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By Root 524 0

she knew he mistook the gesture for guilt. A part of her immediately wondered if it mattered what he thought since he had been quick to think the worst of her, to believe she could be married to someone and willingly participate in what they had shared tonight. Her anger flared. Just what type of woman did he think she was? But then she knew what he thought did matter. What he had done tonight, not once but twice, had been intense, passionate and an unselfish giving of himself. “I asked you a question, Alyssa,” Clint said in the same hard voice. Reining her anger back in and holding his gaze, she shook her head. “I’m not married, Clint.” “But you were,” he said. It wasn’t a question, it was an accusation. She wondered where he had gotten his information. It would seem like the handiwork of Kim, but she knew that couldn’t be the case. “Alyssa,” he said. Apparently she wasn’t answering quickly enough to suit him. The details of the humil

Twelve A lyssa took a deep breath as she stepped out on the front porch. Like the day before, Clint was in the yard waiting for her. This time he wasn’t leaning against his truck. Today he was sitting on the back of what Alyssa perceived as the largest horse she’d ever seen. The big black stallion was beautiful, although he looked very mean. “He won’t bite,” Clint said. She glanced up at Clint, not at all certain. “Are you sure about that?” “Positive. I wouldn’t let anything harm a hair on your head. I thought I’d start you off easy. Today you’ll ride with me. Royal can handle the both of us.” “Royal?” “Yes. He was the first stallion we brought from Nevada last year. He was very wild and unruly,” he explained. She grinned. “And of course you tamed him.” “I did. And he’s been my horse ever since,” Clint added with pride. She looked at the fierce-looking animal and then back at Clint. “Evidently you’re good at what you do.” “I’m not perfect. I make my share of mistakes, but thanks,” he s

Thirteen T he days passed so quickly that a part of Alyssa wished there was some way she could slow things down. But then she looked forward to each night that she spent in Clint’s arms. Neither of them spoke about the short time they had left, although they were both aware that in less than a week their days together would end. Everyone was looking forward to Clint’s sister and her husband’s visit. Chester was already preparing what he knew to be Casey’s favorite foods. “You’re going to like Casey,” Chester had said to Alyssa one day while she helped him prepare lunch for the men. “I’m glad she has McKinnon. He has definitely made her happy.” Chester seemed so sure of what he said that Alyssa couldn’t help but be happy for Casey. She would be able to spend the rest of her life with the man she loved. Alyssa knew that she wasn’t to be so lucky. But at least she would have plenty of memories to sustain her. She smiled. Clint had already warned her not to even think about not sharing his

Fourteen A lyssa thought for as long as she lived she would never forget the shocked look that appeared on Kim’s face with Clint’s statement. Kim was dumbstruck. Kevin had also seemed to lose his voice, but had quickly regained it. While Kevin stood there babbling, trying to apologize for Kim’s rudeness, Clint had taken Alyssa’s hand in his, and he, as well as the other Westmorelands, had walked away leaving Kim and Kevin looking like fools. In the end, the embarrassment had been theirs. They had returned home a few hours ago. Neither Clint nor any of the other Westmorelands had brought up the incident with Kim and Kevin. Alyssa guessed that before the night was over Clint would talk to her about the ugly scene and the party. She was already in bed, but Clint, his brother and cousins were engaged in a card game. Although she was tired and sleepy, she was determined to stay awake and talk to him. He deserved to know the entire story as to why Kim disliked her so…. Not that it was an exc

Epilogue