A much louder groan sounded nearby. Then a nicker came from another stall. One of the horses blew air through his nostrils and another stomped his hoof.
He discovered it wasn’t easy to kiss a laughing woman, so he gave up, because it was pretty damn funny and he loved hearing her laugh.
“Pete, the horses are talking.”
“Yeah, they are.”
“I even know what they’re saying.”
“Oh?”
“They’re saying hey, you two, get a room.”
He grinned. “Think we could find one on Christmas Eve?”
“I think so. It so happens I know the innkeeper.”
“Lucky me, so do I.” And he dived in for one more hot kiss before hustling her out of the barn and across the frozen ground to her house, lit up with dozens of sparkling white lights. On his way, he glanced up at the night sky filled with stars, including one that was especially bright. Just like his dad had predicted, magic was happening.
EPILOGUE
Didn’t get any better than this. Brendan had enjoyed some amazing Christmas celebrations, but spending the big day at Wild Creek Ranch topped them all. The huge family Quinn had latched onto was worth the price of admission. Brendan had been impressed with the food and good cheer at the Christmas Eve bash, but Christmas dinner was even better.
Or maybe it seemed that way because he’d learned everyone’s name and had all the connections straight. Or maybe it had to do with his nephew Pete, who looked happier than a koala with a handful of gumtree leaves.
Whatever had happened at midnight in Taryn’s barn had done that boy a world of good. Could be whatever had happened after midnight, too, judging by his besotted expression. Made Brendan a little wistful, although he wouldn’t trade places with the kid. Forty-nine suited him fine and he wasn’t afraid of the big five-oh, either. Maturity had its advantages.
For example, a younger man might not appreciate the lovely attributes of Jo Fielding. She was tall, lithe and sexy as hell. Whenever he flirted with her, she gave as good as she got. And yet…beneath her bravado and quick wit lurked a touch of uncertainty.
Quinn had filled him in on a few details about her divorce some thirteen years ago. But Quinn was protective of Jo and clearly wouldn’t stand for anyone messing with her. She was Kendra’s best friend. Jo’s daughter Mandy, the latest mother-to-be, was married to Kendra’s son Zane. Anyone interested in Jo would do well to keep those parameters in mind.
Brendan was interested. More than he cared to admit. Her uninhibited laughter drew his attention from across the room. He’d caught himself staring like a stunned mullet at the graceful curve of her neck and the movement of her fingers as she stroked the stem of her wineglass while she talked.
Quinn, his ever-vigilant older brother, had cornered him later in the day over by the Christmas tree. “Everything okay?”
“Couldn’t be better.”
“Just thought I’d ask. You’ve been exceptionally quiet today. Couldn’t help wondering why.” His gaze was direct.
Brendan gave him a big smile and clapped him on the shoulder. “Just soakin’ up the holiday ambiance, big brother. Takin’ it all in.”
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
Coming in February!
Confirmed bachelor Brendan Sawyer returns to Eagles Nest to court the lovely Jo Fielding in A COWBOY’S CHOICE, book thirteen in the McGavin Brothers series.
Saddle up for all the stories in the McGavin Brothers series!
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Want more cowboys? Check out my Sons of Chance and Thunder Mountain Brotherhood series!
MIDNIGHT THUNDER – (TMB #1) Cade Gallagher must save his foster parents’ ranch and win the heart of the woman he left behind.
WANTED! – (SOC #1) Can sexy cowboy Nick Chance convince a beautiful photographer to see the man behind the muscles?
Praise for Vicki’s cowboy series
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FRESH FICTION
“This modern cowboy tale expertly balances sex and emotion with a touch of humor. It’s one of the hottest western romances of the year!”
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“Once again Ms. Thompson’s writing is crisp and straightforward, with an uncanny ability to weave the beautiful western landscape of the Grand Tetons into the storyline. Overall a hot, sexy read.”
HARLEQUIN JUNKIE
ALSO BY VICKI LEWIS THOMPSON
The McGavin Brothers
A Cowboy’s Strength
A Cowboy’s Honor
A Cowboy’s Return
A Cowboy’s Heart
A Cowboy’s Courage
A Cowboy’s Christmas
A Cowboy’s Kiss
A Cowboy’s Luck
A Cowboy’s Charm
A Cowboy’s Challenge
A Cowboy’s Baby
Wild About You
Werewolf in Manhattan
Werewolf in the North Woods
Werewolf in Seattle
Werewolf in Denver
Werewolf in Alaska
Werewolf in Las Vegas
The Nerd Series
Nerd in Shining Armor
The Nerd Who Loved Me
Nerd Gone Wild
Gone with the Nerd
Talk Nerdy to Me
Nerds Like It Hot
My Nerdy Valentine
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times bestselling author Vicki Lewis Thompson’s love affair with cowboys started with the Lone Ranger, continued through Maverick, and took a turn south of the border with Zorro. She views cowboys as the Western version of knights in shining armor, rugged men who value honor, honesty and hard work. Fortunately for her, she lives in the Arizona desert, where broad-shouldered, lean-hipped cowboys abound. Blessed with such an abundance of inspiration, she only hopes that she can do them justice.
Connect with Vicki online!
VickiLewisThompson.com
[email protected]
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Epilogue
But Wait, There’s More!
Also by Vicki Lewis Thompson
About the Author
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McGavin Brothers 13 - A Cowboy's Holiday Page 20
