What a Man Needs (14 page)

S
ix days later in Wyoming, Patrick watched Cyndi galloping across the open field, her wild mane flying in the breeze, her hat held in place by a leather chin strap. The beautiful bay mare she rode responded easily to her touch.

She was a natural. He was so proud of his new bride. They'd been married three short days ago in Las Vegas, and he'd insisted they honeymoon in Wyoming so Cyndi could take the second step toward landing her prime movie role. She'd read for the part in L.A. on Monday, and at the direc
tor's request had just now shown him her riding skills. Against the Wyoming backdrop which was to be the location of the upcoming shoot, Cyndi had not only ridden well, she looked beautiful. After watching her taking on the character of Ellie Brighten, he had no doubt that she'd get the part in
Cheyenne
.

“Cut,” the director yelled. “That was perfect, Cynthia.”

Patrick breathed out a sigh. It seemed that as far as the director was concerned, the part was hers. Now it was her choice as to whether she accepted it.

Cyndi climbed down off her horse and gave the reins to the animal trainer, then rushed over to Patrick.

She smiled. “Well, husband, are you ready to start the honeymoon?”

He wrapped his arms around her. “No doubt about it. But when do you start filming?”

“I have time, but I'm not sure that I even want this part. I mean I have a family—”

His finger covered her lips. “Your family wants this for you. We talked about this last night, Cyn. Davy and I can handle this.” Even though the boy's adoption was still a ways off, Betty had assured them their chances were good. “The filming is
only three to four months, and you'll be coming home on weekends or we'll fly here. Don't make a rash decision because of us. I want you to walk away with no regrets.”

She touched his cheek. “Oh, Patrick, I have no regrets.”

He swallowed hard. “Oh, lady, you know the right thing to say. But I want you to do this movie. You
are
Ellie Brighten.”

“But, I can't ask you—”

He cut her off again. “You didn't ask. I'm your husband and I want to do it for you. If the situation was reversed you would do the same for me. Besides there's all that construction going on at the ranch.”

One of the things they had decided on was to use some of Cyndi's money to finance a summer camp for abused kids. There were too many children who didn't have anyone, but at least for two weeks in the summer they would get a lot of attention at the Tanner Summer Camp.

“You'll be back for plenty of time being a full-time wife and mother. I just hope you don't regret giving all this up.” He hugged her close. “I mean, you're going to be nominated for an Academy Award for the part of Ellie Brighten.”

Cyndi smiled. “Thanks for that vote of confi
dence, but I'll have no regrets. You and Davy are my family, the most important people in my life. And I'm so eager to get pregnant after this movie is a wrap. So be ready, Mr. Tanner.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “I'm willing to do my part to make that happen.” He lowered his head and kissed her thoroughly. This woman had saved him. Her love had healed his scars and the pain of his childhood.

“Give me a year,” she promised him. “And we'll have a new addition to the Tanner family.”

“I love you.” His mouth covered hers. Cyndi had given him more than he'd ever dreamed. She'd chased away all the bad memories and they were creating new memories and these were all good ones.

Loving ones.