Breathless(60)

“How are you, Rhine?” he asked.

“I’m well, David. How was the trip back East?”

“Fine. I just got home a few days ago. Sorry to have missed Blanchard’s funeral. The old man was one of a kind.”

Rhine nodded.

“I just found out that Farley and Buck were killed. Sorry, ladies, don’t mean to disturb you with talk of their deaths.”

No one seemed offended so he continued, “Sheriff O’Hara said you wanted to put together a posse?”

“I did, but he said my race would be a problem.”

“Told me about that.” He shook his head as if he found that asinine. “Farley and Buck were good men. They helped me out last summer when I broke my leg. I never would’ve got my cows to market had it not been for them. I know a lot of folks are scared because of Geronimo and all, but I had O’Hara deputize me anyway. If you’d like the help out, I’d be honored to have you and anyone else you know by my side. Parnell’s probably in Mexico by now but I still want to take a look around.”

“When do you want to start?”

“Let’s wait until the rodeo’s over tomorrow. As I said, Parnell’s probably gone so another day probably won’t matter. We’ll meet up at Blanchard’s place at sunrise. That fine with you?”

Rhine indicated that it was.

“See you then.” He touched his hat to the ladies. As he walked way, his daughter shot Matt a smile that turned him beet red before she hurried after her father.

Rhine looked over at Kent. “I guess we have a posse.”

“Looks like we do.”

“Neal’s a good man.”

Judging by what he’d just witnessed, Kent had to agree.

After dinner, there were poker games, music, and dancing. By the time dusk rolled in, many people were gathering their families and preparing to head home. Eddy and Rhine were among them.

“We’ll see you young people in the morning,” Eddy said. Hand in hand she and Rhine went to retrieve their buggy.

Regan planned to spend the night with the Lanes to help with the next day’s preparations. After saying her good-byes, she strolled off. James offered to see Ruth home, which made her smile. Matt had drifted off after dinner and was on the grounds somewhere enjoying himself, so that left Kent and Portia on their own.

“Did you drive or ride?” he asked.

“Drove the buggy.”

“Are you ready to head back?”

“I am.”

“Lead the way.”





Chapter Fourteen




With Blue tied by his reins to the back of the buggy, Kent drove. At his side, Portia savored the evening and his presence.

“You could sit a mite closer, Miss Carmichael.”

She scooted over until she was cushioned against his side.

“Better.”

Filled with peaceful contentment, she said, “I hope your father is feeling better.”

“Me too. I’m not sure he’s said anything to Rhine and Eddy, but he’s dying.”

She drew back. She now knew the reason for the shadow that crossed his face earlier. In spite of the good time he’d had today, she’d sensed something not quite right beneath the surface. “I was wondering if something was bothering you.”

“Doctors have given him a year—maybe less.”

“Kent, I’m so sorry.”

“So am I.”

They rode through the deepening darkness with the moon overhead. “I wanted him to stand up with me at our wedding.”

She stilled and studied his face. “We’re having a wedding?”

“I hope we are. What do you think?”

She snuggled closer. “I think I’d like that.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” And instead of second-guessing the decision or tensing up and waging an inner debate, her peace and contentment deepened. The choice felt right.

“Hallelujah!” he shouted.

She laughed.

“Do you want something big and fancy?” he asked.

“No, but Eddy might, and if she does, I’ll probably agree because she means the world to me after all she and Rhine have done for me and my sister. I will insist it be as soon as possible though.”

“Good.”

She was glad he didn’t want to wait either. Now that she’d aligned her mind with her heart’s lead, she was impatient to begin their life together and explore all marriage to such a special man had to offer, not the least being endless kisses. She was convinced their marriage bed would be special as well, in spite of the small worries she harbored about the pain her sister had described.

He stopped the buggy.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Just need to take care of something I’ve been wanting to do all day.”

And when he leaned over, she knew what would follow because she’d had the same thoughts all day, too. He traced a slow finger over her bottom lip before pressing his lips to hers fully. A warmth spread along with a rising desire for more. Unlike previous times, he didn’t wait to move his hands over her body, sliding his hands over her breasts to awaken and tease. Still plying her mouth, their tongues dancing sinuously, he cupped her breast before dropping his head to awaken her completely. She moaned. Buttons were undone, and because she’d begun the day thinking she’d be riding Arizona to the rodeo, she was encased in the black silk that he found so arousing. He ran kisses over the tops of her breasts and without his asking, she brazenly moved the fabric aside so he could play as he wished. She was rewarded so magnificently her hips rose in rhythm. She ran her hand over the strong muscles of his neck, glorying in the texture of his skin and hair, all the while easing him closer because she wanted him to have all she could give. She arched, sighed, and moaned in response to his loving and felt the storm only he could set in her blood begin to gather. He returned to her mouth, leaving her breasts damp to the night air while his hands slowly moved down her bared sides to her hips and along the length of her thighs. She’d worn a skirt and his caress singed through the fabric to the flesh beneath. “Open for me, Duchess.”