A Cowboy's Christmas Reunion (The Boones of Texas 1)

He laughed, soft and nervous. “Seattle.”

“It rains a lot.” She paused. “What’s in Seattle?”

“Someone I need to apologize to.” He shifted in his seat, giving her his full attention.

Her cheeks felt hot. “Oh? What did you do?”

“I doubted her,” he answered. “And then I let her go without a fight.”

Her heart thumped like mad. “But she went. So maybe she’s not worth fighting for.” Her gaze met his.

“She didn’t leave.” He rested his elbows on his knees, his face inches from hers.

“She tried.”

“What stopped her?” he asked, his gaze lingering.

“For the first time in my—her—life, she realized she had something worth fighting for.” Her throat was thick with emotion. She stared at him, lost in his gaze.

“Big realization.” His voice was low, husky.

She nodded, incapable of words.

“Eleven years is a long time, Jo,” he murmured. “I don’t want another day gone without you with me.” The fear on his face was so real, so raw... And she understood it. He needed her the way she needed him.

“Okay,” she agreed. “I love you, Hunter.”

He smiled. “Damn, I love you, too.” He took her hand in his, lifting it to his mouth so he could kiss each knuckle, then each fingertip.

“Eli?”

“Wants to talk to you.” Hunter stood, pulling her up beside him. “He wanted to come, but I wouldn’t let him.”

She nodded. “He’s okay?”

“He’s more than okay. He’s ready for you to be part of the family now.”

“Now?” She didn’t know what now meant, but she’d happily marry him this second.

“Now.” His hand cupped her cheek. “You will marry me?” he asked.

“Yes, I’ll marry you.” She twined her arms around his neck. “I can’t wait to marry you.”

“Have any plans for New Year’s Eve?” he asked, pressing a light kiss to the corner of her mouth. “Nothing like a new year for a fresh start and a wedding.”

“And fireworks,” she added, parting her lips beneath his.

“I like making fireworks with you, Jo.” His mouth sealed hers, mingling their breaths and making her blissfully light-headed.

“I was talking about the fireworks set off to ring in the New Year.” She shivered as his lips latched on to her ear.

“I like those, too,” he whispered against her skin. “You ready to go home, Jo?”

She pulled back, staring into his eyes. “Take me home.”

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