High Lonesome (29 page)

“Take it easy,” Carmen cried, rolling her eyes in mock annoyance. She and Angela waved and shouted hellos to each other.

Willow ran out the door and back down the stairs holding something behind her back. She stood in front of Heather and looked up at her father. When he winked and nodded, she offered Heather her gift. It was a pink cowgirl hat, an exact replica of hers.

“Do you like it? It’s just like mine. When my daddy and your mommy get married, we’re going to be sisters. Did you know that? I’ve never had a sister before. I think we’re gonna have loads of fun together. I’ll teach you how to ride. And we can catch bullfrogs at the lake. And we can play in the caves. You’re gonna love it here at High Lonesome. This is your new home.”

A slight smile creased Heather’s lips as Willow plopped the hat on her head. “Do you like it?” Willow asked again.

The child nodded and softly replied, “My Mommy says you’re a cowgirl. Can I be a cowgirl like you?”

Willow’s smile just about slid off her face. “Yep. I’ll teach you all the ropes. Okay?”

Heather nodded again and reached for Angela, who bent and hugged her. Scott patted Willow on the shoulder and hollered up to Carmen. “Would you mind watching these two girls for a while? I have something I want to show Angela.”

“No problem, Mr. Scott. Come, little ones. Follow me to the kitchen. I was just about to ice some cupcakes. You can both help.”

Willow reached for Heather’s hand and whispered in her ear, “We’ll help all right. We’ll help ourselves to eating a bunch of cupcakes!” Giggling, the seven-year-old led the four-year-old onto the porch.

Carmen patted Heather on the head. “
Buenos dias
, little lady. Welcome to the High Lonesome.”

Angela waved and blew Heather a kiss. When the girls stepped into the house with Carmen, she tossed Scott a sly look. “What is it you want to show me?”

“You’ll see. It’s a surprise.”

They saddled Pepper and Sundance and climbed at a leisurely pace into the mountains. When they reached the top of the hill, they brought their horses to a halt. Angela peered down at the magnificent Lake Tusi and surrounding fields of wildflowers and butterflies.

The first time Scott had brought her here, she’d become overwhelmed by the beauty. This time, the breath caught in her throat for another reason. Something was different about the view. She spurred Sundance into a trot down the long hill, with Scott and Pepper close on their heels.

The two of them got off their horses and left their mounts ground-reined. Angela jogged through the carpet of grass to the other side of the lake. Sticking out of the ground were iron stakes with orange flags tied to them. String wrapped around the posts forming a large square and marking the area where a foundation was to be built.

“What’s all this?” Angela asked. Her pulse quickened in anticipation.

“Do you remember telling me you wished you could have a little cabin right here? You said you’d look out over the lake and never leave.”

She nodded, tears pooling in the corners of her eyes.

“In less than a week, we’ll be breaking ground. It’s my early wedding present to you. It’ll be our little hideaway.”

Her hand fluttered to her chest. “When did you do this?”

“Right after you left. I always knew you’d come back to me. I wanted to be ready when that day came.”

Angela flew into his arms and branded him with hot, searing kisses. “Oh, Scott. I love you with all my heart and soul.”

“I love you, too.” He locked his arm around her waist, and they stood gazing out over the shimmering blue lake.

“Welcome home, darlin’.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stacey is a multi-published author in a variety of genres, including contemporary and historical western romance, mysteries, Gothics, romantic suspense, ghost stories, and women’s fiction with a dash of humor. She lives in rural Maryland with her husband, a couple of dogs, a couple of cats, and a paint horse named Bill. When she’s not churning out another story, she enjoys reading, target shooting, photography, traveling, and making scrapbooks of her adventures.

To check out all of Stacey’s books and purchasing information, please visit her website at: http://www.staceycoverstone.com

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