by Deb Kastner
He shot a quick glance at Dixie. A gentle smile playing on her face, she watched the guitar players, singing quietly along with them as they led the group in familiar hymns.
She was a different woman than the one who’d shown up on the land three months ago. And he was a different man.
She wore less makeup, and her hair was worn down around her shoulders instead of in a fancy knot at the back of her neck. Her peaches-and-cream skin had been toughened by the weather, but in Erik’s mind, it only added to her attractiveness.
She was beautiful, inside and out. He didn’t deserve her.
But he didn’t deserve a lot of things. If God could accept him, could he harbor the hope that Dixie would do the same?
He shifted, and she looked up at him, her heart in her eyes. He nearly stopped breathing when the sweet scent of peaches reached his nostrils.
She smiled and reached for his hand.
“Is something wrong?” Dixie thought she glimpsed panic in Erik’s eyes before he shadowed them with his hat.
“No. Yes. I…” He looked away.
“Erik.” Her heart beat double time as she considered the possibilities. He looked like he wanted to bolt right out of the area.
Was that what he was trying to say? That he didn’t want to work for her anymore? Maybe God was leading him in a different direction, just as He had with Abel.
Panic surged through her. She tried to swallow, but couldn’t. God wouldn’t do that to her again. Not with the way she felt about Erik.
Her gaze darted to where John sat, crumpled up in his sheepskin coat. He wasn’t talking to anyone, but he didn’t look quite as uncomfortable as he had earlier.
Had he threatened more vandalism, that only Erik knew about?
“Erik, please,” she whispered. Not knowing was the worst.
“I…aw Dixie, I…” Again he looked away, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his duster.
But a moment later he turned back, looking as uncomfortable as she’d ever seen him. He stroked a finger down her cheek, then tipped her chin up to meet his earnest gaze.
Then he smiled, that firm, masculine smile that made Dixie’s insides dance. Turning her hand palm up, he placed a delicate diamond ring there.
Her eyes glazed with tears. She had prayed. But who would have known?
Who, indeed?
She closed her fingers around the ring, then turned his hand over, palm up, and dropped the ring back in his hands.
Seeing pain cross his features, she held out her left hand and wiggled her ring finger. “Will you marry me?”
She’d never seen such relief on a man’s face, nor such joy. Her heart bubbled over with laughter and love.
He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the movement. Silently he placed the ring on her left ring finger, then turned her hand over and kissed the soft spot on her wrist.
Eyes shining, he returned his gaze to hers and said the word they both wanted to hear.
“Yep.”
It seemed like hours later, but was probably only minutes, when Erik kissed her cheek and excused himself. Thinking he probably needed to be alone for a little while, she turned her attention back to the bonfire, which, from all appearances, was a success.
Happy faces were everywhere, from the tiniest child to the oldest married couple. These beautiful South Dakota mountains really were a good place to come close to God and feel His presence.
She smiled and held up her hand, admiring how her diamond sparkled in the firelight. Once, she would have wanted a large solitaire, but Erik’s choice was so much better for the woman she was now. A small, perfectly cut diamond solitaire surrounded by diamond chips.
That he’d chosen it himself meant so much to her, especially considering that when he’d last been to town, she hadn’t been on speaking terms with him.
“Well, folks,” the lead guitar player declared. “It seems we have a young fellow here with a very important announcement to make.”
Surprised, her head snapped up, and she found herself staring right into Erik’s eyes. He’d removed his hat, and was jamming his fingers through his thick hair.
He looked down, then cleared his throat and locked his gaze with Dixie’s, determination gleaming in his eyes.
“I just wanted to say, um,” he said, then faltered.
Dixie’s heart nearly stopped. She felt his keen aversion to speaking in front of people, and it seared in her chest no doubt as much as it did in his.
He just smiled and continued. “I just wanted to say that I’m in love with the sweetest, most beautiful woman in the world. Dixie Sullivan.”
There was a collective intake of breath as her dear friends digested the news. Warmth lined her cheeks, but she didn’t care a bit. Proudly she stood and took her permanent place by Erik’s side.
“And this certified bachelor cowboy has agreed we ought to be a team,” she added, linking her arm through his.
Someone started clapping, a lone beat in the darkness.
John Needleson stepped forward into the light of the fire. His brows crunched low over his eyes, but Dixie could see his hands moving in applause.
John smiled and tipped his hat as everyone else joined in the applause for the couple. Erik put his arm around her waist protectively and returned the gesture, tipping his hat to John with his other hand.
Dixie laughed and wrapped her arms around her cowboy’s neck, taking pleasure in being warm, protected, cherished and most of all, loved.
“You didn’t have to do that public-speaking thing, you know,” she teased, planting small kisses along the rough, strong line of his jaw.
He tipped his head down so their foreheads met and their locked gazes were shadowed from the others. “Yes, I did,” he said, his voice low and deep, full of husky emotion. “I botched the proposal, even though I had it all planned out in my head what to say.”
She chuckled. “Seems to me it worked out okay.”
He smiled with her. “Yep.”
“Guess this means you’re going to earn your full herd of horses.”
He chuckled and pulled her snug into his arms, where she vowed in her heart she would remain for the rest of her life.
“I want everyone to know how much I love you,” he continued, his voice scratchy and rough. “You most of all.”
Her breath caught in her lungs as he held her close, savoring the words she’d longed to hear.
“I love you, Dixie Sullivan. I don’t always say what I feel. But I can’t keep this locked inside. I love you. I love you. I love you.”
Once he’d said it, it seemed hard to get him to stop. She chuckled and covered his mouth with her index finger.
“I love you, too, Erik Wheeler.” She chuckled again. “And now that you know how to say it, why don’t you start working on showing me just how much you love me.”
He grinned and tipped his hat before covering her lips with his own.
“Yep,” he whispered over her lips.
And that was all the answer Dixie Sullivan wanted to hear.
COMING NEXT MONTH
Be enthralled, moved, thrilled, delighted…and satisfied by exceptional reads from outstanding authors and well-loved series.
Come back every two weeks for newly released selections in eight varied categories offering stories that appeal to every taste and mood.
Have a great time!
AVAILABLE NOW
Showcase
Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women’s fiction—from MIRA Books, and big romances that sweep you away—from HQN Books
KILLER TAKES ALL by Erica Spindler, MIRA (psychological thriller)
BEFORE SUNRISE by Diana Palmer (contemporary romance)
DARK SKY by Carla Neggers, MIRA (romantic suspense)
50 HARBOR STREET by Debbie Macomber, MIRA (women’s fiction)
GHOST WALK by Heather Graham, MIRA (paranormal mystery)
Sexy Reads
Powerful, provocative tales full of h
eat and passion—from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents
THE ITALIAN’S STOLEN BRIDE by Emma Darcy, Harlequin Presents
UNCONTROLLABLE by Susan Kearney, Harlequin Blaze
WHATEVER RILEY WANTS by Maureen Child, Silhouette Desire
SEXY ALL OVER by Jamie Sobrato, Harlequin Blaze
HOT TO THE TOUCH by Jennifer Greene, Silhouette Desire
TALKING ABOUT SEX… by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Harlequin Blaze
Romantic Suspense
Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away—from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments
MAN OF HER DREAMS by Debra Webb, Harlequin Intrigue
LOVING THE LONE WOLF by Ingrid Weaver, Silhouette Intimate Moments
GHOST HORSE by Patricia Rosemoor, Harlequin Intrigue
SUSPICIOUS by Heather Graham, Silhouette Intimate Moments
RIDER ON FIRE by Sharon Sala, Silhouette Intimate Moments
Inspirational
Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul—from Steeple Hill Love Inspired and compelling suspense—from Love Inspired Suspense
LOVING FEELINGS by Gail Gaymer Martin, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
FOR THE TWINS’ SAKE by Jillian Hart, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
NOTE OF PERIL by Hannah Alexander, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS by Elizabeth White, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
BLACK HILLS BRIDE by Deb Kastner, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
WINDINGO TWILIGHT by Colleen Rhoads, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
MILLION DOLLAR DILEMMA by Judy Baer, Steeple Hill Café
STORM CLOUDS by Cheryl Wolverton, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
Women’s Fiction
Books that celebrate the “next” stage of women’s lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next
THERE’S ALWAYS PLAN B by Susan Mallery, Harlequin Next
RIGGS PARK by Ellyn Bache, Harlequin, Next
CUTTING THROUGH by Joan Hohl, Harlequin Next
THE ME I USED TO BE by Jennifer Archer, Harlequin Next
Women’s Action Adventure
Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell
ONCE A THIEF by Michele Hauf, Silhouette Bombshell
HOT PURSUIT by Kathryn Jensen, Silhouette Bombshell
DEVIL’S BARGAIN by Rachel Caine, Silhouette Bombshell
THE GOLDEN GIRL by Erica Orloff, Silhouette Bombshell
Chick Lit
Women’s fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life’s little curves…From Red Dress Ink
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU by Carole Matthews, Red Dress Ink
KILLER SUMMER by Lynda Curnyn, Red Dress Ink
DO THEY WEAR HIGH HEELS IN HEAVEN? By Erica Orloff, Red Dress Ink
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Powerful, magical tales, vivid characters and richly imagined worlds from the first imprint solely dedicated to female focused fantasy—Luna Books
THE DESTINED QUEEN by Deborah Hale, LUNA
URBAN SHAMAN by C.E. Murphy, LUNA
POISON STUDY by Maria V. Snyder, LUNA
ON SALE OCTOBER 1ST
Showcase
Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women’s fiction—from MIRA Books, and big romances that sweep you away—from HQN Books
MASQUERADE by Brenda Joyce, HQN Books (historical romance)
Romantic Suspense
Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away—from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments
SECURITY MEASURES by Joanna Wayne, Harlequin Intrigue
Inspirational
Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul—from Steeple Hill Love Inspired and compelling suspense—from Love Inspired Suspense
DIE BEFORE NIGHTFALL by Shirlee McCoy, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
Women’s Fiction
Books that celebrate the “next” stage of women’s lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next
PELICAN BAY by Charlotte Douglas, Harlequin Next
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Powerful, magical tales, vivid characters and richly imagined worlds from the first imprint solely dedicated to female focused fantasy—Luna Books
IN STONE’S CLASP by Christie Golden, LUNA
ON SALE OCTOBER 15TH
Sexy Reads
Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion—from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents
THE TYCOON’S TROPHY WIFE by Miranda Lee, Harlequin Presents
Inspirational
Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul—from Steeple Hill Love Inspired and compelling suspense—from Love Inspired Suspense
DECK THE HALLS by Arlene James, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
Women’s Action Adventure
Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell
FLAWLESS by Michele Hauf, Silhouette Bombshell
Chic Lit
Women’s fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life’s little curves…From Red Dress Ink
THE NIGHT I GOT LUCKY by Laura Caldwell, Red Dress Ink
