“I had you as a little brother to practice on,” Max said.
“But I never showed you all my tricks,” Cory told him. “So I’ll be the better dad.”
“I’ll be around to help out—if you need me,” Margot had volunteered. “Drop me a line or call. I’m only a short flight away.”
Margot had also made some changes in her life. She told Stephan the whole truth about her past. It had taken him a while to get over the fact that Margot had lied to him about being a widow, and that she’d flown Jon to Arizona without his knowledge. Fortunately for Margot, Jeff was granted a speedy divorce.
Wisely, Margot had legally married Stephan in Mexico as soon as he calmed down. She made no mention of moving to Arizona, and remained content with her second family. However, she did convince Stephan that Jon should know his half sister, and allow them to visit.
Since then, Jeff had moved into a retirement village near the canyon. While he wasn’t dating again, he’d made new friends, male and female. He’d even joined Karinne on some of her less-strenuous photographic sessions at the canyon.
“I guess Margot and Jon don’t know the meaning of newlywed,” Max said.
“Don’t forget Dad. He seems to enjoy popping up with his cameras whenever I have a trip planned.”
“They just can’t stay away from you.”
“I think the great outdoors is the real draw,” Karinne said modestly. “I can never get over how beautiful this is. The water is perfect and even Anita’s enjoying it.”
“At least she can swim now,” Max added.
“I’m surprised she’s not terrified of water…. I still can’t believe how far she’s come learning to be a river guide.”
Karinne had seen Cory calmer and relaxed with Anita at his side. Anita and Cory would continue with the rafting business full-time. Max had offered them a half share, and they’d enthusiastically accepted. Anita was doing the books, too.
Yes, the “vacation from hell” had turned into something heavenly….
“Happy anniversary, Max.” Karinne smiled.
“Same to you. But I didn’t buy you a gift.”
“That’s okay. I have one for you.” Karinne disengaged Max’s hands from her waist. “It’s in my pack.”
Max climbed out of the water and pulled out a wrapped present. He unfolded the paper to reveal a boating catalog. One eyebrow raised in confusion, he carefully returned the wrapping and ribbon into her pack.
“I still owe you a boat engine, remember? I dropped yours at the pier during the monsoon.”
“Karinne, don’t be ridiculous. I’m not going to hold you accountable for that.”
“But I’m determined to make amends.” Karinne climbed out of the water herself. “I’ve marked one I think you’ll like. Check it out.”
Max flipped to the folded catalog page. “These aren’t engines or rafts. They’re houseboats.”
“That’s right. By this time next year, we’ll have to pack up the tents. I don’t think your raft is big enough for a crib,” she teased.
Max actually dropped the catalog. “The doctors…?”
“Gave me the green light. We can start trying for a baby anytime—tonight, if you want.”
Max stared at her in wonder. Silently, they stood and left the waterfall hand in hand. Back on the private shores of the Colorado, they held each other close.
Sometime later, they lay, quietly satisfied, basking in the afterglow of a tender joining.
“So…like your present?” Karinne asked.
“Yeah, but I like the giver more than the gift. I do have to find a specialty dealer,” Max murmured to himself. “Flagstaff’s closer, although Phoenix might have more of a selection. What do you think?”
“I think I should’ve saved the catalog for tomorrow,” she said with a laugh.
“You don’t want to look?” he asked, one hand on his flash light.
“Not now.” Karinne yawned, rolling onto her side of the double sleeping bag. “If I wanted to read, I’d be nose-deep in the baby books I brought.”
His reluctant bride had become a willing one, committed to their marriage and the baby to come.
He trusted her with his heart and his soul—because she was his heart and soul. Max let the beauty and magic of love flood his senses, thankful for the two of them, the desert stars and their triumph over the monsoon waters. He gathered her in his arms and held her close, knowing deep down inside that by saving Karinne from Margot all those years ago…
He’d saved her for himself.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-8845-8
THE RELUCTANT BRIDE
Copyright © 2011 by Anne Marie Duquette
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