Page 62 of Rescued Hearts

Never felt more complete.

* * * * *

Gray stood on the porch, leaning against the rail, watching the streaks of the falling evening colors blend with the fadingafternoon rays of sunshine. This had always been one of his favorite times of day, but ever since he returned to the Black Heart, evenings meant hours toiling over those emails.

He thought about the next three names on the list.

Carter, Blake. Petty Officer Second Class.

Carter, Collin. Lieutenant Junior Grade.

Carver, Daniel. Chief Warrant Officer.

The darkening Wyoming sky didn’t have any answers for him about what to write to their families. The smell of pine and the low whinny of a horse somewhere on the ranch couldn’t offer him any help either.

Despite what he had to do later this evening, he felt more at ease than he had in a long time.

And it had everything to do with Honor.

She was here, near him, moving in his world like she belonged here.

He liked her here.

“C’mere.” As she exited the house, he twisted, placing the railing at his back. He wrapped his fingers lightly around her wrist and drew her to stand between his legs.

Her blue eyes sparkled up into his, and a soft smile toyed around her full pout. The breeze fluttered her thick hair, sending it dancing against her cheek, and he reached up to pinch it between his fingers. The silky texture made his gut clench with memories of her mouth on him and being rooted deep in her throat.

Just as he opened his mouth to tell her how much he enjoyed having her here, the crunch of footsteps on the gravel driveway broke into the moment. A familiar voice called out, “Hey, look who’s hanging around the ranch now!”

They turned to see Crew crossing in front of the porch. Gray leaned over the rail and thumbed the brim of his hat in greeting.

“How’s it goin’, Crew?”

“Finishing up some chores.” He twitched his head toward the barn, where a group of guys were emerging through the open door.

They caught sight of Honor, throwing her waves and a few smiles.

She hurried down the porch steps to greet them, and Gray drifted behind, giving her the moment in the spotlight she deserved.

She started talking with the guys about making more art. And she pointed out the bracelets that several of the guys were wearing, teasing them about making a second to coordinate with it next week.

Her face lit up as she spoke to the veterans, and they all responded with an easygoing manner Gray rarely saw from them.

One of the older guys tugged on his grizzled beard and addressed Honor directly. “What day will you be back next week? I’m running an errand with Colt on Wednesday.”

“Then I definitely won’t make the class Wednesday.” Her warmth drew them all in like bees to a bright flower—and Gray was no different, was he?

After a few more minutes of catching up, the guys tipped their hats and headed to the mess hall where they could grab dinner.

Honor looked up at Gray, and he gave her a loaded smile.

“What?” she asked.

“Nothing. Just glad you’re here.”

He picked up where he left off when the guys showed up, drawing her close and searching her gaze. “What do you think about staying on the ranch with me tonight instead of me going to your place?”

Interest arced through her eyes before it dulled. She chewed on her lower lip. “What about Felicity and the…trouble?”

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