The Sunstone Brooch : Time Travel Romance by Katherine Logan (comprehension books .TXT) 📗

It was almost impossible to wrap her mind around the fact that a few weeks ago, he was only a name on a manuscript. Then he graduated to an asshole on a warhorse. And now they were talking about spending the rest of their lives together.

“I don’t have to figure out how to make this work,” he said. “I already know.”

She looked up at him. “I already know, too. I think!”

“By the time this night is over, there won’t be any thinking about it. You’ll know in your heart, the same as me.”

She took his hand. “Then let’s hustle.”

He swooped her up in his arms and kissed her. “I said three magic words to you in my mind a few minutes ago, but now I want to say them out loud.”

“Okay, but you don’t have to. I heard you the first time. And I love you too, Austin Klenna O’Grady.”

“Shit! That sounds better than hearing the announcer say, ‘O’Grady hits three from the corner,’ and I thought those were the best threes in the English language. I was wrong. Saying I love you and hearing you say it back has to be the best threes in the world.”

72

Mallory Plantation, VA—Ensley

Ensley and Austin hurried down the mansion’s back stairs and headed toward the covered entertainment center. She’d been here before, during late spring, when the emerging fragrance of the flowering dogwoods and cherry trees filled the air, and falling petals danced in the wind like spring snow blanketing the ground in color. She read that description somewhere, and it was so fitting for this landscape.

The sky over the James River caught the last red-orange rays of the setting sun, and it was the most romantic setting she’d ever seen. Maybe it had something to do with the man walking beside her, and if that was the case, she could look forward to years of gorgeous sunsets.

The sound of laughter and jazz music set the evening to a humming beat, and they eagerly followed the mouthwatering aromas of grilling beef and Cajun seasoning.

“Where are Charlotte and Braham, and Meredith and Elliott?”

“They’re all having dinner with Matt and Elizabeth Kelly and Philippe and Rhona Baird over at the Bairds’ house.”

“How’d you know all that?”

“I read my text messages.”

“Oh. I should get my phone, so I can keep up with what’s going on.”

“David should have a new phone for you tonight.”

“One of those encrypted phones so everything is private?”

“Yep, so if we get separated for the night, you can send me nude pictures.”

She waggled her eyebrows. “That works both ways, buster.” Although Austin told her he was going to Colorado while she went to New York City, she didn’t think he would. The thought of spending nights apart pained her. They’d been together since the first day of the roundup, and while she’d lost track of time, it seemed like he’d been a part of her life forever.

“Will that happen often? I mean, do you think we’ll spend many nights apart? I’ve gotten so used to looking up…and up…and up, and seeing you there. The thought of you not being nearby scares me. What if another bear comes along?”

He made a choked sound that could have passed for a laugh, but when she looked at him, she knew it wasn’t. He remembered the horror, and it terrified him as much as it did her. The next time it might not be a bear, but he would have her back, and she would have his. How exactly that would work when he was fourteen inches taller, and almost a hundred pounds heavier wasn’t entirely clear.

Austin stopped walking, and she paused and turned. “If we’re ever apart, it will depend on Elliott.”

“Why would it depend on him?”

“Because he’s going to be a bigger part of your life than you might want him to be.”

“I’ll deal with him if his demands become a problem for us.”

Austin chuckled. “I can hardly wait.”

The jazz music and laughter grew louder the closer they got to a sprawling wood pavilion that overlooked the river. The pavilion had a wood-plank ceiling with recessed lighting and a floor of neutral-tone stone pavers.

The L-shaped, chef-grade outdoor kitchen had stainless steel appliances and countertop seating, and a grill with range hood and travertine-tile backsplash completed the grilling portion of the kitchen. A teak dining table large enough to accommodate alfresco dining for twelve, a sofa, and several comfy chairs filled a seating area in front of a see-through stone fireplace with built-in television. The fireplace added ambiance without blocking the view of the river.

Remy was standing in front of the grill, fork in one hand, beer in the other. He was dressed casually in Nike sandals, gym shorts, and a T-shirt with drumsticks and the words Weapons of Mass Percussion across the front. He looked sexy and fun and much less stressed, and Ensley was surprised he didn’t have a girlfriend there for support.

Ensley went right over to him and kissed his cheek. “It’s so good to see you up. How’re you feeling?”

He turned his face and pointed to his other cheek, and Ensley kissed him again. “I doan know, but the beer helps.” He gave her a once-over. “Man, you’re hot, and those are killer shoes.”

She glanced down at her feet, surprised that he noticed. “With these on, I almost reach Austin’s waist.”

“Doan go there. It sends my mind off in all sorts of weird directions.”

“Ensley!” Kenzie waved. “Bring your ragazza tosta ass over here.”

Patting her butt, Ensley strutted over to Kenzie, standing across the counter from two other women. “My ass is here, but why’d you call me that?”

“Because Austin does.”

“How’d you know?”

“Sweetie, there aren’t any secrets in this family, or very few.” She pointed to a beautiful, dark-haired, pregnant woman. “This is Penny O’Grady, Rick’s wife. You haven’t met her, but you have met Amber Grant. She’s married to Daniel.”

Amber was a hazel-eyed beauty with a braid halfway down her back.

“The Pinkerton