The Cowboy Daddy Hero (The Winchester Cowboys Series Book 1), page 17
They settled into a comfortable silence then, looking out to sea. People were still occasionally walking along the beach. His pulse slowed, and his breathing followed. He slipped his arm around her shoulders and smiled.
An hour later, Dakota smoothed her hand down her shimmering gold silk nightie. It made a perfect contrast to her long, dark hair. With a last glance at her reflection, she left the bathroom.
Beau gave a low whistle and walked toward her. “Honey, you’re something else. First that sexy dress at dinner, and now this? I’m a lucky man.”
She smiled and slipped her arms around his neck. “You’re the sexy one, mister.” With a glance at his washboard abs, she said, “You’d think you spent every day at the gym.”
He grinned. “Hey, ranching’s hard work.”
She gave him a quick kiss. “Obviously.”
He picked her up and carried her to the bed. “I know something else that makes me work up a sweat.”
She chuckled. “I’m sure you do.”
He set her in the middle of the mattress and stepped back, gazing down at her, his emotions suddenly overwhelming him. “Honey, thank you.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but he continued, “Thank you for loving me—for marrying me. Thank you for giving me this chance at real happiness. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
She raised her arms. “Come here, sweetheart.”
He crawled into bed beside her, and she put her arms around him. With her head snuggled against his chest, she said, “I spent my whole life waiting for you. I’m not going anywhere.”
He slipped his fingers through her hair and cupped her head in his palm. “I love you, Dakota. I always will.”
As the seconds passed, the intensity of his emotion subsided. He kissed the top of her head and whispered, “Hey, time’s a wastin’. Isn’t this our honeymoon?”
She chuckled. “It sure is, cowboy.” She rose and kissed him hard on the mouth, then pushed him over onto his back.
He put his hands around her waist and rolled, putting her on her back. Grinning, he said, “My turn.”
She laughed. “Ok, tough guy. You’re in charge.”
“Damn straight I am.” He leaned down and gave her a slow, sensual kiss. She slipped her hands behind his neck, her tongue sliding into his mouth. He stroked it, then she sucked on his tongue, an erotic sensation he loved.
“Mm.” She slid her calf over his and arched her pelvis into him.
He ran his hand down her ribs, pausing at the curve of her waist, then cupped her butt in his palm, pulling her close.
She brushed a kiss across his lips before tracing them with the tip of her tongue.
Ripples of pleasure ran through him. He whispered, “I love you,” and gently nibbled her neck, trailing soft kisses down to her full breast. Then he lifted the hem of her nightie.
She raised her hips, and he pulled it off over her head. He kicked off his boxers then too.
She settled back down on the bed, and he smiled at her, cupping her breast in his hand and drawing her taut nipple into his mouth.
She sucked in a breath and clasped his head in her hands as he stroked her with his tongue. A rush of heat swept through him. He loved arousing her like this.
She moved down, her head coming level with his chest, and she kissed him softly, her tongue tracing the contours of his muscles.
He slipped his fingers through her hair, cradling her head as her movements sent sensual flickers of desire sweeping through him.
He was hard now, so ready for her. Her hand closed around him, and he gasped. Gripping hard, she slid her hand up and down. He gritted his teeth and groaned, unsure if he could hold back.
Then her lips encircled him, her mouth hot and wet.
“God, Dakota, what are you doing to me?”
She took him all in then, and he thought he’d explode. He moaned and tightened his muscles, holding onto his control for all he was worth.
She lifted her head, sucking hard, and he gritted his teeth at the agony of pleasure. Then she moved down, and he nearly cried out, it felt so damn good. Holding his breath, he gave himself over to the incredible sensations she gave him, hanging on by a thread, swept away on a tide of pleasure as her mouth rose and descended. Suddenly, a wall of passion threatened to smash his control to pieces. He stopped her with gentle hands, drawing in a deep breath.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. “My God, you’re unbelievable, honey. Thank you.”
She patted his chest. “I love you, Beau. And I enjoy pleasing you.”
“I want to please you, too. That’s why I stopped you.”
She smiled. “You didn’t have to stop me. There’s always round two.”
He laughed and hugged her to him. “You’re something else, sweetheart.”
He rose and drew her down to the foot of the bed. She looked at him curiously until he adjusted her again, this time placing her butt at the edge. She smiled as he knelt in front of her and clasped her calves, laying them over his broad shoulders.
Knowing that she must feel vulnerable in that position, he placed soft kisses up and down her inner thighs, feeling her subtly relax. Then he spread her open and gently thrust his tongue inside her.
She sucked in a breath and clasped his head. He thrust in and out, in and out, and she sighed as she ran her fingers through his hair.
His heart pounded as his movements and her fingers stimulated him. Then he swept his tongue up and found her sensitive spot, stroking it gently over and over.
She moaned, her hands frozen in place as ecstasy overwhelmed her. Then he took it into his mouth and sucked, and she cried out as she arched toward him. Her breath came in gasps, her thighs rock-hard with tension. He didn’t stop, didn’t let up.
Suddenly, she cried, “Beau!” and began to pulse in his mouth.
He carried her to the glass balcony door and set her on her feet. She took in the view, and the corner of her mouth lifted. Placing her palms on the glass, she said, “Hurry, my love!”
He clasped her hips and eased himself inside her. Hot, intense pleasure shot through him, and he squeezed his eyes shut. He withdrew and thrust in again.
She moaned, “Yes!”
He began his rhythm, nearly losing control immediately. He bit his lip and clamped down on the rush of sensation washing through him. God, she was perfect, his perfect woman.
She reached back and clasped his thigh. His heart melted, increasing his pleasure even more.
He leaned forward and clasped her breasts, fondling them and taking smaller strokes. Her breasts were full and round and filled his hand. Then he rose and thrust hard again. She braced both palms on the glass again and groaned with pleasure as her body continued to clasp him.
He closed his eyes as his own passion rose like fire in his depths. The strong muscles in his back and butt felt like steel as he plunged inside her. The slap of their bodies coming together rang in his ears. Her wide-legged stance never faltered.
In an instant, he was there. Heat blew through him as he lost control. “Dakota!” His muscles locked up; he couldn’t move. He felt himself spurting inside her and grinned. No more condoms—there was nothing between them now. He groaned at the sensation.
A moment later, he sighed and drew her up against his chest.
She leaned her head back against him, staring through the window. “It’s so beautiful out there. What a wonderful way to make love.” She turned and put her arms around his neck. “I love you, Beau Winchester.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist. “Honey, I’m so happy right now.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “And it’s all because you love me.” He smoothed her hair back from her face. “You’re the most precious thing in the world to me. I love you more than I can express. More than I’ll ever be able to show you.” He looked deep into her eyes. “Dakota, I’ll love you to my dying day, to my last breath.”
With tears in her eyes, she kissed him then, more tenderly than she ever had.
He opened his eyes and smiled as she drew back. His sadness was over at last. Only joy remained.
Epilogue
Beau strode through the clinic doors where Dakota was scheduled for her eighteen-week anatomy scan. The sonogram images produced today should reveal their baby’s sex.
His heart raced as he approached the desk in the waiting room. He was running late because of a loan client who wouldn’t stop talking. It had been all Beau could do to get the man up and out of his chair and then out the office door.
A couple of minutes later, he walked into a room where Dakota lay on her back on a table. A technician was adjusting the settings on an ultrasound unit.
“Beau, you made it!” The relief in his wife’s voice made him wince.
“I’m sorry I’m late and that I worried you, honey.” He went around the table and took her hand. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”
As he bent to kiss Dakota, the tech said, “We’re glad you’re here, Mr. Winchester. I’m Janet.”
He smiled. “I’m Beau, and I’m just glad I made it before you began.”
“Let’s lift your top up, Dakota, and we’ll get started,” she said.
Dakota exposed her growing belly and smiled at him. “This is the day, honey. We’ll find out if we’re having a tiny cowboy or a cute little cowgirl.”
He grinned. “Either one’s fine with me.”
Janet applied gel to Dakota’s belly and then placed the wand on it, swirling it around until her skin was covered in the clear lubricant.
“Okay, now look at the screen, and I’ll tell you what you’re seeing,” Janet said.
Beau’s pulse raced as he watched the black-and-white images form and reform.
“There’s the skull. Do you see it?”
“Yes,” he said excitedly.
“Is that the body?” Dakota pointed to the screen.
“Let’s get a better look,” Janet said and moved the wand. “There, that’s better.” A second later, she said, “And there’s a leg.”
“Oh my gosh. This is amazing.” Dakota squeezed his hand.
“Oh, look!” Janet said and held the wand still.
“Is that what I think it is?” Beau asked as his heart filled with joy.
Janet chuckled. “If you think it’s a penis, then you’re right. You’re having a little boy.”
“Oh my God, honey!” He leaned down and hugged Dakota.
“We’re having a little boy. Oh, sweetheart, I’m so happy.” Her voice broke, and he knew she was crying. He held her a moment longer and then realized that he wasn’t letting Janet continue with the ultrasound.
“Sorry.” He stood up again and wiped his eyes.
She smiled. “Don’t worry. I got a picture of that, by the way.”
He laughed. “Thanks. Somehow, I don’t think he’ll appreciate it when he gets older, though.”
Janet continued to move the wand slowly over Dakota’s abdomen, taking measurements and screenshots.
He couldn’t stop smiling and he could tell that Dakota was as happy and excited as he was.
“So, I guess you’re okay that we’re not having a daughter?” he said.
“Of course. It would have been fun to buy all those frilly pink dresses, but I’ll have just as much fun buying tiny Wranglers and boots,” she said.
He laughed. “Me too. I can’t wait to look for a little hat to fit him. And, oh man, my dad will be over the moon.”
“I can’t wait to tell my parents. They’ll be excited—although they’d have been just as happy with a granddaughter,” she said.
Dakota’s sweet smile made him want to kiss her again, but Janet was still hard at work on the ultrasound.
“I think Mom was secretly hoping for another granddaughter. She loved dressing up Cat in little pink dresses and white ruffled socks.”
“Aw, that’s so sweet. I know she misses having Cat so close. We need to go visit more often, Beau. Seriously, we do,” Dakota said.
He nodded. “I know, I just hate for Cat to miss her therapy.”
“Do you think you could talk to her teachers about adjusting their visits when we go out of town?” she asked.
He shrugged. “It’s worth asking.”
She squeezed his hand. “Let’s try that.”
He smiled down at her, his heart warm and so filled with joy he could hardly breathe. She was an amazing wife, always thinking of what would make her family happy.
He had his sweet Cat who was learning to use the vision that she’d been born with, and that was all he’d ever asked for. And Johnathan, of course, a foster stepson anyone would be proud of. He glanced at the ultrasound monitor. And soon he’d have a baby son too. He met Dakota’s gaze and mouthed, “I love you.”
He prayed: Thank you God, for taking care of me. For giving me Dakota, for helping Cat and Johnathan, and for giving me my son.
She smiled and whispered, “I love you more.”
KEEP READING FOR YOUR FREE BOOK, AND A SNEAK PEEK AT BOOK TWO, HER COWBOY SAVIOR.
SNEAK PEEK, HER COWBOY SAVIOR, BOOK TWO
Carson Winchester gasped and slammed on his brakes as he rounded the curve. Tires screeching, he slid to a halt inches from a two-car accident as dust settled over the badly mangled vehicles. He realized that it must have just happened. He pulled around and parked farther up the two-lane highway and made a 911 call. Still on the line, he jumped out of his truck and raced back to the scene, noticing two conscious adults in a black pickup. It appeared to have crossed the line into the other lane.
“I’m on the phone with emergency services. Just hang on!” he said to them as he strode to the white SUV.
The young woman inside this vehicle wasn’t so lucky. She was unconscious, had a heavily bleeding head wound, and was hugely pregnant. He noticed the special seatbelt adjuster that kept the lap belt across her thighs. The steering wheel was jammed against her belly, however, and he desperately hoped that her baby was uninjured. He tried the driver’s-side door, but it was jammed. He quickly went to the passenger side door, and after several heaving efforts, was able to peel it open. He described the situation to the 911 operator and then disconnected the call. He needed both hands to help the woman in the SUV.
After climbing inside, he scooted as close as he could to the woman. Needing something to stanch the blood, he removed his shirt and wadded it up, pressing it hard to the gushing wound on the far side of her head.
He looked anxiously down the road but of course there was no sign of the ambulance yet. They were fifteen miles from San Saba, Texas and there was almost no traffic on the road. To his relief, however, an approaching car slowed to a stop. As soon as the man got out, Carson waved and yelled as loud as he could, “Drive around the curve, and try to slow down the traffic!” The man jumped back into his car, sped past the accident, and disappeared from sight.
The woman was still unconscious. Her long, red hair was now matted with blood, and he feared that his effort to stop the bleeding was in vain. Her naturally translucent skin looked even paler, if that was possible. He pressed his shirt harder against her wound, desperately hoping she wouldn’t bleed out. He glanced up the road again. Dammit. Where was that ambulance?
He took a long look at the woman. She appeared to be short, not much more than five feet. And she seemed tiny, built more like a young girl than the woman her face showed her to be. He realized that his mind was rambling, doing anything to keep him from thinking about how badly the poor woman might be injured.
He felt strangely protective of her. She was alone, injured, and unconscious, and she needed someone to look after her. Without really stopping to consider, he decided that he was going to the hospital with her.
He looked up as a siren sounded just out of sight. God, please let that be the ambulance and not law enforcement. Seconds later, red lights whirled atop the large, boxy ambulance as it raced down the road toward them. It crossed the double yellow line and pulled over onto the dead grass and gravel on the side of the road. The doors flew open and two EMTs jumped out. They quickly gathered their gear bags and jogged toward the wrecked vehicles.
“Hurry!” he called, his shirt still pressed to the woman’s head. “This woman’s unconscious and bleeding from a head wound, and she’s pregnant. The two in the truck are awake and alert.”
When an EMT arrived, slightly out of breath, Carson said, “I got here while the dust from the accident was still settling, so she’s been unconscious for about fifteen minutes now.”
The EMT nodded, and he noticed the name tag on her shirt said Shelly.
She said, “I’ll take over now. You did right to hold pressure on the wound.”
He climbed out of the car, grabbing a purse on the floor on his way out.
Shelly quickly removed his bloodied shirt from the woman’s head, and he saw that the wound was still bleeding.
He strode around to the other side of the car so he could better see what Shelly was doing.
A moment later, when he opened the purse, Shelly glanced at him through the window. He said loudly, “I’m going to look for her identification.” She nodded and returned her attention to the woman’s wound.
He found the woman’s driver’s license. Her name was Haley Wilson, and she was from Houston. He looked in every compartment of her wallet and then through her purse but didn’t find any emergency contact information. He kept her license out for law enforcement but took a good look at something else he found before he zipped up the purse again—two fat, bank envelopes full of cash. He looked inside and saw lots of hundreds in one and a huge wad of twenties in another. It was at least several thousand dollars and probably more. He glanced at the injured woman, wondering why she was carrying that much cash when there had been credit cards in her wallet.
He retrieved her phone, hoping to access her contacts, but was disappointed when it had a lock code on it and no emergency contact. He tossed it back into her purse.
Another ambulance came into view, siren wailing, along with a black and white highway patrol vehicle.
Shelly said in a voice he could hear through the window, “That ambulance is for the other two people. And we’re going to need help getting this woman out of the car. With the steering wheel pressing against her abdomen, we need to be very careful. The fire department’s on its way and will be able to help. It’s a good thing you told them when you called that this thing was pressing against her, or we wouldn’t have been prepared.”
