Texas Proud (Vincente 2)

"Are you afraid of me, Noble? I'm not holding a gun on
you now."

His voice deepened, his eyes fastened on her mouth as he
stared at her with fervent intensity. "You are far more
dangerous now than when you held the gun on me." He
searched her eyes. "You have not been with a man, have you,
Rachel?"

She was beginning to enjoy herself because she was
making him uncomfortable. "No. I haven't. Do you want to
be the first?"

He groaned. "Hell, yes. And therein lies the. trouble,
Rachel. You are the kind of girl who should save herself for
her husband."

She lunged forward, taking him by surprise. Their bodies
came together, caressed by the soft water. A shock coiled
through her and she was momentarily stunned by the way his
body welcomed hers. The hardness of his body held her as if
she was bound to him.

CONSTANCE O'BANYON

This title was previously published by Dorchester Publishing; this version
has been reproduced from the Dorchester book archive files.

When you were born, you brought such joy into my life. I
held you so tightly reluctant to let you go, but knowing that
you had to try your wings. Now, your gentle, loving hands
help bring new life into the world. With your kind
commitment to others, I can imagine the comfort you bring
to so many new mothers. You are my real heroine, my
daughter, Kim.

To Todd Melton, who saw a precious jewel, and took her for
his wife. (Hfo)

Lenore Ambergis, thank you, for allowing me to use your
beautiful poem. Poetry shared is a precious gift.

-Lenore Ambergis

Texas, 1867

The rifle rose slowly and a feminine hand lightly
touched the stock to take deadly aim at the man
the woman intended to kill. With lethal accuracy,
Rachel Rutledge swung the barrel downward until it was dead center on Noble Vincente's heart.
The rifle followed him as he dismounted and led
his horse to the creek to drink. Her finger touched
the trigger as hatred burned within her, almost
cutting off her breath. She silently shifted her position so she could steady her aim, all the while
watching Noble's every move. There was no hurry.
She had waited five years for this moment; a little
while longer wouldn't make any difference.