Sky's Lark (15 page)
Amazing for a dog dumped out in the country to survive on his own several months before.
Good Samaritans had found him dragging a metal foot trap attached to his toes, limping, and in pretty rough condition. A rescue had immediately taken him in, heading straight for the vet who had to amputate three toes on the right front foot and place a steel bar in his left rear leg in order to stabilize a femur fracture and allow for it to heal properly. Through the whole process, never once did Cav show aggression, meanness, or hostility. Instead, he warmly greeted everyone he met and soaked up love and attention any way he could. The foster home accepted him, where Rose and he clicked, playing and roughhousing one another like puppies, only to curl up together for sleep time.
Bryce continued to watch the two. "After she told me his story and how much they really needed one another, I went to see them. I know we hadn't made definite plans, but Lydia assured me that Rose stole your heart and knew Cav would do the same given the chance."
"Your brother 'fessed up about bringing Rose by before daybreak. I got him to bring Cav at the same time, keeping him in his carrier until you were ready to spring your surprise."
"He's a sly one."
"Yep." He faced her once more. "I think they're a perfect fit."
She sauntered over to the couch, sat down, and cuddled up against Bryce, a beaming smile covering her face. "I can't believe you, marshmallow heart and all." His dark eyes sparkled. "No wonder I love you."
He leaned in to place a quick kiss to her nose. "And I have another present for you." He stood up, walked over to the Christmas tree, and pulled a small box from its hiding place nestled on one of the middle branches.
"Sneaky."
"I've seen you down here peeking through the packages to find out what Santa brought you." He ambled over, holding the box out to her.
Impatiently, she tore the paper off only to find a small black velvet-covered jewelry box.
Bryce reached out, plucked the item from her fingers, a mischievous grin crossing his face. Bending down to one knee, he flipped open the lid.
Her heart sped and breath caught as she took the ring from its holder, turning the beautiful band this way and that, admiring the brilliant reflection of light off the large diamond. A lump lodged in her throat.
"Lark? Will you marry me?"
Tears welled up in her eyes as she focused on his face. With a cry of excitement, she pulled him into her arms. Holding on tight, she pressed kisses to his cheek and jaw. "Yes. Oh, yes."
He chuckled, sitting back on his heels to cup her cheek and press a gentle kiss to her lips. "I love you."
"I love you, too. So much."
He snared the ring, slipping it on her finger, his face reflecting the sheer happiness in her near-bursting heart.
Both canines paused in their morning treat to stare at them.
"Don't worry, guys, her bark is worse than her bite," Bryce assured them.
Lark giggled. "Don't listen to Daddy. For the record, he likes it when I bite."
The two shared a look before Bryce regained his feet and reached out. Lark accepted, intertwining her fingers with his. "Up for another wrestling match, are you?"
He swatted her bottom lightly, directing her back to their room. "Maybe this time I'll let you win."
She grouched up at him, "You let me win and I will kick your ass."
He laughed. "A warrior to the end."
"And you wouldn't want me any other way."
He closed the bedroom door behind them and pulled her into his arms. "Never change, dove. I love you just the way you are."
"Good thing since you've grown on me. You know. Like mold." She grinned up at him.
He snorted. "As if."
She stood on tiptoe, met and meshed their lips together, pouring everything she felt for him into the passionate embrace and leaving no question as to her deeply entrenched love.
The End
About the Author
Growing up in the Midwest, I began reading romance novels in high school, immediately falling in love with the genre, to the point where I decided to write professionally. However, that dream splattered against a brick wall, resulting in quick death in my first writing class in college when my professor told me bluntly that I wasn't any good at it. I shifted gears quickly, and left my writing dreams behind, eventually settling on being a nurse.
A few years back, I stumbled across a fan-fiction writing site on a favorite author's webpage. I began to read stories others wrote, not only making some wonderful close friends from the experience, but also learning to write for the very first time. Here I was able to share short stories, practice my writing skills, and truly develop into a writer. More than that, the experience allowed me to revitalize my dream, as I rediscovered joy in writing.
When I'm not working or writing, I enjoy working in the garden, canning, and seeing my backyard as a living canvas for my whimsical landscaping, and, of course, reading romance novels.
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Also by Cheyenne Meadows
Available from
Silver Publishing
As Fate Would Have It
WIND WARRIORS
Tiger's Lily
Loco
Summer's Night
Sky's Lark
Reviews for AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT say:
"The unbelievable chemistry of these two characters, is what makes
As Fate Would Have It
, the sweltering and fantastic read that it is. Rye is a detective that once worked as an actor. He's not just any actor though, he's a retired porn star, with a whole heck of a lot more experience than the virgin that is Brie. Rye will rock your socks off with his sexy sweet talking and his domineering ways. He's got a hidden sensitive side as well, creating a character that will leave you dying for more with every page you read. Brie is a good girl nurse, with nothing but an uppity spirit flowing through her. She also happens to be most hilarious heroine I have read about in a while. She's determined and strong-willed, never wanting to give up on anything in life. I admire her willingness to take risks in order to help people she knows nothing about. She's a grade A character who will make you want to be a better person yourself.
I read
As Fate Would Have It
in one setting, and it was the most fun I have had, while reading a book, in a very long time. With humor galore throughout, and passionate sexual tension thrown in too, I guarantee that
As Fate Would Have It
, will become a favorite for many. I know for sure, that it's now one of mine! So if you need a fast paced romance with an abundance of humor, then be sure to pick
As Fate Would Have It
up! You can't get much better than this!"
—5 Stars, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews