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Nate
Even the stars peeking from behind clouds tried irritating Nate. He glared from his seat on the well-worn saddle on his horse at the image of his sister and Alex kissing on the porch of Silver Spoons Ranch.
He’d come back to tell Alex that he’d stay, but only if Alex promised never to bring up the Montana Trails again. That kind of a promise would be hard to keep with his lips locked on Hannah.
Nate had missed her. He barely recognized her. She had the dark locks of their mother and the stubborn streak of their father. What he wouldn’t give to go back, see his family, but back there... back in Clearwater County... where his Emma had died and was buried wasn’t an option.
He blinked tears back and swallowed the lump in his throat. No matter how long he’d been gone, the pain hadn’t diminished.
Wrapping the reins around his fist, he softly clucked to Thunder, his horse, and turned him back to the road. He wasn’t going back now. Hannah was moving on. Alex didn’t need more drama on his plate.
Nate would have to take the presence of his sister as a sign that it was time to leave. He couldn’t even tell her he was sorry. Just one more thing to add to his list of regrets.
***
HANNAH
“What do you think of this one?” Hannah leaned across the island in Zander’s massive kitchen and offered him a taste of a creamy sauce on a wooden spoon. She waited for him to lick the spoon and watched for his expression. Dropping back from tip-toe, she held the spoon aloft. “Well?”
Zander took his time, his expression thoughtful. “I like it, but I think there’s too much...” He looked at her and then guessed, “garlic?” He grinned when she tossed the loose hand towel sitting beside her on the counter at him. “I don’t know. It’s delicious. Don’t change anything.”
“Oh, you.” Hannah sighed, stirring the creamy sauce and adding petite shrimp with a gentle folding motion. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Zander reached across and plucked a piece of baguette bread slice from the basket beside the cutting board. “I should be thanking you. I’m getting fat with all the amazing food you treat me to.”
Hannah turned the stove down and rounded the end of the counter. She waited for him to look at her. “You know what I mean.”
“Do I?” Zander teased her playfully. They’d been dating for three months and he’d been a gentleman from the very beginning.
“Thank you.” She leaned forward and kissed him full on the lips, a blush heating her cheeks. She still wasn’t used to that.
Before she could turn back to dinner, Zander stopped her by grabbing her fingers in his. “Hey,” His voice turned huskier than normal and she turned back to meet his gaze. He reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear. “Can I give you something and not freak you out?”
“Those aren’t the words to start with.” She laughed and nodded. “Sure. Hopefully, it’s that whisk I was hinting about the other day.” She winked at his deadpan expression.
He waited until she sobered and then he pulled out a small box. “This. I’m not going to propose until you graduate from school, but I want to make sure you know that my intentions are forever.”
Hannah’s breath caught and she didn’t open the box. She just stared at it, sitting unassuming in his palm. She blinked back tears and whispered, “What if I don’t want you to wait?”
Disbelief dropped his lips open and he leaned forward. “Wait, what?”
“I’m not saying I want you to propose tonight, but I don’t need you to wait that long.” She leaned forward to kiss him on the lips again, this time without the blush. “I know you’re not going anywhere, Zander. I know I’m safe with you. That’s what my thank you was for. I love you.” She pulled back and studied him. He was hers. She didn’t need anything else. She’d found the man she didn’t know she was searching for.
Lost hearts healed a lot faster when they were found.
***Nate was first and now he’s last as we come full circle with the Montana Trails. He’s dealing with more than just his broken heart. He has to help another wild soul find redemption. Read his heart-breaking story in Untamed Trails. ***
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Copyright © 2017 Bonnie R. Paulson
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