Page 88 of Rough Ride

“Don’t move like that.”

He ignored her and situated himself, patting the bed next to him. She lowered the lights, slipped off her sandals and joined him in bed. He wrapped his arm around her as she settled her head on his shoulder.

“So, tell me what’s been going on at the ranch.”

And there, with the low hum of the television in the background and the morning sun peeking through the shades, they talked about nothing all that important.

epilogue

Three months later

Their wedding was one of the biggest parties of the year. Eli had expected it would be well attended, but he hadn’t expected almost every ranch hand on the island to show up. Add in his friends from Rough ‘n Ready and it was a bit insane. Still, it was fitting seeing that without the ranch, he would have never met Crysta.

He walked to the door, but paused the moment he heard her talking to her father.

“It’s good to see you so happy,” Ham said.

“Right back at you,” she said. Eli heard the smile in her voice.

Her father chuckled. “I hate that you’re going to be so far away, but then, it’s good for you. This ranch, this land, and that man is good for you.”

“I like to think we’re good for each other.”

Her father nodded. “I’m going to go get another plate. Can’t get enough of that huli huli chicken.”

Ham rose from his seat. After giving his daughter a kiss, Ham glanced up at Eli. He gave him a nod, not that he needed reassurance. Ham had been more than enthusiastic about the wedding and their marriage.

“Make sure you eat too,” Ham said. Then he jogged down the steps to the crowd.

“Get an earful, St. John?”

He chuckled as he stepped out onto the lanai.

“I did, Mrs. St. John.”

She looked up at him. Even in the dim light he could see her eyes dancing. Eli held out his hand and she stood. Her dress was a simple white sheath that hugged her curves. She’d lost the haku lei, a head lei, along the way. Her hair was still up, but a few wavy strands had escaped. Damn, she made him happy.

He pulled her into his arms, her back against his chest as they both watched the party against the setting sun.

“It’s a helluva party,” Crysta said.

“I have to agree with your assessment.”

She sighed. “And perfect weather, perfect day.” She turned to face him, setting her hands on his chest. “Perfect man.”

He shook his head as he set his beer down. “Not perfect.”

“Perfect for me.”

His heart filled with warmth and happiness. He brushed his mouth over hers. “I love you.”

“I love you, too. And I think that maybe we can slip away for a few minutes,” she said as she pulled away, then took him by the hand.

“You think?” he asked as she lead him into the house.

She nodded. “I do. Of course, no play because it would be our luck someone would interrupt us…but I do want my hands on your skin.”

“I’m okay with that,” he said as they made their way to the bedroom. He locked the door behind them, then he grabbed her hand once again, tugging her back into his arms.

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