Free Night Hawk'S Bride (Tyler) (Harlequin Historical Series, No 558) by Jillian Hart

else.”
    The big black dog, who was more of a loner than Night Hawk, wagged his tail and dove into the basket. Unrepentant, grinning broadly, Meka chewed and swallowed.
    â€œYou’re proud of yourself, are you?” Marie rubbedthe dog’s head as she snatched the basket from the front step.
    She knew the moment Night Hawk came into view. She could feel his presence. He was watching her, smiling, cradling something from his garden in the crook of his left arm.
    â€œYou have watermelon!”
    â€œI have to contribute something to our picnic. I can’t let you bring all the sweets.” Night Hawk lowered the melon to the blanket and cut it.
    His nearness sparkled like sunlight. It felt as if they were connected like dawn and twilight, earth and sky.
    â€œFor you.” He held a bright piece of juicy melon and she ate from his fingers.
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    Marie lingered at the forest’s edge. If only she could stretch this moment and the next, then maybe their time together wouldn’t end.
    As if Night Hawk felt it too, he halted one step from the main road to the fort. “We’ll have you in the saddle tomorrow.”
    â€œYou mean, I can ride her?”
    â€œShe’s ready.” Night Hawk handed Marie the empty basket he carried.
    Excitement trilled through her, both at the thought of riding her mare and the man who towered next to her, dark like the shadows, proud like the ancient forest. Meka tore off into the underbrush chasing a gray jay, leaving them alone.
    Marie watched Night Hawk’s gaze focus on her mouth. In the space between one heartbeat and the next she felt her entire body blaze. He’s going to kissme. The knowledge pummeled through her. Yes, kiss me.
    His eyes darkened as if he was tempted, and then he took an abrupt step backward. Disappointment didn’t douse the fire sparkling in her veins.
    â€œTomorrow,” he said.
    The fire within her only burned hotter. Tomorrow—it was a promise and a gift.
    She pushed through the low boughs that guarded the private trail from the main road. Long shadows met her as she hurried toward the fort’s busy gate. When she looked over her shoulder, she saw only shadows but felt the heat of his gaze.
    Night Hawk feels this, too. She wouldn’t wonder and wish any longer. There was no mistaking that he’d wanted to kiss her. She was inexperienced but woman enough to know Night Hawk liked her.
    The ground felt like clouds against her feet as she rushed past the dark mercantile and noticed that it was closed for the day. Was it that late already? She lifted her skirts and ran.
    There were only two soldiers standing guard at the gates. The fort grounds were empty as she dashed through them. Her spirits fell at the sight of her father rising out of his chair on the porch. He frowned at her as if she were a soldier dodging orders.
    â€œI know I’m late, Papa,” Marie began the instant she was close enough. “I lost track of the time. I hope you didn’t wait supper on me.”
    â€œOf course we did.” Henry rose slowly. “Major Gerard came to dine with us. He’s waiting inside.”
    â€œOh, Papa. Not Major—” Marie caught herself intime as a movement blurred in the shaded doorway. “Good evening, Major. My father tells me I’ve kept you both waiting.”
    â€œNo need to apologize.” Ned Gerard smoothed a long shock of blond hair across his forehead with a hint of nervousness. “A gentleman never minds waiting for a beautiful lady. Let me take that basket for you. Were you picking berries?”
    Marie kept hold of the wicker handle. “No, I was watching Night Hawk train my new mare. She’s almost ready for me to start riding.”
    â€œWhat mare?” Henry’s voice lowered to a chill. “I distinctly told you that if you wanted a horse, I would provide you with one.”
    â€œI told you I bought a horse.” Marie skipped up the steps