Page 97 of A Cowboy's Claim

He stared at the glowing coals, her hand warm in his.

“I like this,” he murmured.

“Which part?”

“All of it. The quiet. The fire. The knowledge that everyone’s safe. That tomorrow your parents will show up, and there’ll be chaos and turkey and paperwork.”

Sydney grinned. “My mom has a spreadsheet.”

“She and Jake are going to get along great.”

She laughed then leaned her head on his shoulder. “It’s not only that things finished well. It’s that this feels like a real beginning.”

“I’ve made my claim,” he affirmed and kissed the top of her head. “Come hell or high water.”

She looked up at him, stars in those silvery eyes and a whole lot of love. “Claim accepted. Hey, Deck?”

“Yeah?”

Sydney leaned forward and offered her brightest smile. “I do love you.”

He dipped his head. “Good.”

They were both laughing as they leaned into each other, the fire crackling low, the promise of tomorrow warm between them.

I hope you enjoyed this story for Declan and Sydney. Thanks so much for reading, and if you do have a few minutes to leave a review for others, I’d appreciate it.