The Cowboy and the Cougar (The Cougar Chronicles 1)

"Of course he was."

"I mean, in the scenarios in my mind."

"I know that’s what you meant."

He nodded, and his beautiful face shone with emotion. "My boy was always there, and so were you, Holly."

Warmth coursed through her, and she smiled into his dark eyes.

"Like I said," he continued, "I always thought I’d have more kids. But Sam’s enough for me, and I’m hopin’...." He inhaled and looked upward for a split second, then settled his gaze back on hers. "That is, I’m hopin’ maybe Sam might be enough for you, too. I’d like you to be a permanent part of our lives."

"Oh Jack!" She cupped his cheeks—how wonderful the stubble felt against her fingers—and pulled his lips to hers. The kiss was deep, raw, possessive and she reveled in the pure joy of it.

When Jack pulled away, she whimpered.

"There’s something I need to tell you."

"Then will you kiss me some more?"

"Forever, if you’ll let me. I love you, Holly." He fell to one knee and pulled a velvet box out of his pocket. "This was my grandmother’s ring, and I’d be honored if you’d accept it. I want you to be my wife. Sam’s mother. Will you have us?"

Fresh urgency spiked into her, coupled with a love so fierce she could no longer contain it.

She knelt beside him and he placed the ring on her left hand.

"I love you, Jack. And I love Sam. I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with the two of you." She leaned into him and kissed the rough stubbled skin below his ear. "You’ve given me back my dream."

"And you’ve given me mine."

He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her.

The End