Page 93 of The Hardest Part

You’re likely right.

“Think of how pretty it’s gonna be, sittin’ here, watchin’ the snow fall.”

“And cold.” Drawing her knees to her chest, she hugged herself as if the December winds were already blowing. “Me and winter ain’t friends.”

Emily got a little blue, then, didn’t she?

“This one’ll be different.”And every winter after that. “You’ve got me and Jake to keep you warm.”

“That I do.” She let go of her knees and glanced up at him, shielding her eyes from the afternoon sun. “How come you’re home so early?”

“Missed my wife,” Billy said, getting on the lounger beside her. It was the truth, after all, so he didn’t bother telling her Tanner sent him home with instructions.

“Yeah?”

“Always.” His thumb skimming her cheek, he tasted her lips. “So, what’d you do today?”

“Did some studyin’. Mulched the flowers. They’re all gonna die soon.” She looked out at her white garden and shrugged with a sigh. “Bein’ I got ditched twice.”

Huh?

“First, I was supposed to meet Mama for breakfast. Last minute, she texts me to say she’s sorry, but something came up.” Her hair lifted in the breeze, a piece of it sticking to her lip.

“Maybe somethin’ did.” Gazing into her eyes, Billy freed the strand. He was dying to kiss her again. Half-listening, he dipped his head, brushing his lips along her jaw.

“Like what?”

“Hell, I dunno.”

“She sits in her house playin’ with numbers all damn day.”

Maybe she found somethin’ else to play with. Or someone.

He wasn’t about to say that, though.

“And then, Shiloh? She bailed on me, too.” Emily rolled onto her side and snuggled up against him. “Did you see Archer today?”

“Nope.” Funny, because he usually did. “Why?”

“Just wonderin’.”

“I’m sorry you got ditched.” He pulled her close against him and hiked her leg across his hip. “But then I ain’t ‘cause you’re here, and bein’ I’m home early, I get to love on my beautiful wife some more.”

“Yeah?”

His fingers strummed over her nipples. Billy watched them bead beneath her shirt.

Fuck, yeah.

“Nothin’ else I’d rather do.”

“Right here?” She bit into her lip, a wicked glint in her eyes.

Billy glanced up at the mountain and the cloudless Wyoming sky. A gentle breeze rustled through the pines, tall grasses swaying with the horses in the pasture. Was there a better place to make love to Emily than this magnificent place they were lucky enough to call home?

He kissed her. “Right here, baby.”

“I love you, cowboy.”

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