Wyatt: Return of the Cowboy (8 page)

“Sure, Dad. Happy anniversary, by the way.”

“Thank you.”

Wyatt noticed his mother watching them intently, staring over the shoulder of a friend, an anxious look on her face.

His father cleared his throat and swallowed. “I’m not sure where to start.”

“Just say what’s on your mind.”

“I know I said and did some terrible things to you. Since you’ve been back and before you left.”

“You weren’t alone. I let my temper get the best of me, too.”

“She’s a good woman.” His father nodded in Paige’s direction. “I hope you treat her right.”

“I intend to do just that. Fortunately, I have a good example to follow.” Wyatt placed an affectionate hand on his father’s shoulder.

The band promptly launched into their first number, a rollicking country/western hit.

His father cleared his throat again. “Guess that’s my cue to ask your mother to dance.”

A little rocky but enough of a beginning to give Wyatt hope that he and his father would one day have the kind of relationship he’d always wanted.

His parents took to the dance floor. Other couples quickly joined them, Wyatt and Paige among them.

“I don’t think we’ve ever danced before,” he said, drowning in her deep green eyes.

“There’s a lot we haven’t done.” Her mouth curved seductively.

Oh, boy.

He stopped then and there. Mindless of the other people bumping into them, he gave her the kiss he’d been wanting to since they were interrupted earlier.

“Keep that up,” she said breathlessly, “and I won’t ever be letting you go.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

She searched his face before laying her head on his chest. “I love you, Wyatt.”

“I love you, too.” Sweeping her into his arms, he danced her around the floor.

This homecoming wasn’t anything like he’d imagined. It was much, much better.

Wyatt hadn’t merely mended broken bridges, he’d built a whole new life for himself, one that Paige and her son completed.

* * * * *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cathy makes her home in Scottsdale, Arizona, near the breathtaking McDowell Mountains, where hawks fly overhead, javelina traipse across her front yard and mountain lions occasionally come calling. She embraced the country life at an early age, acquiring her first horse in eighth grade. Dozens of horses followed through the years, along with mules, an obscenely fat donkey, chickens, ducks, goats and a potbellied pig who had her own swimming pool. Nowadays, two spoiled dogs and two spoiled-er cats round out the McDavid pets. Cathy loves contemporary and historical ranch stories and often incorporates her own experiences into her books.

When not writing, Cathy and her family and friends spend as much time as they can at her cabin in the small town of Young. Of course, she takes her laptop with her on the chance inspiration strikes.

Other Books by Cathy McDavid

His Only Wife
The Family Plan
Cowboy Dad
Waiting for Baby
Taking on Twins
The Accidental Sheriff
Dusty: Wild Cowboy
The Comeback Cowboy
Last Chance Cowboy
Her Cowboy’s Christmas Wish
Baby’s First Homecoming
Aidan: Loyal Cowboy

Ready for more western romance from Harlequin American Romance?

Don’t miss the rest of the Harts of the Rodeo series!

Aidan: Loyal Cowboy
by Cathy McDavid (July 2012)
Colton: Rodeo Cowboy
by C.J. Carmichael (August 2012)
Duke: Deputy Cowboy
by Roz Denny Fox (September 2012)
Austin: Second Chance Cowboy
by Shelley Galloway (October 2012)
Beau: Cowboy Protector
by Marin Thomas (November 2012)
Tomas: Cowboy Homecoming
by Linda Warren (December 2012)

ISBN: 978-14268-3590-2

Wyatt: Return of the Cowboy

Copyright © 2012 by Cathy McDavid

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