He walked out of the kitchen and headed for his bedroom. After lying down on his bed, he realized something. Not only did he not want any kind of relationship with Kara, but he couldn’t imagine being with any woman except Dakota, ever. He loved her—loved her to the depths of his soul.

  He closed his eyes and prayed. God, am I the man for Dakota? Tell me, will you help me keep her safe?

  He sighed and thought about that. I’m sorry, God. That was the wrong question. Lord, I’m turning Dakota’s safety over to you. Please keep her safe. You’ve known all along that I couldn’t do that.

  A relief so intense it took his breath away swept through him. Dakota’s safety wasn’t on him anymore. It never had been. He could do everything in his power to keep her safe, but, ultimately, only God could protect her. Thank you, God, for showing this to me. Thank you for setting me free.

  Heart racing, he rose from the bed. He had to see Dakota.

  As he walked through the living room, he didn’t see Kara. She was probably in her bedroom. Cat would sleep for at least an hour.

  He knocked on Dakota’s front door, and Fran answered with a surprised look. “Beau, it’s good to see you. Come on in.”

  Dakota was sitting in the recliner with her legs elevated. Her mouth opened when she saw him, but she didn’t speak. Then she said, “Beau? Is something wrong?”

  As Fran left the room, he knelt beside Dakota’s chair. “No, nothing’s wrong. In fact, I think everything’s going to be all right.”

  He sighed and took her hand in both of his. “Honey, God helped me to realize that I can’t keep you safe. Only He can do that. No matter what I do, your safety is in God’s hands.”

  She cupped his face in her hand. “Oh, Beau, does that mean that this is over? That you know that the wreck wasn’t your fault?”

  “I’m still a work in progress, but God is helping me with that.” He gave her a chagrined smile. “I’ve turned it over to him, but I’m sure I’ll try to take it back.”

  She nodded. “I know how that goes. I’m good at that too.”

  He leaned in and kissed her then, long and slow.

  She sighed when he drew back. “I’ve missed you.”

  “Honey, I love you,” he said softly. “And I’ve missed you terribly. I’m so sorry that I’ve hurt you and that I wasn’t here for you when you needed me most.”

  He kissed her again, a deep, sensuous kiss. When he pulled back, he said, “I don’t have a ring for you yet, sweetheart, but I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me, Dakota?”

  Her eyes reddened, and she slipped her arm around his neck. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you. I’m so happy, Beau.” Tears ran from her eyes.

  He gently wiped them away. “You’ll have your ring on Monday, honey.” He grinned. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world!”

  Fran walked back into the room with two cups of coffee on a tray.

  Dakota called out, “Mom, we’re engaged!”

  Fran broke into a huge grin. “Well, it’s about time you all got it right. I’m so happy you came over today, Beau. Welcome to the family.”

  He grinned. “Thanks Fran. And, yes, we finally got it right.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Dakota stood in the bride’s room at the church she’d attended as a child and where her parents still went to services most Sundays.

  Jules met Dakota’s gaze in the mirror and gave her a hug. “You look beautiful, honey. We did good when we found this dress.”

  Dakota smiled. The scoop-necked gown had long, lace sleeves, and its form-fitting lace bodice accentuated Dakota’s small waist. An eight-layered tulle petticoat made the skirt flare out, adding an extra dash of elegance, and the sheer lace veil extended three feet behind her gown.

  Sandy, Jules’s cousin and mother of Jessica, the five-year-old flower girl, popped her head into the room. “They’re almost ready out here.”

  When Dakota turned to her, she said, “Oh, you look lovely. Beau’s gonna die when he sees you.”

  Dakota’s heart beat harder. She couldn’t wait to get her first glimpse of him in his black tux. The tall, strikingly handsome cowboy would be devastating.

  The door opened again, and her father walked in. “It’s time, honey.” He smiled, his eyes roving from the top of her head down to the hem of her dress. “You’re gorgeous, sweetheart.” He held out his arm. “Grab on. Everyone’s waiting to see the star of this show.”

  Her heart racing, she took his arm and followed him out into the hallway.

  Jules went on ahead and rounded up Johnathan, the ring bearer, and Jessica, the flower girl.

  Dakota smiled, warmth sweeping through her heart as Michael took Johnathan’s arm and looped it through his. She watched through the hinge crack of the chapel door, noticing that Johnathan had a huge grin on his face as he held the ring pillow in his hand. She’d had a loop sewn to the bottom of the pillow so that he could easily grip it. Little Jessica walked beside him, strewing red rose petals along their path.

  Jules went in next, ensuring that all went well ahead of her.

  As the three of them passed out of her sight, Dakota’s father whispered, “You ready for this, honey?”

  She smiled. “I can’t wait, Daddy.”

  After a long pause, her father led her through the door. She immediately looked for Beau and sucked in a breath. He stood tall, his shoulders military-straight, and wearing a dazzling smile at the sight of her. Her heart leapt, and, despite her grip on her father’s arm, she increased her pace.

  Her father lengthened his stride to keep up with her.

  It seemed to take forever to walk down the long aisle of the big church filled with family and so many of her parents’ friends. Her father led her carefully up to the dais, and then her hand was in Beau’s. At his touch, clarity came to her at last. His loving smile as he drew her close brought a welcome deep breath to her lungs.

  “Stand before me, please,” the pastor said.

  Beau led her to their place in front of the pastor and kept a firm hold of her hand. She leaned against him as the pastor began to speak. Her mind buzzed with loving words that had nothing to do with what the man was saying. She was too overwhelmed, her feelings too intense, to focus on him. Beau was the center of her universe at that moment.

  He squeezed her hand and glanced down at her. His smile sent a cascade of love showering through her.

  She clasped his arm, moving even closer to him. With a soft sigh, she tuned into the pastor’s words as he spoke of the need for lifelong dedication to one another.

  At last, the pastor said, “Beau, you may now say your vows to Dakota.”

  Beau turned to face her and smiled as he clasped both of her hands. “Dakota, my heart is, and always will be, yours. I promise to be there for you when you need me—to never disappear or be distant—but to always be by your side. I promise to comfort you in times of sadness, and to love you always, even when love is difficult. I give you myself today and all the days of my life.”

  She felt tears pooling in her eyes as she smiled up at him.

  “Dakota, you may now share your vows with Beau,” the pastor said.

  With her hands still clasped with Beau’s, she said, “Honey, I promise to put you before all others, to be by your side through thick and thin, and through good times and bad. You can count on me always, Beau. I pledge to you honesty above all things. My honest devotion, my honest heart, and my undying love forever.”

  “Beau, you may now place your ring on Dakota’s finger as a symbol of your love and commitment,” the pastor said.

  Beau smiled into her eyes as he slipped the sparkling white-gold wedding band onto her finger. It matched her diamond solitaire engagement ring perfectly.

  Then it was her turn. She took his big-knuckled rancher’s hand in hers and slid his diamond-inlaid gold band onto his ring finger.

  “Beau and Dakota, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Beau, you may kiss your bride.”

  He smiled sweetly at her and brushed a gentle kiss across her lips. Then he kissed her again, slowly and sensuously, showing his love for her before everyone in the chapel.

  When he looked at her again, he grinned and picked her up, spinning her in a circle.

  Laughing, she threw her arms around his neck. “I love you, honey,” she cried.

  As he led her down the steps and back down the aisle, their well-wishers clapped and called out to them. She and Beau smiled and waved until they were outside the front doors.

  People threw handfuls of red and white dried flower petals at them as she and Beau laughed and ducked.

  Carson had made it out before them and opened the limo door before the driver could. As Beau helped her into the car, Carson said, “You did good, brother. Congratulations.”

  Beau grinned. “It’s your turn next, bro.”

  Carson laughed as Beau got into the car. “I’ll see you at the reception, and I won’t be jumping for the garter!”

  Beau cracked up and waved goodbye through the window.

  Then he turned and looked into her eyes. “I love you, sweetheart. This is the happiest day of my life.”

  She clasped his face in her hands. “I loved your vows.” She kissed him softly. “I’m never letting you go.”

  He caressed her cheek. “You’d better not. I’m staying right here with you.”

  She leaned her head against his shoulder. Now her new life could begin.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Beau stretched out on a lounge chair as Dakota waded into the waves lapping on the pink sands of the hotel’s private beach. Bermuda’s mid-August weather was perfect, with temperatures in the mid-eighties and the ocean just as warm.

  They were staying at The Reefs Resort and Club, and the special honeymoon package they’d booked included an ocean-view room, luxury breakfasts and gourmet dinners, and champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. It even covered a full-hour couple’s massage.

  Dakota turned and waved as she waded into deeper water. He smiled and waved back. Damn, she was sexy in that bright red bikini. He noticed several other men looking her way and smiled. The water slowly covered her shapely legs as she walked farther out, and he sighed. He’d go into the water in a little while. For now, it felt amazing to lie in the shade of a large umbrella and sip his cold beer.

  His eyes closed and he breathed out a deep, relaxing breath. They’d left San Antonio on the 5:40 a.m. red-eye with one stop in Atlanta, and had arrived in Bermuda just before two that afternoon. It had already been a long, taxing day, and they were going to take it easy until dinner. The hotel boasted two fine restaurants, one of which was well-known on the island for its gourmet cuisine.

  The water was up to Dakota’s chest now, and he became concerned. Sharks could be out that deep. He waved again, then motioned for her to come back as he rose to his feet.

  He met her in waist-high water and took her into his arms. “Don’t go so far out, sweetheart. The only thing that’s eating you today is me.”

  She burst out laughing, and he lifted her to his waist as he turned his back to the beach. She wrapped her legs around him and giggled, sliding side to side against his hard length. “Somebody’s ready for a little fooling around.”

  He grinned. “And here I was feeling tired a couple of minutes ago.”

  She brushed a kiss across his lips. “We’re going to have so much fun while we’re here. Isn’t this place amazing?”

  “It’s even better than the pictures.” He dug his toes into the sandy bottom. “This beach is fantastic. I can’t believe it’s not overrun by tons of people.”

  He enjoyed the gentle pressure of the waves as they washed past them. “It’s so relaxing here. Aren’t you glad we finally have some downtime together?”

  She leaned her head against his shoulder. “Everything leading up to the wedding was so stressful. But wasn’t Johnathan wonderful?” She leaned back and looked into his eyes. “I’ve never been so proud. I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to thank Michael enough for making it possible for him to participate. It meant so much to me.”

  Beau kissed her forehead and cuddled her head to his chest. “You’re so precious. It’s hard to believe I’ve married the most wonderful woman in the world.”

  She chuckled and nestled her head closer. “You’re my hero. Did you know that? You’re everything a man should be and more. I’m the lucky one.”

  He laughed. “Hero? I don’t think so.” It warmed him, though, that she felt that way.

  She raised her head and looked into his eyes. “Believe it, mister. It’s true.”

  He shook his head, still smiling. “If you say so.”

  “I say so,” she said firmly.

  Beau laid his fork across his plate. Dinner had been fabulous. They’d dined at Coconuts at the Reefs, the hotel restaurant overlooking the beach. The golds and oranges and reds of the dying sunset had cast a romantic glow over their meal.

  “Oh my goodness, that was good,” Dakota said as she leaned back in her chair. She was dressed in a brightly hued, floral, cocktail-length dress that showed just enough cleavage to make him itch to touch her. He wore an island-casual shirt, lightweight pants, and slip-on shoes.

  “I think we should work off this meal with a walk on the beach,” Dakota said.

  “Sounds good to me.”

  He left an ample tip on the table and rose to pull back her chair.

  They took off their shoes once they got out on the sand, enjoying walking barefoot at the edge of the waves. Other couples had the same idea, and they occasionally passed each other.

  Dakota leaned her head against his arm. “This is lovely. I enjoy walking by the ocean at night. The sound of the wind and the waves is so soothing, don’t you think?”

  His love for her washed through him. He felt like he was living a dream, the best he’d ever had. He tightened his arm around her. He’d stay by her side, come hell or high water, forever.

  “I like the sound too. It’s one of the things I love most about going to Padre Island.” He kissed the top of her head. “Do you go to Padre much?”

  “Not that often, but I love it when I do.”

  “We’ll have to go in November. It’s after tourist season, so it’s pretty quiet, and I love walking on the beach at that time of the year.”

  “Oh, I’d like that.”

  When they finished their walk, they returned to the room.

  “How about I order a bottle of champagne?” he said as they both washed their feet off one more time.

  “That sounds great, honey. We can sit on our cozy little balcony and look out over the ocean. It’ll be beautiful at night.”

  He gave her a quick kiss after drying his feet and then walked in to order the champagne.

  They went outside where, despite the strong breeze, it was warm. He scooted the chairs together before they sat down.

  As he slid his arm around her shoulders, she said, “This is so nice. I can’t believe that we actually have four whole days here, honey.”

  He kissed her temple. “We’ve never had much time alone, sweetheart. I’ll enjoy every second of it.”

  After a moment, she said. “We have such a perfect little family now, don’t you think?”

  He smiled. “I do. I especially love how sweet Johnathan is with Cat, and how excited he was when we told him that Cat and I would be moving in. I’d worried that he might not like it.”

  “He really looks up to you, honey. It’s going to be great for him to have a good male role model in the house. And it’s also going to be good for him to experience having a sibling.”

  She leaned over and kissed him. “I’m so happy that you really care for Johnathan. It means the world to me. We’re really the only family he has since his mom only makes it down to see him once or twice a year. It’s important that he feels loved.”

  “Of course I care about him. He’s a wonderful young man—and, inside, he’s a sweet kid.”

  “Like I said before, you’re my hero, sweetheart.”

  He chuckled. “Thanks.”

  A knock at the door heralded the arrival of their champagne. Beau poured them each a glass and went back outside.

  As he sat down, she raised her glass to him. “To my husband, the hero. I’ll love you forever.”

  He smiled and clinked his flute with hers. “To my sweet wife. Thanks for believing in me, even when I mess up.”

  She leaned closer to him. “Sweetheart, you never mess up. You’re perfect.”

  He laughed and patted her leg. “That’s not true. But thank you, honey. I love you.”

  “Love you more.” She grinned and took a drink of her champagne.

  After a moment, he said, “I’m really looking forward to our swim with the dolphins tomorrow.”

  She took a sip of her champagne. “I love that we’ll get to spend a whole thirty minutes interacting with the dolphins in the water. How exciting is that?”

  “Right?” He grinned. “And with such a small group we’ll get plenty of one-on-one with them.”

  “I’m excited about going snorkeling too.” She took a sip from her glass, her eyes sparkling. “I’m not that great at it, so I’m really glad we’re going to a reef near the surface.”

  He nodded. “There’re supposed to be fish in all sorts of colors. I can’t wait to try out the new camera. I’d love to get some underwater shots.”

  “Right? And we can use it in the Crystal Cave, too, if we go.” She reached for his hand. “It sounds gorgeous, but I want our honeymoon to be restful, too.”

  He leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss. “I definitely agree. I’m fine with staying here and hanging out on the beach or even doing a little bit of shopping if that’s what you want to do. As long as I’m with you, sweetheart, I’ll be happy.”

  She squeezed his fingers. “I feel the same way.”

 

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