The Cowboy’s Justice (Naked Cowboys of Smoky Hill #4)

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

When William Buckley returned to Dallas he offered up the names of accountants and bookkeepers who had helped him embezzle money from clients. But shortly after his arrest was made public, several women came forward and accused him of drugging and assaulting them. The charges were filed guaranteeing him a long stint behind bars.

* * *

Though Portia’s days were filled with chores around the barn, Devlin made sure she had time to learn how to ride. But as the end of the month drew near she didn’t know what would happen next.

Change was in the air.

Even the weather was becoming colder and the leaves had begun to turn. Late one afternoon Devlin suggested they take a ride up Smoky Hill to see if any snow had hit the mountains.

With Jezebel and Jethro running along beside them they made their way up the trail. Portia was on Marge, and Devlin was riding Belle with just a rope around her neck. As they made their way through the trees and broke into the clearing at the top, Portia caught her breath. The majestic peaks glowed white and gold in the setting sun.

“Wow, look at that,” she exclaimed. “It’s like an oil painting.”

“It sure is. In a month or so we’ll probably have our first dusting at the ranch, maybe even sooner.”

Looking across at his handsome face, she suddenly had to know where things stood between them.

“Devlin, what will happen now?”

“With what?”

“Me, you, the ranch.”

“I guess that depends. Are you plannin’ on returning to your home or goin’ back to Dallas?”

“Uh, well, you haven’t said anything about me staying on so…”

“Portia,” he began, lowering his voice, “for the record I don’t want you goin’ anywhere. But stayin’ with me is your choice. Do you want to stick around?”

“Absolutely,” she said urgently. “I love it here, and I’d miss Marge and Jezzie and Jethro so much, but mostly I want to be with you.”

Moving Belle closer to her, he reached out and took her hand.

“Darlin’, I wanna be with you too. Let’s get the rest of your things from your house and bring them over. You can store stuff in the cabin if you need to.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, darlin’, really. We’re a team now, and I want it to stay that way.”

* * *

After several more weeks Portia knew she’d never want to return to her modern, empty home, and ended up selling it to her superstar neighbor, Annie Baker. When Annie’s musicians came into town they would stay at the Moonshine Campground. Having them next door was far more convenient, and the basement became a second rehearsal space.

* * *

Late one winter night, with snow blanketing the ground and a full moon glowing down from a clear sky, Portia and Devlin made their way back to the house after doing their nightly check on the horses. As they paused their step to watch Jezebel and Jethro bound and play in the white stuff, Devlin wrapped her in his arms and devoured her lips in a long, lingering kiss.

“What was that for?” she murmured breathlessly.

“Do I need a reason?”

“Nope, not ever.”

When they reached the house and pulled off their heavy coats, she offered to make them hot chocolate.

“Sure, that sounds great, but there’s something I need to talk to you about first,” he said, softening his voice. “Let’s go into the lounge and warm up by the fire.”

Curious, she followed him into the living room and settled on the couch while he threw another log into the flames. But when he sat next to her, a frown crossed his brow

“Devlin? What’s wrong? You look worried.”

“I am, well, not really worried, I’m just…”

“Okay, now you’re scaring me. What’s up?”

“Uh…hold on,” he muttered, rising to his feet.

With her pulse ticking up she watched him walk across to the bookshelf, open the low cabinet and take something out.

“This is for you…if you want it,” he murmured, returning to sit next to her.

As he opened his hand, she found herself gazing down at a ring box, and before she could speak he lifted the lid exposing a sparkling, pear-shaped diamond surrounded by tiny, green stones.

“Oh my gosh. Is that what I think it is?”

“Portia, I love you like I’ve never loved anyone. Please will you marry me? Please will you be my wife and spend the rest of your life drivin’ me crazy?”

“Yes, of c-course,” she managed, though tears suddenly sprang from her eyes and she could barely breathe. “I can’t believe it.”

“Honestly, darlin’, I never thought I’d say this, but I’m so damn glad you hit my truck on that freeway. Talk about a happy accident.”

Gazing down at the twinkling ring, she took in a deep breath, then raised her eyes.

“Devlin, my grandad is the smartest man you’ll ever meet, and he says there are no such things as accidents.”

“Lookin’ at you right now I have to agree. You—me—we’re way too special to be an accident.”

“So…does this mean I’m finally forgiven for hitting your truck?” she asked with a giggle.

“Damn, girl, you just never give up. But, yeah, since it was fate you’re forgiven. Now get in that bedroom and take off your clothes so I can ravage you.”

“Don’t you mean thank me?”

Throwing back his head, he laughed out loud, then suddenly grabbed her and jerked her over his knee.

“What are you doin?”

“I’m thankin’ you, darlin, the best way I know how.”