He cupped her cheek as his thumb wiped away the tears. “You had tried to tell me while we were riding to grandfather’s house, too, correct?”
She nodded.
“You know, I had started to picture you in my life, by my side, forever. I pictured you to be the mother of my children. The boys would resemble me, and the girls would look like you.” He shrugged. “I’m not very happy that you’re pregnant with my cousin’s child, but at least I know that the baby will look enough like me so that people will believe he’s mine and my wife’s child after we are married.”
His words filled her head, but she was sure she hadn’t heard correctly. She blinked as her mind grew blank. “What... did you say?”
He chuckled lightly. “Hannah, I love you. I’ve not felt this way about any other woman, so I’d be a fool if I let you go. You make me happy, and that’s what I want in my life. I will get used to the child, and I’ll treat it as my own.”
Hannah released a happy sob as she threw her arms around his neck. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer as he knelt in front of her. “Hannah, my love,” he whispered against her hair, “will you allow me to be your husband, even if I have a cousin who is an idiot?”
She laughed and nodded. “Of course, I want you to be my husband.” Tears flowed even faster, but these were tears of happiness. She withdrew enough to gaze lovingly into his eyes. “It’s not your fault that you’re related to him.”
He shrugged. “I suppose it’ll just be another thing I can blame my grandfather for.”
She caressed the side of his face. “Thank you for forgiving me and not judging me so harshly.”
“In the Bible, didn’t Jesus tell the crowd who was stoning the woman, those without sin cast the first stone?”
Hannah smiled. “Yes, Jesus did say something similar to those words.”
“Well,” he leaned closer and kissed her forehead, “I’m not without sin, so who am I to cast a stone?”
The love in her heart doubled in size for this wonderful man. “I love you, Maverick.”
“And I love you.”
From outside, a gunshot pierced through the night, startling both Hannah and Maverick. He jumped up and dashed to the window. She hurried behind him, grasping the back of his shirt as she peeked around him out of the window.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“Someone has been shot. I can see the sheriff, and his pistol is still smoking, but I can’t see the man lying on the ground. There are too many men around him.” He pulled away from the window and took her in his arms. “I’m sure it was just one of Stormy’s men who got out of line.”
Hannah walked with Maverick away from the window with his protective arm still around her shoulders. She loved how safe she felt with him, and she prayed she would always feel that way about her hero. He was the best thing that had ever happened to her, and she never wanted to lose him or his love.
“Did the sheriff’s men really capture all of Dillon’s men?”
“They did.” He glanced down at her, smiling. “I looked them over to make sure they were the ones that kidnapped you and took a beating to me.”
“At least we can return home now and feel safe.”
“Home?” He arched an eyebrow. “You are referring to my place, right?”
She nodded. “Yes, but now I have to find a way to tell Bryan.”
“No, I won’t let you do it alone. This was my idea, so we will both tell him.”
“Are you going to tell him about Coralie?”
Maverick nodded. “Yes. He needs to know.”
They stopped by the door, and he pulled her in his embrace again. “Good night, my love. Get some rest because tomorrow morning, we’ll head back home.”
“All right.”
He lowered his mouth to hers, and she met the kiss halfway. There was no hesitation in the way his lips caressed hers, and her heart skipped excitedly. He would probably never forget that she was carrying another man’s child, but at least he wasn’t letting it affect the passion they shared.
Booming footsteps rushed up the hallway, which ended the kiss. Maverick kept her in his arms as they greeted the visitor. Mr. Winchester stopped, meeting his grandson’s gaze.
“He’s dead.”
“Who is dead?” Maverick asked.
“Stormy... Dillon.” He cleared his scratchy voice. “He tried to take the sheriff’s pistol away, and during the struggle, the gun went off.” Mr. Winchester took a deep breath. “Dillon was shot in the chest.”
She tightened her arms around Maverick and lay her head on his muscular chest. She was sad that the man had to die that way, and yet, she was also relieved that Dillon would never bother her and Maverick again.
“May he rest in peace.” Maverick nodded. “It’s sad that he couldn’t have lived a better life.”
“Agreed.” Mr. Winchester frowned. “I thought you two should know.”
“Thanks, Gramps. Hannah and I won’t attend the graveside service. I hope you understand.”
“Of course, I do. Your wedding is more important right now, especially,” the older man glanced at her waist, “before the pregnancy starts showing.”
Both Hannah and Maverick gasped at the same time. “You knew?” she asked.
Mr. Winchester chuckled. “My wife had four daughters. My daughters each had children of their own. I know how pregnant women act.” He held up his hand. “But no explanation is necessary. I’m just very happy that my grandson has found a wonderful woman to love.”
As he turned and walked down the hallway, Hannah breathed easier. Perhaps now her life would be blessed with good fortune, since she was marrying the perfect man.
ELEVEN
Maverick purposely took a slower route home, only because he
