Lost Love (Cowboys & Angels 1)

Her head dropped back against the seat. “Ugh. I know, I know. I don’t want your parents to think I’m a whore.”

I parked, then turned off the truck and faced her. “Why in fuck’s sake would they think that?”

She gave me a look that said I should know the answer to that question. “Steed, we had sex out in the open. For the whole world to see.”

With a quick wink, I replied, “And it was hot as hell, admit it.”

Her lower lip pulled in between her teeth. “I will admit it was hot. Very hot.”

I flashed her a dimpled smile, and she practically melted in the seat. Damn, I loved this woman. “Come on, we’re running behind schedule.”

Paxton chuckled. “I didn’t realize we were on a schedule. Was our little stop back there part of today’s plan?”

“No. Our little love fest put us a bit behind, but I think we can make up the time.”

She grinned and hopped out of the truck, not waiting for me to come around and get her door. We met in front of the truck, and I reached for her hand, guiding her into the house.

“So, you’re a pilot?” she asked after we stepped through the front door.

“Yeah. I thought I told you. I took lessons in Oregon. Started out as a way to get my mind off…” My voice trailed off, and I stopped walking.

“Me?” she asked with sadness laced in her voice.

My heart wrenched, and I pulled her to me. “Yes, if I’m being honest. I’m sorry I was gone for so long.”

A weak smile moved across her face. “I think we have established that. It’s just that I hate…”

Lifting my hand, I brushed her hair back. “You hate what?”

Her eyes drifted down. I placed my finger on her chin and lifted them back to mine. “Pax, please tell me.”

“I hate that we missed so much time together. That so many years were filled with sadness and anger.” She shrugged. “The last few months have been so blissfully happy for me, I can’t help but wonder what life would have been like had I not gotten—”

My finger moved to her lips. “Don’t say that. This moment, right now with you, it’s because of what happened ten years ago. We might have taken the long way, but we made it. We’re together and nothing or no one will ever change that.”

Her arms wrapped around my neck. “You’re right!”

The love I felt for Paxton consumed my heart and soul, yet I fell in love with her a little more each day.

Taking her hand in mine, I pulled her towards the kitchen. “Come on. We’re late.”

Paxton grinned and let me guide her. We walked into the kitchen, and I smiled when I pulled the large basket out of the refrigerator.

“What’s this?” she asked while walking over to me.

“Dinner,” I responded. Her eyes lit up as they darted from the basket to me. I held my breath, waiting for her reaction.

“You had a picnic basket made up for dinner? Are we going on a picnic?”

I loved the excitement in her voice. One of Paxton’s favorite things to do when we dated was to go on picnics. I’d talk Waylynn into packing us a lunch, and I’d surprise Paxton with different locations. I was almost positive one of those picnics was when we conceived our child.

“We are,” I replied with a wink.

Paxton’s face lit up like Christmas morning. I swore I could get drunk with happiness simply by watching her smile.

“Did Waylynn come in to make us dinner?” she asked with a chuckle.

“Not this time. Mom did it all. She was over the moon when I told her my plans.”

She lifted a brow. “Dang, had I known your mom was in on this little secret date I would have pumped her for information.”

Taking the large basket, I huffed. “All you would have had to do is bat those pretty eyes at her, and she would have caved. I think my mother is as happy as we are that we’re together.”

I took her hand in mine, and we headed back out to my truck.

“My mother is too. She’s started asking questions again about why we broke up.”

A slow heavy feeling settled into my chest. “Do you think you’ll ever tell your parents?”

Paxton was silent for a few seconds before she answered me. “I think I will, when the time feels right. It hasn’t yet.”

Stopping at the passenger door, I faced her. “You don’t have to tell them if you don’t want.”

Chewing on her lip, she nodded. “I feel guilty keeping it from them, but over the years it’s been hard enough to think about, let alone tell them, and the longer I wait, the harder it is.”

I placed my hand on the side of her face. “Pax,” I breathed before lightly kissing her lips.