The Trouble With Cowboys (32 page)

The words threatened her determination to hold it together. Annie blinked against the sting in her eyes. “Right back atcha, sis.”

If her eyes were a tiny bit glassy when they drew apart, it was only because she was so happy for them.

Moments later they waved from the truck as it rolled down the lane. Dylan took Annie’s hand as they walked toward the house, up the porch steps.

At the top Annie turned into his arms, not wanting to face the quiet house, the empty rooms. “I don’t want to go in yet.”

Dylan pulled her against his chest. “Proud of you. I know that wasn’t easy.”

No more toys scattered on the floor. No more cereal bowls in the sink. She couldn’t even stand the thought of supper alone every night. The tears Annie had held at bay spilled over.

“It won’t be the same anymore.”

He tightened his arms. “Life is full of changes—some of them very good.”

She sniffled and thumped her fist on his chest. “Your brother just had to come steal her away.”

He chuckled, dropping a kiss on her head. “She looked pretty happy about it.”

He had her there. “Yeah. She did.”

Luke balanced out Sierra in many ways. Sierra brought fun and spontaneity into his life, and he brought stability into hers.

“They’re a good match,” she said.

“Kinda like us.”

She smiled against his chest. “Kinda like.” They’d been officially dating for seven months, and she was surer of that than ever.

Dylan thumbed her tears away, then kissed her, his lips lingering on hers for a few moments before growing more persistent.

Ah, the man knew how to distract her. Annie gave herself fully to the kiss, and he responded in kind. When he drew away, it was only so he could look deeply into her eyes. Those brown eyes were serious now, shining with love and ardor.

“You know I love you,” he said.

“I love you too.” So much. She couldn’t believe how much things had changed in a year. How much
she’d
changed.

“I’ve been thinking lately. . .”

“Uh-oh.”

His eyes took on a twinkle. “I have this question . . . for Dear Annie, you know. Only trouble is, they canceled her column.”

Annie smiled. “You could always ask her in person.”

His brows lifted, and he nodded approvingly. “That’s an excellent idea. Okay, here goes. See, there’s this woman—I’ve fallen in love with her. She’s beautiful inside and out, and she loves me too. But lately I’m thinking. . .” He frowned, shook his head, and heaved a great sigh. “It’s just not enough.”

She wasn’t fooled by his woebegone expression. “Not enough, huh?”

“Not nearly enough. Not enough time. Not enough kisses. Not enough . . . Annie. See my problem?”

Annie’s lips twitched. “I think I do.”

“So I was wondering if I should, you know. . .” He paused, a vulnerable look sneaking into his eyes. “Ask her to marry me.”

Joy flooded through her, lifting her lips.

“I mean,” he continued, a flush filling his cheeks, “I know she’s the one for me, and I think she feels the same way, but sometimes a guy can feel vulnerable about putting himself out there. Plus her sister just left town, so she’s kind of distracted and a little blue. It’s a big commitment—one I’m not the least afraid to make, but I’m not sure how she might—”

“Hush.”

His brows lifted. “Beg pardon?”

Annie looked deeply into his eyes. “Dear Annie thinks you should ask her—with all due haste.”

“All due haste?”

Annie nodded slowly, not even fighting the smile.

Without breaking eye contact Dylan dropped to his knee, pulling off his hat in the same motion.

The look in his eyes made her breath catch. Her heart flopped over in her chest. She covered it with her hand.

“Annie Wilkerson,” he said softly, “I love you more than I can say, and nothing would make me happier than a lifetime filled with you. Your smile, your hugs, your laughter . . . Will you marry me?”

Annie’s eyes filled again. Happy tears. She nodded. “I will.”

He stood slowly, pulling her into his arms where she felt safe and loved. “I do love you, sweet Annie,” he whispered before kissing her again.

She gave herself over to the kiss as happiness bloomed inside her. When he pulled her closer, that familiar spark ignited in her midsection and spread through her veins, making her limbs go weak.

Sometimes a girl needed a little spark in her life. And Annie knew that, even after a lifetime together, no matter how many kisses they exchanged or how much laughter they shared, she would never get enough of him—that was the trouble with cowboys.

Dear friend,

I
knew from the moment Dylan galloped onto the page in
A Cowboy’s Touch
that he had a story to tell. I only had to find the right woman for him. Then Annie appeared on the page, and I knew Dylan had met his match.

Annie’s struggle to let go of Sierra was very real to me. As I was writing the story, I was getting ready to let my first chick out of the nest. Working through this issue with Annie helped me to leave our oldest son in God’s hands as he went off to college. I hope walking with Annie on her spiritual journey helped you along on yours too.

I can hardly believe the Big Sky series is over; it went so fast! I hope your visit to Moose Creek was as enjoyable as mine. Thank you for coming along and for making the ride worthwhile. I value each of you so much!

In His grace,

Denise                    

Reading Group Guide

1. Which character did you most relate to and why?

2. Annie and Sierra shared the same childhood experiences, yet they viewed love differently. Why do you think that is? Have you experienced anything similar with your siblings?

3. How did Dylan’s past experience with love affect his ability to love again?

4. Sometimes Annie tried to manipulate Sierra into attending church. Why do you think such tactics are usually ineffective, despite the best of intentions?

5. If you’ve read
Pride and Prejudice
, how is Annie similar to Elizabeth Bennet? How is she different?

6. In what ways was Braveheart symbolic in the story?

7. Annie’s childhood caused her to develop a prejudice toward cowboys. Have you ever clung to a false belief? How did you discover it was false, and what did you do to overcome it?

8. Miss Lucy confronted Annie about her prejudice toward cowboys. What does the Bible say about confronting each other? Do you think Miss Lucy handled it well? Should she have confronted Annie sooner?

9. Sierra accused Annie of judging her early in the story. Where is the line between judging and confronting in love?

10. Annie struggled to let go of Sierra and let her sister lead her own life. What do you need to let go of? What are some steps you can take to leave it in God’s hands?

Hear “Smitten,” the song Annie

and Dylan danced to, at

www.SmittenVermont.com

Acknowledgments

W
riting a book is a team effort, and I’m so grateful for the entire team at Thomas Nelson Fiction, led by Publisher Allen Arnold: Katie Bond, Amanda Bostic, Ruthie Dean, Natalie Hanemann, Jodi Hughes, Ami McConnell, Becky Monds, Eric Mullet, Ashley Schneider, and Kristen Vasgaard.

Thanks especially to my editor, Natalie Hanemann, who helped shape this story, notified me of gaping holes, and otherwise helped me fashion this into a more enjoyable read. I’m forever grateful to the talented LB Norton, whose eye for detail has saved me from countless mistakes!

Author Colleen Coble is my first reader. Thank you, friend! She, along with friends and authors Diann Hunt and Kristin Billerbeck, is a great help at the brainstorming stage of every story. Love you, girls!

I’m grateful to my agent, Karen Solem, who handles all the left-brained matters so I can focus on the right-brained stuff.

To Billy and Marci Whitehurst, who opened their Montana home and ranch for a city girl and her husband. Thanks for taking the time to show me the cowboy way of life.

A research trip to Montana would’ve been impossible without my sister-in-law Gina Sinclair, brother-in-law Mark Sinclair, and niece Mindy Sinclair. Thanks so much for coming to take over our
daily lives for a few days so Kevin and I could gallivant all over Big Sky Country. We’re so grateful to call you family.

Thanks to my Facebook friends at Denise Hunter Readers Circle who helped me title this book, name the town of Moose Creek, and name the series itself. Thanks for all your input!

To my family, Kevin, Justin, Chad, and Trevor. I love each one of you so much! Thanks for putting up with me!

Lastly, thank you, friend, for letting me share this story with you. I wouldn’t be doing this without you! I’ve enjoyed connecting with readers like you through my Facebook group. Visit my website at
www.DeniseHunterBooks.com
or just drop me a note at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you!

An excerpt from
The Convenient Groom

T
he red light on Kate Lawrence’s cell phone blinked a staccato warning. But before she could retrieve the message, her maid of honor, Anna Doherty, waved her pale arms from the beach, stealing her attention.

Anna’s smooth voice sounded in her headset. “Kate, can you come here? We’ve got a few glitches.”

“Be right there.” Kate tucked her clipboard in the crook of her elbow, took the steps down Jetty Pavilion’s porch, and crossed the heel-sinking sand of the Nantucket shoreline. In six hours, thirty-four guests would be seated there in the rows of white chairs, watching Kate pledge her life to Bryan Montgomery under a beautiful hand-carved gazebo.

Where was the gazebo anyway? She checked her watch, then glanced toward the Pavilion, where workers scurried in white uniforms. No sign of Lucas.

She approached Anna, who wore worry lines as naturally as she wore her Anne Klein pantsuit. Anna was the best receptionist Kate could ask for. Her capable presence reassured the troubled couples she ushered through Kate’s office.

Right now, Anna’s long brown hair whipped across her face like a flag gone awry, and she batted it from her eyes with her freckled
hand. “Soiree’s just called. Their delivery truck is in for service, and the flowers will be a little late. Half an hour at the most.”

Kate jotted the note on her schedule. “That’s okay.” She’d factored in cushion time.

“Murray’s called, and the tuxes haven’t been picked up except for your dad’s.”

Bryan and his best man had been due at Murray’s at nine thirty. An hour ago. “I’ll check on that. What else?”

Anna’s frown lines deepened, and her eyes blinked against the wind. “The carriage driver is sick, but they’re trying to find a replacement. The Weatherbys called and asked if they could attend last minute—they were supposed to go out of town, but their plans changed.”

Kate nodded. “Fine, fine. Call and tell her they’re welcome. I’ll notify the caterer.”

“Your publicist—Pam?—has been trying to reach you. Did you check your cell? She said she got voice mail. Anyway, your book copies did arrive this morning. She dropped this off.” Anna pulled a hardback book from under her clipboard. “Ta-da!”

“My book!” Kate stared at the cover, where the title,
Finding Mr. Right-for-You
, floated above a cartoon couple. The man was on his knee, proposing. Below them, a colorful box housed the bold letters of Kate’s name. She ran her fingers over the glossy book jacket, feeling the raised bumps of the letters, savoring the moment.

“Pam wants a quick photo shoot before the guests arrive. You holding the book, that kind of thing. You should probably call her.”

Kate jotted the note. While it was on her mind, she reached down and turned on her cell.

“Ready for more great news?” Anna asked. Her blue eyes glittered like diamonds. The news had to be good.