Lone Star Heartbreaker (20 page)

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Caitlyn found herself once again sitting on the front porch of the ranch house, alone this time, impatiently waiting for the unveiling of Tyler's surprise.

Everyone had gone home after lunch, and Ruth had suggested she sit outside while she straightened the house a bit. Caitlyn had packed her bag so she'd be ready to leave on the instant.

"But don't go back yet," the older woman warned as she shooed her out the door, eying the overnight bag with a frown.

"I won't. Not until the coast is clear."

"That's the spirit." Ruth's smile was warm and loving.

Caitlyn inhaled a deep breath of the fresh West Texas air and rocked back and forth, her hands clutched on the arms of the chair. Now that she'd made up her mind about Tyler, she didn't want to waste another precious moment. She'd lived her whole life in a sort of limbo--moving from place to place, losing her mom and dad, entering into that fiasco of an engagement with Scott--she'd never real y belonged anywhere.

She stared off into the distance. She loved the Diamondback Ranch. She loved the green pastures where the cattle and horses grazed, the cultivated fields where the cotton and wheat grew, the Double Mountains on the horizon. She loved the bil ions of bright stars in the domed-night sky and the miles and miles of countryside, visible as far as the eye could see.

She loved the McCade family. But most of al , she loved Tyler. How had she thought she could live without him? How could she have thought she'd be able to leave the Diamondback Ranch? She'd final y found a place to cal home. She'd final y found a family who welcomed her into their inner circle.

And she'd final y found a man she could trust, a man who would never let her down.

No, she didn't want to waste another minute.

The screen door opened, and Ruth walked outside. The older woman's face was wreathed in smiles and her eyes twinkled. It wasn't hard to figure out where her sons had gotten al that McCade charm.

"I just got word from Tyler," Ruth said. "You can return to the airfield now. Darlin', you've been a great sport about al of this. I enjoyed our girls' night out. I hope to see you again real soon."

Caitlyn rose to her feet. "I enjoyed it, too. Thanks for inviting me. And thanks for teaching me to bake that awesome chocolate cake."

"My pleasure. Now you need to get a move on. You don't want to miss the surprise."

"Miss the surprise? How could I miss it? Oh, Ruth, can't you give me a little hint? Just a teeny-tiny one?"

Tyler's mom shot her a mischievous look. "Now, you know I can't do that, darlin'. You just get on your little scooter and head on back to the airfield.

And don't forget to watch the skies. That's where you'l find your surprise." The older woman shook her head, consternation creasing her brow. "Oh dear . . . I've said too much already. Now you run along before I accidently let the cat out of the bag."

Caitlyn kissed Ruth's cheek and found herself the recipient of a fierce hug.

The older woman stepped back and smiled. "Now, you go on. Don't want to keep Tyler waiting any longer."

"Thanks, Ruth." Caitlyn snagged her overnight bag from beside the rocker and dashed across the yard to where she'd parked her scooter. She revved the motor and waved to Ruth.

Caitlyn rode back to the airfield, the scooter kicking up dust from the dirt road, leaving a trail behind. As she neared the compound, she heard the familiar sounds of a plane engine and propel er preparing for takeoff.

Ruth had said to watch the skies. Caitlyn shifted gears and zipped along the road at a clipping pace. When she emerged from the mesquite trees into the open airfield, a red and white biplane whizzed overhead. Caitlyn skidded to a stop and gazed upward.

Oh my God! Her dad's Pitts Special!

So this was Tyler's big surprise. He'd finished the restoration in record time. He must have had a lot of help. This was what the conspiracy to keep her out of the way had been al about.

She rode the scooter to her camper and parked it. Reba ran toward her and enthusiastical y greeted her. Caitlyn petted the dog while she watched the plane flying against the backdrop of the clear blue sky. Tyler zoomed low overhead and waved. On the second pass, he blew her a kiss before climbing higher in the sky.

Caitlyn's throat clogged with tears as she blew him a kiss in return. She couldn't believe what he'd done for her.

Because he loved her.

Tyler kept flying almost straight up, higher and higher, then suddenly dropped into a tailspin. Al at once, a great plume of white smoke spiraled out behind him. It was beautiful to behold.

Caitlyn held her breath and waited anxiously as Tyler plummeted toward earth. Seconds ticked by slowly, and her heart pounded loudly in her ears.

She knew she was watching Mr. Do or Die McCade doing what he did best, yet somehow this time was different. This time she had something at stake. This time her heart and her future were up there with him.

Just when she thought she was going to die from the suspense, Tyler smoothly pul ed out of the nosedive; the plume of white smoke cut off abruptly as he climbed quickly in the sky, gaining altitude again.

The Pitts Special was performing like a champ. Tyler couldn't have given her a better gift.

The white smoke bil owed out again and it didn't take Caitlyn long to realize Tyler was writing a message in the sky. She waited breathlessly.

Skywriting required a level of expertise not many pilots' ever achieved. Of course, Tyler not only did it with skil ful precision but also with a flourishing finesse.

Caitlyn smiled and hugged herself. What would he write? What would he spel out? Would he profess his love for the world to see? Repeat his proposal of marriage? What?

The white puffy letters were clear in the majestic blue sky. By the time Tyler finished writing the message, tears of happiness and joy coursed down Caitlyn's cheeks.

Stay and be mine forever.

Caitlyn laughed and cried as she ran across the tarmac to meet him when he landed. Reba bounded along beside her.

Tyler brought the plane down and taxied across the runway, stopping where Caitlyn waited for him with tears in her eyes and the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen.

He climbed down from the cockpit and she launched herself into his arms, lifting her face and inviting his kiss. He didn't need any more encouragement. Tyler gathered her close and covered her mouth with his, drinking in her sweet goodness. Tongues tangled and arms tightened.

Tyler thought he could stand like this forever. Wel , not forever. They'd need a bed soon.

He broke off the kiss and stared down into the face of the woman he loved so much it hurt. "Surprise," he said softly. "I hope you like it."

"I love it!" Caitlyn stood on tiptoe, bringing his head down and kissing him again.

Tyler's body reacted as it always did when he was anywhere around her. After a blissful moment, he pul ed back again. "I meant what I wrote up there, but I know I can't bribe you to marry me. If you need more time or . . . decide you real y
can't
marry me . . ." He inhaled deeply and smoothed the wispy tendrils of her hair from her face. His fingers lingered against her soft cheek. He knew he couldn't make her stay. He'd have to let her go, if that's what she real y wanted. Even if it kil ed him. "I only want what you want. But dear God, Caitlyn--I want you more than life itself. I love you so much, it's downright scary."

Caitlyn stepped back a little, and Tyler's heart nearly broke. Was she going to refuse him? Was she going to reject him yet again? How would he be able to stand it?

She cupped his jaws with gentle hands, her touch scorching his skin. "I love you, too. I did a lot of thinking at your mom's house, and I decided I do want to take a chance on our love. I want it more than I've ever wanted anything in my whole life." She glanced over her shoulder at the Pitts Special, then back at him. "But I must admit, your aerobatic display just now was awesome to behold. And finishing the restoration of my dad's plane was a very sweet thing to do." She kissed him softly. "Thanks."

Tyler took a deep breath and gathered her in his arms. His world final y felt right again. "Caitlyn Ross, wil you do me the honor of being my wife? To have and to hold, from this day onward, in the air and on the ground, forever and ever?"

Caitlyn smiled. "Yes, I wil . And you know what?"

"What's that, sweetheart?"

"I think I'm going to enjoy being Mrs. Do or Die McCade."

"You think? I
know
I'm going to enjoy it." Tyler hugged her tight and covered her lips once again.

Reba danced around them, twirling in happiness, knocking against them, barking her approval as Tyler and Caitlyn sealed their future together with a kiss.

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The Diamondback Ranch Series

Book One: The Doctor Wears a Stetson

Book Two: The Cowboy's Surrender

Book Three: A Match Made in Texas

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The Diamondback Ranch Series

Book One: The Doctor Wears a Stetson

by Anne Marie Novark

Jessie Kincaid was fifteen and innocent when Cameron asked her to the prom. She lost her heart that night, but his plans didn't change. He left their smal town to pursue his dreams.

Seventeen years later, a trip home leads Cameron McCade back to Salt Fork, Texas, and the newly widowed Jessie Divine. Since his return, the fire between them burns as hot as ever. Can they take up where they left off? Can Jessie risk her heart again?

The Diamondback Ranch Series

Book Two: The Cowboy's Surrender

by Anne Marie Novark

Copper River Oil Company is drilling for oil on the Diamondback Ranch. Dallas McCade can't do a thing to stop them, because he doesn't own
the mineral rights. To add insult to injury, they've sent a woman to oversee the operation. Dallas has good reason to distrust women. As soon as
he sets eyes on Gillian Bankston, he loses his temper . . . and his control. That makes him spitting mad and frustrated as hell.

Gillian has never met a man quite like Dallas. He's as prickly as a cactus, but his kisses are hot enough to ignite a West Texas wildfire. Gillian's
been burned before and wants nothing to do with love . . . or lust. Battle lines are drawn and it's war between the sexes. Will they surrender to the
powerful attraction neither can deny? Who will be the first to wave the white flag?

The Diamondback Ranch Series

Book Three: A Match Made in Texas

by Anne Marie Novark

When Austin McCade’s wife dies, a vital part of him dies, too. The sexy single dad devotes himself to his motherless daughter and his work on
the Diamondback Ranch. For twelve years, he ignores life and women . . . until a new pretty schoolteacher moves to town.

From the moment Theresa Rogers arrives in Salt Fork, Texas, people warn her about the lonely widower. He’s a hopeless case, a lost cause.

But Theresa sees beneath the crusty exterior of the man to the deep emotions and his enduring loyalty. Can she pierce the impenetrable wall
surrounding his broken heart? Will she be able to vanquish the ghost who keeps him from loving again?

****

Return to Stone Creek

Book One:
Her Reluctant Rancher

by Anne Marie Novark

Living with his stern grandfather taught Trevor Callahan one important lesson: Caring makes a man weak. Now the old man is dead and Trev
returns to Stone Creek for one reason and one reason only--to sell the Rocking C Ranch. Maybe then he can put his past behind him and
move on.

Beth Evans once confused lust for love and vows never to let it happen again. The bookmobile driver is trying to raise funds to build a new
library. The late Hank Callahan bequeathed a million dollars for the project, but he attached one stipulation: Do not let his grandson sell the
ranch.

Return to Stone Creek

Book Two:
Tall Dark and Texan

Former bad boy Mitch Defalco roars into Stone Creek, Texas, on the back of a Harley with his newly discovered daughter riding behind him.

Single mom Sarah Cooper cannot believe he's moved in next door. She had a secret crush on him years ago when he dated her older sister
back in high school.

As Mitch tackles the responsibilities of fatherhood, Sarah admires the way he's turned his life around. She asks him to help her with a personal
problem: Her fear of men. Mitch knows he's bad news for sexy Sarah, but how can he refuse her dangerous request, when she's determined to
move forward with or without his help?

Texas Two Steps: Darcy and Gabe

A Short Story of Passion and Romance

by Anne Marie Novark

Ever since her divorce, Darcy Miller spends many a Saturday morning attending home repair workshops at the local Builders' Depot. When the
sexy new instructor offers one-on-one lessons, Darcy discovers do-it-yourself is much more fun with the help of a handsome handyman.

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