Page 106 of Mountain Refuge

“You do know how to flatter a girl.” She smiled and nestled into him. “I feel better now that I’m home.”

The crunch of gravel outside alerted him to company. “My guess is that’s Sheriff Westbrook coming to tell us what happened that day.” Ryan only knew what he’d seen for himself. A gunfight and a rescue.

Since Ryan had left the door open to allow the late spring breeze to blow through, the sheriff knocked and entered, removing his hat. He smiled in Taya’s direction. “Nice to see you back.”

“It’s great to be back.” She scooted to sit upright. “News?”

He nodded, his smile fading. “Mason Rogers succumbed to his injuries last night. The men we managed to round up that were still breathing have been taken to await trial.”

“The girls?”

“All safely home with their families.” His serious gaze locked with hers. “You are a remarkable woman, Taya Trapp. If you ever want to work in law enforcement, please consider my department. We’d be lucky to have you.”

“Thank you, but I think I’ll continue saving the innocent.”

“Then you let me know if you ever need my help.” He replaced his hat. “I do hope you’ll stick around. All three of you.” With a nod, he left the way he’d come.

“I’d like that.” She glanced up at Ryan. “To stick around.”

“You would?” He ran his thumb gently over her bruised jaw. “Because I’d like nothing better than for you and Tracy to stay here with me permanently. I made an offer on this cabin, and the owner accepted. Will you marry me for real this time?”

“Yes.” She offered a crooked smile and a wince. “As soon as these bruises fade, and I can take a deep breath without gasping. I want to marry you right outside, standing in the yard at sunset, the dogs around us, Tracy at my side.”

“Sounds perfect.” He lowered his head and gently caressed her split lips. “Waiting until you’re healed sounds good since I plan on kissing you hard and long.”

“Oh, really?” Her eyes blurred with tears.

“Absolutely. And I want your gasping to be something other than pain.”

“Hush. Tracy will hear you.” She laughed, resting her forehead on his chest.

“Please. I know what married people do. Don’t forget what you saved me from.” Tracy set a plate with three peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the table. “We need to go shopping.”

We. That simple two-letter word had never held more meaning than in that moment. “Yes, we do. You and I need some nice dresses.” She leaned back against Ryan, not wanting to be anywhere else but right there.

The End