Page 31 of Roughing It with the Rancher

“A lot happens that probably shouldn’t late night at the Craps table in rural Nevada. Obviously, you’re betting against the house with the game. But then, the spectators at the tableindulge in private bets about potential outcomes. At some point, vehicle keys ended up in the mix.”

“I know you say this kind of behavior isn’t normal for you, Reese. But as your wife, I won’t put up with it. You were downright reckless last night, and I could never live like that.”

“Angel, I couldn’t agree with you more,” I say, leaning forward and slowing the vehicle as the road grows rougher and bumpier. I haven’t been looking forward to this part of the trip in the old Caddy. “I about gave myself a stomach full of ulcers last night. But I’ll never regret it because how else would we have met and married so quickly?”

“You have a point,” she says, smiling affectionately and raising her hand to stroke my bearded cheek. “But never again. Promise?”

“Promise.”

“The same goes for rifling through dilapidated barns about to crumble around us,” she adds, still palming my cheek. I lean into her hand, turning my head to kiss her soft flesh.

“Oh, come on, Treasure, are you really going to cramp my style like that?”

“Yes, I am,” she proclaims, though her lips still hold their tantalizing smile, warming me from the inside out.

“Good thing I put the top up. It’s chilly out here tonight.”

“Yes, it is. But I bet the top down would afford impressive views of the stars right now,” she says, craning her neck to look out the passenger window.

“Just wait ’til you see where we’re going, Angel. I bet you’ll have clear views of your home from the summit.”

Esmeralda chuckles, “Clear views of Oklahoma? Now I know you’ve lost your mind.”

“No, of heaven,” I flirt, sliding my fingers between hers, savoring every moment of invading her space and feeling her warm flesh on mine. What is it about this woman? Even themost innocent gestures make me feel more alive than I ever have before. She magnifies my senses and emotions, bringing the world to vibrant, startling life.

“Heaven? Alright, it’s official. You have lost your mind,” she snickers, her cheeks glowing.

“No, ma’am, but I have lost my heart to the most beautiful woman to ever walk this planet.”

Her fingers caress and make love to mine. “You silly man,” she cheerfully scolds.

“You better get used to my verbal adoration because it’s not going away anytime soon,” I warn.

“I suppose I could learn to live with it,” she retorts, trying to make her voice sound begrudging and failing miserably.

My mind wanders back, still struck by so many blessings in so little time. “Do you realize that at this time yesterday, youstilldidn’t know I existed?”

She shakes her head. “You’re right, and now all I can think about is your existence and how much you already mean to me.”

Her words turn my insides warm and gooey, like a fresh-baked batch of fudge. I’m not used to this kind of constant tenderness and affection, but I’ll do my darnedest to acclimate to it …and deserve it.

Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” blasts through the radio, and Esmeralda and I both laugh.This matchmaking radio station.

Suddenly, it hits me. “Have you noticed how there are absolutely no ads on this station? Just endless songs?”

She nods. “Endless love songs. It’s as strange as it gets. If I didn’t know better, I’d say the car is attempting to matchmake us.”

“That’s exactly what I was over here thinking.” I chuckle. “I thought only VW Bugs could do that.”

“Oh, Herbie! I haven’t thought about the love bug in forever.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask you. Do you always go by Esmeralda, or do you have any nicknames?”

“Apart from Angel and Treasure?” she teases. “Well, Grandpa calls me Snickers, but I never want to hear that come out of your mouth. It’s something dumb from my childhood.”

“Snickers? Why?”

“Because I used to snicker at all of his jokes, no matter how silly, and I also couldn’t get enough of the candy bar.”

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