“I was so embarrassed,” Tricia told Lance as they walked to the pavilion hand in hand.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I wish I could’ve gotten there sooner.”

“No, that’s not it.” She hung her head, watching her shoes make impressions in the deep grass. “They brought your name up and they pitied you, because of me.”

Lance couldn’t stand it. He stopped Tricia in her tracks and hugged her to his body. “I pity them for having so little sense.” Giving her a kiss, he shook his head. “Now, stop worrying about it. Tonight is our wedding rehearsal and BBQ. Let’s have a good time.”

“You’re right.” Tricia resolved to set aside her upset. “Look at everything!” she exclaimed as they drew close enough to see all the decorations. “How beautiful!”

“Smells good too, Joseph sure knows how to cook a brisket.”

“Tricia! Lance!” Skye called, coming toward them with Blue Dawn on her shoulder. “Come get something to drink. Everyone’s gathering in.”

“How’s my sweet niece?” Lance asked as he took the baby from her.

“She’s good.” Skye smiled, then did a little hop in place. “The Hughes family dropped their custody suit!”

“Excellent!” Tricia clapped her hands. “I’m so glad!”

“Are we going to eat first or practice first?” Lance asked, looking around for Avery’s father. “Is the preacher here?”

“I’m sure the pastor would rather get the rehearsal over, that way he can leave when he gets ready.” Skye pointed to the gazebo. “Isaac is telling Bro. Sinclair about his newest project, a Charity Ride and Poker Run to benefit the homeless.”

“He talked to me about helping him set up the poker games.” Lance chuckled, watching the pastor’s face as Isaac spoke animatedly to him. “The reverend doesn’t look too excited about the prospect. I’m guessing he doesn’t approve of motorcycles or poker.”

“Well, considering Isaac and Avery’s other interests, I’m sure he can appreciate the lesser of the evils. In his mind, anyway.” Skye took Blue Dawn from Lance’s arms. “You two go on up and see everyone.” She sniffed the air. “I think someone needs a diaper change.”

“Well…I wasn’t going to say anything.” Lance snorted. As soon as Skye was gone, he nudged Tricia. “Did you know what Skye meant about Isaac and Avery’s other interests?”

She blushed. “Yes, Avery’s writing and his…dominating personality.”

“Yea!” Lance laughed. “Do you think you’d ever be…interested?”

“I think I could be persuaded.” She gave him a saucy little wink.

“Lance!” Jacob called. “Head over here and let me show you where we’re going to stand.”

“The best man calleth.” Lance kissed Tricia on the cheek. “I’ll be back in a minute or two, we’ll probably start the rehearsal soon.” Hurrying off, he patted the rings in his pocket. Tricia hadn’t seen them yet, he was planning on surprising her with the engagement ring tonight.

“Sure thing, baby,” Tricia answered, spotting Kristen and Nathan approaching. “You two look happy about something, what’s up?”

“Nathan asked me to the prom!” Kristen hugged Nathan, then ran to hug Tricia. “We’ve been nominated in the King and Queen contest!”

“Wow, congratulations! We’ll make you a beautiful corsage!” Tricia beamed. “I didn’t go to my prom, so I’ll just enjoy yours with you.”

“You didn’t go to your prom?” Nathan looked concerned.

“No.” Tricia waved her hand dismissively. “I didn’t get asked, it doesn’t matter now.”

“I would’ve asked you, Miss Tricia,” Nathan assured with full confidence.

Tricia’s heart swelled. “Thank you, Nathan.” She winked at Kristen. “You’re a lucky girl.”

Kristen blushed. “I know.”

One after the other, Tricia welcomed their family and friends. Some brought gifts and Avery collected them all for Tricia and Lance to open later. When time came for the rehearsal itself, Tricia sat it out, watching from the sidelines. As tradition dictated, someone else took her place as the bride. Isaac, who was giving the bride away, escorted Presley Saucier down the aisle.

“Presley! Look at that line-up closely, you’ll probably be representing some of them in court soon!” Aron called out as Presley stood with his brothers and Lance. When Tricia looked at him quizzically, he chuckled and whispered, “She’s taking over as our lead council, Zane just accepted an appointment as the district judge of Kerr County.”

“How wonderful, Zane will make a fine judge,” Tricia said, knowing how invaluable the couple had been to the family. “I’m sure Presley will do a great job for you.”

“Oh, sure, she’s been a powerhouse this entire time. We’re in good hands.” Aron patted the seat next to him for Libby to come sit, when Desiree Holt Barron took the stage to sing Keeper of the Stars. As she performed, Lance held Tricia’s gaze, mouthing the words I love you when the last note sounded.

The rehearsal went well, Pastor Sinclair just wanted to make sure everyone knew their place and when to enter. Tricia and Lance had written their own vows, so they just skipped over that part until the actual ceremony. Cady made sure the little ones had their roles down, with Angel sprinkling rose petals and B.T. carrying a velvet pillow for the rings. Once they were down the aisle, she came to sit with Tricia.

“Angel asked me if she could throw jelly beans instead of rose petals.”

“I’m sure the ants would love that.” Tricia giggled, her eyes on Lance as he rehearsed lighting the unity candle with Presley.

“She also asked me if she could play with Serenity when she gets big enough.”

“Who?” Tricia glanced at Cady questioningly, only to find her smiling mysteriously. “I don’t know of a child in the family named Serenity.”

“Well…she hasn’t been born yet.” At Tricia’s wide-eyed stare, Cady laughed. “I told you there’d be a calm after the storm. A serene, blissful calm.”

Tricia was still in shock, thinking about her future baby girl, when Jessie tapped her on the shoulder. “Your grandmother’s here, Tricia.”

“Oh, great!” She rose and met Lance’s eyes as the rehearsal wound down. “I’ll be back,” she told him. “Save me a seat at the table.”

Tricia found Marcelle standing aloof of the crowd, hands folded in front of her, as if she doubted her welcome. “Grandmother! I’m so glad you could come. You’re just in time to eat!”

“I almost didn’t make it, but I found my second wind this afternoon and pulled myself together. Here.” She handed Tricia a package. “There is something in there for both you and Lance. I wish you years of happiness.”

“Thank you, Grandmother!” Tricia held the flat packet to her chest as she hugged Marcelle Lambert. “Whatever it is, I’m sure we’ll love it.”

She escorted the frail woman to a seat next to Aron’s Uncle Christian and his new wife, Olivia. “I’ll fix you a plate, you rest here.” Tricia took a moment to speak to the other guests. She’d only met the elder McCoys a couple of times.

From across the room, Lance zeroed in on Marcelle Lambert. He wasn’t happy about her presence, but he could deal with it for Tricia.

“Hey, Lance, where are you taking Tricia on your honeymoon?”

Lance held out his hand to Kane Saucier. “I’m glad you could make it, Sheriff. Actually, I rented a houseboat on Lake Travis for a week. We plan on drifting with the breeze and catching some rays.”

“Sounds heavenly. I wanted to tell you that I heard about Tricia’s problem at the Grillhouse and I wanted you to know I had a meeting with my deputies and we’re going to do a better job of looking out for her. If you’ll let everyone know at her work and all the places she frequents that they can call on us if she needs anything.”

Lance was touched. “Thanks. I want to always be there when she needs me, but knowing she can call on you is a relief. With seizures like Tricia’s, going to the hospital every time doesn’t make sense. What she needs is someone to keep her safe until she recovers enough to carry on.”

“My thoughts exactly,” the sherriff agreed, stepping back to make room for Aron and Libby.

“Lance, we’re about to start the toasts,” Libby informed him. “If you two would take your seats, we’ve got a few surprises for you.”

“Will do.” Lance made his way to the main table to sit by his bride. “This is quite a shindig, isn’t it?”

“It is.” She took his hand. “Although, I haven’t been privileged to spend much time with you.”

“I’ll make it up to you on the dance floor,” he promised with a kiss to her cheek. “What’s that?” He pointed to a flat package in her hand.

“Oh, this is our wedding present from Grandmother.”

“Really? What is it?” Lance felt a niggle of unease.

Trisha smiled. “I don’t know. You want to see?” Without waiting for him to answer, she ripped into the package and her mouth fell open. “Lance, look!”

Lance took the papers from her hand.

One was a notification from the bank that a trust had been set up in Tricia’s name and the other was a Deed of Gift conveying ownership of Shenandoah Ranch into Lance’s name.  

 

* * *

 “What do you think you’re doing, Marcelle?” Lance said the words softy behind his glass of sweet tea. “I thought I told you that I wanted nothing more to do with Shenandoah. I’m starting my life anew with your granddaughter, I don’t want the past to throw a cloud over our future.”

“I’m doing the right thing. Don’t deprive an old lady of her redemption.”

“We’ve had this conversation before and my opinion on the matter hasn’t changed.”

Their exchange was cut short by the appearance of the one person they had in common.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Tricia embraced her grandmother. “You are so wonderful and generous. You know I never wanted or needed anything from you. Only your love.”

“You’re very welcome.” Marcelle seemed uncomfortable with Tricia’s gratitude.

“What were you two talking about?” Just seeing her future husband and her grandmother conversing was a miracle, albeit a miracle that made her extremely nervous. “Were you plotting against me?”

“Never.” Lance greeted her with a kiss. “I was just telling Marcelle thank you and goodnight. Are you about ready to go?” He looked around at the dwindling crowd. “I think everything’s winding down.”

“Yes. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.” She placed a hand on Marcelle Lambert’s shoulder. “Do you think you’re up to making the trip back tomorrow? I’d be glad to put you up in a hotel for the night.”

“Olivia McCoy was gracious enough to ask me to spend the night with them. They’re waiting for me.” She gestured toward the McCoy’s uncle who was saying goodnight to his nephews and their wives.

“Wonderful.” Tricia kissed the frail old woman’s cheek. “Well, we’ll see you tomorrow, then.” Casting a quick look at Lance, she wiped a tear from her eye. “And thank you so much for your wedding gifts. I am so grateful to you for doing what’s right.” This was her first mention of the bone of contention between her future husband and her grandmother. Her short speech was met by an awkward silence. “Well…I guess I’m ready to go.”

Marcelle gave her a short hug and Lance placed a protective arm around Trisha’s shoulder. “Until tomorrow.” He raised a hand of farewell to everyone left cleaning up. “Thanks, all. We’ll see you at the wedding!”

The short walk back to the foreman’s cabin felt a little odd to Tricia. “Did you have a good time tonight?”

“I did. How about you?”

“Yes, everything was beautiful. I can’t wait until tomorrow.” She laid her head on his shoulder as they walked. “Thank you for marrying me.”

Lance laid his cheek on her hair. “Don’t thank me, I definitely got the better end of this deal.”

“That’s debatable. I got you in the bargain.” Taking a deep breath, she just plunged in, needing to broach the subject of their most surprising gifts. “I can’t believe Grandmother was so generous to me, I didn’t expect such a gesture.” She placed a hand on his forearm, ensuring that he met her gaze. “But what she gave you, wasn’t really a gift, Lance. She owed you and your family and I’m glad she’s making this right.” Tricia studied his face. He looked odd. “Aren’t you happy about it?”

Lance weighed his words. “Of course.” He cleared his throat. “I’m just having a hard time processing it, that’s all.”

“Will we live there?” she asked as they climbed the steps to the cabin.

The idea swamped Lance. “I don’t know. I have no idea what kind of shape the place is in.” He dropped his arm to unlock the door. “I…don’t really know what the future will hold, to tell you the truth.”

“Can we go see it?”

He shrugged. “Sure. Maybe.”

“Maybe we can go up there during our honeymoon?”

Lance held the door open for Tricia. “Now, that’s a subject I’d rather concentrate on. Our honeymoon.” He grinned and patted her on the rear as she walked past him.

“Yea, one more night to sleep alone.” Tricia framed his face and kissed him hard. “And then…you’re all mine.”

Lance kissed her back, almost losing himself in the moment. Her lips were so sweet and her body felt so good in his arms. When she would’ve pulled away, he didn’t let her go. “Wait. I want to give you something.”

“What?”

He led her to the couch and pulled the diamond ring from his pocket. “I want to make sure you show up for the ceremony tomorrow. Give me your hand.”

Tricia gasped. “Oh, it’s beautiful!” she exclaimed, staring at the gorgeous ring, then his beloved face. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Tricia.” He drew her into his warm embrace. “No matter what happens, don’t ever forget how much I love you.”

 

* * *

Tricia and Lance’s wedding day dawned bright and beautiful. Avery surprised her with breakfast in bed and informed her that Isaac had escorted Lance off the premises so there’d be no chance of him seeing her before the wedding.

“I’m so nervous.” Tricia shivered, worrying about a myriad of things. “What if it rains?”

Avery looked out the window. “Not a chance, there’s not a cloud in the sky.”

“What if I have a seizure during the ceremony?”

Avery frowned. “Stop it. You’re going to be as cool as a cucumber.” She sat on the bed next to her friend. “And if you do, we’ll just wait for you to finish your hissy fit before we pick up where we left off.”

Tricia hit Avery with a pillow. “Hissy fit.” She laughed. “I love you. Did you know that?”

Avery put an arm around her. “I know, I’m the best thing that ever happened to you.”

Tricia giggled. “Well…almost. You’re in second place, after Lance.”

“As it should be.” Avery sighed. “Eat up.” She pointed to the eggs and toast on Tricia’s plate. “We’ve got an appointment at the beauty salon and the spa for a manicure and a pedicure, my treat.”

“Oh, my goodness!” Tricia began eating. “Thank you, you’re a good maid of honor.”

“I am,” Avery agreed.

…Lance was beside himself. Pacing. Sweating. Anxious to get married, yet nervous as a cat.

“If you don’t settle down, Rogers, you’re going to wear a hole in my floor.”

Hardbodies wasn’t open, so Lance and Isaac had the place to themselves.

“What time is it?”

Isaac glanced at the clock. “Five minutes later than the last time you asked me, moron. What are you so nervous about? Don’t you want to marry Tricia?”

Lance growled, “Of course, I do.” He didn’t have any doubts about Tricia or his love for her. “It’s just…”

“Just what?”

“This thing with her grandmother and our past. I’m still having a hard time with it.”

Isaac nodded. “Yea, I guess I can see that.” He poured Lance another cup of coffee. “You’re going to just have to let that go, bud. Tricia is the innocent in all this.”

Lance took a big swig of coffee, then sat on the stool and leaned on the counter, watching Isaac mix up a batch of margarita mix. “Marcelle deeded Shenandoah to me as a wedding present.”

“She what?” He dropped the near empty tequila bottle on the floor where it bounced a couple of times, then cracked in two. “Dammit!”

“Sorry.” Lance jumped up to get the broom and dustpan. “Yea, I’m the brand-new owner of my once proud legacy.”

Isaac picked up the glass. “Well, that’s fuckin’ great news.” He frowned. “Except for us at Tebow. You should be ecstatic.”

Lance dumped the bits of glass into a waste bin. “You’d think so, wouldn’t you?” He settled back on a stool. “The topic has been such a sore spot for me for so long, I’m just having trouble dealing with it.”

“Well, I suggest you get with the program, groom.” Isaac tossed him a key. “Happy matrimony, from me to you.”

Lance caught the key. “What’s this?”

“The keys to the kingdom, my friend.” He laid down a dishrag that he’d used to wipe up the residual tequila mix. “Follow me to the dungeon and I’ll show you around. You and Trisha can use it anytime you’d like.”

“Hot damn, now you’re talking.” Lance smiled, putting aside his worries for something much more intriguing. “Where do I make reservations?”

…Avery handed Tricia a big bag of goodies. “Here, take this. There’s lotions and potions aplenty inside. Are you sure you don’t mind riding back to the ranch with Freddy?”

“No, you take your meeting with Micah. The idea of you two having a Kindle World together is just too intriguing. I want to know all the details.”

“All right.” Avery pushed a strand of hair from Tricia’s face. “I’ll be there in plenty of time to help with your veil and get your dress buttoned up properly.”

“Thank you and thank you for the spa treatment. This was such a treat.”

“Nothing’s too good for my best girl,” Avery said as Freddy pulled up next to the curb.

Tricia waved to her one last time, then climbed in next to her faithful friend. “Hey, how’s it going?”

“Great.” Freddy put on his blinker and checked the mirrors. “Did you know Uber is going to have flying cars in a couple of years?”

“Wow, I’m in. Let me know when you get your pilot’s license.” She fastened her seat belt. “How’s the article coming?”

“Good. I think you’ll be pleased. I wanted to ask you if you wanted to be identified by name in the article.” He glanced over at her. “You know, as a person with epilepsy, not just the co-author of the piece.”

“Oh, I’m not a co-author,” Tricia protested. “You’re doing all the writing.” She took a moment to think. “Yes, use my name. I’m tired of worrying about what people think.”

“Good.” Freddy glanced at her with sympathy. “I have to say, I didn’t really understand what you went through, until I saw it for myself the other day.”

“Yea, pretty gross, huh.” Tricia sighed and peered in the bag of body lotions and shower gels that Avery had given her.

“No, that’s not what I meant,” Freddy clarified. “The seizure was not gross. I was worried about you, but it wasn’t as dramatic as I expected. What was disgusting, was the way some people reacted to you. They made me want to apologize for the whole human race.”

Shrugging, Tricia gave him a slight smile. “Well, people can be cruel. I have to say that it didn’t bother me so much this time.”

“Why?”

She put her hand on his arm. “Because I have friends now. You were there. Pawnee was there. Avery stands by me. Bryn. Kristen. The McCoys.” A small laugh burst from her lips. “Lance! I have Lance! He sees me, he knows me, and he loves me anyway!”

“What’s not to love?” Freddy gave her a wistful glance, then let the look vanish quickly from his face. “I’m proud to be your friend and I think this article is going to do a world of good.”

 

* * *

 “All right, pardner, it’s almost time.” Noah clapped Lance on the arm. “Your bride awaits.”

Lance adjusted his hat on his head. “How do I look?”

“Stunning,” Jacob informed him. “Let me straighten your boutonniere.” He reached over to adjust the rosebud attached to Lance’s jacket.

“Do you have the rings?”

“I do.” Jacob nodded.

Denver walked up to join them. “Hey, am I late? You two already saying I do to one another?”

Lance shook his head and Jacob tossed another boutonniere box toward Denver. “Flower up, cowboy. We’ve got to get this man to the church on time.” At Lance’s panicked expression, Jacob laughed. “Church. Pavilion. Same difference. We haven’t moved the ceremony or lost the bride or anything.”

“You are clearly having too good of a time, Boss.” Lance leaned against the wall, trying to get his heart to beat in a steady rhythm.

“I know it.” Jacob followed Noah to the door. “I just love weddings.”

“You’re such a big girl.” Noah shook his head, handing his big brother the keys. “You drive the SUV and I’ll ride the horse down and tie him behind the pavilion.”

“Thanks.” Lance acknowledged all his friends. “I don’t know if Tricia will enjoy riding off into the sunset with me, but she told Avery…” His voice trailed off.

“Are you kidding?” Denver exclaimed. “Women eat stuff like this up. She’ll love it! I called into the radio and had a song dedicated to Bryn and I thought she’d never stop crying.”

“Bad song, huh?” Noah quipped.

“No, it was a good song. She loved it. I’ve heard her playing the same song over and over again.”

“What was the name of the song?” Jacob asked.

“Broken Halos.”

Lance almost choked. “Uh, Denver, you do know that Bryn used to be a nun, don’t you?”

Denver froze. “A nun? Like a Nun nun? No!”

Jacob and Noah started laughing. “I think we may need to take him to confession.”

“Well, he can start with Pastor Sinclair.” Lance glanced at his watch. “Let’s go. I don’t want to keep Tricia waiting.”

…As the music swelled, Isaac held out his arm. “Ready, pretty lady?”

Tricia shivered. “I’m past ready.” She gave him a faint grimace of nerves. “If I start seizing going down the aisle, pick me up and exit stage left.”

Isaac laughed. “You’re going to be fine. Besides, if I tried to cart you off, Lance would be after me in a shot.”

“Not to mention Avery.” Tricia laughed with him. “Well, okay. Here we go.”

As they stepped out from behind a screen, the congregation stood and began to clap. The unexpected reaction brought tears to Tricia’s eyes. As they moved slowly down the aisle, her gaze fell on so many precious people. Pawnee. Jaya and Nolan. Presley and Zane. Kane and Lilibet. Tanner and Desiree. Cassie and Bowie Travis. Micah and Madison. Libby and Aron. Canyon Brady. Rogue and Kit Walker. Beau and Harley LeBlanc. Savannah and Patrick O’Rourke. Lucas and Dandi Wagner. Bryn Harmon. Heath and Cato McCoy. Christian and Olivia McCoy. Her grandmother.

Faces began to blur until she found the only face that truly mattered.

Lance.

He looked like every wish and dream she’d ever had all rolled into one. Dashing. Handsome. Sexy. Happy. His smile made her feel warm and welcomed. His smile made her feel loved.

“Hey, slow down, Tricia.” Isaac held on to her arm. “Are you trying to be a runaway bride?”

“No. I’m trying to run to him.”

Lance heard her, opened his arms and Tricia broke away from a laughing Isaac to launch herself in his arms. Bro. Sinclair appeared to be a bit alarmed. “Here, here, let’s get on with it. Shall we?”

“Sorry,” Tricia whispered, blushing at her own impatience.

“Your excitement bodes well for the honeymoon, love.” Lance counted his blessings as he beheld his bride.

“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together in the presence of God and these witnesses to unite Patricia Abigail Yeager and Lance Easton Rogers in holy matrimony.”

“Abigail?” Lance whispered.

“Easton?” Tricia whispered.

“I guess we still have a lot to learn about each other,” Lance said as he took her hand as instructed by the Pastor.

As Desiree sang her song, Tricia drowned in his eyes and let her spirit soar, imagining the joys that awaited them. Tonight, they would sleep in one another’s arms. Their days would be filled with laughter and love. Once more, Lance would walk on Shenandoah, on land he could call his own. And if life gave them Serenity, they would love her with all their hearts.

Lance was equally lost in dreams. Gone were the days when he’d go home to an empty house. Gone were the nights when his bed would be empty. His future lay in front of him and for the first time in years, he had hope. Wrongs were being righted. Darkness was becoming light. And he owed it all to the treasure in his arms. “I, Lance, take you, Tricia, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To honor. To cherish. To have and to hold. In sickness and in health. For richer, for poorer. I will walk by your side. I will hold you close and love you, all the days of my life.”

“I, Tricia, take you, Lance, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To honor. To cherish. To have and to hold. In sickness and in health. For richer, for poorer. I will cling to you. I will lift you up. I will put you first in my life and love you, all my days.”

“You may kiss your bride.”

Lance didn’t rush, he memorized the moment, committing each beautiful feature to memory. The brush of her breath on his face. The shimmer of happy tears in her eyes. The way the light played on her golden hair. Slowly, he lowered his face until their lips just touched. “I’ve never in my life loved anyone so much.”

Tricia went on tiptoe to layer her lips to his and he kissed her as if he’d die trying to get enough. Time slowed to a standstill until they became aware of more applause. Of music playing. Of the preacher pronouncing them man and wife. “It is with pleasure that I introduce you to Lance and Tricia Rogers.”

From that moment on, the evening moved at a different pace. They danced. They shared cake. They received congratulations and well wishes. Tricia accepted hugs and Lance shook hands, their friends rallying around them to help celebrate the best moment of their lives.

The only dark cloud on the horizon for Tricia was when she saw her new husband and her grandmother exchanging words. She’d been surrounded by girlfriends while throwing her bouquet. After Bryn caught the roses, then threw them back in the air trying to escape the flying flowers, everyone scrambled to catch the bouquet again and corral Bryn before she ran off. Tricia was laughing, enjoying herself, until her eyes fell on Lance and Marcelle. They both looked so intense, angry even. When she asked them about it later, separately of course, they denied their discussion was of any import.

Choosing to not let the incident color her happy day, Tricia put it out of her mind. By the time the evening was over, she’d all but forgotten about it.

“Ready, Mrs. Rogers?” Lance held her hand as they made a run for the horse in a shower of birdseed.

“Oh, yes, I’m ready to begin my future with you.” He mounted the horse, then brought her up to him and together they rode toward the setting sun. “This is so romantic.” Tricia melted into his arms. “How did you know I’ve always dreamed of doing this?”

“You’ve mentioned two or three things to Avery over the years.”

“Oh, no.” She laughed. “Don’t listen to everything she says. You’ll be wearing a Zorro cape to bed.”

“Zorro? I could handle that, I think.” When they rode as far as the stable, he helped her down. “We’ll have to go the rest of the way in my truck.”

“That’s okay, Lance. As long as I’m with you, I’m happy.”

They sat close in Lance’s old truck, equipped with a full bench seat. “You know, I never appreciated this old truck until I realized you and I could sit side by side,” he told her as they pulled out beneath the Tebow sign and headed north to Lake Travis. “You’re going to love this houseboat. We can go for a swim by diving off our bedroom balcony.”

“Sounds wonderful,” Tricia admitted. “Although, I’m more interested in things we might do in the bedroom.”

“Damn.” Lance pressed his foot down harder on the gas. “I would pick a place to go that would take an hour or more to get to. I should have rented a room at the Holiday Inn down the road.”

Tricia laughed, rubbing her hand down his thigh. “We’ll make it. I’ll just pass the time looking at you. You’re beautiful, you know.”

“You say that to me pretty often,” Lance mumbled. “But I sure don’t see it.”

“I wish you could see yourself through my eyes.” It was true, he was tall and good-looking, but it wasn’t just his face and body that attracted her. It was his attitude, his mannerisms. He was all man, a man of the cowboy persuasion. He moved with sureness and determination, as if he was master of all he surveyed. “I’m not just attracted to you, I’m aroused by you.” She could feel that excitement pool right between her thighs.

One tire of Lance’s truck ran off the pavement. “Dammit, you’re going to make me wreck.”

Tricia laughed. “I’ll be good. I just want you to know that I’m happy and being here with you like this is the most wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“Just hold my hand.” He laced his fingers with hers. “I’ll get us to our perfect honeymoon as fast as I can.”

…“Son-of-a-fucking-bitch,” he breathed the words reverently as he saw his bride in her sexy wedding night lingerie. “Now, this is what a honeymoon is supposed to be like.”

The houseboat rocked softly, moored next to a tall limestone cliff. The blue waters of Lake Travis lapped at the sides of the wooden vessel.

Lance surveyed the beautiful woman in front of him, her perfect body playing a seductive game of peek-a-boo behind a filmy, blue lace gown. His swollen, engorged hard-on was demanding that he get this show on the road, but he was still in charge. Barely.

“It’s been hard to wait,” she said softly. “I’ve missed being with you.”

“Tonight, we break our fast.” He heard her breath catch in her throat, little pants that caused her breasts to move up and down. “Tonight, we feast.” Lance smiled to see the color of her cheeks rise, from magnolia cream to rosy pink. Her lips parted as she took in air, her small pink tongue darting out to wet her lips. “Goddamn, baby,” he growled as he processed the perfect truth that she was as hot for him as he was for her. “I love the way you respond to me. You can’t even hide it. Can you? I can see the flutter of your heart beating from here.”

“Should I try to hide it?” Tricia asked, needing reassurance. “Don’t you want me?”

“Do you doubt it?” He reached out with one hand, grabbing her arm and tugging her to him. “You arouse me by simply walking into the room. I don’t even have to touch you to grow hard and heavy with need.”

In the next heartbeat, Lance crushed his mouth down on hers, roughly, without an ounce of control. This was no time for seduction. This was the time to give them both what they craved. Tricia opened her lips and he thrust his tongue hungrily into her mouth, kissing her feverishly.

With her body pressed to his, he swung her around until her back was against the wall. She lifted one leg to hook behind his calf and he caressed the long graceful line from knee to thigh. Lance’s whole body throbbed with excitement, every molecule of his skin was wide awake and begging for contact with hers.

Tricia thought his heat would incinerate her. She wanted him so much, she couldn’t contain the need. Her body began to move helplessly against his as she accommodated his every demand, opening to him, kissing him back with complete abandon.

Lance reveled in the way she devoured his mouth, as if she couldn’t live another moment without his hands on her body. His flexed his hips and slammed against her, grinding her into the wall. She flamed in his arms, making the sexiest noises he could imagine.

Keeping her pinned in place, he brought a hand up to cup one of her breasts through the sheer lace. “This is pretty, but it’s got to go.” He dropped his hand to lift the gown, his fingers trailing up skin so silky smooth, he could feel his cum rising in his balls. “Pull it off,” he directed and she did so, flinging the garment over her head.

“Praise be.” He bit out the words as her breasts were revealed, round and high and firm. Pretty breasts so soft and warm, he couldn’t keep from touching. “I love your tits.”

A soft giggle escaped from Tricia’s lips. “I love the dirty talk.”

Tweaking her nipples, he groaned when they pebbled. “I live to please, doll,” Lance murmured as he claimed her mouth. His hand cupped her breast, kneading the softness, adoring her exquisite femininity. “You are so fucking fine.”

Tricia strained, arching up to revel in his touch. She burned for him. She ached for his body. When he lowered his head to brush his lips over the tip of her breast, she whimpered, her bones turning to jelly. And when he opened his mouth and covered the nipple completely, she moaned at the lush feel of him sucking and licking. She arched even closer as his mouth fed on her softness, biting at the tender flesh, tasting her on his tongue.

“Undress for me, please.” She began tugging the material of his shirt from his pants, tearing open the buttons. “Sorry,” she whispered when he laughed at her impatience. “I want to feel your chest against my breasts when you hold me tight.”

“Done.” He stripped off his shirt and picked her up, moving her body from side to side as he walked to the stateroom on the main deck. Every step allowed her nipples to graze his skin. “I’m on fire for you, Tricia.”

Lying her on the bed, he stood back and ripped off his clothes. He didn’t care if they stayed in one piece or not. “You are so sweet to look at.” Lance climbed on the bed and mounted her, coaxing her legs wide, settling himself between them. She was small, delicate, and golden – and all his. Tricia was everything he’d ever dreamed of in a woman.

She lifted her hips in supplication. “Take me, please.”

“Soon.” Lance moved down her body, on a quest to make her scream. Sliding his arms under her legs, he spread her open and bent his head. Tricia went wild, bucking her hips as he swiped her with his tongue. Holding her down, he ate at her, licking and kissing, teasing her clit and pushing a finger up inside of her.

“Lance!” she keened, her fingernails grasping at his hair, her body writhing beneath his attention. “Now! Please!”

“Yes, ma’am.” He rose and covered her, pushing her thighs apart to make room for his big body. His erection sought its proper place like a heat-seeking missile. “Ready?”

“Frantic. Desperate. Edging toward violent.”

Lance chuckled, positioning the head of his cock at the soft opening of her body. “Patience, sweet cheeks.”

“Yes!” Tricia welcomed the pressure as he began pushing into her. He was big. She was small. He was hard. She was soft. He was male. She was female. Long live the difference.

“Christ!” he bellowed as he sank deep. His breath was coming in fierce pants and Tricia relished his excitement as much as her own. “Gotta move.”

Bracing himself, Lance moved in and out of her with steady strong thrusts. Tricia basked in the ecstasy. She was so full, so possessed, so joined with him, that she couldn’t contain a moan of pure joy.

His reaction to her cry was a nip on the neck. Tricia shivered as he pummeled her. Long luscious strokes that stole her sanity. A shower of stars cascaded behind her eyes as he pounded and pounded, his sac slapping against her bottom. She held onto him, lifting her hips to meet his, her heart stalling with every surge of his body.

He continued to take her – pushing in – pulling out – to and fro – again and again, every stroke sending her closer and closer to heaven. She couldn’t stop. She couldn’t hold back. “Lance, come with me,” she pleaded.

Her wish. His command. Lance thrust hard one last time and tensed, his teeth clenched, the cords in his neck standing out prominently. Together they crested the wave and she clung to him like she’d never let him go.

“I love you, Lance. I love you so much.”

He rolled to his back, bringing her with him. “I put the honey in honeymoon, didn’t I?”

“Stop.” She slapped him playfully on the chest. “This is a sacred moment.”

“Maybe. It’s also a fun moment.” He rose from the bed, taking her with him.

“Where are you going?”

“Swimming.” He threw open the French doors and led her out on the deck.

“I don’t have a suit!”

“You don’t need one. Let’s swim naked.”

The moon was high in the sky and she could see him well enough to lust after his fine form as he dove over the side. “All right. All right.” She climbed up on the side and made ready to jump. “Catch me!” she cried.

“Every single time,” he promised as he waited with open arms.