Texas Blue

EPILOGUE



FOUR DAYS LATER, MR. AND MRS. LEWTON PATERSON picked up horses Duncan had sent down from Whispering Mountain. They rode across the countryside alone. They camped under the stars wrapped in each other’s arms and talked for hours about nothing and everything.

Lewt found he knew nothing of loving, but he was always gentle. Each night she came to him willing and ready, and he learned more of her and how to please.

When they’d finished making love, she’d lie next to him and sigh as he moved his hands over her body for a long while, as if he couldn’t get enough of the feel of her. Then he’d hold her hand in his and she’d go to sleep on his chest.

“I love you,” she’d whisper just before she drifted off.

She’d feel his hand move over her one more time, then settle on her hip. “I love you too, darling,” he’d whisper. “Forever.”

A week later, when they finally reached the ranch, everyone around turned out to the party. The two cooks proved to be a wonder. They even made a wedding cake four layers high.

Lewt danced with his bride until they were both exhausted. While he poured her a punch he thought had been spiked, he said, “Everyone is smiling at us.”

“Maybe they’ve never seen me so happy,” she whispered.

“Maybe they don’t know I’m a gambler who stole your heart.”

“Oh, they all know you were a gambler. They also know you risked your life for me and you stood by Duncan when he was in trouble.” She kissed his cheek, and they heard several people laugh. “They don’t care what you were, Lewt, they only care about what you are.”

“And what am I?” he said, thinking that he had no job and no hint of one.

“Don’t you know, Lewt Paterson, you’re a good man.” She smiled. “You’re the man I love.”

He kissed her full on the mouth and didn’t care if folks laughed. “No, darling, I’m the luckiest man alive.”

They danced another dance and talked with people who’d grown up with Emily, but Lewt’s thoughts were on getting her back to the cabin where they were staying and watching her undress before he turned off the light.

When he looked into her beautiful blue eyes, he knew she was thinking the same thing.

He’d gambled with his life and won her heart.