The Cowboy's Choice

by Janalyn Knight

  Her lips quirked up. She looked off into the distance.

  Her eyes were bloodshot. She must have cried a lot last night along with losing sleep. Dammit, he should have been with her. He reached for her hand. "I love you."

  She glanced down at their hands, then up at him. "I love you, too. Thanks for this. I needed to get away." Looking off, she was quiet for a moment. "I have something to show you." She went to the truck and dug in her pack, coming back with a rectangular white object held to her chest with both hands.

  She sat down, still clasping it close. A few seconds later she extended her hand, holding a child's photo frame with two photos. She passed it to him. "This is our daughter. It's all I have."

  An electric shock slammed him. His baby? How? He tossed his beer away and grabbed the frame. Immediately he realized one was a sonogram. A warm wave swooshed through him at the first sight of her tiny head and arms and legs. The stark black-and-white photo's detail was grainy, yet he couldn't take his eyes from it—memorizing every bit of her little body. Next, he moved to the picture of Lara—her belly swollen with his child, looking so happy and innocent. God! He should have been there beside her! Wetness formed in his eyes and his lip trembled. "Lara, I'm so sorry. How did you bear it?"

  She shook her head. "I don't know."

  He clenched the white frame with the pink ceramic bow. "How can you forgive me?"

  She freed his hand and clasped it. "I do forgive you. We were young. We both made mistakes. I framed these photos today, and I'm keeping them at my bedside. I called her Ellie, for Elizabeth."

  He looked at her picture again, running his fingertip over it. "Our little Ellie."

  Gripping his knee, she said, "We won't forget her. Never again. She lived inside me, and maybe it was only for a little while. But she lived."

  Adam laid the frame on his lap and pulled Lara into his arms, kissing her gently, cupping her head in his hand and making her mouth, her heart, his. "We'll never forget our Ellie." When he released Lara, she seemed at peace.

  He slid his arm around her shoulders and leaned back in his chair, drinking in his surroundings, loving that they shared their baby now. The trilling whistles of a Grace's Warbler, a bird common in the park, came from the limbs above them. A slight breeze carried the sharp scent of the juniper tree near the picnic table. Closing his eyes, he was content in a way he hadn't been in so long he couldn't remember.

  In a little while, he stood and refilled Lara's glass and got another beer from the ice chest. "The ranger warned me about the javelinas. Said they'd been coming into the campsites a lot this year. Remind me to keep the ice chest in the truck tonight."

  She grimaced. "Yeah, and the tent zipped. Ugh. I don't want those tusks anywhere near me."

  He was licensed to carry and had his Walther handgun with him. Using it was the last thing he wanted to do, but he would before he let anything hurt Lara. "I'm sure we'll be okay, but I'll bring my gun in the tent."

  She patted his arm, sending a warm flush through his chest.

  He asked, "You getting hungry?" It was almost five.

  "I probably could eat by the time we get dinner cooked."

  Drinking the last of his beer, he said, "We're having hamburgers. It won't take long to get everything ready." He stood and pulled her into his arms. His hands traced the contours of her body as his mouth caressed hers. His kiss, gentle and sweet, bared his soul.

  She snuggled against him.

  He patted her butt, smiling, and moved to the truck to get out the propane stove for dinner. While he cooked the patties, Lara prepared the fixings, and it wasn't long before they were sitting at the table enjoying their meal. He grinned at her, his mouth full. "Just like old times."

  Lara licked mayonnaise from the corner of her mouth. "Yeah, baby."

  He laughed and bumped her with his shoulder.

  When they finished eating, there was only the skillet and some silverware to wash. He took care of it while Lara put everything away. As he dried the pan, he asked, "Want to take a walk before it gets dark?"

  She patted her belly. "Sure, I need to work this off before it turns to fat."

  "Pft. Not a chance. We'll just walk here around the campgrounds, though. Take it easy."

  A few minutes later, hand in hand, they set off. Passing other campsites, some occupied, some not, they headed for Keesey Creek, one of the few water sources in the surrounding areas. Once off the road, they watched carefully for snakes. Adam leading the way, they wound around cactus and catclaw acacia bushes in the tall, sparse grass to find a place to sit under the shady oaks lining the stream. They took off their shoes and let the quick-running water cool their feet.

  He snugged Lara against him, scoring the creek side with a stick. "I don't have a care in the world right now." Kissing the side of her head, he wanted the day to go on forever. The gurgling sound of the flowing water, the splash as it hit the stones, the birds calling in the trees overhead—it all wove a magical spell that he never wanted to break.

  Sighing, she clasped his hand at her waist. "I feel it, too." She closed her eyes. "This is so peaceful I could fall asleep right here."

  He squeezed her. "Sleeping beauty in the forest of trees."

  She grinned. "Hardly," and yawned. "Too bad it's too late for a nap, though. I haven't been this relaxed in ages."

  Imagining her sleeping form in the tent, a ripple of excitement ran through him. With moonlight shining through the fabric walls, he'd make love to this amazing woman. Kissing her again, he said, "You may need that catnap. I want you strong for tonight, woman."

  She laughed and elbowed him in the ribs.

  Just before dusk, they put their shoes on and wound their way through the grass back to the road, heading to camp. He set about making a fire in the ring provided while Lara got him a beer and poured herself a glass of wine.

  By the time darkness fell, the fire had quit smoking and Adam moved their chairs near the bright orange and yellow flames. He reached for her hand. "I love being able to see the stars at night. Remember when we used to go to Marfa and look for UFOs?"

  She nodded, smiling. "I was always so sure that we'd see one. We'd stare at the sky for hours."

  His heart ached for the innocence of those times. If he'd only known what lay ahead of them. He would never have left Lara's side. "We've always liked so many of the same things. You were my best friend. Not the guys I hung with."

  Looking into his eyes, she said, "You were mine, too. It hurt so badly to lose you, Adam."

  He slid his arm around her, pulling her close and resting his cheek against her. "I can't say sorry enough, Lara. You can trust me never to leave you again." He held her like that, willing the truth to make its way to her heart.

  When she drew back, he released her. She sipped her wine, looking into the flames, the glow casting warm shadows across her face.

  They spoke quietly about old things and new as the fire gradually burned down. When only coals remained, he said, "Let's go to bed."

  She turned to him and nodded.

  He used the dish tub and poured water on the embers as Lara brushed her teeth and washed her face by the light of the electric lantern. After doing the same, he joined her in the tent. Taking the side of the sleeping bag by the door, he pulled off his t-shirt and slid out of his shorts and briefs.

  Lara laughed. "Like I said, you love being naked."

  Grinning, he said, "Your turn," and went for the hem of her shirt.

  She giggled and got there first, yanking her t-shirt over her head. Turning her back to him, she said, "My bra, if you please."

  "My pleasure, madam." Damn, he was already hard as he anticipated seeing her beautiful body without clothes. Quickly unhooking her bra, he slid it off her shoulders.

  She tossed it at the foot of the sleeping bag and slipped out of her jeans and panties.

  Shit, she was gorgeous.

  Turning on her side, she grinned at him. "This is a familiar scenario, mister."


  He opened a condom and put it on, then pulled her over on top of him. "It surely is, ma'am." Her skin was silky smooth as he ran his hand over her butt. It was smaller than before, but still curvy. Raising her to a sitting position, he cupped her full breasts, loving the heaviness of them in his hands. As he rubbed his thumbs across her taut nipples, she hissed a breath. He pulled her ass higher on his chest and drew her breast into his mouth, flicking her nipple with his tongue.

  She ground her hips against him, her head thrown back.

  His tongue circling, sucking, he drew a gasp from her. He moved to her other breast, drawing it inside his mouth, massaging her nipple until she cried out, her hips writhing. He shoved her back so that she rode his cock, but he wasn't inside her—not yet. He pulled her forward and rocked her back, the sensation exquisite.

  Eyes closed, she clasped his hands, canting her pelvis so that his cock hit her sensitive places. God, she turned him on. He sat up and kissed her hard.

  Eyes open now, she thrust inside his mouth, fucking him with her tongue.

  He moaned and laid back, lifting her high and setting his head at her opening.

  She looked into his eyes and lowered herself down, taking all of him.

  Clasping her butt, he closed his eyes and groaned. She felt so tight, so good. He couldn't move or he'd come. She started to rock and he held her still. "Give me a sec, babe." Taking a deep breath, he silently talked himself down from the brink. He pulled her forward again. The light of a three-quarter moon came through his tent, outlining her with its pale glow.

  She leaned down and kissed him, holding his face in her hands, whispering, "I love you, my sweet Adam. I'm so glad I found you again."

  His heart sped up as his love for her rushed through him. It filled him with overwhelming emotions, such joy, he couldn't hold it in. He pulled her to his chest, wrapping his arms around her as tears leaked from his eyes. "My God, I love you, Lara. I ... you're everything I want, everything I need. I don't have the words to tell you how I feel. I just ... love you, Lara."

  She smiled and clasped his hands, sitting up and rocking back and forth again.

  He raised her up, and pulled out of her, then slid in and pulled out, faster and faster until his hips slammed against her.

  Closing her eyes, her long curls bounced with each thrust.

  He stopped before he exploded, panting and wanting to make her scream with need. He flipped her on her back and slid a pillow under her hips.

  She looked at him, smiling, her eyes dark with desire.

  Opening her thighs, he moved between them, lowering his mouth to her curls. She was wet and the smell of her arousal nearly made him come. Spreading her, he stroked her with his tongue, finding her sensitive nub and caressing it until she cried his name.

  Her hands clenched him, she arched her back, yet still he teased and worked her folds. She tossed her head, canting her hips. His mouth never stopped working her wet center.

  Suddenly, she jerked, fluid gushed, and she spasmed around him, crying, "Adam, please!" as she pulled at him.

  Sliding her legs over his shoulders, he rose, thrusting deep inside her. Sound ricocheted off the tent walls as his hips pounded against hers. Her little pants at each of his thrusts drove him wild. The need to explode built in him, a rising crescendo. His pulsing cock raced to climax. He thundered into her a last time, pouring his seed into the sheath encircling him, wishing he didn't have to wear it. Wishing he could start a new baby with the woman he loved.

  THE NEXT DAY, HE GLANCED across at Lara as he drove home. She looked happy but exhausted. He smiled, "Are you sore?"

  She grimaced. "Yes, dammit. I hate being this out of shape. I can remember taking the Skyline Drive Trail to the overlook and back and never breaking a sweat. I'm wiped out."

  He grinned. "Just means we need to do this more often."

  She nodded. "I had fun. I haven't been camping since the last time you and I went. I'd forgotten how much I love it."

  "I do, too." He reached for her hand. "Let's plan another trip soon." He had laid awake long into the night, thinking of something else. This trip had brought them closer, but Lara still held part of herself in reserve. He would give anything, do anything, to marry her. For that to happen, he needed her to banish all her demons. To give herself fully to him as he gave himself to her. He prayed she could find a way to do that.

  Chapter Ten

  LARA STOMPED HER FOOT down into her new boots. Knowing that horseback riding wasn't in her future, she'd bought city-girl western boots. The comfortable square-toes were in fashion, but what she loved most were the embroidered white and pink roses that covered the tan leather. She'd also purchased a pair of low-rise bootcut jeans and a beautifully tooled black belt with embedded-turquoise and a silver horseshoe-shaped buckle. Her turquoise silk blouse and silver drop earrings set off her outfit perfectly. Her mass of dark curls flowing down her back pleased her as she turned and examined herself in the mirror. She hadn't dressed western since she first left Texas.

  Adam was taking her country dancing tonight. Another thing she hadn't done since high school. But they'd loved dancing back then, and he was good at it. His strong arms had always guided her skillfully across the floor, and she couldn't wait to try it again.

  The doorbell rang. When she answered it, a stunning Adam stood before her dressed in starched Wranglers and shirt, a grey felt cowboy hat pulled down over his eyes, and a leather belt with silver conchos and lacing at his hips.

  He stepped in the door and planted a kiss on her lips first thing. "You're gorgeous. How did I get so lucky?" He grinned and grabbed her, squeezing her butt with both hands.

  She laughed. "I was just thinking the same thing, cowboy." Stuffing her driver's license in her back pocket and her lipstick in her front, she was ready to go.

  Adam clasped her hand as they walked to his truck. "I invited Caleb and Eve to join us. I hope you don't mind. They'll meet us there."

  "Great." It would be nice to see Eve again. Having another couple to hang out with was a bonus of Adam having brothers.

  Fifteen minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of The Trail Boss Saloon. It had live music on Saturday nights and a dance floor. The only country and western place to dance in Ft. Stockton, it was always packed. Knowing this, Adam had made sure they arrived early so they could snag a table. Once Lara was seated, he went to the bar to order their drinks.

  She didn't see one familiar face. It would take time to meld back into the community again.

  Adam set her wine in front of her, then scooted over and put his arm across the back of her chair. "Do you still remember how to dance, girl?" He grinned, challenging her.

  She fired back. "Damned straight, cowboy. You'd better not step on my toes."

  He laughed and hugged her shoulders, taking a swallow of his beer. "Caleb said to save them a place. They won't be here for a while. Mom and Dad are watching Ellie, and Eve wants to get her fed, bathed and ready for bed before they head this way."

  Lara envisioned that sweet routine, and felt a familiar sadness. "Makes sense. They're lucky to have your parents right there as baby sitters."

  "Mom and Dad love it. They keep expecting me to settle down and produce another grandchild for them. I get regular not-so-subtle hints."

  She winced and turned away. If only Roy and Millie knew that he should have had a teenager by now.

  He hugged her. "Hey, there, none of that," and kissed her temple. "I love you, honey."

  Nodding, she took a sip of wine. He was right. This was a night for happiness. For moving forward. How lucky she was to have the steadfast love of this wonderful man. She reached behind his neck, pulling him down for a lingering kiss, not caring who noticed.

  He smiled, looking into her eyes. "I love it when you do that."

  "I love you," she said, meaning every word.

  The band came out on stage and started tuning their instruments and adjusting their mics. It wouldn't be long before the night began.


  The place had filled up fast and a young man stopped at their table, grabbing the back of one of the empty chairs. "Are these seats taken?"

  Adam said, "I'm sorry, they are. My brother and his wife are joining us."

  The guy smiled and nodded and walked back to the bar.

  Adam slid his arm around her shoulders, his fingers caressing her.

  Sighing, a sense of belonging, of rightness, swept through her. She was finally where she was meant to be. She leaned her head against his shoulder and let the sounds of the evening wash over her—glasses clinking, muffled voices and laughter, picked guitar strings, and random keyboard riffs. She was here with the man she loved, and the whole night in his arms lay ahead of her. Smiling, she closed her eyes, happy way down to her toes.

  A waitress brought drinks to the band and they joked and laughed with her for a few minutes. The drummer beat a quick riff and took a swallow from his glass. The waitress left and shortly after the music began as they played their version of Garth Brooks' song, Friends in Low Places.

  Adam squeezed her arm gently. "Dance with me?"

  She stood, butterflies in her stomach. Surely this was like riding a bike.

  He led her to the floor. Clasping her waist and her hand, he pulled her against him and swung her into the first step.

  His rhythm was perfect. The two-step came back to her as if her last dance was yesterday. She leaned into him and relaxed as he guided her across the dance floor, twirling and striding to the beat of the music. She closed her eyes, his arms and hands telling her feet exactly where to step. She gave her body over to him—let him have total control. It was perfect—like magic. When the song ended and she opened her eyes, she smiled up at him. "I trust you, Adam, with everything I am."

  He drew her into his chest and squeezed the breath out of her, holding her there as the other couples left the dance floor. At last, it was only them, and he drew back. "Thank you, Lara. I promise, you won't regret it." Wrapping his arm around her, he brought her to the table.