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“Amen,” Denver murmured. He lifted Tessa’s ivory veil and stared deep into her wide hazel eyes. His lips covered hers in a familiar warmth, and for a minute he was lost in her, aware only of her fingers on his shoulders, his arms circling her waist, the eager promise of her mouth molding to his.
“I love you,” she whispered, when at last he lifted his head. Her eyes were bright with wonder, her cheeks flushed.
“Let’s leave.”
“Soon,” she promised as they strolled among the guests, arms linked, smiles wide.
Denver caught his brother’s eye and winked. It had taken long hours of convincing, but finally Colton had agreed to attend the wedding, albeit reluctantly. Even Mitch had decided to attend, though earlier he’d spent hours with the county sheriff and insurance people. Things would work out, though, Denver decided, glancing again at his gorgeous bride. Mitchell might have to do some time. But then again, maybe not. No one, not even Colton, was pressing charges. As for Colton, he was trapped in Montana, at least until his arm healed.
“You take care of her,” Curtis said as he approached.
“I can take care of myself.” Tessa laughed.
“Lord, am I tired of hearin’ that!” Curtis grinned at Denver. “Now maybe you can listen to it.”
“I’ll take care of her,” Denver said, his eyes glinting mischievously. “In more ways than one.”
“Talk is cheap,” she quipped.
“Just you wait, Mrs. McLean,” he replied, but he laughed just the same. For seven years he’d carried a burden deep in his soul, and now, beneath a cloudy sky, he felt as if he were finally free.
“Come on, let’s get out of here,” he said.
“And where will we go?”
“How about Brazil? Or maybe Singapore,” he mocked and she jabbed him playfully in the ribs.
“How about the Caribbean and then Three Falls, Montana?” she suggested, as her new brother-in-law, looking uncomfortable and stiff in his formal suit, approached.
“Congratulations,” Colton said, forcing a smile. “Isn’t it a custom to kiss the bride?”
Denver’s lips twisted. “I’m not too keen on tradition.”
Colton raised his eyebrows, then touched the boutonniere pinned to Denver’s black tuxedo lapel. “You could’ve fooled me,” he said with a genuine smile that slashed white against his beard. He glanced at Tessa. “When you get tired of this guy, maybe you should give me a call—”
“Don’t even think it,” Denver warned, but he laughed when he caught the teasing glimmer in Colton’s gray eyes. “The man’s incorrigible,” Denver decided as his brother strolled uncomfortably through the crowd.
“A McLean family trait,” she observed. “Let’s just hope it’s not passed on to the next generation.” She smiled then, a knowing smile that caused his heart to lurch.
A warmth spread through Denver like none he’d ever felt before. “No regrets?” she asked, cocking her head coyly.
“No regrets.”
Tender Trap
Chapter One
“Damn it all to hell!” Colton McLean growled, kicking at the straw and slamming the stall gate so hard the timbers of the old stable rumbled. Several horses snorted nervously. “Where’s Black Magic?” Colton whirled to face Curtis Kramer, the ranch foreman.
“Gone.”
“I can see that.”
Curtis rubbed his silver-stubbled chin. “I already checked the paddocks and the south pasture.”
“What about the other barns? Maybe someone put him in the wrong place.”
Squinting at the younger man, Curtis slowly shook his head. “Nope. Len searched all the buildings and the paddocks. Black Magic’s nowhere in the yard.”
