by Bobbi Smith
They were still shaken by all that had transpired, but relieved that it was over.
Justice had been done.
Nick returned to town with Sheriff Montgomery and Bill, while Michael and Casey stopped off at the Circle D to tell his parents what had happened. Frank and Elizabeth had been shocked by the revelation of McQueen's involvement in his shooting, but they were also relieved that the mystery had been solved and the threat was over.
It was growing late when Michael and Casey finally returned home.
"I should let my pa know, too," Casey was saying as they rode up to the house.
"We'll pay him a visit tomorrow. Right now..." Michael looked over at her, the intensity of what he was feeling reflected in his gaze.
"Right now?" she repeated.
"I need some time alone with my wife."
"I like the way you think," Casey said, excitement racing through her from the heat of his regard.
They reined in before the house and dismounted. Michael quickly went to pick Casey up in his arms.
"What are you doing?" she asked breathlessly, clinging to him.
"I'm going to carry you over the threshold again."
"But what about the horses?"
"They'll be fine. They're not going anywhere."
"But-"
He silenced her with a passionate kiss as he strode up to the house and carried her inside. He did not set her on her feet, but carried her straight to their bed and laid her upon its softness.
"I love you, Casey Donovan," Michael said with deep emotion.
Casey decided to show him rather than tell him of her love. Brazenly she reached up and drew him down for a hungry kiss.
The moment was rapturous for them both. They were caught up in the whirlwind of their desire. With eager hands, they stripped away their clothes. They took the time to explore the beauty of each other's bodies.
Each caress, each kiss, heightened the power of their need to be one. Michael pressed hungry kisses to her lips, then traced a fiery path down her throat. She arched in ecstasy against him and cried out his name as he sought the sweetness of her breasts. Deep within the womanly heart of her, Casey ached to know his love more fully. She ran her hands over his shoulders and back, urging him on, wanting to be one with him.
Michael could deny himself no longer. He moved over her and made her his own, breaching the proof of her innocence.
Casey went still for a moment, glorying in his loving invasion. She surrendered to his full possession and responded hungrily to his passionate kiss.
They came together.
Loving.
Sharing.
Worshiping.
Adoring.
Giving each other the most perfect gift the gift of their love.
When at last they reached the height of desire's delight, they crested together.
Wrapped in each other's arms, they clung together, one in body, one in spirit, one in love.
What God had joined together, no man would put asunder.
They loved.
Three Weeks Later
The going-away party for Anne and Nick at the Circle D was festive. The couple would be departing for Philadelphia the following day.
"Nick is going to show me the world," Anne said in delight as she gazed adoringly at her husband. "And I can't wait to meet his parents."
"I'm sure they'll be thrilled to meet you, too," Elizabeth said, knowing how lucky her brother was to have such a wonderful daughter-in-law. He was almost as lucky as she was with Cassandra, she thought with an inner smile.
"We'll be in Philadelphia for a few weeks, and then we'll set sail for the Continent and our official honeymoon," Nick said.
"That sounds wonderful," Elizabeth said.
"Hey, Nick!" Tom and Harry called him over to join them.
"Excuse me." Nick left Elizabeth and Anne and went to see what the two ranch hands wanted.
"Here's your money," Harry said, handing him a large wad of bills.
"What money?" Nick asked, surprised. It was a goodly sum.
"We're men of our word here in Texas. We made you those bets that day in the bunkhouse about Michael and Casey getting married, and it turns out you were right. You won."
Nick was smiling. "Thanks."
"What bets?" Michael asked as he came up on them.
"Oh, nothing." Nick and Harry and Tom shared conspiratorial looks.
Harry and Tom moved away, leaving Nick and Michael together.
"I'm going to miss you, Nick. Thanks for all your help. I appreciate your coming out here with me," Michael said.
"If I hadn't come to Hard Luck, I would never have met Anne."
"So you enjoyed your stay here?"
"Oh, yes, and I'm sure we'll be back to visit regularly."
"I hope so. I'll miss you."
"No, you won't. You've got Casey now. You're never going to have a dull moment in your life with her around."
"You're right." Michael grinned. "And I love every minute of it."
Frank was sitting in his wheelchair across the room from them with Jack standing at his side.
"I would never have believed things could work out this way."
"Neither would I.Life is good," Jack agreed. His health was holding up, and just knowing Casey was happy made all the difference in the world to him.
It was just before sundown when the party broke up.
Michael and Casey promised Anne and Nick that they would come into town the next day to see them off.
On their way home, Michael drove their buckboard off the road down toward the river.
"What are you doing?" Casey asked, puzzled.
"Well, it's been a long hot day."
"Yes. So?"
"So I was thinking it would feel real good to take a swim on our way home."
"But we don't have anything-"
"I know," he said, grinning at her.
