The Lawman of Silver Creek
Page 6
“Billy’s crippled. He and his brother are in the Silver Falls City Jail. They’ll both likely hang for killing poor Janet Payne, so who or what do you need to keep me safe from?”
“There are always threats, other outlaws-”
“Flooding rivers, drunken cowhands, and snakes, I can make a scary list too but you can’t protect me from life. It’s impossible.”
Matt’s grip tightened for a second. “I know.”
“Then why keep insisting you need me to be safe?”
“You. Almost. Died.”
“I know.”
“Because you were too eager to figure out who was behind the rustling and followed a suspicious looking man.”
“I messed up, badly, and I’ll never forget it but demanding I stop writing is … ” Claire shook her head. “I can’t do that.”
“I didn’t–”
“Yes, you did.” She stiffened, certain a fight was imminent.
“Well, maybe I did. Perhaps I overreacted a little.”
“A lot.”
Matt arched an eyebrow. “You almost died.”
“All right, a little.”
“I need you-”
“To be safe.”
“Yes, so what are you willing to change?” Somber and sincere his tone calmed her.
“What do you mean?”
“How about avoiding certain topics?”
“Writing isn’t dangerous.”
“Following outlaws is.” His voice was soft yet unyielding. “So why do it?”
“Why write about crime? Well … ” She pulled one hand free, reached up, touching his chest where he usually pinned on his badge. “I’ve a fascination with the law.”
“Flattering, but I-”
“Worry about me doing something stupid again?”
“I wouldn’t have put it exactly like that, but yeah.”
“Would it ease your mind to know I always wear my gun?”
“That’s great for snakes.”
“For more than that, I’m a good shot.”
“I know you are.” His thumb moved in a circle over the back of her hand. “But in some situations that wouldn’t help you.”
His slow, soft caress sent shivers up her arm. “Your job is dangerous, but I trust your skills and good sense will protect you as much as is possible. Please, have the same trust in me?”
“I’ll try. I may need a little time. Can you be patient?”
The shadows in his eyes brought tears to hers. “Yes.”
“And when I make suggestions about your safety, and I sound bossy, can you remember I speak out of love?”
“I will.” She clasped the hand that caressed hers, lifting it up to kiss the rough skin of his knuckles. “How about if I promise that if I ever spot a suspicious character again I’ll run straight to the sheriff instead of checking it out myself?”
“That would ease my mind.”
“But you’d still worry?”
“I always will, but I think I can live with that.”
“So you’re fine with my writing?”
“It’s one of the things I love about you, as long as you’re careful.”
“I will be, I promise.”
To her surprise, Matt slid off his chair and went down on one knee in front of her. “Good. Now, Miss McConkey, would you take another chance on us, build a future with me, one I promise to fill with trust, friendship, love and passion? Will you marry me, Claire?”
“You don’t think we’ll fight again?”
“Over the course of fifty or sixty years it’s bound to happen, but I can promise I’ll be passionate about making up.”
“Good answer.” She moved her free hand, placed her fingers on his lips. “I love you Matthew.”
“I love you too.” He captured her hand in his again. “Now what do you say? Will you give us a second chance?”
“Most definitely.” She leaned forward, kissed him.
“You’ll marry me?”
Claire smiled. “Yes, I will.”
“Are you sure?” Matt stood, pulled her in his arms. “If you want we could talk more.”
Her smile broadened as she put her hands on his arms. “I think … ” With a feather light touch, Claire caressed her way up to his shoulders. “That we’ve … ” Her hands moved to the back of his neck where she weaved her fingers through his hair. “Talked enough.”
“Oh, could I interest you in another activity?” He kissed her with a passion that blazed through her before sweeping her up in his arms.
“What do you have in mind, Sheriff?”
“Making love to you.” His voice was low, filled with promise and need. In seconds, Matt carried her over to the bed, lowered her down and covered her with his body. “Until you scream my name and promise to love me forever.”
The ‘please’ Claire breathed in his ear was the last coherent sound she made for quite some time.
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Don’t miss the first book in The Men of Fir Mountain series, The Outlaw of Cedar Ridge, available now!
Lori Connelly
I was born and still live in Oregon.
Despite being a good student, my teachers complained about my tendency to daydream. The tales dancing through my imagination were frequently far more entertaining than real life. As far back as I can remember I made up stories, to calm my sister after a nightmare, entertain myself in boring classes and write in countless notebooks, many never again to see the light of day.
I earned a BS from Eastern Oregon State College and married my best friend almost twenty years ago. I've three brilliant, handsome sons, one amazing daughter-in-law, a beautiful granddaughter and two spoiled dogs. When not writing I love to read, hike, camp, rock hound, and take long walks with my husband just after it rains.
Find out more about me at www.loriconnelly.com, loriconnelly.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/lorilconnelly and if you'd like notices about new releases or future Written Fireside stories please sign up for my eNewletter http://eepurl.com/0-caz
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Lori Connelly, The Lawman of Silver Creek