Once he was behind the wheel of Hank’s truck, Boomer eased down the road. The parade of trucks and sheriff’s SUVs had packed the snow and made it easier to see the drop-offs. They made good time all the way back to the ranch.

When they pulled up in front of the sprawling ranch house, Boomer shifted into park, cut the engine and climbed down, hurrying around to Daphne’s side. He opened the door and reached in, capturing her around the waist.

She laughed, the sound so much lighter and happier than he could remember. “I can get down from the truck myself.”

“I know that. You’re a very independent woman. Still…” He lifted her out of her seat and let her slide down his front until her feet touched the ground. “I like the way you feel against me.”

“Mmm…you have a good point.” She leaned up on her toes and pressed her lips to his. “And I like the way you taste.”

He lowered his head and took her mouth in a crushing kiss. The sound of Maya stirring in the backseat brought him back to earth, reminding him they had responsibilities. “I’ll bet she’s hungry.”

“Probably so.” Daphne unbuckled the baby from the car seat and carried her into house. She found a chair in the living room and settled down long enough to nurse Maya.

Boomer sat across from her. “Do you mind if I watch?”

Daphne shrugged. “Not at all.”

He stared at the baby, suckling at her mother’s breast. “Where did you get the name Maya?”

Daphne brushed a dark strand of Maya’s hair back from her forehead. “Remember when you found me on the beach in Cozumel on what was supposed to have been my honeymoon?”

He nodded. “You were sobbing buckets of tears. Seeing you like that nearly broke my heart.”

Daphne smiled. “You were so good to listen to my sad story.” Her smile faded. “Before Jonah died, he made me promise to go on the honeymoon and be open to love and life. Had he lived, we would have named our firstborn child after the resort where we were supposed to have shared on our honeymoon. So you see, you were not my first love.” Daphne looked up into his face.

Boomer’s brow twisted. “I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel about that.”

She smiled. “Good. I truly believe Jonah sent you to be with me in Cozumel. He was the guardian angel that led me to you.” She held out her hand and took his in hers. “You might not have been my first love, but you are my last love and the father of our little girl.”

“I will be sure to say a prayer for Jonah, thanking him for giving you to me and for the beautiful baby girl we have.” He leaned over and kissed the baby’s cheek. “Maya is a beautiful name for a beautiful little girl.”

Daphne cupped his cheek. “You’re not afraid of her anymore?”

“I was never afraid of Maya. I was more afraid I wouldn’t be good enough for her.”

“You’re going to be a great father,” Daphne said with a certainty Boomer wished he could feel.

“I hope so. One thing is for sure…I’m going to give it my best.”

“That’s all any parent can do.” Daphne handed Maya to him. “You can start by learning to change her diaper. Then she’ll need to be burped.” Daphne winked. “Don’t worry. You’re going to be great.”

Boomer laughed. “Yes, ma’am. I’d be honored.” He gathered Maya in his arms and leaned over to press a kiss to Daphne’s lips. “I love you Daphne Miller. And someday soon, I hope to marry you and Maya. You both mean so much to me.”

Daphne’s eyes widened. “Is that a proposal?”

He grinned. “Why yes. But if you want me to do a better job of it, I can do the whole down-on-a-knee thing.” He started to get down on his knee, but Daphne stopped him by wrapping her arms around his neck, sandwiching Maya between them. “You don’t have to do that. My answer is yes!”

Behind Boomer, a door opened and the clump of boots on the wooden floors heralded the entry of a number of men.

“Are we interrupting something?” Hank’s voice called out. “We could go to the Blue Moose Tavern and have a drink or two and return later, if you like.”

Boomer and Daphne turned to face Hank, Chuck and half a dozen of the Brotherhood Protectors.

Boomer laughed. “You don’t have to leave. I’m betting you have beer and champagne somewhere in this big, beautiful house.”

“Are we celebrating something?” Chuck asked, appearing like a wounded soldier with his head wrapped in white strips of fabric.

Boomer hooked his arm around Daphne’s waist and hugged Maya with the other. “She said yes. Daphne, Maya and I are getting married.”

Chuck’s lips tightened for only a moment before he grinned. “About time. We can celebrate your engagement and Daphne’s freedom from hiding.”

“What happened to the senator?” Daphne asked.

“The sheriff hauled him off to jail.”

“Who flew the helicopter?”

“Harrison Cooper had a pilot’s license,” Hank said. “His father was in the state campaigning for reelection. He flew him over to the chalet to witness what his money had bought in the way of mercenaries.”

“Any chance the senator will be cleared of all charges?” Daphne asked.

Chuck shook his head. “No way. The hired gun was already asking for a plea bargain, claiming he’d spill his guts for a more lenient sentence.”

Daphne sighed. “Then it’s true? I’m free?”

Chuck nodded. “You’re free.”

She leaned into Boomer’s side. “Then I can go shopping and not worry about being shot at.”

Boomer laughed. “Yes, you can go shopping.”

“Then tomorrow, I want to go to Bozeman to pick out my wedding dress.” She stared up at Boomer. “You weren’t kidding when you asked me to marry you, were you?”

He shook his head. “I want you in my life. I want to be there for you and Maya. The sooner the better.”

She leaned up on her toes and kissed him. “Sooner, please.”

Hank emerged from the kitchen, carrying glasses and a bottle of champagne. “If you prefer beer, there’s a stash in the bar refrigerator.”

Swede, Taz, Bear and Duke bypassed the champagne and went straight for the beer. Swede brought a longneck bottle to Boomer.

Daphne laughed and held up her hand to Hank. “You might as well put the champagne back in the fridge. I can’t drink while I’m nursing, and I’m betting you’d rather have a beer.”

Hank grinned. “You got that right.”

Duke handed Hank a beer and all the men raised their bottles.

“To Daphne and Boomer!”

Boomer leaned down and kissed his bride-to-be. “Your strength makes me want to be a better man.”

She cupped his cheek. “I love you, my Montana SEAL daddy.”

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