Chasing Rainbows (46 page)

“I’ll move out of my room tonight,” he offered stiffly, “if that’s what you’d like.”

“I think that’s for the best.”

Jake swallowed hard and nodded tightly. “Fine.”

Her eyes locked on his. “You can move your things into my room.”

He froze as disbelief coursed through him.

Annie’s eyes welled with tears as a crooked, trembling smile curved her lips. “You think you’re the only one who fell in love around here, mister?”

Jake let out a low groan and pulled her to him. “How would you feel about hiring somebody permanently to run that saloon of yours?”

Annie gave him a tight squeeze and let out a bubble of laughter. “Depends on who the fella is.”

“Anybody you like,” he answered breezily. “As long as he answers to the name of Jake Moran and acts like a complete jackass whenever he’s around you.”

“I know just the man.”

His lips slanted hungrily over hers, kissing her deeply and thoroughly, with all the passion and love he possessed. When he finally pulled back, they were both breathless.

He grinned and ran his fingers through her silky hair.

“We’ll probably grow bored with each other within a year,” he teased.

Annie smiled. “I wouldn’t bet on it, mister.”

Jake squeezed her tightly against him, running his hands lovingly down her spine, as though memorizing every exquisite, beloved inch of her body. “Neither would I, darlin’. Neither would I.”

Annie smiled as she lifted her tiny son out of his crib. There was no question at all as to who had dressed him that morning. The chubby six-month-old with the silky black hair and brilliant blue eyes wore a ridiculously expensive custom-tailored ensemble that was an exact replica of his father’s. Although his clothing was all miniature, it was perfectly styled and stitched. He wore a formal black jacket, long black pants, a crisp white linen shirt — somewhat dampened by drool — and a narrow cobalt-blue string tie fastened securely beneath his chin.

“Look at you, Mr. Fancy-Pants,” Annie cooed, lifting him high above her head. “All dressed up and looking so handsome.”

The baby waved his tiny fists and gurgled with delight. He uttered a stream of infantile nonsense that made Annie’s heart swell with delight. She pressed him tightly against her chest and placed a soft kiss against his downy hair.

“You’re a smooth talker too, aren’t you? Just like your daddy.”

“You ready, Annie?” Jake asked, poking his head inside the nursery.

Annie nodded at her husband and smiled nervously, brushing her hands over the rich emerald of her gown.

His eyes moved slowly over her, his gaze filled with both tenderness and admiration. “You look beautiful, darlin’.”

“So do you.” She paused, lifting one dark-blond brow. “That outfit looks mighty familiar.”

Jake grinned and moved into the nursery. He brushed his lips against Annie’s, then planted a soft kiss on his son’s cheek. “I think he likes it too.”

“You’re ridiculous, Jake. He’ll outgrow those in less than a month.”

“Then we’ll buy him more. This is his first introduction to the general public, and I want to make sure he makes a good impression.” He lifted a tiny black Stetson from the crib and placed it on the baby’s head, then gently stuffed his son’s pudgy feet into a pair of ridiculously small high-heeled black cowboy boots.

Annie had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. They made their way downstairs and through the hotel’s broad front door, stepping out into the brilliant June day. It had been exactly two years since Annie had arrived in Cooperton, and in that time, her life had changed completely. She had a husband she cherished, a baby son she adored, and she was surrounded by friends.

As she gazed through the crowd that had gathered for the official christening of the hotel and the party and dancing that followed, she was amazed and thrilled at the number of people who had turned out for the festivities. The mayor and his wife were there, along with the sheriff and a few of his deputies — one of whom was openly courting Jennie Mae and her tiny daughter.

She saw children laughing and playing in the front yard, swiping cookies from the long trestle tables that bulged with food. Groups of women chattered and gossiped, sending Annie a friendly wave as she passed. Dora, Carlotta, Francine, and Belle strolled through the crowd catching more than a few admiring glances from ranchers and miners in search of a wife. Cat haughtily swished her tail at the crowd and curled up in a tight ball on the porch, content to bask by herself in the sun.

Jake looped his hand around her waist and gave her a quick squeeze. “You can look now, Annie.”

Annie turned her gaze away from her friends and back to the hotel. The walls were white and freshly painted, the shutters and doors sparkled a deep, rich green. A knot of colorful primrose bloomed in the window boxes. She took all that in at a glance, and one thing more.

Months ago, she had decided to change the name of the establishment from Foster’s Hotel to something else, but she hadn’t been able to make up her mind what she wanted to call it. Jake had volunteered to handle the chore. He had selected a name and ordered a brand-new, custom-made sign. But until now, he had refused to tell her what it was.

As the crowd watched, the painters proudly tossed off the sheet that had covered their work. The new sign glistened in the sunlight, sparkling with an abundance of rich, beautiful colors.

Her husband gave her waist another gentle squeeze, studying her face intently. “Do you like it, darlin’?”

She nodded tightly and reached for his hand, so full of joy she felt as though her heart would surely burst. “It’s perfect.”

Jake had named the hotel The Rainbow’s End.

VICTORIA LYNNE is the author of five historical romance novels. She’s received two RITA Award nominations, and has consistently earned Romantic Times’ “Top Pick” award. Called “A Fabulous Storyteller!” by Rendezvous Magazine, her work consistently draws rave reviews and continues to attract new readers. Her books have been translated into German, Italian, and Spanish, and are currently available online through Kindle and Nook.

Ms. Lynne lives in Vermont with her husband and two children.