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Handsome, charming, honest. Real. Like her love for him. Understanding shown in his emerald eyes. This man would never hide from her, or lie to her, or hurt her. He was a retired Navy pilot turned rancher from Dayton , Colorado. No secrets. And she wanted to spend the rest of her life getting to know the rest of him.
    “What about him?” she asked, turning her gaze back to Keith.
    Keith smiled. “I knew you’d come around. We belong together, kitten. He’s a witness. No loose ends.” He pulled the gun out of his waistband.
    Nora took it from him. The weight familiar in her hands. “I’ll do it.”
    “That’s my girl. I’ve missed you.”
    She rose to her feet, walked over to Lucas, and raised the gun. “I’m sorry,” she said, then swung around and pulled the trigger.
    The shot echoed through the cabin. Keith stumbled backward. Blood bloomed on his chest. “Nora?” he murmured, looking down, then up at her.
    “We’re over, Keith.”
    He slumped to the floor and she grabbed the knife off the counter where Keith had left it. She used it to cut the ties off Lucas’s ankles and wrists.
    He lunged toward Keith, but she blocked him.
    “Lucas, no. He’s not dead. I only wounded him.”
    “I want the bastard dead for hurting you.”
    Her heart swelled. She cupped his cheek. “Help me tie him up. When the storm clears, we’ll take him to the authorities. Rotting in jail will be Keith’s worst nightmare, trust me.”
    His thumb circled lightly over her cheek where Keith had hit her. All her fears evaporated. “All that was true? You were CIA?”
    She nodded.
    “Any interest in going back?”
    “No.” Never. Her days with the Agency were over.
    He leaned in close so their lips were inches apart. “Can I interest you in a new start?”
    Her breath hitched. “What did you have in mind?”
    “A two-thousand acre ranch, rancher included, a warm bed, and a promise.”
    Nora smiled as tears swam in her eyes. “What’s the promise?”
    His lips hovered over hers. “I promise to love, honor and protect you for the rest of our days if you agree to be my wife.”
    “Yes,” she whispered, jumping in with both feet and taking the chance that would last a lifetime.
     
     
    The End