Free Winter's Embrace by Kathleen Ball Page A

a hat?”
    “I bet she would love a hat and I could make a
matching one for you.”
    Rachael’s beaming smile became a balm to her heart.
Cuddling the little girl close, she breathed in her smell and smiled. This was
worth it and Rachael was worth it. Everything else would just have to wait.
    “Crisis solved?”
    Winter jerked her head toward the door. The cause of
all her emotional upset stood against the doorframe looking sexier than any man
had a right to. “For now.”
    He was the very devil and he knew it. She was in for
the ride of her life and she hoped to land on her feet.
     
    * * * *
     
    The next day, Stone stared at her plump, dewy lips in
anticipation. It wasn’t as though they’d never been together. Just remembering
how it used to be, his whole body tightened. Tonight was the night, no more
waiting. His stomach clenched and he prayed that nothing waylaid his plans.
    “Are you sure that Rachael is fine spending the night
with the O’Malley brothers? I know that she loves Colt and Caleb, but maybe
she’s too young.” Her furrowed brow made him smile.
    “You know that she loves those two cowpokes. Besides
she’s going to teach them how to make Christmas cookies.”
    “I know but…wait Christmas cookies?”
    Stone grabbed her hand. “Put your coat on. I have
something to show you.”
    Winter’s face lit up. “What?”
    Somewhere along the way, her happiness became his. Her
glowing face warmed him and he hoped she liked her surprise. “Come on, I’ll
show you.”
    Winter studied his face before she finally nodded.
“All right, cowboy, let’s see what you have.”
    The blustery winter wind surrounded them as they
stepped outside. Stone put his arm around Winter’s waist and pulled her close. Just having her near warmed him in the bitter cold.
He pointed them in the direction and they began to walk. Winter glanced up at
him, but he ignored her scrutiny and continued. It didn't take but a minute to
walk to the foreman’s house: Winter’s new home.
    She stopped right in front, staring, and he couldn’t
tell what she thought until her arm went around his waist and squeezed.
    “You like it?”
    “How would I know? I haven’t seen the inside yet.” The
excitement in her voice pleased him.
    Winter squealed as he lifted her into his arms and
carried her inside. Setting her down, he watched her expressions. From her
smiles, he knew that she approved.
    “Like it?”
    She took off her coat and whirled in a circle. “Like
it? I love it. I never imagined.” She walked into the kitchen and ran her hands
over the granite counter. “It all looks new.”
    “It is.”
    With a tilt of her head, she pinned him with her
stare. “I thought you were just going to fix it up. I never expected, I never
asked…”
    “It was time to give this old place a face lift. I
only had them leave a few pieces of furniture. I figured we could go buy new
stuff.”
    “No. You will not be buying me new furniture. Stone, I
work for what I get and I pay my own way.”
    Stone walked over to her. He stood toe to toe with
her, gazing at her averted face. He put his finger under her chin and lifted
her face toward his. “Don’t let pride get in your way.”
    Her eyes shimmered. “It’s not pride. I don’t know what
it is. One minute I want you with my whole being. I want to be in your arms, in
your bed. Then something comes and places a black shadow over those thoughts
and I become wary.”
    Opening his arms, he drew her to him. He loved the
feel of her in his arms. She felt so right. “I wish I knew how to rid you of
all doubt.”
    “Why don’t you show me the rest of the place?”
    The tour consisted of the whole house except for the
bedroom. He felt like a big fool. Maybe lighting candles in the bedroom was a
bad idea. It had seemed so perfect before. When he finally opened the bedroom
door, she gasped.
    “I’m sorry.”
    “Sorry? It’s so beautiful, I
never imagined anyone would do this for me.” Reaching up,