Walker lies dead as the deputy sheriff and his men move in and call for backup. In the distance, I can hear the ambulance, but it’s too late for Walker. My wound is just a deep scratch that might not even need stitches. We got lucky that the sheriff sent them because neither of us knew Walker had a gun.

“Are you all right?” Tracy runs her hands over the rest of me as if making sure I’m okay.

“Yeah, I’m good.” I cup her face and look into her eyes. “Are you okay?”

“I’m shaken up.” She swallows hard and then nods. “But yeah, I think I’m gonna be all right.”

Hours later, I’ve got Tracy wrapped in a blanket as we watch the sun set over the farm. We rode out here on one of my horses and are planning on staying the night. We both wanted to get away from what happened at the house and have some quiet time alone.

“Is it wrong that I’m not sad?” she asks as she turns to look up at me.

“No,” I answer honestly. “Now you don’t have to look over your shoulder for the rest of your life. And maybe we can find your mom.”

“That would really be something, wouldn’t it?” She looks hopeful as she turns her face to the setting sun. “After all these years of thinking she didn’t want me, I found out she stayed away to keep me safe.”

“I might be biased, but how could anyone not want you?” I lean down and brush my lips against hers. “You’re incredible, sweet thing, and I love you with every part of my soul.”

“Does anyone live out here or are we alone?”

“If you’re asking if we can make love on this blanket, the answer is yes,” I say, and she smiles and nods. “But first I want you to promise me something.”

I move so that she lies back on the blanket, and I hover over her body.

“I’ll promise you anything, Bronco.” Her fingers come up and trace my jaw.

“When we wake up, you marry me.”

Her eyes widen in surprise, and then her smile grows and grows. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah, Tracy.” I say her name this time so she knows I’m not messing around. “You’re mine, and I want the world to know. I want you to have my last name and all my babies. I love you, and there’s nothing else in the world I want more than for you to be my wife.”

“I guess I don’t have much of a choice,” she teases and then nods. “Yes, I’ll marry you, Bronco Layne. And I’ll give you all the babies you want.”

“I’m going to take that as a challenge.” Eventually her laughter turns to moans as I kiss my way down her body and between her legs. When my mouth finds that pretty little clit, her cries echo over the hills, and I drink her pleasure.