Page 130 of Saddled in Secrets
“It’s only possible because of you, my love.” I kiss her passionately, getting lost in her addictive hold on me for several moments.
A throat clears nearby. Frankie is there, not so patiently waiting for us to finish. “Not to barge in, but time is of the essence. I need a place to crash. Your house is about to become the honeymoon suite and I’m not dealing with that.”
“You can stay with us.”
Frankie whirls to face Byron who appeared out of seemingly nowhere. Her eyes narrow. “Do I know you?”
“No, but you’re about to get a thorough introduction.” But first he tips his hat at us. “Congrats on getting hitched. Sorry we’re late. Chance had trouble at the auction barn.” Then his gaze returns to Frankie. “Now, where was I? You’ve been haunting my dreams, darlin’.”
She’s already shaking her head. “Definitely have the wrong—”
“Daddy!” Ronnie is running full speed toward us, but her eyes are fixed on my cousin.
“This is gonna hurt.” Frankie braces for impact.
Byron grunts. “She’s harmless.”
“But I’m not.”
And with that, I take my bride away from their drama. We don’t need it on our wedding day.
“Where to, groomy?” Bianca gazes up at me with so much affection I can feel it pumping in my veins.
I drop my forehead to rest onto hers. “You choose. It’s best when you follow your heart.”
“Let’s get saddled in secrets and ride off into the sunset. That’s how the most unforgettable happily ever afters begin.” She threads her fingers through mine, tugging me toward the house.
I hold my ground. “You’re going the wrong way.”
My wife laughs when I nod toward the barn. “Did you think that I’d actually let you get on a horse in your condition? Straight to bed for you.”
“But—”
Her finger smooshes against my lips to silence my rebuttal. “There are countless interpretations of riding off into the sunset. We’re going to take a more unexpected route until you’re fully healed.”
“Our story definitely follows along with that,” I’m quick to agree.
Bianca twirls in my arms, a carefree giggle escaping her. “Prove it, Stalker.”
One week later…
“Is there anything you can’t do?” My awe swivels between Colton and the golden turkey he’s about to try pulling from the oven. “Other than lift that yourself.”
“I can handle it.” He frowns when I nudge him out of the way.
“Nope, doctor’s orders. I got her in there. That’s how she’s getting out.” I breathe through my mouth while hefting the sizable load onto the cooktop.
“Thanks, Princess.” My husband doesn’t look too pleased with me still babying him. “But don’t give me too much praise yet. We gotta check if she’s moist.”
I gag, slapping a palm over my mouth. “That’s such a gross word.”
He furrows his brows. “But we want our turkey to be moist.”
Spud and our six other dogs woof from the hallway in agreement.
“No, please stop.”
After setting the heavy load onto the cooktop, Colton’s head tilts at me. “How about juicy?”
