Lost Love (Cowboys and Angels #1)(65)

I lost it laughing while I ducked out of harm’s way.

“Steed, that wasn’t very nice,” Paxton said, trying her best to hide her own laughter.





Glancing up, I couldn’t help the lightness that crept into my chest as I watched Paxton sitting in the oversized chair with her legs tucked under her. Chloe was snuggled up, staring at the pages of the book Paxton was reading.

This was the life I had dreamed of for so many years. A family with Paxton. It had been a month since we had sex in the cabin. A month of pure fucking bliss. Every chance we had we were in bed together. Making up for lost time.

Damn, I loved making love to Paxton. It was the only time I ever felt completely relaxed. Contentment wasn’t even the beginning of how I felt.

“Daddy? Are you going to get our turkey this year for Thanksgiving?”

My eyes drifted to my daughter’s, and I smiled. “Uncle Tripp always shoots the Turkey for Thanksgiving.”

“How come?” Chloe asked.

I shrugged. “Guess it’s always been the tradition. Grandpa had him shoot his first turkey when he was about your age.”

Her eyes widened as she jumped out of the chair and ran across the room to me. “Can I shoot a turkey with Uncle Tripp?”

With a chuckle, I nodded. “If you want to. I’m sure he would love that, but maybe next year when I can teach a little more about guns and how to safely use them.”

Chloe spun around and faced Paxton. “Paxton, have you ever shot a deer?”

“I sure have. I was with your Daddy when I shot my first deer.”

My mind drifted back to that day. Paxton sitting up in the deer stand with me, so serious about killing her first buck. I’d never been more proud than when she shot him, and he dropped straight to the ground. Perfect shot.

“Daddy! Daddy! I want to be like Paxton! Please can I shoot a deer?”

Laughing, I pulled her onto my lap and tickled her stomach. She kicked and laughed until I stopped. “You really want to shoot a deer, Chloe?”

Her big blue eyes looked into mine. “I want to be like Paxton when I grow up.”

My heart melted and my gaze jerked up to see Paxton wiping a tear from her cheek. “She is pretty amazing, isn’t she?” I asked not really expecting my daughter to answer.

“She is. I can’t wait until she’s my mommy.”

We both smiled. This past month I hadn’t pressured Paxton with our relationship. If it were up to me she’d be moved in, and my ring would be on her finger. But I knew she wanted to take things slower. We made sure we went out at least three times a week. Twice alone and once with Chloe.

Paxton’s blue eyes stared into mine, and I replied, “Neither can I, pumpkin. Neither can I.”





“One week off. You have no idea how much I need this week off.”

Corina set her oversized bag down on one of the kid’s desks as she dropped into the seat. It was the last day before our Thanksgiving break, and we had a half day. Next week we had the whole week off. It was a much-needed break for all of us.

“Hard to believe Thanksgiving is next week,” I said.

She rolled her neck. “Thank God. I love my students, but I need a break from them and their parents. If one more mom tries to set me up on a date, I swear I’m going to blow a fuse.”

I chuckled. “They mean well.”

Lifting her brow, she asked, “They still snooping for information on you and Steed?”

“Gina is. Pretty much everyone else knows we’re seeing each other.”

“Speaking of, how are things going with you guys? I never see you anymore so I don’t get the dirty low down.”

“Dirty low down?”

Corina nodded. “Please. If he is anything like his twin brother, I’m sure the boy does dirty, dirty things to you when you’re alone.”

My cheeks heated. “Have you seen Mitchell again?”

Her smile faded and a look of hurt moved in so fast I might have missed it had I not been focused on her. “No, but I’ve gone out a few times with Tripp. At least he’s interested.”

She faked a laugh.

I leaned back. So Mitchell was honoring the brother code. Interesting. “How’s it going? With Tripp?”

With a shrug, she replied, “It’s okay. He loves politics and law and throws in a bit of ranching every now and then. Those seem to be the only three things he ever talks about.”

“Why do you go out with him then?”

Chewing on her lip, she replied, “He’s nice. Treats me with respect. And it keeps me from sitting home all alone watching Disney movies and daydreaming about my prince charming. I get the feeling he is looking for arm candy, especially since he wants to run for mayor someday.”