Free Lone Wolf by Tracy Krauss Page A

that.”
    â€œNicole, I—”
    â€œI’m not done,” she continued. “I want you to know that I’m proud of you. Of all that you’ve accomplished here and will accomplish anywhere you go. You’re a great visionary, Thomas Lone Wolf. A man of integrity. And of course I know you weren’t just looking for a way to get out of a relationship with me. That was stupid and I’m sorry for even thinking it.”
    â€œGood. Well I’m glad you got that right, at least.” He grinned. “Not sure about that visionary stuff, though…”
    She smiled. “Anyway, I realized that if God wants us together, He’ll make a way. Maybe a separation is best, and in time, I might even consider moving if that’s what God wants.” She hesitated and looked down at the railing. “If it’s what you still want. I promised myself I wouldn’t run ahead of God again, but I did start researching what it would take to get my license in BC…”
    Thomas shook his head and chuckled. Then he straightened and opened his arms, inviting her to step into his embrace. “Come here.” She smiled and did so. It felt heavenly to have her back in his arms. Thomas inhaled deeply of the scent of her hair and tightened his hold. “You are one silly woman.”
    â€œExcuse me?” She pulled back slightly, enough to scrutinize his face.
    He just laughed and pulled her tight to his chest. “All that talk when I was about to tell you I decided not to take the job.”
    â€œYou did? Oh dear! Now I feel terrible.” She squirmed free and stood looking up at him.
    He shook his head. “You shouldn’t. Why would I move when everything I care about—the woman I love—is back here?”
    Nicole blinked. “Oh.”
    â€œIs that all you have to say?” He raised a brow and smiled.
    â€œI’m speechless for once.”
    â€œGood. Does that mean I can kiss you now?”
    She nodded and their lips came together with such sweetness, Thomas knew he would never grow tired of the sensation. Suddenly, small feet pounded down the boardwalk and Thomas was forced to pull away to see Whisper barreling toward them. Maggie wasn’t far behind.
    â€œWe saw you kissing!” Whisper called.
    â€œIs that so?” Thomas put an arm around Nicole’s shoulders and waited for both girls to arrive. They pulled up short in front of their parents, panting and giggling, and he released Nicole and bent to bring each little girl into the circle of his arms. “That a problem?” He looked from one girl to the other. They shook their heads in unison. “Good.”
    â€œDoes this mean you’re gonna be my new daddy?” Maggie asked, looking up into Thomas’s face.
    Thomas smiled and looked over at Nicole. “Maybe. If your mommy wants me to be.”
    â€œYou don’t believe in rushing, do you?” Nicole quipped. “We just made up.”
    â€œHow long do you need?” Thomas asked with a grin.
    â€œAt least another minute,” Nicole replied, a playful smile on her lips.
    Another set of footsteps clopped along the wooden planks, sending all four sets of eyes in that direction. Thomas released the girls and stood up.
    â€œExcellent job, Mr. Lone Wolf.” Minister Holtac stopped in front of them and nodded at Thomas. “Is this your family?”
    Thomas glanced at Nicole and then back at the minister, a smile forming on his lips. “Yes, it is.”
    â€œMy offer still stands, you know. About a position with the government. I already spoke to some of my higher ups and they’re all for it.”
    â€œI might be interested, but we’ll have to talk it over.” Thomas squeezed Nicole to his side.
    â€œOf course, of course.” Holtac bobbed his head. “You’d have to move to Regina, though.”
    â€œI don’t see that as a problem.” Thomas smiled. “In