His jaw tightens slightly. “And?”
“He’s back in custody.”
Relief flickers behind his eyes. “What does that mean for you?”
It’s a fair question. A big one.
I walk toward him slowly, each step deliberate. “It means I don’t have to run anymore,” I say.
“Doesn’t mean there’s no risk.”
“No,” I agree. “It doesn’t.” I stop in front of him, close enough to feel the heat of him. “But I’m not leaving.”
His gaze sharpens. “Because of him?”
“Because of me.” I shake my head. “I’m done living like I don’t get a say.”
He nods.
“And because of us,” I add. “Because I can’t settle for one best night. I want an entire lifetime... with you.”
His hand comes up slowly, resting against my jaw. “You sure?”
“More sure than I’ve ever been. And there’s one more thing,” I say, tilting my head to look up at the big cowboy.
“Deputy Marshal Carter confirmed my alias is valid. It still stands. That means you’re stuck with me… and Scarlett… and a valid marriage.”
He doesn’t hide his enthusiasm, kissing me long and hard.
“You took that better than I thought,” I say breathlessly when he finally pulls back.
“Only just started celebrating.”
“Celebrating?” I ask.
“You, me, my cowboy hat, and stars for a blanket. Tonight, you’re going to learn how to ride in the back of my pickup bed.”
Never thought I’d hear words like that. Never thought they’d sound so damn good.
“Mmm,” I moan softly. “Sounds like another deliciously bad choice.”
“The best,” he says, and then he sweeps me off my feet.
Epilogue
SCARLETT
The room smells like crayons and paste.
And something sweet—cookies, probably. Gone now, if the empty tray on the counter is any indication.
“Miss Scarlett!”
I look up just in time to catch a small body launching at me.
I laugh, steadying Cindy before she can knock us both over. “Easy.”
“I’m strong,” she says, grinning.
