Ric abruptly broke the kiss. “God, Kate, I want you so much. I missed you. Not just our lovemaking, but just being with you.”
“I’ve missed you, too. I want you. Make love to me,” she said.
Ric looked around. “We’re a little too out in the open here.” He turned the ignition on again. “But I know the perfect place to go where we’ll have some privacy.”
As he put the Hummer in gear, Kate reached over and ran her hand up his thigh until she encountered a bulge under his jeans. She rubbed and played with it. Ric groaned and drove faster.
“Doc, I hope you’re not going to need a lot of foreplay, because I don’t think I can wait,” he said as he turned down another dirt track that ran through thick forest. Suddenly, he whipped the wheel to the right and they plowed through low hanging tree branches until it seemed as though the forest had swallowed them up.
He stopped and put the Beast in park. As he reached for her, he smiled and a soft light shone in his eyes. “I’m never going to let you get away, Kate. You’re the woman I’ve been waiting for all my life and I don’t want to ever be without you. You’re everything I could ever want in a woman and so much more. Katherine Rose Donoghue, the woman I love more than life itself, will you do me the huge honor of becoming my wife?”
Kate’s heart felt like it was going to leap right out of her chest. Was she dreaming or had Ric just proposed to her? She could only stare at him as he produced a ring from his jeans pocket and held it in front of her. It was a breathtaking Princess cut diamond nestled inside of a cluster of tiny diamonds.
“Kate?”
Looking into Ric’s eyes, Kate saw his powerful love for her and her heart echoed that love. She was ready. Ready to risk her heart again because of this man. It was Ric who brought life back to her and of course love. “Yes, Ric, I’ll marry you.”
His eyes misted over as he slipped the ring on her finger. It shimmered when she moved her hand.
“It’s gorgeous,” she said.
He took her hand and looked at the ring on her finger. “I’m so glad you like it. I promise to make you happy for the rest of our lives, Kate. You’ll never have to wonder how much I love you.”
Kate brushed away his tears even as some trickled down her own face. “You already make me happy. I want to share everything with you and I can’t wait to start our life together.”
Ric’s mouth descended on hers with the power of a tornado and her senses spun with the force of her desire for him.
When the kiss ended, she said, “I want you now. I can’t wait.”
Ric grinned and got out.
“Where are you going?”
He opened the passenger seat door and started putting the back seats down. “I’m making room for us.” Then he hopped in and pulled open one of the cargo compartments in the back. He brought out a sleeping bag and spread it out. A pillow was also in the compartment and Ric situated it before closing the compartment.
“Okay, Doc. Get that sweet ass back here.”
Kate squirmed between the bucket seats until she could crawl back to him. He already had his underwear and jeans down around his knees. His cock jumped a little as he hardened before her eyes.
His eagerness for her was the only foreplay she needed. Hastily, she undid her jeans and shoved them over her hips. She got them as far as her knees before Ric pulled them up over his shoulders and settled his hips between her thighs.
“I love you, Kate.”
Kate reached down to touch him, loving the way he felt in her hand. “I love you, too. You feel so good. I want you inside me.”
Ric pulled a condom out of his pocket and opened it. Kate took it from him and rolled it down his rigid shaft. “You’re so hard, baby,” she said.
“I can’t help it. That’s what you do to me.”
Kate lay back and lifted her hips to him. “Come on, cowboy.”
She watched as Ric guided himself inside her. It was so erotic to see his body joined with her. Exquisite pleasure filled her as he buried his cock deep. Pulling his head down for a kiss, she said, “Make me come. I need you so much.”
His growl reverberated along her nerves, heightening her excitement even more. Laying down on her, Ric gathered her to him and began moving his pelvis slowly.
“Harder,” she whispered. “Faster.”
Ric immediately complied, thrusting harder against her. It was exactly what she needed. She was wild for him and moved with him. Locking her legs around him, she clutched at him as they soared higher. Ric’s hips moved like pistons and he slammed against her over and over.
“Touch yourself, Kate. It’s so fucking hot when you do that. I love knowing that you have pleasure two ways at once.” His voice was rough with passion and his breathing was harsh.
With a sultry smile, Kate slid her hand down until she could touch where they were joined. Then she found her clit and lightly stroked it.
“That’s it, sweetness,” Ric said. “I want to come with you. Tell me when you’re there. I want to make you feel so good.”
His control always amazed Kate. He never let himself climax until she had.
Between his pounding thrusts and her strokes, it didn’t take long to reach the brink. “Ric, I’m going to come. Yes. Now! Now!”
Ric’s movements became frenzied and drove her over the edge into a release that made her feel as though she was being fantastically shattered. Kate screamed his name as he found his own pleasure.
“Oh, God, Kate,” he rasped out. “It’s incredible. You’re incredible.”
Kate couldn’t speak for the intense sensations flooding her body. A high-pitched moan escaped her as she shook under him as ecstasy overtook her. Gradually, she drifted back to Earth and Ric slowly collapsed on her.
She loved feeling his weight and wrapped her arms around him as they caught their breath. “I really like this off-roading. I hope we come here a lot.”
Ric laughed and raised his head to look at her. “We’ll definitely come back. You drive me crazy.”
Kate kissed him. “You drive me crazy.”
Carefully, Ric disentangled himself from her with a chuckle. “We never even got our pants off.”
Kate giggled. “I know. Damn, that was hot.”
“Mmm. It sure was,” Ric agreed.
They dressed and drove back to the track where Ric had Kate switch him places. He grinned and she loved the excitement in his eyes. “Ready for this?”
Kate took a firm hold of the wheel and smiled back at him. “As long as I have you, I’ll be ready for anything.”
He kissed her briefly. “You’ll always have me. Okay, put it in gear and let her rip!”
As Kate took them around the course, she felt as though they were driving into a new adventure. Aren’t we, she thought. Kate started up the gravel mountain, and she and Ric hollered and laughed as the Hummer’s wheels caught hold, propelled them towards the top.
At the summit, they sat there a minute looking down at the world below them. Then she moved them forward and they started the descent. It was exhilarating and challenging, much like Kate felt the future would be. As they bounced down the gravel mountain, Kate couldn’t wait to see what adventures awaited her and her rugged cowboy.
Epilogue
Ric and Kate’s wedding, which was held outdoors at the Jeffries, took place on the third weekend in July. Kate had wanted a completely different ceremony than the one that she and Phil had planned.
She and Ric loved seeing each other in jeans, which had gotten Kate thinking. Ric might be wise to the way of the city and look hot in a suit, but he would always have the heart of a country boy. So, instead of a large church affair, she’d opted for a blue jean wedding because she thought it fit their relationship better.
Despite Robert’s initial protests, Kate had talked him into being her man of honor. Even though she was seven months along now, Emily had jumped at the chance to be Kate’s bridesmaid. She’d never worn a blue jean dress and was excited about
it.
As Kate stood in front of the full-length mirror in Emily’s room, she admired the light-weight blue denim, off-the-shoulder dress. It was an old-fashioned design with a tight-fitting bodice and full skirt. Lacy ruffles edged the bodice and the bottom of the skirt. Small rhinestones glittered along the bodice, adding sparkle to the dress.
Her grandfather, Angus, came into the room and smiled at her reflection. “You look like a cowgirl angel.”
She grinned and turned to him, smiling up into eyes so like her own. She was the mirror image of Angus and Kate adored him. “Thank you. Look at you! So handsome.”
Angus spread his arms wide. “Not bad for an old coot.”
Her grandfather was a powerfully built man, and he cut quite a figure in his dark blue jeans, red Western shirt and black string tie.
“You look great. I’m so glad you approve of Ric,” she said. “I was worried that you wouldn’t.”
“What’s not to like? He loves my little girl like crazy and he’s rich,” Angus remarked.
Kate straightened Angus’ tie a little. “I’m not marrying him for his money, Granddad.”
“I know that, but it doesn’t hurt.” He held up his hand. “I know, I know. Your practice is doing just fine. Your mother and the family are so proud of you. Your Dad would have been especially proud.”
“Thank you. I know he’s here with me.” And she’d been to Phil’s grave that morning and spoken with him. Somehow she knew Phil was happy for her.
“Well, Sunshine, are you ready to go marry your cowboy?”
Kate’s smile could’ve lit up the room. “I’m nervous, but I can’t wait.”
“Let’s go then.”
He led her out of Emily’s room and down the stairs. Emily and Robert were waiting for them in the kitchen.
Robert grinned at her. “Look at you, Special K! You look so beautiful.”
“Yes, you do,” Emily said. “Who knew that denim could be so pretty?”
Her own dress resembled Kate’s, but had a shorter skirt so she didn’t trip on it.
Kate hugged Robert. “Thanks again for doing this. You’re my best friend and I wanted you to stand up with me.”
“Happy to do it,” Robert said.
“You look very handsome, too.”
He straightened his blue denim vest, which he wore with a white dress shirt, dark blue jeans and pair of black cowboy boots. “Why thank you, ma’am.”
They laughed at his poor imitation of Chase’s accent.
“Come on all of you,” Angus said. “We don’t want to keep everyone waiting.”
As Kate stepped outside and took Angus’ arm, she tried to quell the butterflies bumping around in her stomach. There was nothing to be nervous about. She was marrying the man who’d captured her heart with his mesmerizing blue eyes and captivating grin. The man who would be by her side forever and become the father of her children.
Looking at Emily, who lovingly placed a hand on her swollen belly, Kate hoped that she and Ric would conceive soon. Putting that out of her mind for the moment, though, she concentrated on the present and walked beside her grandfather with joy in her heart.
*****
As he waited for his bride, Ric worked on bringing his heart rate down so that he didn’t sweat through his white shirt. He didn’t know why he was so nervous. The wedding was going off without a hitch so far. They had enough chairs for all the guests, the food was taken care of, and the band was set up and ready. Perhaps, because half the town was here.
Tyler put a hand on Ric’s shoulder. “It’ll be okay, Ric. That’s what you told me on my wedding day, remember?”
“Yeah,” Ric nodded. “I can’t figure out why I’m ready to jump out of my skin. I love Kate more than anything and I want to spend the rest of my life with her.”
Tyler chuckled. “Tucker told me that choosing a wife is the most important decision a man will ever make. It’s a very serious step in your life, but it’s also the happiest. Trust me about that, Ric. Everyone can see how much you and Kate love each other. That’s the most important thing and it’ll get you through the tough times.”
“Well, listen to Mr. I-used-to-have-ice-in-my-veins waxing poetic about love,” Chase piped up with a grin.
Ric laughed as Tyler’s expression darkened. “He’s got you there, Ty.”
Tyler smiled a little sheepishly. “Well, a certain hot blonde melted the ice in my veins in more than one way.”
Ric put his hands over his ears. “I don’t want to hear about that!”
Chase and Tyler laughed at his reaction just as Hayley started walking down the aisle. She sprinkled rose petals as she led Coco. A small pillow holding the wedding rings had been attached to Coco’s collar.
Hayley beamed as she approached the altar, proud to have been chosen as the flower girl. She looked adorable in her frilly jean dress. When her and Coco reached the altar, Ric hugged her and praised her for doing such a good job. Tyler and Chase agreed and Tyler untied the rings from Coco’s collar. Then Hayley and Coco went to sit with Brooke and Tucker.
Emily appeared at the end of the aisle created by the white wooden chairs. Ric watched Tyler’s gaze focus intently on her and he was glad his sister and one of his best friends had found happiness together. The way Emily blushed under Tyler’s close scrutiny was sweet.
As Emily arrived at the altar, Ric stepped over to her and gave her an impulsive hug. “You look gorgeous, sis.”
“Thank you. You look fantastic,” she said.
“I know,” he said, winking.
Emily rolled her eyes and shooed him away. He rejoined his co-best men just as Robert started walking down the aisle. It was strange seeing a man over on the bride’s side, but it made complete sense that Kate had chosen Robert as her man of honor.
Ric would always be grateful to him for saving the woman he loved from the jaws of death. Any jealousy he’d felt towards Robert had faded and he was glad that Kate had someone else who was always on her side. Robert smiled at him and took his place by Emily.
Tyler nudged Ric and pointed towards the end of the aisle. Ric’s gaze followed the direction he’d indicated and his heart stopped as he got his first glimpse of Kate in her wedding dress. Her slim, toned figure was shown off to perfection by the blue jean dress she wore and Ric knew that no other woman would ever compare to her.
Desire and love mingled in his heart and his anxiety fled as Kate walked to him. Her dark eyes sparkled with love and appreciation and her sweet lips curved in a beautiful smile. She wore her hair scooped up on top of her head with curly tendrils framing her face.
Ric had been so engrossed in Kate that he hadn’t paid much attention to Angus, but when they reached the altar, the older man gave Ric a warning look that clearly said that he’d kill Ric if he didn’t take good care of Kate. Ric gave Angus a brief nod to reassure him and then took Kate’s hands.
*****
Looking into Ric’s eyes, Kate couldn’t believe that she was marrying this gorgeous man. The way he filled out his jeans and shirt made her mouth go dry and made her think thoughts that she shouldn’t while standing so close to a pastor. His loving, hot gaze made her feel a little weak and she had to take deep breaths to clear her mind.
The roguish smile that curved his lips told her that he was having much the same thoughts. Then the pastor started the ceremony and Kate concentrated on her vows. This was the only time she ever planned on getting married and she made each word count as she promised to love and honor Ric.
Hearing him say those words back to her was a magical experience and Kate could hardly contain all of the joy she felt inside. As they exchanged rings, her heart healed even more. Even though she would always love and miss Phil, she knew that she was no longer in love with him. She’d said her goodbyes at the cemetery this morning.
No, the man sliding a gold wedding band onto her finger was now the man she loved. He’d given her the courage to step out on the ledge where love was concerned and she k
new that he’d always be there to catch her.
Pastor Dan Porter said, “You may now kiss your bride.”
Ric cupped her face and her pulse leapt at the contact. When their lips touched, Kate’s eyes shut on happy tears that leaked out from under her eyelids. It was a sweet and sensual kiss that held love and the promise of a lifetime of happiness.
Suddenly, Ric dipped her and Kate let out a squeal of surprise while the congregation whistled and clapped approvingly. She wound her arms around his neck and kissed Ric back, which only caused more laughter and catcalls.
When Ric let her up, Kate felt a little dizzy from the sensations he elicited in her.
He hugged her close. “I love you so much, Dr. Stanford.”
“I love you, too, Mr. Stanford,” she replied, grinning.
A swarm of well-wishers interrupted them and they turned their attention to their guests.
*****
Once the bride and groom were seated at their table, Tyler stood up and got the guests’ attention. He held several index cards, which Ric saw Chase eyeing.
Chase looked up at Tyler. “How long is this speech? Some of us are hungry, you know,” he said loudly.
Ric and Kate muffled laughs as Tyler glared at Chase, who kept glancing questioningly at the index cards. The guests laughed outright and Tyler couldn’t keep a smile off his face. “If you’re that hungry, you know where the food is.”
Chase shrugged and got up. “Okay.”
Tyler’s jaw dropped as Chase walked over to the area where a BBQ had been set up. “I can’t believe he really left before my speech. Get back here!”
Chase already had a plate with a barbequed chicken leg on it. He picked it up and gestured towards Tyler. “Go ahead. You got a big mouth, so I’ll be able to hear you from here.”
Loud laughter followed this announcement, Tyler’s included. Ric had to admit that Tyler was taking Chase’s insults with good humor. Of course, it was hard to be offended by Chase because he was so charming and funny.
Heal Me (Coopers Creek Book 2) Page 16
