Page 47 of Bryson

"She still has family there."

Brian nodded. "That man who shall remain nameless went for a visit and stole that girl's heart. She could have married some Irish lad with a voice like an angel and wistful green eyes, but he captured her heart and whisked her away from her family with promises he never intended to keep. He dazzled her with his looks and charm. She was blonde and looked good enoughto grace his arm and his table and bear his heir." He shook his head. "Heartless bastard."

He started when she burst out laughing.

"Darling, it's not comedy. It's tragic."

"You should have been an actor," she pointed out, her laughter erupting. "You're good."

Her mirth was infectious and had him joining her. "Don't think I haven't thought about it."

"You promise to call me as soon as you feel the first twinges of pain?"

"I promise. And if you don't leave, your pilot is going to have a fit. The sky is leaden. I wish you would stay longer."

He bent over to kiss her on the lips. She and Barbara were out in the cruel wind and biting cold waiting to see him off. The gorgeous cowboy, as he secretly labeled her husband, had said aterse goodbye and gone on his way. The man definitely did not like him. He could live with that, Brian mused. The two women in the McNab household adored him and that was good enough.

He was surprised at how much his heart was wrenching because he was leaving. The extra week had flown by so quickly, he could scarcely believe it was already over. And he had had a tremendous time with the promise to both women he would be back in no time. He actually meant it. He was also thinking of buying one of those cozy little cottages on the hill, the ones Barbara had pointed out to him on their drive.

"Life calls, darling." He hugged her tight. "Take care of the little bun cooking in your oven and remember that I call dibs on being godfather."

"Of course. Now go. I'm going to worry until you call and tell me you've landed."

"It's bright and sunny where I'm going." He kissed the tip of her nose before turning to Barbara. Taking her hands, he drew her in for a kiss. "And you, darling, take care of my best friend. I'm leaving you in her care."

"I will." She smiled at him softly, still amazed at how maternal she felt. "Promise not to be a stranger."

"I won't. All right, enough prevaricating." With one last wave, he headed for the car.

They watched until the taillights had disappeared before stepping in out of the cold.

"I was hoping you would join me for lunch, if you're feeling up to it," Barbara offered stiffly as soon as they entered the foyer.

Sending her a surprised glance, Julianne removed her jacket and handed it to the waiting maid before responding. "I think that's a good idea."

She saw the tension leave the woman's shoulders and realized that Barbara had expected her to refuse the invitation.

"Good." She nodded briskly. "We will eat in the blue salon."

"She's genuinely trying." Her husband had been true to his word and had come home for supper. Much to his mother's delight, he ate with them at the dining table, after getting cleaned up.

Now they were upstairs getting ready for bed and Julianne was telling him about having lunch with his mother.

"I'm happy for that." He loved watching her nightly ritual and was happy he was here to witness it. Usually, he would come in when she was already in bed. In a short period of time, it seemed they had fallen into the familiar habit of being husband and wife.

He still could not believe she was his, all his. He wasn't supposed to wear his ring out on the ranch but could not seem to part with it. He was going to have to leave it behind for certain filthy tasks, but otherwise, he wanted to be branded.

"Lewis arrived safely?"

She sent him an amused look in the mirror. "Was that concern I heard in your voice?"

His grimace had her laughing. "It was simply a matter of courtesy. The guy happens to be your best friend and was a guest at our home."

"If you say so."

Rolling to his feet, he crossed the room to pick her up and carry her to bed. "Enough talk. I have something else in mind."

"I'm sure you do." Wrapping her arms around his neck, she brought him down on top of her.