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  He wanted to pull her into his arms but restrained himself. This talk was long overdue. “I have but I’m better now. Honey, you’ve helped me with that. For the first time since she died, I’ve felt like a whole man again. Feelings seem so intense when we’re young and I never thought I’d get that back, but then you showed up in my life again and I suddenly felt like living again. Sure, I’ve gone through the motions, ran the ranch and handled whatever came up on a day-to-day basis, but I only existed. That’s no way to live. You’ve taught me that much. The way I figure it, I have a whole lot more to learn about all that, and you are the woman to teach me.”

  Lynn’s eyes filled again, but this time she made no effort to wipe the tears away. She sucked in a big breath and stared him down. “I’m in love with you, Ransom. I’m not afraid of reaching for what I want. I know this is sudden. We’re not kids. It’s the biggest risk of my life to even admit this.”

  Unable to stop himself, he reached for her and dragged her against him. His lips found her forehead, then her cheeks before he pulled back to look at her. “No, we’re not kids, and I’m old enough now to know what I really want. I’m ready to take a chance, Lynn, if you are. I’ve buried my ghosts and I’m reaching for the future now. Do you want to reach for it with me? Say yes.”

  “Then let’s take a chance…yes, yes, yes.”

  Epilogue

  Months later, lights flickered on the Christmas tree and a spread big enough to feed the starving hordes was set out on the dining room table. In years past, something had been missing from the Dobbs’ celebration and it was pretty damn clear to him now what that something was. He and his brothers had done their best over the years and that was a fact, but now it seemed everything was falling into place in the most perfect of ways. On this Christmas Eve, it was easy to see the years unfolding for their growing family. Cooper and Harley were happily married and, just two weeks ago, they’d all stood together in church as T and Melanie had exchanged vows. They had just returned to Delight, looking tanned and happy after a honeymoon in Hawaii.

  Ransom stood back and took in the place as satisfaction curled around his heart. Though few knew it, he was a fairly sentimental guy and this year, the holidays held a special meaning to him. After moving to the ranch, Lynn had placed her personal touches everywhere, proof positive that nothing ever stayed the same. But change was a good thing. He had come to believe that. As far as he was concerned, life was about as perfect as it could get. She’d opened a practice in town and seemed to love her work. Ransom knew it was a huge part of who she was and he was so damn proud of her.

  Lynn moved beside him to place another platter of food on the table, and lights from the candles shimmering on the centerpiece glinted on the diamond she wore on her left hand. After the first of the year they would celebrate their own wedding. She looked up and smiled at him. Impulsively, Ransom lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed them, overwhelmed by the love he felt for this woman.

  She stepped close and looped her arms around his neck. “Well now, aren’t you just the most romantic man ever?”

  Ransom kissed her lips, then smiled against them. “I’m learning.”

  “That you are. Harley just called. They just picked up T and Melanie and they’ll be here in a bit.” She stepped back and looked around nervously. “Are you sure everything looks okay? It’s my first holiday with the whole clan so I’m a little worried.”

  “Don’t be. It’s perfect. The house looks like a Christmas card and the whole family will be here.”

  She shook her head. “After all the holidays alone, I’m still getting used to being a part of this big, crazy family. I wish Mom were here. She’d be so pleased to see how things have turned out.”

  “Oh I think she knows, don’t you? I like to think those who have passed are with us in spirit. Maybe it’s dumb but it makes me feel pretty good knowing they might be here.”

  Lynn went still then suddenly smiled. “Come on.” She took his hand and led him to the Christmas tree that dominated the living room. Ransom wondered what the hell she was up to when she bent down and took a small package from beneath the tree. Looking uncertain, she handed it to him. “An early present,” she whispered. “Open it.”

  Ransom, suddenly a little nervous, removed the bright paper from the box and lifted the lid. He frowned at the silver rocking horse and when he removed it, noted it had a glittery silver bow tied to it.

  “It’s a Christmas ornament,” she said softly.

  Confused, he turned the bit of metal in his hands and then his eyes went wide before focusing on Lynn in astonishment.

  Baby’s First Christmas.

  “Does it mean—?”

  “Yes.” Lynn’s hand settled on her completely flat belly as she looked at him. “It means we’re going to have a little cowboy, or maybe even a little cowgirl, by this time next year. Are you okay with that? How do you feel?”

  How do I feel?

  Tears burned behind his eyes as he struggled to catch his breath. Moved beyond anything he’d ever felt before, he reached for Lynn and held her warmth against him.

  “How do you think I feel, sweetheart?” He placed his hand over her belly and closed his eyes. “I am the luckiest man in the world because of you. I never imagined when you walked back into my life that you’d give it back to me tied up with a pretty bow. I love you more than you’ll ever know.”

  He placed the small ornament, now a symbol of their future together, on the closest bough of the tree. Ransom had never believed in second chances but as he pulled Lynn into his arms and kissed her deeply, he knew that he’d been dead wrong about that. He held his second chance at love and life in his arms.

  About Regina Carlysle

  Regina Carlysle is an award-winning, multi-published author. She likes writing that is hot, edgy and often humorous, and puts this trademark stamp on all her stories. Regina lives in west Texas with her husband of 25 years and counting, and is a doting, fawning, over-indulgent mother to her two kids. When she’s not penning steamy erotic tales or hot contemporary stories, she’s indulging in long chats with friends who help her stay sane and keep her laughing.

  Regina welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email addresses on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

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  Ellora’s Cave Publishing

  www.ellorascave.com

  Return to Ransom

  ISBN 9781419949043

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Return to Ransom Copyright © 2014 Regina Carlysle

  Edited by Jillian Bell

  Cover design and photography by Syneca

  Model: Christian

  Electronic book publication January 2014

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