Free Tonight and Forever by Brenda Jackson

grinning.
    “A little boy by the name of Mukasas. His name means giver and provider.”
    “That’s interesting.” He turned his head back to the painting. “I wouldn’t mind having a copy of this painting for my very own.”
    Lorren grinned. Like Justin, most people were immediately taken with her Kente Kids. “Sorry, that painting is one of a kind. It was painted by a friend of mine from college and given to me as a gift.”
    Justin nodded as he glanced around the room. He noticed a stack of boxes sitting on the floor in the corner. “You’re still unpacking?”
    “Yes. Those boxes arrived this morning. I’m not sure whether or not I’ll be unpacking all of that stuff. Other than the items I need for my writing, I’m going to wait until I’m settled into my own place before unpacking most of it.”
    “Will you be moving into town?”
    “Yes, but I’m in no hurry. I like the privacy and the seclusion this place provides. I wish I could talk Mama Nora into selling it to me. It’s just what I need. I don’t want anything too big. It’s perfect.”
    Justin walked into the kitchen as Lorren was making the salad. “Why don’t you ask her?”
    She shook her head. “I can’t do that. She loves this place as much as I do.”
    Justin nodded. “How would you like leasing the one I’m in?”
    Lorren looked startled. “Where’re you going?”
    Justin’s mouth curved into a smile. “I’m buying the Taylors’ place. In fact, I’m meeting with the attorneys tomorrow to sign the final papers. That’s the reason for the cookout on Thursday. It’s sort of a celebration. I’ve been negotiating with the seller for over four months now. We’ve finally reached a satisfactory agreement.”
    “You bought Taylor Oaks?” she asked, totally surprised. In her early days in Ennis, Taylor Oaks had been one of the largest spreads in the county. Sam and Holly Taylor had been members of Ennis’s elite society. Their beautiful cattle ranch had also been the sight for breeding thoroughbred horses. It was situated on over three hundred acres of land encompassing the most beautiful oak trees found anywhere. That ranch had been Lorren’s dream home since the time she’d first attended the Taylors’ annual barbecue. She used to envision herself living there.
    Mama Nora had informed her last year of the Taylors’ deaths when their private plane had crashed. Because they left no children, the ranch became the property of a wealthy distant relative. Uninterested in the ranch, he had put it up for sale.
    “Yes, I bought Taylor Oaks.” Justin leaned proudly against the kitchen door. “It cost me a bundle, but I think it’s a worthwhile investment. I knew I wanted it the moment I saw it.”
    “But it’s so huge. Isn’t it too big for one person?”
    Justin smiled. “I plan on closing my office in town and moving it to the ranch. I’m converting a section of the house downstairs into an office and examining rooms. And I do plan on remarrying one day and want a large family, so the size of it will fit perfectly with my future plans.”
    “When will you be moving?”
    “Not for a while. I’m going to have the place completely renovated. It’s been empty for over a year.”
    “That’s wonderful, Justin. Congratulations.”
    “Thanks. Are you sure you don’t need any help?”
    Lorren smiled. “Positive. Everything’s all set.”
    During dinner Justin told her some more about his family and his childhood escapades.
    “My goodness,” she said, filled with laughter. “You and your siblings were definitely a rowdy bunch. It’s a wonder your parents didn’t snip your ears.”
    Justin laughed. “Believe me, there were moments when they were tempted. My two brothers and I used to fight like hell among ourselves, but when it came to protecting each other against some outsider who tried to bother any one of us, we stuck together like glue.”
    Lorren smiled. “Where’s your family now?”
    “In Houston. Both of my