Page 81 of A Texas Soldier's Love

Ryder shook his head in exasperation. “We’ll be fine. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“It’s a hard habit to break,” Carly said, and her lip trembled.

“If you want someone to mother, maybe the two of you should have a kid of your own,” Ryder teased.

“Geez, don’t you think that’s getting a little personal?” Owen said, and swore he felt a blush spread across his face.

Ryder picked up a nearby box and nodded to the one Carly sealed earlier. “Owen, if you take that one, I’m all set.” Once outside, they placed the last boxes in the truck bed of Ryder’s truck. Between sniffles, Carly said, “Text me when you two get there and let me know how it goes.”

Her father nodded, while Ryder rolled his eyes. “You’re acting like I’m moving to the North Pole, and you won’t ever see me again. I’ll be back in October for the wedding.”

Carly’s eyes misted over again. “Call me if you need anything, and I promise to send care packages.”

Her father cleared his throat and placed his hand on Carly’s shoulder. “He’ll be fine, Carly Jean. Now it’s time we get on the road so I can get back at a decent time.”

Owen closed the distance between him and Ryder, shook the kid’s hand, and clapped him on the back. “Have fun, but not too much.”

“Got it.” Before Ryder got the words out, Carly enveloped him in a huge hug, and kissed her brother’s cheek.

“I’m so proud of you. You’ve become a great guy.” A blushing, misty-eyed Ryder pulled away and joined his father in the truck. As they watched the pickup drive off, Carly leaned against Owen. “Where did the summer go? I can’t believe Ryder’s leaving already, and I won’t see him until the wedding. I really am going to miss him.”

He nibbled on her neck and couldn’t wait to get Carly home and in bed. “I’ll have to console you when we get home.”

“As sad as I am, it may take hours to comfort me.”

“I’m up for the job.”

She shook her head and giggled. “You and your innuendos. They used to drive me insane.”

“And now?”

“They drive me crazy, but in an oh-so-good-can’t-wait-to-get-you-naked way.”

“Good to know they’re working.”

“Who says we have to leave the house to have adventures?” The wild gleam in her eyes told him she’d put considerable thought into some ideas.

Owen’s pulse leapt, and his body came to attention. “I bet after the adventures you dream up for us, an African safari would seem tame.”

Her warm hands cupped his face. “I don’t deserve you.”

“Enough talk.” Lifting her into his arms, he tossed her over his shoulder and swatted her playfully on her butt. “Now about these adventures you’ve got planned—”

The End