Colorado 01 The Gamble (86 page)

I’m happy for you,
honey,
Anna said and Max
closed his eyes.

Then he opened them and pulled Nina
closer.

“I’m happy too,” he whispered.

I’m going now. If Nina asks where he’s gone,
tell her I’m taking Charlie with me.

Max didn’t answer.

I love you, Max, and I love the way she
loves you.

She would love that, Anna would. That was
pure Anna.

“Find peace, Swanee,” Max replied.

Already did, ‘bout three years ago,
baby.

Max’s jaw clenched to fight against his
throat getting tight.

Then there was silence except for the
crackling of the fire in the grate of the huge stone hearth he laid
with his own hands in the house on the mountain his father gave to
him, his son asleep in the other room, his wife carrying his unborn
child asleep and tucked to his side.

And Holden Maxwell stayed right where he
was, still, quiet, content and staring into the fire until it was
time to get up and carry Nina to bed.

####

About the Author

Kristen Ashley lives in the beautiful West
Country of England with her husband and her cat. She came to
England by way of Denver, where she lived for twelve years, but she
grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana. Her family and friends are loopy
(to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen’s Mom moved her and her brother and
sister in with their grandparents when she was six. Her
grandparents had a daughter much younger than her Mom so they all
lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the
heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO
Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and
love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps
getting better.

Discover other Titles by
Kristen Ashley at
Smashwords.com

The Rock Chick Series:

Rock Chick

Rock Chick Rescue

Rock Chick Redemption

Rock Chick Renegade

The ‘Burg Series:

For You

At Peace

Other Titles by Kristen Ashley:

Penmort Castle