Page 103 of High Value Target

She studied him. “You were a surprise, Grady. A good one, but one I never expected. You’re the best man I’ve ever known. I’m not sure I’m worthy of you.”

“Damn, girl. The things you say. C’mere.” He ambled toward her, and she backed up until she was pressed to the stall slats. He didn’t stop until his mouth settled over hers. He cupped her cheeks and dragged her flush against his hard body.

God, it felt good in his arms. It felt like it was where she belonged, where she’d always belonged. They kissed for a long time.

Finally, he broke apart and dragged in a lungful of air. “We’re building something here, girl. Not talking just about this. Talking about us and the life we’re starting. Gonna make sure the foundation is solid and the walls are strong. What we’re building is gonna last a lifetime.”

“Definitely. I’ve never been happier, Grady.”

“Good. Plan to keep you that way.”

“Oh. Speaking of building, there’s one other thing I’d like.”

He stroked a finger down her nose. “Anything, babe.”

“That house you’re building on the plateau?”

“Yeah?”

“I want our bedroom to face the river with our own private balcony.”

He chuckled. “Sure. Anything else?”

“Five bedrooms.”

He lifted a brow. “Five?”

“You want kids, don’t you?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He hoisted her up, and her legs went around his waist. “Let’s get started right now.”

She wrapped her hands around the back of his neck. “I love when you take control.”

“Get used to it.”

Grady walked her into a vacant stall filled with piles of hay and dropped her into it, following her down. She was the love of his life, and it felt like he’d waited forever for her. Now that she was finally his, he knew he’d never take her for granted. He’d almost lost her to a madman, and he knew how fragile life could be. He’d thank the Lord for every day with her he was given. He gently brushed her hair back from her face. She was laughing, the light in her eyes beautiful. He planned to keep her that way. “You happy, angel?”

“So happy, baby.”

“I love you, Tinsley Wyatt.

“I love you, too, Grady Steele.”

He dipped his head and kissed her. When he pulled back, he grinned. “You look good in the hay.”

She threw a handful at him and rolled until she was on top. He let her have her way. He’d always let her have her way.

“You look good in the hay, too, cowboy.”

He chuckled. He’d be her cowboy. He’d be her everything.

EPILOGUE

Tinsley stepped onto the patio of their newly built home, the train of her wedding dress dragging behind her. Her cowgirl boots clicked and her messy ponytail bounced as she walked.

It had been a beautiful wedding. They’d set up a tent right beside the stables. Twinkly lights hung from above like cascading rain drops, and wildflowers covered the tables. The wedding took place only a few feet away from the tent, where chairs were set up and a twisted branch arch stood as the altar, with the scenic view giving a gorgeous backdrop.

That had been two weeks ago now. They’d honeymooned in Europe, stopping one night in Tinsley’s beloved Paris, then going on to Rome, Venice, Lake Cuomo, and finally ending at the Amalfi Coast.

---