Cherry Adair - T-flac 06 (46 page)

"Come with me," he said softly, leading her through the guests, who parted for them like the Red Sea.

Lily barely noticed.

"Anywhere."

He led her down a short hallway, and pushed open one of the double doors into his library. Lily's heart leapt. She also wanted to be alone with him, but good grief—

"The guests—" she protested as he pulled her inside the room. She got a flash of dark leather, and hundreds of books, brilliant flickering light and the fragrance of flowers. But she couldn't take her eyes off Derek.

"Will be here in a second." He gave her a slightly uncertain look. "What are you thinking?"

Lily stood on her toes and rested her palms on his chest. Beneath her fingers his heart pounded steadily.

Passion banked; she lifted her mouth to brush his lips with a kiss. She held his gaze. "I don't
think
. I
know
. I love you, Mr. Wright. I give you my heart, my body, my mind and my soul. I give you everything that I am, and everything that I can be.

"I want to marry you, and make love with you morning, noon and night. I want to make a baby with you.

I want to live with you, work with you and God only knows"—she smiled—"fight with you for the rest of our lives."

"Me, too," he whispered, wrapping her in his arms. His mouth crushed hers in a soul-scorching kiss.

They both moaned and pulled apart.

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A loud round of applause startled her and she blinked as they broke apart. Lily looked around, slightly dazed. The library was filled with people, candles flickered on every surface, flowers spilled from crystal vases and soft music rippled over the hum of voices. "Will you make an honest man of me?" Derek asked, turning her to face the minister who stood to one side of the fireplace in her flowing robes, watching them expectantly.

Lily's smile was serene as Derek took her hand and drew her forward. Happiness and tranquillity filled every corner of her being. "You bet." Her heart swelled with emotion. "I think I've loved you forever,"

she told him quietly, her eyes for him alone.

"Hell, I knew that." Derek brushed her damp cheek with his thumb and gave her a blinding smile, his heart in his eyes. "Forever and a day, my love. Forever and a day."

Author's Note

I hope you enjoyed reading Derek and Lily's adventure in the wilds of Alaska. For centuries human beings have pushed boundaries, explored new horizons and challenged themselves to do the impossible; they've worked in tandem with their animals to achieve boundless glory. The Iditarod seemed to be a perfect backdrop for
On Thin Ice
. I needed a setting that could act as another character to foil T-FLAC

operative Derek Wright.

In researching the history of the race, I was astonished at the bravery and the guts the participants—including the dogs—showed every year. The Iditarod committee and volunteers who staff every checkpoint make sure the participants braving the elements are well cared for.

I have taken liberties with actual events—turning a difficult and harrowing race into something more romantic. However, some of the places and people mentioned in conjunction with the Iditarod race are real. Their tireless help in answering my questions and sharing their expertise is much appreciated. Any mistakes or errors in
On Thin Ice
are mine alone. I encourage you to learn more about Alaska and the Iditarod by visiting the official Iditarod websites.

Action and adventure, love and romance—they make the world go round! See you in Anchorage in 2005!

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