The Cowboy's Choice

by Janalyn Knight

  Lara sat on the couch, her back straight.

  He refilled her glass and did the same for his. Sitting next to her, he reached for her hand. "Lara, I know what I want to say to you, I just pray I get it right."

  She clutched his hand. "Please, Adam, can I talk first?" Her lips trembled, and she licked them.

  Oh, God. What did this mean? "Of course, honey. Whatever you need." Heart pounding, he stared into her eyes, hoping for a hint as to what she would say.

  She swallowed, her throat spasming visibly. "Adam, I love you more than anything or anyone. Nothing is more important to me than you. My mother assures me that she will be just fine without me. She's agreed that we'll sell my father's practice. She sends her best wishes and her love.” Lara looked into his eyes. “Adam, I'll marry you and move to Dallas."

  He sucked in a breath, unable to believe that she would give up everything to be with him—leave her grieving mother and sell what her father had worked his whole life to build. It was an incredible honor and a terrible tragedy. He pulled her into his arms. "Oh, honey, I love you. I don't want you to leave your momma or sell your father's business. I'm not taking the job. I want to live here in Ft. Stockton and marry you. I want to raise our children here, around our family where they can play with their cousins and get spoiled by their grandparents. Maybe someday, when our children are grown, I'll take a job somewhere else. But not now."

  Lara burst into tears, and he held her tight, smothering her with kisses. He'd finally made the right choice.

  Chapter Fifteen

  LARA MARVELED AT THE gorgeous white-lace wedding dress hanging from her bathroom door. The beautiful gown had a stylish tulle illusion scooped neck featuring an off-the-shoulder lace border with a plunging illusion back teamed with an A-line skirt and full-length lace sleeves. It hugged her waist and hips, flowing to the floor in a curling train. A matching floor-length veil would cover her long, dark hair.

  The limo would be here in less than thirty minutes to pick her up. Her makeup and hair were already done.

  Eve, her Matron of Honor, walked into the bedroom. "Ready to put on your dress, honey?" She smiled, looking gorgeous in her yellow-gold gown.

  "Yes, it's time." The wedding flowers, Lara's favorite yellow roses with orange tips, would look beautiful with Eve's dress—one of the reason's Lara had picked it out when they'd gone dress shopping in Dallas.

  Lara's mother was at the church making sure that everything was perfect for the ceremony. She'd stopped by early this morning and had coffee with Lara before heading over.

  Eve took down the dress and began unbuttoning the long line of buttons running down the sheer back, careful not to snag the delicate material.

  Lara shifted from foot to foot—five months of hectic planning had all come down to the next few hours. Caleb was best man. Lara's mother had asked her good friend if the woman's young grandson and granddaughter could be the ring bearer and flower girl. Their mother had agreed. Lara's colors were yellow-gold and spring green—perfect for her April twentieth wedding date. The reception would be held at the country club where her parents had been members forever.

  Eve finished with the buttons and carefully helped slip the dress over Lara's head.

  She slid her arms into the long off-the-shoulder sleeves, feeling sexy and elegant at the same time.

  Eve smoothed the material over Lara's curves then began the tedious process of buttoning the back of the dress. “Dylan got here a few minutes ago. He had a flat tire on the way from El Paso and freaked out, thinking he might miss his big brother’s wedding.”

  Eve frowned. “That’s awful. I’m glad he got here in time. I wish he could have come sooner so we could spend some time together, but I understand he can’t miss his college classes.”

  When Eve was done, Lara slipped on her white satin heels and looked at herself in the mirror. Smiling, she imagined what Adam would feel when he saw her.

  Eve picked up the back of her dress as Lara grabbed her small white bag. Eve said, "Ready, you beautiful bride?"

  Lara grinned. "Let's go." The limo waited out front and, as Caleb had come earlier to pick up her luggage, all she had to do was walk out the door.

  ADAM, IN HIS BLACK tux, stood on the raised dais, Caleb at his side. He shifted from foot to foot and glanced down the aisle for the fiftieth time. The organ played quietly in the background, and a buzz of low conversation came from the crowd of friends and family gathered in the pews. The church was full of Lara's favorite yellow and orange flowers and bright green ribbons. The rich aroma from the huge bouquet sitting on the table behind him reminded him of her. His father, Roy, was giving Lara away, making this wedding day even more special.

  The pastor stopped at the organist and whispered something to her, then ascended the steps to the pulpit and stood behind the lectern. Suddenly, the chords to The Wedding March rang out.

  Adam's heart leapt, then began to pound. His gaze swept to the entrance to the church, eagerly anticipating the arrival of his beautiful Lara.

  First came the precious little five-year-old flower girl in her white lace dress, followed just a step behind by the slightly bewildered-looking four-year-old ring bearer. Eve came next, walking with slow, smooth steps.

  At last, an absolutely stunning Lara turned down the aisle on his father's arm. His jaw dropped. Her gorgeous dress hugged her curves, her small waist begging him to encase it with his hands. No woman had ever looked more perfect at her wedding.

  Lara met his wondering gaze and smiled.

  Grinning, he clasped his hands behind him. Damn, he was the luckiest man in the world. Each step she took, brought certainty to him. He would never regret his choice to remain in Ft. Stockton.

  Lara climbed the steps to him.

  The reverend asked, "Who gives this woman's hand in marriage?"

  His father answered, "I do," and placed Lara's hand in Adam's.

  As his father retreated down the steps, the reverend moved to the center of the dais and said, "Mr. Govain, Miss Cole, stand before me please."

  Adam tucked Lara’s hand under his arm and led her to stand directly in front of the reverend, who now stood free of the lectern.

  The preacher began, "We have come together to celebrate the union in Christian love of Lara and Adam. Today they will unite their hearts and their lives. This is possible because of the love God has created in them, through Jesus Christ."

  Lara turned to Adam and smiled.

  He squeezed her hand, overwhelmed with his love for her. Everything had led them to this day.

  The reverend held their gazes and continued. "Two lives are not united by ceremony, but only in the power, love, and grace of God. As God demonstrated His love in Jesus, our Lord, Adam and Lara will demonstrate this God-given love by giving themselves to one another."

  He nodded to each of them. "Adam and Lara, no other human ties are more tender, no other vows are more sacred than these you are about to assume. You are entering into that holy estate which is the deepest mystery of experience, and which is the very sacrament of divine love."

  Lara leaned against him, as if needing his touch.

  He squeezed her fingers gently.

  Holding Adam's gaze, the reverend said, "Adam, will you have Lara to be your wedded wife, from this day forward, in sickness and in health, until you part in death?"

  Adam spoke up strongly, "I will," and looked at Lara.

  She smiled up at him.

  The reverend turned to Lara. "Lara, will you have Adam to be your wedded husband from this day forward, in sickness and in health, until you part in death?"

  She said, "I will."

  "Adam, please take Lara by her right hand, and say your vows to your bride."

  Adam clasped her hand and smiled, looking deep into her beautiful grey eyes. "Lara, I promise always to be true. I will grow with you and build with you a better life as we learn to be patient, kind, giving and to cherish each day together. As your husband, I am yours, and today I deli
ver to you my heart, forever."

  Lara, tears brimming in her eyes, squeezed his hand and smiled.

  The reverend turned to Lara. "Please repeat your vows to Adam."

  Lara said, "Adam, I love you without fear, without hesitation, and promise to support you, encourage, and cherish you as your wife. I will always be on your side. Always. Live with me, laugh with me, love with me, and I'll be your devoted wife forever."

  He shivered as the depth of her pledge sunk in. She would devote herself to him, but he must cherish her even more. He promised himself now, before God, to be up to that challenge.

  The reverend turned to Adam. "Adam, what symbol do you bring as a pledge of the sincerity of your vows?"

  He replied, "A ring."

  The reverend met Lara's gaze. "Please remember, a ring is more than a symbol of your marriage, Lara. It's a seal of the vow you have made to one another. The circle of the ring is, as far as human eyes can see, a perfect circle—with no beginning or end—so God, too, has perfect love for you and wants you to love one another in His grace—never, never ending. This ring is made of precious metal. You are also precious in God's sight and now in the life of Adam. When you are absent from one another, the presence of the ring reminds you to be faithful and to fulfill your vows to Adam."

  Adam slipped his ring on Lara's finger, looking into her eyes, a sense of overwhelming love flooding through him. He clasped her hand tightly.

  The reverend smiled. "Lara, what symbol do you bring as a pledge of the sincerity of your vows?"

  Lara said, "A ring."

  He turned to Adam. "Adam, this ring is a seal of Lara's vow to you. She presents this to you as a token of her love for you in Jesus Christ. Your role is one of leadership and privilege as head of your family. You must lead in worship, works, and fellowship. Lara depends upon you for strength."

  Adam swallowed. He would be strong for her. He would never, ever let her down and he would lead her, and their family, with his strength and love for the rest of his life.

  Lara slid Adam's ring on his finger.

  He had never felt closer to her. Staring into her eyes, eternity didn't seem long enough to love her.

  The reverend smiled and looked at them both. "For as much as Adam and Lara have consented in holy wedlock, confirming this by giving and receiving a ring, by the authority given unto me as a minister of the Church of Jesus Christ, I now declare you husband and wife, according to God and the laws of the state of Texas. Adam, you may kiss your bride."

  Adam slipped his arms around her and pulled her close, claiming her lips in a scorching kiss, branding her with his love that would last until his death.

  She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck, giving herself wholly to him.

  When at last he ended the kiss, she looked at him with tears in her eyes. He whispered, "I love you, darling," and turned to face their friends and family, holding their clasped hands in the air.

  Applause broke out around them as they stepped down from the dias. Grinning, Adam acknowledged people on both sides of the aisle as he led Lara by the hand toward the door. If only there wasn't the reception at the country club. He was ready to start his honeymoon!

  Chapter Sixteen

  LARA TURNED ON HER back, already having absorbed enough sun on her front as she lay on a comfortable lounge chair on the secluded beach. This was the first day of their seven-day Caribbean honeymoon on Punta Cana Island, and it was proving to be as fantastic as she had imagined. She and Adam had booked a two-bedroom house right on the beach at the exclusive Resort. There were six restaurants with world-class chefs in the complex so they could eat in or go out on the town and have wonderful food either way.

  Tomorrow, Adam had them scheduled at the spa and wellness center for a day of pampering to set the tone for the rest of their stay. While on the island, they would also go snorkeling on the reef, paddle board, spend part of a day at the ecological park, and take a romantic sunset cruise. Most of all, though, they would relax and recover from the stress leading up to the wedding.

  A shadow covered her face and she opened her eyes. A resort employee held the piña colada she'd ordered. "Gracìas." Adam was working out in the gym and would join her later on the beach. They'd arrived very early in the morning and had collapsed into bed, saving their romantic honeymoon night for this evening. Dinner would be at the elegant Bamboo Restaurant where they served Mediterranean-influenced food from their own organic gardens.

  She sipped her drink, eyes still closed, and enjoyed the breeze blowing in off the ocean. The sound of the waves breaking lulled her. The resort had miles of private beach and few people were at the water.

  Someone plopped into the chair beside her, and she turned her head.

  Adam grinned. "Hello, sweetheart. Miss me?"

  "Always," and she leaned over for a kiss.

  He smacked her lips and pulled her closer, smothering her in a hard, melting kiss, leaving her breathless.

  She smiled and drew back.

  Grabbing her hand and pulling her up as he stood, he headed for the water. "Let's get wet."

  She trotted beside him as he strode out into the waves.

  Wrapping his arm around her waist, he drew her in for another kiss. "I love you, Lara." The water was up to her chest and Adam steadied her.

  "I love you more." She looked into his eyes and found adoration staring back at her. She pulled his head down and kissed him thoroughly, nipping his lip before letting him go. "Tonight, I'll show you just how much."

  He threw his head back and hooted, grinning. "Now that's what I'm talking about."

  Fish nibbled at her calves, tickling her. "Do you feel that?"

  "The fish? Yep."

  She grinned. "Let's hope they're the only things down there."

  He laughed. "I have plans tonight for the parts of you under this water. Any sharks are fish bait."

  Pulling his head down to her, she kissed him, twining her tongue with his, showing him how much she desired him.

  He lifted her and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he walked into deeper water. The waves now broke at his chest. The powerful water pushed at him, and yet he held her firmly in place. Waves washed over her back as he kissed her, exploring her mouth, teasing her lips, letting his love for her pour out of him.

  She relaxed—immersing herself in the sensation of the water washing back and forth across her body and in the love flowing into her from the man of her dreams. Adam’s hands caressed her as his mouth made her his.

  When at last he walked her back to shore, she was completely in tune with him as he eased her down in her chair.

  He laid down beside her and closed his eyes. "I love you. You'll never know how much."

  She reached for his hand. "I do know, and I love you the same, sweetheart." Closing her eyes, she relaxed knowing that her beloved would sleep next to her. She was safe.

  ADAM LOOKED UP FROM his dinner, his eyes caressing the curves of Lara's face. Just a little while longer, and he'd have her in bed. Her formfitting strapless dress had held his attention captive from the moment she put it on.

  She smiled, grey eyes flashing, knowing just what he was thinking.

  He grinned and took her hand. "You're gorgeous. Eat fast. I want you in my bed!"

  She laughed and squeezed his fingers.

  He sat next to her, rather than across from her, needing the closeness. Running his hand up the soft skin of her arm, he kissed her shoulder. Let people talk. This was his honeymoon. He could make a scene if he wanted to. Goosebumps appeared on Lara's shoulder and he grinned. Whispering in her ear, he said, "You'll have goosebumps all over you before I get through with you tonight."

  She bit her lip, covering a smile. "Same to you, buddy."

  He laughed and took a swallow of wine. The food was wonderful, but it hardly whetted his appetite. What he wanted sat beside him, not on his plate. He imagined the taste of her on his tongue, and his mouth watered. God, how he loved her.

/>   She sipped her wine, watching him. "A penny for your thoughts?"

  He grinned wickedly. "Too naughty for public consumption."

  She laughed. "You're terrible, Adam Govain."

  Downing another swallow of wine, his eyes traveled over the swell of her breasts in the royal-blue dress's low-cut neckline. He imagined his hands on them and his cock jerked. Shoving another bite of food in his mouth, he looked to see how much was left on Lara's plate. They were both about halfway through dinner. He groaned silently and swallowed. After his next bite, he said, "You're not eating much. Aren't you hungry?"

  "I'm just taking my time. The food is delicious." She took a forkful.

  He ate another bite. Calm down, 'bro. Let her eat.

  An interminable thirty minutes later, he paid the bill and helped Lara from her chair. She had turned down dessert, thank God. His senses heightened as he walked her toward their house. Her lovely perfume excited him, making his cock hard. He settled his arm around her shoulders and her soft skin under his fingertips sent sensual waves of pleasure through him. Her hip brushed him and his belly tightened, sending an erotic message to harden his chest and nipples. By the time they walked through the front door, he was way past ready to fuck her.

  As soon as the door shut behind them, he turned and shoved Lara against it, kissing her deeply, running his hands over her body, then pulling her away enough to draw down her zipper. The pretty blue dress fell to the floor, leaving her in only a tiny pair of panties. He knelt and sucked on first one taut nipple and then the other.

  She moaned, head thrown back, legs spread, as his hands roved over her secret places.

  He loved that she threw herself into lovemaking—held nothing from him. Standing, he yanked at his tie, removing it, along with his shirt. His chest expanded with a deep breath as he dominated the space between them.

  Lara unbuckled his belt and unfastened his slacks, sliding both his briefs and slacks down his hips.