Lorraine Heath Read Online Free Page A

had to take care of.”
    Jake shoved his hands into his pockets, not certain what he’d do if those tears gathering in her eyes started rolling down her cheeks. “Maybe we could track him down.”
    She gave him a tremulous smile. “I thought about that, but I don’t even know in which direction he headed. And after two months, even the best trackers would have a hard time finding him.
    “I’ve made such a mess of things. A month ago, all I worried about was whether or not you’d find me a black stallion. And now … I’ve never had anyone as angry at me as my father is. It’s as though he hates me.” She released a ragged sigh. “Tonight was the first time in three weeks he’s spoken to me, and it was to tell me that if I didn’t marry you, he’d make my life hell.”
    Without thinking, he reached out, his knuckle catching the solitary tear as it began to trail down her cheek. “I swear if you married me, I’d do everything I could to make sure you never regretted it.”
    “And what about you? What if you regret it?”
    He gave her a small smile, shaking his head. “I won’t regret it.”
    She studied the rugged contours of Jake’s face limned by the light of a full moon. A lifetime. A lifetime with this man. To accept now that Brett wasn’t coming back or that if he did, it would be too late. To spend a lifetime gazing into velvet brown eyes instead of blue. To be greeted with a lopsided grin instead of a straight full smile. To live with a man willing to give so much and ask for so little. She swallowed her uncertainty, giving him a smile in its place.
    “I’d be honored to become your wife and go with you to Texas.”
    “You sure?”
    “I’m sure,” she said without hesitation.
    He bestowed upon her his lopsided, endearing smile and extended his hand.
    She slipped her hand into his rough, callused one, a hand that gentled the horses, a hand that might bring her child into this world. Stretching up, she placed a brief kiss on his cheek. “Meet me in the morning where you found me today and we’ll work out the details.”
    Watching her stroll towards the house, Jake felt as though his heart would break out of his chest. That beautiful woman was going to be his wife.
    Hearing the retching sounds as he dismounted, Jake headed for the bush where Rebecca was standing, feet braced apart, her body bent over at the waist.
    “You all right?” he asked, concerned.
    “Will be—” She gestured him away as another wave of nausea broke through bringing up the remainder of her breakfast. Taking three great gulps of air, she stood up as a canteen of water was thrust in front of her. Smiling, she took the cool water into her mouth, swishing it around before spitting it out. Then she faced Jake, who had broken out in a light film of sweat watching her.
    “You should have left,” she said.
    “Did you do this yesterday?”
    She walked over to the tree and sat down. “And the day before that and the day before that.”
    Jake dropped down beside her. She looked at him with woeful eyes.
    “I don’t know how the human race continues. Having babies is no fun as far as I can tell. Growing up on a ranch, I’m used to birthing but I didn’t know about this. I’ve never seen a mare bring up her breakfast … or a dog … or a pig … or a chicken.”
    Jake started laughing and she hit him on the arm. “It’s not funny.”
    “I know.” He tried to stop laughing. “I’m real sorry you’re feeling poorly but … the world would be a mess if animals were throwing up all over the place.”
    “But it’s not fair!”
    “No, I reckon it’s not. Maybe it won’t last long.”
    “It’s already lasted too long as far as I’m concerned.” Sighing, she leaned her head back, closing her eyes. “My father has our wedding set for a week from Saturday. I’d like to get married here if that’s all right with you.”
    “We’ll do this however you want.”
    She opened her eyes, fixing them on his. “My father