CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

 

 

 

“What might your turn entail?” she murmured as his mouth left her lips to trail down her throat.

Filling his hands with her breasts, he kneaded them through her top. “Removing your clothes.” He licked her neck, then scraped the tender flesh with his teeth. “Getting my mouth on you.”

“Your mouth is on me.” She tugged on the bottom of her shirt, anxious to feel his hands on her naked breasts.

“I have another destination in mind.” He unzipped her pants and pushed his hand down her panties, finding her pussy hot and creamy. “Fuck, you’re wet.”

“Loving you excites me,” Seren confessed in a breathless whisper as she rode his hand while he rubbed between her legs. “I need you, Canyon!” she keened, throwing her head back and clutching his shoulders. “I ache.”

Picking her up, he carried her to the stairs, placing her on the fourth step. Falling to his knees, he removed her clothing in short order, his eyes eating up every inch he bared. “You are so damn gorgeous.” Leaning forward, he kissed her nipples, circling each one with his tongue. “I hope I do this as well as old…”

“Stop.” She covered his mouth with her fingers. “There’s no one but you.”

“Better not be,” he mumbled as he settled between her thighs, stopping to admire the delicate perfection of her femininity. “So pretty. So sweet.”

At the first pass of his tongue, Seren thought she’d died and returned to heaven. “Oh, Canyon,” she whispered as he licked. Sucked. Kissed her folds. Teasing and torturing with his talented mouth until she was arching, holding onto the edge of the step. When he took her clit between his lips and sucked, Seren screamed her bliss, crying out as a surging wave of pleasure washed over her, stealing her breath.

Seeing her fly apart and knowing he’d given her that gift made Canyon mindless with need. Giving her pleasure made him rock-hard and desperate. “I can’t wait,” he muttered as he rose above her, gathering Seren into his arms, carrying her to his bed. As he lay her down, he covered her, reaching between them, guiding his heavy cock into the same sweet channel he’d been tunneling into with his tongue only moments before. “Look at me. See me,” he demanded as he worked his way in. She was so tight and hot, his cock felt like it was being strangled. Closing his eyes, he shuddered with pleasure as he fucked her in long, deep strokes. Pumping. His hips working and flexing as he filled her again and again.

Spreading her thighs wide to make room for him, Seren lifted her hips to meet his every thrust. She couldn’t not touch him; his beloved body was like a magnet to her hands. She rubbed his chest, sensually circling his nipples. She kneaded his biceps and shoulders, then moved down to touch the place where they were joined. Every cell in her being wanted to hold on to him. This longing translated into her pussy clasping him rhythmically, clenching tight, subconsciously endeavoring to keep him with her forever.

“Fuck me, fuck me,” Canyon chanted as Seren milked him, feeding his thundering need, giving him pleasure he’d never known. His whole body was on fire – heart rate pounding, his hips pistoning, his balls slapping against her sexy ass. “Scream for me, Seren, let me hear how much you love my cock.”   

Arching her body off the bed, Seren clung to his sweat-slicked torso. “I love your big cock. I love how it makes me burn,” she hissed the words, her fingers curling as her nails left light claw marks on his skin. “I love…” Her voice cracked as a hard climax rocked her. “God, yes, I love…” She had to bite her lip to keep from screaming. You. I love you!

Hearing her passion unrestrained was hot as sin. Unable to hold back, Canyon pounded into her pussy, impaling her to the hilt – over and over again. When he came, the explosion was so powerful it rocked his whole world.

“Come here.” She urged him to quit trying to hold his shaking body off her. “I want to feel you on top of me.”

“I’m too heavy,” he protested weakly.

“No.” She wrapped her arms around him. “You’re so strong. Solid. You make me feel so safe.”

Canyon settled on her supporting part of his weight on his forearms. “Good. That’s my job. Your guardian angel. Right?”

Seren gave a small laugh at the irony of the situation. Choosing to tease him, she kissed Canyon on the lips. “Well, you’re certainly no angel, thank goodness.” But then – neither was she. Holding him close, Seren hid her face against his shoulder. If she buried her head in the sand, maybe she could make this last forever.

 

*  *  *

 

From the moment they awoke the next morning, Canyon and Seren seemed to exist in an alternate universe from the rest of the world. During the day they went to their jobs, interacted with friends, always watching out for the other. To their relief, the threat of Diego seemed farther away. To any outside observer, they were living normal, happy lives. In the evening, if they weren’t busy having an adventure, Canyon worked in his art studio and Seren played house. And the nights…the nights were spent in ecstasy – making love and making memories.

Canyon greeted each day with a smile and there was no more talk of her leaving, but try as she might, Seren knew they were living on borrowed time. In light of this dark cloud hanging over them, every moment seemed more precious.

“About ready?” Canyon stood at the door with all their gear. “I’ve been standing here so long I’m putting down roots.”

From their room, Seren giggled. “I promise, we’ll get there before the fish wake up.”

“Do fish sleep?” he mused, studying the end of one of the fishing poles. “I don’t think fish sleep.”

“Of course, they do. They don’t have eyelids, so they can’t shut their eyes, but they barely move, swimming slowly enough to rest. I guess you could compare it to what we think of as a trance or a daydream.” Seren joined him wearing jeans and a cover up over a bathing suit. “Did you get the lunch I packed from the kitchen?”

“Right here.” He patted the bag on his shoulder, eyeing her cover up. “Whatcha wearing?”

“Clothes,” she answered nonchalantly as she headed out the door.

“Hold up. Be careful. It’s still dark. Watch your step.” Canyon locked up and hurried behind her to the truck.

“I can see pretty well in the dark. There’s nothing here to fear. Besides, you’re with me.” Seren gazed toward the eastern sky. “The sun will rise any moment.” As she walked a flock of birds rose from the nearby trees and took flight. “Look!” she cried in wonder as they moved together in formation. “What are they?”

“Warblers, I think. Migratory birds that winter south of the border.”

As she settled into the truck, Seren kept watch out the window. “People didn’t always understand migration, you know. To explain the appearance and reappearance of the birds, they thought birds transmuted, changing species. Some thought they went to the moon or hibernated for the winter.”

Putting the truck into gear, he sighed with contentment. He enjoyed their weird discussions. “Live and learn. It’s odd to think about what people once believed to be true. After all, it wasn’t so long ago no one knew about the secret world of bacteria and microbes.”

Seren hugged herself tightly as she spoke, “Some suspected such a world existed early on. There are writings from 6th century India which explored the idea. Now, scientists believe there are more microbial species on Earth than there are stars in the galaxy.” Her voice dropped to an almost secretive level. “The unseen world is vast and no less real because our eyes cannot perceive it.”

Careful.

Seren stiffened as Gregori’s still small voice whispered in her mind. Would he always be with her? She suspected he would as long as she lingered at the ‘scene of the crime’.

In the first rays of the rising sun, Canyon eyed her with speculation. “You are definitely more than a pretty face. Why didn’t you tell me you were so smart? Where did you go to school?”

Seren laughed almost nervously. “I’m not that smart. I just collect trivial facts. I have no formal training.” She bit her lip in self-recrimination.

“Well, you sure sound smart to me.” Canyon placed his hand on her knee. “I’m glad you’re with me. I enjoy you very much.”

His admission made Seren’s breath hitch in her chest. “I enjoy you too.”

The drive to the lake didn’t take long. After parking near the floating marina where Canyon’s boat was stored, Seren helped him unload their gear. The sun was just up and the forecast of a warm fall day seemed to be on point. “Which boat is yours?” she asked as she pulled off the cover up and threw it over the small cooler of drinks she was carrying.

“Down this way.” Canyon shouldered the tackle box and picked up his rod and reel. “Follow me.” He glanced over his shoulder to look at Seren and his jaw dropped. “Glory fuckin B,” he hissed at the sight of her delectable body in a tiny bikini. His cock rose to give her a standing ovation. “You look gor…”

“Watch out!” Seren called as Canyon walked off the side of the dock and right into the lake. “Oh, my gosh! Are you all right?”

Sputtering, Canyon dog-paddled as he made a grab for his gear. “Good damn thing this tackle box floats.” He held the rod and reel over his head for Seren to take it from him. “What you’re wearing should be illegal.”

“Too much?” Seren hid a grin and bent to take what he offered. As she did, her breasts hung down like lush, ripe fruit.

“Not enough.” He gave two passing men the evil eye as they checked Seren out. “I know we’re in the middle of a November Texas heatwave, but put on that top of yours until we can get out on the lake. I don’t like anyone leering at what’s mine.”

“Give me your hand, handsome.” Seren helped him back up on the dock. “You might as well take off those wet clothes.” When he was standing upright next to her, she unbuttoned his shirt. When two women passed by and stared at him, she changed her tune, grumbling under her breath, “Keep on your pants until we’re in the boat. I don’t like women staring at what’s mine.”

This made Canyon laugh. “Come on, let’s go catch lunch.”

 

…A little while later, Canyon lounged in the captain’s chair, totally ignoring the fact a fish was making off with his bait. His attention was completely focused on the vision before him. Seren was mesmerizing in that red bikini. “When did you slip off and buy that wicked little number?”

“Oh, I didn’t. Avery let me borrow it.” Seren looked down at herself, then cupped her breasts and held them up for him. “It’s a tad tight. Does wonders for my cleavage.”

“Your cleavage is wondrous all by itself.” He licked his lips, remembering all the fun they’d had in the past few weeks. He’d always loved sex. Hadn’t always had enough of it – but now there was Seren. She always welcomed him. Craved him. Anytime he reached for her, she came willingly. Many times, she initiated things with him – and he never turned her down. “What’s your favorite thing we’ve done together?”

Seren blushed. “Sexually?”

“Yea.”

She fanned her cheeks. “I have to pick? I’ve loved everything. Every position. Me on top. You on top. From behind. Oral. Anal.” This last word made her giggle.

“We didn’t do anal. I tickled you at your back door, that’s all.”

“You always take care of me.” She gazed into his eyes. “I love being with you in every way. Even when we just hold one another and sleep, that’s perfect.” Seeing the heat in his eyes, a mischievous look came over her face. “Although…I really love it when you play with my breasts.”

Canyon cleared his throat. “One of my favorite things is making you come just by sucking your nipples.” He cupped his growing package, shifting his aching cock around to give him more room. “Do you know how amazing that is?”

“Really?” Seren felt a tell-tale tingle between her legs. “You like that, huh?”

She moved a little closer to him, glancing around to see if there were other boats nearby. A movement in the water caused her to look down. “Canyon, you’ve got a bite! A fish!”

“Dammit! Not a good time.” He jumped up, reeled in the fish, then removed the hook from its mouth and let it go.

“What did you do that for?” Seren laughed. “I thought we came out here to fish.”

He settled back in the chair with a grin. “Found something else I’d rather concentrate on. Come here.” He held out his hand. Seren went into his lap gladly, straddling his thighs. She held out her arms as Canyon let his hands slide around to undo the clasp of her top. “I love your tits. They’re bigger.” He filled his hands with them – molding, rubbing, kneading – pushing them together. “I guess because I’ve been playing with them so much.”

Seren held her breath. They were bigger because she was pregnant. Confirmed by a doctor pregnant. Taking prenatal vitamins pregnant. Holding her breath, she sucked her stomach in. Glancing down, she half expected to see a noticeable belly bump. No, she wasn’t showing. Yet. She was filling out though. “I shouldn’t have worn this bikini. I’m too big.”

“Hush.” Canyon continued to play with her breasts, weighing them, caressing the creamy globes. “You’re perfect. You turn me on like no one else ever has or ever will.”

Heartened by his compliment, Seren once again pushed aside her concerns. Like Scarlet O’Hara, she would worry about the future tomorrow. “I do?”

“Oh, fuck, yeah.” He grinned at her as he tweaked her nipples, loving how they responded to him.

“You’re so wonderful.” Seren threaded her fingers through Canyon’s hair, bending to kiss his forehead, the corner of his eyes, the strong line of his jaw. When he began to shiver, Seren continued to love on him – nibbling, kissing, licking.

“Babe,” he whispered, hissing the word.

“So strong and sexy.” She kissed a line down his cheek to his chin, then nipped the sexy cleft. When he dropped his head to take advantage of the proximity of her lips, the kiss they shared was sizzling. One led to another, each kiss more electrifying and addictive than the one before. Easing her mouth away, she slid back on his thighs and lifted her breasts. “I need you. Please.” Leaning forward, she brushed his lower lip with her right nipple.

With a lascivious grin, Canyon accommodated her, his tongue teasing the distended bud. Knowing this wasn’t enough for either of them, he covered her nipple with his lips and sucked hard, a long deep draw. As he suckled, Seren threw her head back and reveled in the pleasure only he could give her. Nuzzling and nibbling, he teased each breast, rewarding her when she begged with soft kisses and ravishing sucks. “Come for me, Seren. Come for me.”

He knew her so well. She didn’t have far to go. She loved how Canyon indulged himself with her body, he always seemed so greedy. His voracious appetite just fed her own. Giving herself over to the luscious sensations, the thing that sent lightning streaking through her body wasn’t just what he did to her or the way he made her feel – vivacious, desire, loved. No, the catalyst for her was how blatantly aroused he became as he loved her. The greediness of his kiss. His feverish touch. The way his cock grew huge as he worshiped at her breasts. The thought of how much he needed her pushed Seren right over the edge.

As she trembled in his arms, Canyon jerked his trunks down, revealing his hungry cock. “Now. Now. Now.” 

Wanting him with equal desperation, Seren tugged at the strings holding her bottoms and positioned herself over him. “Help me,” she cried as she took his thick staff in her hand and attempted to sink down on the broad head.

“Allow me,” he growled hoarsely as he held her hips and bucked up, burying himself to the hilt in her creamy, slick passage. “Oh, fuck me, love. Fuck me.”

Seren was so busy watching his face, she couldn’t respond. He had to be the sexiest man alive. Enthralled, she watched as his eyes glazed over with passion, his throat muscles bulging as he threw his head back, the muscles in his thighs clenching and unclenching as he surged up into her time and time again. She rocked back and forth, holding onto his shoulders as he moved her up and down in a long, delectable slide. Closing her eyes, she immersed herself in the thrill of being one with him. For so long, he’d been her world. She wouldn’t know how to exist without him.

Canyon was so far gone that his only concern was to insure Seren found her pleasure before he exploded. “Lean back, baby.” She mindlessly did as he asked, gasping when he flexed his pelvis. To add to her ecstasy, he palmed her mound to play with her clit.

“Oh, my God,” she moaned, her entire body pulsing with pleasure. As Canyon thrust up fast and hard, his finger still rubbing her clitoris, she shook as a wash of white-hot euphoria swept over her. “Hold me tight, Canyon. Never let me go.”

Canyon wrapped his arms around Seren and drilled up inside of her again and again, latching onto her throat and sucking as her pussy muscles massaged his throbbing cock, sending him careening over the cliff and into a vortex of pure sensation. Burying his face in her neck, he growled as he emptied himself, loving how she melted against him. After a while, he was able to whisper against her skin, “You okay?”

Seren smiled, thrilled at the way he responded to her efforts to please him. “I’m better than good. I’m happy.”

“Mission accomplished.” Lifting his head, he captured her mouth for one more blistering kiss. “Me too.”

“We didn’t catch lunch,” she murmured, not really caring one whit.

“No problem.” He squeezed her tight. “We’ll just have to live on love.”

Seren liked that idea very much.

 

*  *  *

 

A few days later, she came rushing out of Hardbodies to find Canyon putting the finishing touches on Isaac’s smoker. “Guess what?”

“What?” Canyon lifted his head for a kiss. “Did you win the lottery?”

“No, I didn’t buy a ticket. You could win something else though. A contest.”

The inflection in her voice worried him a bit. Setting aside his electric drill, he crossed his thick arms over his chest. “What are you talking about? I’m not entering some kind of ‘date the bachelor’ contest.”

Seren frowned, pursing her lips. “And I wouldn’t enter you in a ‘date the bachelor’ contest.” She poked him in the chest. “You’re taken.” For now.

“Damn straight.” He pulled her close and kissed her soundly. “Okay, so what is it? Darts? Pool? I’m good with those.”

“No.” Seren held his forearms and went up on her toes. “Karaoke. Couple’s karaoke.”

“Shit.” Canyon barked out a surprised laugh. “Oh, no. Not that again. I can’t sing.”

“Yes, you can. You’ve sung in the shower for years.”

“And you’re just guessing.” He tapped her on the end of the nose.

“Canyon. Please.” Seren made her eyes big and round. “I want to do this. I really want to win.”

Growing more curious by the minute, Canyon studied her pretty face. “Why? What’s the prize?”

She clapped her hands together. “A puppy.”

“A puppy? We don’t need a puppy. Besides, the pound is full of puppies.”

“Exactly.” She nodded as if he finally understood. “This contest will raise money for the animal shelter. Plus, we get to pick one to come live with us.”

Canyon weighed what this meant. Sharing a puppy with a woman equaled commitment. This was something he promised himself would never happen. He waited for the panic to wash over him at the prospect of being tied down.

It didn’t happen.

Instead, he felt peace. Contentment.

Elation.

“Don’t count on winning. I sing like a frog.”

“Oh, you’ll do great.” She launched herself in his arms and kissed his mouth repeatedly. “Come in when you can and we’ll go over the playlist. I’ll let you pick out the song. Any will do. I’m a quick study and I have pretty good pitch.” Thanks to tons of angelic choir practice.

“When’s the contest? Next week?”

“No.” She smiled at him brightly. “Tonight. The event was supposed to be held at a bar in Bandera, but it was moved here due to a termite infestation. I just found out about it and I knew we had to try.”

Ah, hell. “Hmmm, okay.” She started to walk away. “Hold up. This is gonna cost you.”

“What?” She stopped, intrigued. “I have some money saved.”

“Not money.” He yanked her to him. “Win or lose. I get three wishes.”

Seren’s eyes became tiny suspicious slits. “What kind of wishes?”

“Whatever I want.” The self-satisfied smirk on his face made his point. “It could be anything.”

Since she trusted him completely, Seren didn’t hesitate to agree. “Okay. It’ll be worth it.” Who was she kidding? The wishes could be a reward in themselves. “Because I really want a puppy.”

Her smile was infectious and he smiled back. “Potty training is all on you.”

“I could use the practice,” she called over her shoulder as she returned to work, knowing he’d have no clue what she meant. Despite her happiness, an odd ache formed in her middle. She could almost hear the clock ticking. Her days to remain with him were numbered. Yet, she kept making plans as if she would be here forever. A sense of melancholy enveloped her. Maybe she was hoping to be able to stay. Hoping a miracle would happen and he would want to keep her and the baby.

“Yea right.”

Canyon had made it abundantly clear he didn’t want anything permanent with her or anyone. He didn’t want another child of his own and he certainly wouldn’t want one he thought belonged to another man. In fact, Canyon didn’t intend to ever love anyone again.

And that was why the puppy meant so much to her.

When…if…when it came time for her to leave, she couldn’t stand the thought of Canyon being alone. This way, he’d have the puppy with him. Someone to love him. Someone to protect him.

As she tied an apron around her waist, Seren tried to ignore the little voice in her head telling her how easily Canyon could find someone to love if he wanted to. Any woman would give her eyeteeth to be with him. “Ack!” The very thought made her feel like punching a hole in the wall. “Stop torturing yourself, you have tonight to look forward to.”

And tomorrow night.

And the night after that.

Shaking her head, Seren refused to look any further into the future than that.

 

…About an hour before the club was scheduled to open, Canyon came hustling in. “All right, Serengeti. Let’s pick out a song.”

She smiled at the nickname. He’d called her that…before. “There’s a list of available songs with the words preloaded in the DJ’s booth.” Pointing in the right direction, Seren continued to help Emma with her set-ups. “Are you and Josh singing tonight?” she asked the pretty redhead.

“Are you kidding? We wouldn’t miss it. It’s all in fun.”

“What song?” she asked, keeping her eye on Canyon as he thumbed through the catalog.

“Oh, an old one by LeAnn Rimes called I Dare You. I guess you could say it’s our song.”

“Neat. I can’t wait to hear it.” She looked up to see Canyon motioning her over. “Found something?”

“Yea. Who’s gonna judge this thing?” he asked with curiosity.

Seren shrugged. “The crowd. By applause.”

“Sounds good.” He held out a lyric sheet. “Ever heard of this one?”

Seren took the paper and almost swallowed her tongue. “Cowboys and Angels.” She jerked her head up to look at him full on in the face. “Why this song?”

He gave her a wink. “I like it. The song sort of inspires me.” Shrugging his massive shoulders, he smiled. “I can’t tell you any more than that, it’s sort of a surprise. You’ll have to wait and see.”

“Huh.” Warning bells were going off all over the place. “Well, okay. I guess.”

“You said I could choose. You said you were a quick study.”

From his tone, Canyon really enjoyed reminding her of what she’d said earlier. “Yea, I did.” She gave him a bright smile. “Let’s do it. Hold on. I’ll turn on the machine and the mics.”

A few minutes later, they were standing on the stage and the intro to Dustin Lynch’s song was coming through the speakers loud and clear.

“All right, stay with me now,” Canyon told her with a grin. “Come in on the chorus.”

Despite the disturbing coincidence, Seren couldn’t help but enjoy the experience. She was right in her remembering, Canyon could sing. He had this incredibly deep, husky voice that sent chills down her spine.

And the lyrics made her heart ache.

She stepped back and hung on his every word as Canyon crooned about want and need and a connection beyond explanation between cowboys and angels. At the appointed time she joined in, singing about riding side by side, temptation’s touch, and a redeeming kiss. Seren felt tears well in her eyes. He’d never know how true those words were for them. When the song was over Avery, Isaac, Doris, and Emma clapped uproariously.

“Not bad, huh?” Canyon seemed pleased with himself.

“Not bad at all. You’re a natural,” Doris told him, clearly impressed.

“Just one of my many talents.” He wrapped a big arm around Seren’s neck and kissed her on the cheek. “Listen, while Isaac’s here to watch over things, I think I’ll drive over and check on Bull.”

“Give him my best,” Seren said as she brushed invisible lint from his shoulder. “And thanks for doing this.”

“My pleasure.” Canyon tweaked a lock of her hair. “Besides, don’t forget those wishes you promised me.”

“I won’t.” She couldn’t. Knowing his imagination, they’d both enjoy every moment. “Be safe on your journey.” Seren still felt the urge to dog his every step. In light of the current circumstances, she grinned at her own thought. Soon, he’d have a real dog to dog his steps.

“You got it.” Canyon leaned in for a kiss, then snapped his fingers. “Oh, I almost forgot. We’re invited to a party tomorrow night on the new duck boat. I told you about that, didn’t I? When Jacob first mentioned it to me?”

Seren searched her memory. “For the city officials and volunteers?”

“Yea, a thank you party to show everyone they’re taking measures to make the lake cruise safer.”

“Sounds fun.” She walked Canyon to the door. “What will we do with the pup? Find a babysitter?”

“Why? You think we’re going to win tonight?” 

“I think we have a good shot,” Seren admitted. “Especially if there’s a lot of women in the crowd.”

Canyon chuckled. “What has that got to do with the price of tea in China?”

Now, it was Seren’s turn to give him a wink. “Because you’re sex on a stick, Brady. You’ll get the vote of every female in the house. All you have to do is stand on stage and look pretty.”

Seren laughed when Canyon looked inordinately pleased.

 

…The night proved to be a success. Hardbodies was full to the brim and the crowd looked ready to party. To Seren’s surprise and delight, the animal shelter brought dozens of animals in the hope more people would decide to adopt. All types of dogs. Big ones. Little ones. Older dogs and puppies. There were also a few cats and even a ferret. Seren also discovered she’d misunderstood the contest. Everyone who participated could claim a pet, the only thing the first prize winner earned extra was bragging rights. This news didn’t seem to matter to Canyon, he was in a great mood. When she brought drinks for his table, he tapped on a piece of paper lying in front of him. “Know what this is?” he asked with heat in his eyes.

“What?”

“I’m making my list and checking it twice,” he sang teasingly.

Seren shivered, knowing exactly what he meant. His wish list.

Jacob, Bull, and Jonah laughed at his rendition of the Christmas song. “Listen to those pipes! I can’t wait to see you up on stage.” Jonah raised his beer for a toast. “Here’s to Brady Bublé’s singing debut.”

Seren shook her head in warning. “I think you’ll be surprised, Jonah. He’s good.”

“Ah, the man has you twitterpated, Seren.” Jacob laughed.

“Maybe.” She couldn’t disagree. “See you on stage, big boy.” After giving him another saucy wink, she sauntered off, knowing full well he was enjoying watching her leave.

When the karaoke contest started, couples seemed to come out of the woodwork. The crowd responded wildly. Some were good and some weren’t so hot – none of that seemed to matter. The whole night was for a good cause and no one stepped from the stage without a rousing round of applause. A duet by Joplin and Celine almost brought the house down. Their rendition of Redneck Woman had everyone on their feet and clapping. Seeing their raw sensuality and the way the men in the audience reacted, Seren felt totally inadequate to perform. She was just about to ask Canyon if they could back out when Isaac called them on stage.

“Next, we have Seren Whitewing and Canyon Brady performing their rendition of Cowboys and Angels!”

Feeling weak in the knees, Seren met Canyon halfway, taking his hand as he helped her up the steps. “Come on, love. Let’s do this. There’s a pup back there just waiting for you to claim it.”

With shaking hands, she took her place. As the music started and the lights went down, Seren focused on Canyon. As she listened to his voice, the people in the club faded away. There was no one but him. When time came for her to join in, their voices harmonized, the words painting a picture more meaningful than anyone could know. In Seren’s mind, she recalled the years of watching over him, the sorrow at his pain, the joy in his healing. When the song questioned why their paths crossed, if it was accident or a grand design, Seren wanted to believe in the answer the lyrics provided.

Maybe God has a soft spot for cowboys and angels.

As the music faded away, something strange happened. As the audience gave them a standing ovation, an odd light illuminated one person in the audience.

Cady McCoy.

Seren couldn’t explain the feeling that came over her when their eyes connected. The only way she could describe the expression on Cady’s face was one of serenity and…knowing. As she clasped Canyon’s hand and took a bow, she held the other woman’s gaze. Inexplicably, chill bumps bloomed on her body and Seren could hear Cady’s voice in her head, as clear as if they were standing face to face.

Don’t despair. All things work together for good. I understand what you’re going through. If you ever need me, I am a mere whisper away.