by Bobbi Smith
"I hope not."
"I love you, Glynna, and I intend to spend the rest of my life proving to you just how much."
Hunt took her in his arms, but didn't kiss her. He closed his eyes and gloried in the wonderful gift he'd been given in Glynna. He had never known love could be so sweet.
Glynna stood in Hunt's embrace, her heart pounding in a frantic rhythm. The thought that she had almost lost him terrified her to the depths of her soul, but as she held him close, reveling in his nearness and his strength, a peace unlike anything she'd ever known before came over her. She drew a deep breath and leaned back to gaze up at him. He looked strong and untamed, as wild as the land called Texas, and she knew she would love him forever.
The candles were burning in the church, casting everything in a golden glow. Hunt and Glynna stood before Paul as he recited the wedding vows for them.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride," Paul intoned as he smiled at them.
Glynna turned to Hunt, and he swept her into a warm embrace before kissing her.
"Everyone, let me introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Hunt McAllister," Paul announced.
Glynna and Hunt looked back at their family and friends. How they'd managed to put their wedding together in less than half a day they didn't know, but they were thrilled. Originally they'd thought they would have to be married at the Rocking M, but Mimi had insisted she was strong enough now to make the trip into town. So they had returned to Dry Creek. Paul had made the arrangements for the wed ding after they'd turned John Ross over to the sheriff, along with the bodies of his two brothers.
Hunt led Glynna down the aisle to the back of the church, and everyone gathered round to congratulate them.
"Oh, sweetheart, I am so happy that things worked out for you," Mimi told Glynna, hugging her tightly. "I'm just sorry we didn't have time for a more formal wedding. I did so want to see you coming down the aisle in a white satin wedding gown."
"It doesn't matter what I'm wearing. All that matters is that I love Hunt and he loves me," she told her mother.
Mimi gazed at her daughter and saw that she was positively glowing with happiness. "You're absolutely right, darling. May you live happily ever after."
"Thank you, Mother," Glynna said, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.
Charles came to her then, having already congratulated Hunt. "I'm glad you're happy, darling."
"Thank you, Papa. I love him very much. I hope you're not too upset about my decision to live on the Rocking M with Hunt and Tom."
"No, honey, a woman's place is with her husband, but I tell you, it's going to be awfully lonely back in the city with both you and Mimi gone."
"Why don't you move to Texas, too?" she asked, wanting him near.
"If there's some way I can arrange it, I'll do it. If not, I'll just have to come visit you every chance I get." He hugged her close, fighting back the tears that were threatening. "I'm going to miss you, sweetheart."
"I'll miss you, too, Papa."
Paul came to speak to Glynna and Hunt then. "I was talking to Charles and Mimi, and we decided you two needed some privacy for your wedding night. Here," he said, pressing a key into Hunt's hand. "It's the key to my house. It's all yours. We've all taken rooms at the hotel for the night."
"Thank you," Glynna told him, touched by his kind gesture.
Paul looked at her and smiled tenderly. "It seems I just found you and now I've lost you again."
"You'll never lose me. You're my father."
Their gazes met in loving understanding, and Paul kissed her on the cheek.
"I hope Mimi is half as beautiful as you are on our wedding day."
"Oh, she'll be the prettiest bride ever," Glynna promised him.
"Tomorrow I'm going to send a wire to the minister who saved my life all those years ago and ask him if he'll come to Dry Creek and marry us." Paul slipped an arm around Mimi's waist as he drew her to his side. "The sooner he gets here, the better."
"I agree," Mimi said, looking up at him adoringly.
Tom came to stand with Hunt. "You've got yourself one wonderful woman there, boy."
"I know," he answered with a grin.
"You see to it that you take care of that little girl, now."
"I will."
"I think maybe it's time we built another house out at our place. What do you say? Wes and Gib and me can start on it tomorrow."
"Thanks," Hunt said, truly touched by his father's generosity and caring.
"No, thank you, son." Tom hugged him and then went to kiss Glynna.
After Maria, Wes and Gib had wished them happiness, Glynna and Hunt made their getaway to Paul's house for their wedding night. They were thrilled at the prospect of having the privacy they so desperately desired.
As they reached the front walk of the small onebedroom house, Hunt swept his bride up in his arms and carried her inside. He kissed her hungrily before setting her back on her feet. He locked the door behind them, and then, once they were sure the curtains were closed, he took Glynna in his arms again.
"I love you, Mrs. McAllister."
"I like the sound of that," she said with a purr, lifting her lips to his for a passionate exchange. "Mrs. McAllister."
After a heated embrace, they moved apart to explore the house for a moment. They didn't know when Paul had found the time to do it, but he'd arranged small bouquets of wildflowers throughout the house, and they perfumed the air with a heavenly scent.
"That was so sweet of him," Glynna said, touched by his thoughtfulness.
Hunt came up behind her and slipped his arms around her to bring her back against his chest. They stood that way, treasuring the sense of closeness and the joy of knowing they would never be separated again.
"You know, we've been married for several weeks now, and we've never made love in a bed yet, my husband," Glynna said teasingly. "Do you think we could remedy that tonight?"
"I'd love to try," he said in a growl.
Hunt turned her to him, his mouth seeking hers. As he continued to kiss her, he lifted her in his arms once more and carried her into the bedroom. He laid her on the bed and followed her down, stretching out beside her.
Glynna gave a low moan of delight at the softness of the bed. "Beds ...what a wonderful idea."
Hunt didn't waste time talking. He moved over her, his mouth taking hers again and again as the desire to claim her for his own grew strong and hot within him. When he started to work at freeing her from her gown, Glynna was quick to help him. The frustration of the small buttons made him impatient, but she only gave a throaty chuckle and stood up to undress for him. With great care, she slowly undid each offending button.
Hunt lay on the bed watching Glynna, his gaze hungry upon her. When finally she'd freed the last button and slipped the gown from her shoulders, he was there beside her, helping her to strip the dress completely away, along with the rest of her undergarments.
Glynna reached for Hunt then, wanting him to shed his clothes, too. It took him only a moment to undress. She went to him then, thrilling at the feel of his hard body pressed against her. He was all muscle and heat, and she couldn't get close enough to him.
Hunt took her hand and led her to their marriage bed. Entranced by the beauty of their love, they came together on the welcoming softness, man and wife, bound together in God's eyes for all eternity. Their union was perfect and fulfilling.
All through the long, dark hours of the night, Hunt sought to please his bride. He gave her not only his physical love; he gave her his heart as well.
Glynna came to her husband in delighted rapture. He was her life and her love. She didn't know how she'd ever existed without him.
The future stretched before them in endless splendor. They would love and be loved.
New York City
Eighteen months later
New York society was all abuzz with excitement. At long last, the night of Western artist Glynna McAllister's exclusive showing at the Wentwort
h Gallery had arrived. Ever since it had been learned that she was returning to the city for a new exhibit of her work, the anticipation had been growing. All who were art lovers were eager to attend. Invitations were much sought after.
Glynna McAllister's works of the Wild West were known for their realism and beauty. Over the last few years her renown had grown. She'd been concentrating more and more on portraits, and her Portraits of' the Comanche selections had been especially suc cessful. They had sold out quickly, and the demand for more was growing.
Rumor had it that tonight the artist would unveil her most magnificent, most inspired work ever. It was mysteriously called only Glynna's Masterpiece, but everyone who was anyone in the art world could hardly wait to see it. A crowd was expected to attend.
The Wentworth Gallery had closed its doors at four that afternoon to prepare for the celebration that night. When it opened again at eight, a crowd was waiting to be admitted.
"This is so exciting! I just adore her paintings," one sophisticate said as she entered the gallery. "I can't wait to see what she's done new and different this time. Mrs. McAllister is so daring with her painting."
Those around her voiced their agreement as they followed her inside.
Within the gallery, Mimi, Charles and Paul all stood off to the side watching the crowd spill into the building.
"I always knew this would happen," Mimi said, looking over at her husband and her brother. "Glynna has worked so hard, and now, tonight, her dreams are going to come true. She has her own exhibition at the Wentworth, and everyone who's anyone in town has turned out."
"It is impressive," Charles agreed as he recognized a famous banker and two railroad tycoons among the crowd.
"I hope Glynna enjoys every minute of the evening. She's earned it," Paul put in, knowing how hard Glynna had been working on her new paintings.
"It's going to be a thrill to see everyone's reaction to her Masterpiece," Mimi said.
Across the room, Glynna stood with Jason Wentworth, the owner of the gallery, sipping a glass of champagne.
"What a wonderful evening," she said to the tall, distinguished, silver-haired man.
"It is indeed, when we have an artist of your caliber with us," he complimented her, lifting his glass to her.
"This has been my dream since I was a young girl."
"I'm glad Wentworth Gallery has had a part in making one of your dreams come true. Talent such as yours is rare. It's our pleasure to celebrate it with you-and with your adoring public. The demand for your paintings has been unheard of. Your popularity continues to grow. All I heard all week was how thrilled everyone was about your returning to the city. Have you enjoyed living in Texas?"
"I love it."
"It's a far cry from New York, isn't it?"
Glynna laughed. "You'll have to come to Texas one day, Mr. Wentworth. It's a whole different world from what you're used to here."
"I'm sure it is. I can tell by your paintings. They were always good, but lately they've been positively magnificent."
She smiled up at him appreciatively. His opinion as an art critic was highly valued, and she was thrilled that he enjoyed her work so much.
"Have you planned a time for the unveiling?" she asked him.
"Nine o'clock. Is that good?"
"That's perfect. I'll be ready."
Glynna moved off to mingle with those in attendance. She remained quiet, listening to the comments being made and reveling in the knowledge that people really did like her paintings.
Tom stood with Hunt in a quiet spot in the gallery, watching the crowds move through the exhibit.
"I never had any idea it would be like this," he told his son, thoroughly impressed with the turnout for the show.
Hunt's gaze was warm upon his wife as she circulated through the gallery, greeting guests and talking about her work. She was the picture of New York elegance and sophistication this evening in her fashionable, deep green, off-the-shoulder gown and sleek hairstyle, which emphasized the classic beauty of her features. Yet he knew that deep within her heart, she was the same woman who could shoot a gun and ride astride without hesitation. And he loved her.
"I'm not too comfortable all duded up this way," Tom remarked, feeling a little awkward in the suit and tie he was wearing.
The trip from Texas had taken its toll on him, but he wouldn't have missed this night for the world. He'd been Glynna's biggest fan ever since she'd given him the painting of the Rocking M with his own portrait in it. He knew she was the most talented artist he'd ever seen.
"I know what you mean, but it's only for one night," Hunt agreed. He, too, had been less than excited about giving up their usual gear for the required elegant dress. He hadn't been disappointed with Glynna's reaction to seeing him so dressed, though. He'd promptly had to get undressed to make love to her, just before it had been time to leave for the showing.
Glynna must have sensed his gaze upon her, and she looked his way. As their eyes met across the room, Hunt could see high color staining her cheeks, and he was certain she was remembering their quick, passionate mating only hours before. He gave her a knowing grin as she turned away to speak with another fan of her work.
"Is that your husband over there?" one elderly lady asked her, having caught the exchange between them. "We'd heard you'd gotten married."
"Yes, that's Hunt," she told her.
"He's so handsome. Where did you find such a good-looking young man?"
"Right in the middle of Texas," she answered, smiling, wondering if the woman would believe the true story of their first encounter.
"I'm a widow. Perhaps I should travel there and take a look around," she told her companions.
"I'm going with you if you go, Agatha," another gray-haired lady said.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Jason Wentworth announced. "It's time for the moment we've all been waiting for. Mrs. McAllister, if you'll join me, please..."
Glynna swept forward to where he stood next to the easel that held her covered painting. It was the centerpiece of the evening's display, and she was eager to see everyone's reaction when ii was unveiled for the first time.
"Good evening, everyone, and thank you so much for coming tonight," Glynna began. "I am delighted that you enjoy my work, and I am thrilled to unveil for you what I believe is my finest creation ever. I've entitled this one Glynna's Masterpiece. I hope you like it as much as I do."
A current of excitement ran through the gathering as Jason Wentworth carefully drew away the cover, and the painting was revealed for all to see. There on the canvas was Hunt's image in perfect likeness. He looked handsome, strong and mesmerizing, and in his arms he held a baby cradled against him. It was a glorious portrait that captured both the fierce male protectiveness in his expression as he gazed down at the child he would protect with his life, as well as the perfect innocence of their baby daughter.
"It's wonderful!"
Excitement spread through the crowd as people pressed forward to get a better look at it.
Glynna glanced across the room to where Maria had just appeared with nine-month-old Victoria. She gave the child to Hunt. Glynna motioned for him to come forward, and he went to her, carrying their daughter in his arms.
"My husband and daughter are my true inspirations, and they're here tonight to celebrate with us, too."
All eyes turned to follow Hunt's progress as he went to her side with the baby. A round of applause went up. The exhibit was a tremendous success.
Mimi, Charles, Paul and Tom looked on and were thrilled by Glynna's triumph.
Hunt bent to give his wife a gentle kiss. "Congratulations, my dear. I'd say you're a success."
"Glynna's Masterpiece"
"It's all because of you," she returned, giving him a serene look as she took their daughter from him. She had never known life could be so wonderful. She had Hunt and Victoria. "I couldn't have done it without you. You two are my inspiration. You've made all my dreams come true."
And
they lived happily ever after.
