Page 49 of The Rancher

Lyris sighed, loving the feel of his lips, soft and yet firm against hers.

He kissed her and pulled her tighter.

She opened as his tongue greeted hers and they danced, loving each other as much as a single kiss could.

When they broke apart both were breathless.

“When should we tell Maddy?” Lyris still had her arms wrapped around his neck and wasn’t about to let him go.

“Tomorrow. For now, I want you to get a good night’s sleep. You need it.”

“How can I possibly sleep with so much going on?”

Smiling, he squeezed her close. “I’ll hold you until you relax. Come on.” He led her to the bedroom. “Get ready for bed. You can sleep under the covers and I’ll sleep over them and hold you all night. Nothing will disturb you. You’ll sleep and then tomorrow, we’ll start our new lives together.”

“I’d like that.”

Lyris knew her life was just beginning. All that had come before brought her to where she was now, and though much of it was hard and hurtful and sometimes scary, she wouldn’t be where she was if she hadn’t gone through it.

After she changed into her sleep shorts and a tank top, she crawled under the blankets and then laid her head on Ray’s chest. His muscles were firm against her cheek and his heartbeat soothed her.

He curled around her, tucking her close and kissed her hair.

Finally, after all these years and after the most horrible and most wonderful day of her life, she felt like she’d finally come home.

The next morningwhen Lyris awoke, she was cuddled against Ray. His arms were still around her.

“Hi, beautiful.”

“How long have you been awake?”

“For a while. I’ve been watching you sleep.”

“She wiped her mouth. Did I drool? I’m sorry.”

He chuckled. “Just a little. I don’t mind.”

“We should get up and talk to Maddy.”

“We should.” He didn’t move from holding her.

She was a bundle of nerves. What if Maddy didn’t want her to marry Ray? What if she hated the idea?

Lyris dressed while Ray did the same. Then they walked together to the main house for breakfast.

The girl in question walked into the kitchen. She yawned. “Hi, everyone.” She poured a glass of juice before settling in at the table. She covered another yawn with her hand.

“Maddy, sweetheart, we have something to talk to you about,” Ray held Lyris’s hand under the table.

She was glad he did because it settled her and calmed her shaking.

“Sweetie, you know I love you but it’s time?—”

Maddy jumped to her feet. “Oh, my God, you finally did it. You asked her to marry you.” She put her hands on her hips. “It’s about darn time.” She ran around the table and hugged Lyris tightly. “I’m so glad. I’ve wanted a mother.” Maddy gave herfather a sidelong look and narrowed her eyes. “I thought I was going to have to ask her for you.”

Ray chuckled.

Maddy threw her arms around Ray’s neck. “I’m really happy for you, Daddy. So happy.” She turned toward Lyris again. “Welcome to the family!”