—or, if you want, I'll bow out. You're great with Cory, and he loves you—it's plain to see.”
Kiera didn't answer for a moment, as his words sank in. “That's the strangest proposal I've ever heard, Sam.”
“Yeah. Well, I guess—dammit, Kiera—”
“Blame it on Valentine's Day if you want. But tell me it's not just lust.”
He shook his head slowly, pulling her to him. “No. It's not just lust, sweetheart. I love you. I think I loved you the minute I saw you, sitting there in the library so seriously with Cory.” He kissed the top of her head as she rested her cheek on his shoulder.
“Then here's my heart, Sam, now and forever.”
He moved to put his mouth to hers gently, his lips caressing hers with tender care. “No take-backs.”
“No. No take-backs, Sam. This is the real deal—for both of us.” She stood in the strong shelter of Sam's arms. Contentment swept through her at the feel of his body next to hers. They had a lot of decisions to make, things to sort out, in the next few weeks. But it was going to work, she had no doubt. Kiera smiled up at him as he drew back to look into her eyes.
“Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart.” His words resonated with the promise of a thousand tomorrows together, the finest gift either of them could hope for.
She nodded. “The very best one, ever.”
The End
About the Author
Cheryl was born in Duncan, OK, and grew up in Seminole, OK. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma, and holds a B.A. in English. Cheryl lives with her husband in Oklahoma City, OK, where she has been for the past 29 years.
Writing is so much a part of her life that recently, she and long-time friend Livia Reasoner, opened a publishing house for western and historical stories.
PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS http://prairierosepublications.com/ furthers the western-themed writing offerings of women.
As if that weren’t enough, there were so many requests for a publishing house for young people interested in the west that they decided to open the unique imprint, PAINTED PONY BOOKS http://paintedponybooks.com/. This line will be open to all authors, male and female, who have submissions for Middle Grade readers, Young Adult, and New Adult.
The contemporary/futuristic imprint for these age groups is TORNADO ALLEY PUBLICATIONS http://tornadoalleypublications.com/, and for adult contemporary/futuristic, check out their imprint FIRE STAR PRESS http://firestarpress.com/.
All imprints are open and accepting submissions.
Cheryl's latest novel is a western historical romance, THE HALF-BREED'S WOMAN through Prairie Rose Publications.
You can e-mail her at [email protected]
To learn more about Cheryl and her exciting books, visit her at www.cherylpierson.com.
Prairie Rose Publications
ALWAYS & FOREVER by Cheryl Pierson At a children's Halloween carnival, a Gypsy fortuneteller predicts a new love for both Cindy and Gage. When the two meet over a poorly carved pumpkin, love flickers to life and the stars begin to align. Amazon Link
A HERO FOR CHRISTMAS by Cheryl Pierson Western Short Collection -- A four-story Western collection from award winning author, Cheryl Pierson, A Night for Miracles, Homecoming, Meant to Be, The Gunfighter's Girl. Amazon Link
LASSOING A BRIDE by Livia J. Washburn, Gail L. Jenner, Sarah J. McNeal, Tracy Garrett and Sara Barnard. Some brides are hard to get a rope on, for sure! But in these wild west romance tales, being married is like sugar and lots of spice—with a dash of pepper in the mix! Ain’t nothin’ tame about these brides, who have a delicious story of their own—each falling under the spell of a handsome devil she thought was out of her reach. Unanswered prayers, broken dreams and unexpected circumstances are sometimes the best way for a groom to get the gal he loves when he’s looking at Lassoing a Bride! Amazon Link
LASSOING A GROOM by Kathleen Rice Adams, Jacquie Rogers, Kirsten Lynn, Tracy Garrett and Kristy McCaffrey. How is a woman supposed to catch a husband? In the wild, wild west, she’s got to find a way to Lasso a Groom! Some of them are lawmen…some are outlaws. Ranchers and homesteaders are fair game, as well—none of 'em safe from love’s lariat, or the women who finally manage to rope ’em in! Amazon Link
LASSOING A MAIL-ORDER BRIDE by Cheryl Pierson, Tanya Hanson, Kaye Spencer, and Kathleen Rice Adams. A woman would have to be loco to become
a mail-order bride...wouldn't she? Leaving everything behind and starting fresh in the untamed west is the answer to a prayer for these ladies! A beautiful socialite needs a husband fast--but her husband wants a bride for life. A pregnant young lady becomes desperate--almost as desperate as her soon-to-be husband, who just inherited his sister's kids. A man is in love with a woman he can’t have--or can he? A woman’s reputation is tarnished and professional career compromised--she runs, but she can't hide. Will they all find love with strangers they've never met who are set on LASSOING A MAIL-ORDER BRIDE? Amazon Link
COWBOY CRAVINGS by Cheryl Pierson, Celia Yeary, Kristy McCaffrey, and Kathleen Rice Adams. Craving a cowboy on these hot summer nights? Here are four stories that are sure to turn up the heat! If you love tall, dark, and handsome cowboys with a touch of danger thrown in, and the ladies that show them they've met their match, COWBOY CRAVINGS is a must have! Fast guns, smooth action, and hot love sizzle in one delicious recipe for these spicy stories! The summer has never been hotter in the old west than it is when you have to satisfy those COWBOY CRAVINGS! Amazon Link
ALWAYS AND FOREVER by Cheryl Pierson
At a children's Halloween carnival, a Gypsy fortuneteller predicts a new love for both Cindy and Gage. When the two meet over a poorly carved pumpkin, love flickers to life and the stars begin to align. But the odds of finding a new love later in life seem insurmountable and the prophecy seems too good to be true. Amazon Link
FIRE EYES by Cheryl Pierson
Beaten and wounded by a band of sadistic renegades that rules the borderlands of Indian Territory, U.S. Marshal Kaed Turner understands what the inevitable outcome will be for him: death. But Fate and a war party of Choctaw Indians intervene, delivering him instead to a beautiful angel with the skill to heal him. Jessica Monroe has already lost a husband and a brother to the outlaws who tortured Marshal Turner. As the rugged lawman lies bleeding on her bed, she faces a difficult decision. Can she afford to gamble with her heart one last time? For when Kaed recovers, he is sworn to join the other Territorial Peace Officers in their battle to wipe out the renegade gang once and for all. When vengeance is done, will Kaed keep riding? Or will he return to claim his future with the beautiful woman the Choctaw call "Fire Eyes?" Amazon Link
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