she must protect him.'
Amanda listened to her Superiors, holding back the urge to object to their plan to suppress her memory. The thought of the treasured memories she'd shared with J.T. being erased, even if only for a short time, alarmed her.
'It's only temporary, Amanda, until the mission is complete,' Mary said, as if reading her thoughts. 'Come here so we can block your memory and properly equip you for this assignment.'
Amanda took a deep breath, reassuring herself that even without the recollection of her time on earth with J.T., in her heart she would always love him. He was, after all, her soulmate.
Obeying her Superior, she stood in front of Mary and closed her eyes.
The heavy weight of Mary's hand settled on her shoulder and her body tingled from head to toe, as she was supplied with the background and identity of Caitlan Daniels for her new mission.
'Hurry along,' Mary said after the moment had passed. 'J.T. doesn't have much time. Oh, and here is your medallion.' She produced a gold chain with a shiny gold piece attached and dropped it onto Caitlan's palm. 'Use it sparingly. Only in dire emergencies. You know the rules.'
Caitlan nodded and slipped the chain around her neck, the warmth of the medallion nestling just above her breasts. In the next instant she was gone.
Mary looked at Christopher. 'I hope we don't come to regret this decision.'
'We really had no choice.'
'What if she remembers him?'
Christopher gave Mary a confident look. 'As long as she wears the medallion her memory will be protected. She knows better than to take off the medallion.'
Mary nodded but wasn't totally convinced. A second later she let out a soft gasp, her eyes widening. 'Oh, my goodness. We forgot to tell her who is trying to harm J.T.!'
Christopher smiled. 'She's a smart angel. She'll figure it out.'
'Can I take this silly blindfold off yet?'
'In a minute.' Grinning at Amanda's impatience, J.T. Rafferty guided her into the line shack situated on the west end of his father's ranch property, three miles from the Circle R's main house. Wanting complete privacy for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion, he'd waited until he knew for certain the ranch hands had retired for the evening before bringing Amanda here.
She fidgeted anxiously on her sandaled feet and pleated her fingers in the pink dress she wore. Pearl buttons down the bodice added a simple elegance to the plain country dress. 'Where are we, Johnny?'
'Hold your horses, Mandy, 'he drawled, lighting the oil lamp by the door. Leaving her for a moment, he walked to the scarred wooden table in the middle of the small room. Holding back a chuckle at the sight of the lopsided birthday cake he'd conned his sister into making for him, he set it in the center of the table. 'I know the ride out was bumpy, and this place is musty, but it'll be worth it.'
'You're worth anything I have to endure,' she said softly.
God, he loved her, he thought, glancing over his shoulder. His chest expanded with a sense of awe. Beautiful, spirited Amanda Hamilton was all his. From her crown of long glorious blond hair to the tips of her pink- painted toenails. From the dimple in her right cheek to the birthmark behind her left knee.
He stared at the delicate features of her face, her soft skin, and those full lips he loved to kiss. Desire stirred within him, warming his blood, and he returned his attention to the cake before he forgot the real purpose for bringing her here. Striking a match, he lit all eighteen candles, casting a soft glow about the cabin.
Stepping behind her, he slipped off the blindfold. 'Happy birthday, Amanda,' he whispered into her ear.
Unable to miss the blazing cake on the table, she let out a sentimental sigh. 'Oh, Johnny, this is so sweet.'
Turning her in his arms, he swept his hands down her back to rest at the base of her spine. 'Iwanted tonight to be special.'
Her deep blue eyes sparkled with adoration, and a sweet smile brushed her mouth. 'It is. I have you.'
He grinned. 'That you do.' After dropping a light kiss on her lips, he ushered her toward the table. 'Make a wish, sweetheart.'
She laughed, the sound light and melodious. 'What do I have to wish for when I have everything I could ever want?'
Not yet, but soon, he thought. 'I'm sure you can think of something.'
She closed her eyes, a frown of concentration creasing her brow. A moment later a brilliant smile lit her face, dimpling her cheek. She released a deep breath of air, her lashes fluttering open. The candles sputtered and went out. 'I hope my wish comes true.'
'I hope so too.' He placed a small square velvet box in her palm. 'This is for you, Amanda. May all your dreams come true.'
She looked up at him, her gaze curious.
'Go on,' he urged, wishing he could calm the anxiety clenching his belly. What if this wasn't what Amanda wanted?
His heart thundered in anticipation as tentatively she opened the box and peeked inside. A diamond engagement ring, nestled within the folds of black satin, winked up at her. Her breath caught and she glanced at him, her eyes shimmering. 'It's beautiful,' she breathed.
Bending on one knee, he grasped her left hand. Taking the modest ring from the box and bringing it to her finger, he met her bluer-than-blue gaze and asked, 'Will you marry me, Amanda Hamilton?'
Her hand trembled in his. 'Are you sure?' she whispered.
'Absolutely.' He knew what she was asking. They were young, had never dated anyone except each other. Lately his friends had been badgering him to break things off with Amanda so he could sow his oats before he shackled himself to just one woman. But J.T. didn't want anyone but Amanda.
'You've always been mine, Amanda, ever since you were seven and fell into the creek and I saved you from drowning.'
She smiled at the memory, but he still saw the doubts lingering in her eyes. 'Your cousin Randal told me you weren't ready to settle down yet.'
Anger gripped him in a cold, hard fist. He hated that the rivalry between himself and Randal had touched Amanda. 'He lied, Mandy. I want my future with you, 'he continued, his hold on her hand tightening. 'I'm not rich, you know that, but Dad gave me a raise, so you won't have to get a job. We can live at the ranch house until we can afford a place of our own. I want babies with you, and the whole works. Amanda, please,' he implored. 'I love you.'
She touched the tips of her fingers to his jaw and slowly nodded. 'Yes, John Thomas Rafferty, I'll marry you. I've loved you forever…'
His body shuddered with relief and he secured the ring on her left hand before she could change her mind. Standing, he dropped his mouth over hers, officially sealing their engagement with a deep kiss that quickly turned hot and urgent.
Lips fused, tongues mating, his hands sought the curves of her waist and hips, then moved upward, cupping the weight of her breasts. Moaning softly, she moved closer, pressing her petite form to his tall, muscular frame. The top of her head barely reached his shoulder, but what she lacked in height she more than made up for in feminine contours. And his mouth and hands knew every one of them intimately, knew just how to touch and caress her to make her melt in his arms.
