High-Stakes Passion (16 page)

Audrey whispered against his lips, “As long as the stakes are love, Mark.”

C
owboy Christmas. The Fourth of July weekend had taken on a whole new meaning.

This year, instead of traveling from city to city, riding in two or sometimes three rodeos for prize money, Mark was flipping burgers on a backyard grill and watching his four-month-old daughter play in her bouncy chair on the porch. Alyse Helen Malone had her daddy's blue eyes and her mama's blond hair.

Mark gazed around the yard that had changed almost as much as its owner. Instead of choking weeds and a scum-laden pool, the back of his house now hosted the first annual Big Brothers and Big Sisters Dude Ranch Weekend. Dozens of fatherless boys and girls ran around playing baseball, squirting water guns, riding ponies and splashing in the pool.

“Is she doing okay?” his wife called as she shouldered her way out the back door carrying a large bowl of chips.

His wife.
He still couldn't believe he'd found this kind of love. Though, last month they'd celebrated their first wedding anniversary.

“My little angel?” Mark smiled as he set down the spatula and picked up his daughter. He brought his forefinger to Alyse's nose and wiggled it. She gave him a grin, showing off her first tooth.

“Angel! Little hellion is more like it.” Audrey smiled at her baby girl, belying her words. Audrey looked around the yard. “I never would have thought I'd end up married to the
Lone Cowboy.
” She looked at him with the same wonder and joy in her eyes that he imagined showed in his.

Audrey put a hand on his shoulder and bounced up on her tiptoes to give him a kiss. “Thank you, Mr. Malone.”

Just her touch had the power to undo him. Mark swallowed the lump in his throat. He couldn't afford to get all mushy in front of these kids. But, wait until tonight. “You don't have to thank me. I love having the kids here. It was a great idea, Audrey.”

“Not for this. For trusting me with your heart after what I did.”

Mark raised Alyse onto his shoulder. “Oh, that. Well, it was just a scarred, shriveled up lump of horse dung before you came along. I'd take that ride again in a heartbeat, darlin'. The best ride of my life. I fell hard and landed right in your arms.” He grinned and bent to kiss her beautiful lips, smiling down at her emerald eyes.

Oh, what the hell. Who cared whether he had an audience. He gently set Alyse in her carrier and swept Audrey into his arms. Bending her backward, he closed his lips over hers, pouring all his passion and promise for tonight into his kiss.