Boot Hill Bride (36 page)
they may, he realized her dress was wet. Regretfully, the
knowledge made him end the kiss.
"How did you get wet?"
306
Boot Hill Bride
by Lauri Robinson
"Oh, I had to take a little swim," she said, as if it was of no
importance whatsoever. The tiny kisses she plastered over his
neck stopped, and she lifted her face.
"The hotel?" she asked, "How bad is it?"
"Not bad at all," he said. "We only have to replace the
back porch. Matter of fact the party was still going strong
when I left."
"Really?"
He nodded. "Snake's fire hose put the fire out before it
could do much damage. It seemed the event just added
cause for people to celebrate a bit longer."
She nodded, and bit her lips together, as if holding
something in.
"What?" he asked, "What else is wrong?"
"I promise, from this moment forward, I'll stay out of the
kitchen."
"Why? What are you talking about?"
"Ma said all you ever wanted to do was cook. Yet, since
you started building the hotel, it's the one thing you haven't
had time to do. So from now on, I'll take care of everything
else so you can cook."
He let out a hearty laugh. One that felt good all over.
"You," he said, touching the tip of her nose, "Am a much
better cook than I. So you will not stay out of the kitchen." A
hint of seriousness took over. "Don't you know by now that
I'd give up everything for you? The hotel, cooking,
everything. I want you more than anything else in the world.
I
need
you more than anything else in the world."
"Really?" she whispered.
307
Boot Hill Bride
by Lauri Robinson
"Really," he answered, covering her mouth with a kiss that
should drowned any lingering doubt she may have.
When they separated, her gaze locked with his. "I do know
that. Maybe I just had to prove it to myself."
"No doubts," he said, "ever."
She nodded. "Never-ever."
"Remember that."
"I shall," she whispered, kissing him.
He held her tight, thanking the heavens above for all he
had. When the stinging in his eyes eased, he said, "I suppose
we should head back."
"I suppose," she laughed and plucked at the material of
her gown. "I'm afraid I'll have to take a bath before I can
rejoin the festivities at our hotel."
He nuzzled her neck, kissed her ear lobe. "Want some
company?"
Both of her arms encircled his neck, and she arched her
back, bringing them as close together as possible while sitting
on Ted. "Always," she said.
Howard lifted her hips and swung her around, pushing her
wet dress aside so she straddled his lap. "Come here, my
Boot Hill bride, you're bath is going to have to wait a bit
longer," he said, kissing her face from top to bottom.
She giggled an enticing little sound that was more
welcoming than a soft spring rain. "I love you, Hog Quinter."
He laughed, loving his nickname for the first time in his
life. "And I love you, Randilynn Quinter. Have since the first
moment I laid eyes on you and always will."
308
Boot Hill Bride
by Lauri Robinson
A word from the author...
As a young girl I remember spending warm summer days
and long winter nights with Nancy Drew and Laura Ingalls-
Wilder. As the years slipped by the books evolved into
romance novels by Kathleen Woodiwiss, LaVyrle Spencer and
a host of others.
In 2000 when my husband said I should write one, I took
the challenge, and have loved every moment of the journey.
To create characters from once upon a time and lead them
through a life that ends in happily ever after is a joy. Of
course, you have to torture them a little bit along the way,
and just like real-life children you often have to clean up after
them. But, just like real children, they are worth it.
My husband and I live in Minnesota, have three grown
sons, two precious granddaughters and two handsome step-
grandsons. I'm a life-long Elvis fan (yes, I've been to
Graceland) and love spending Sunday afternoons watching
NASCAR with family and friends.
Visit Lauri at www.laurirobinson.blogspot.com
309
Boot Hill Bride
by Lauri Robinson
Thank you for purchasing
this Wild Rose Press publication.
For other wonderful stories of romance,
please visit our on-line bookstore at
www.thewildrosepress.com
For questions or more information,
contact us at
The Wild Rose Press
www.TheWildRosePress.com
310
