When the Glitter Fades (Cowboys of Whispering Winds) (21 page)

“You’re kidding me, right?” he growled, becoming angry. After all these years of covering up for her, he was done. A marriage wasn’t something you lied about. He loved her, damn it, but he wouldn’t have her like this.

“Why are you so mad? This is the best way out of this. You know how our parents will act if they find out the truth.”

Removing his hands, he clenched his fists. He’d reached his limit. They were so far from each other right now; not only were they on different pages, but different books altogether. Looking her straight in the eyes, he lost the patience he’d always had with her. “You’re twenty-seven years old, Allie. For once, grow up and accept responsibility. I’m done trying to make things right for you and covering up your mistakes. We got drunk, we were ‘stupid,’ as you said, and got married. That’s what happened and I’m not going to make up some story just to save face with our parents. And if you think they’ll be disappointed because we got married drunk, how much more disappointed will they be when they find out the truth years from now, which, I promise you, they will. I’m sure they also had moments when they were young, even if not to this extreme. But, regardless this is our doing and I’ll own up to my part of it.”

“You just don’t want to give up all your little blonde city girls coming to play cowgirl and have fun with the big, strong cowboy,” Allie spat out at him, reacting in anger to his recriminations.

He stood up and turned away from her so she couldn’t see the hurt she just inflicted on him. Whether she mean them or not, her words stung. Sometimes he wondered why he loved her- she was brash, impulsive and drove him mad.  He pulled his boots on and threw his hat on over his mussed hair, not bothering to comb the mess.  All he wanted, at this moment, was to escape this room.  He couldn’t think with her right there.

Pausing at the door, he took a deep breath to steady the anger. “I’m going downstairs. After breakfast, I’m packing and checking out.” He walked out the door without a backward glance. Getting home to the Whispering Winds never sounded so good

About the Author

Renee Peterson is the author of several works, including His Heart to Have and When the Glitter Fades. She spends most of her time being a mom to two young kids and the remaining part of her time creating stories of love, centered on family and friendship. She grew up in the country side of Maryland, but has traveled around the country living in California's Mojave Desert, along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina and now resides in the Cajun country of South Louisiana where she has fallen in love with the culture and food. During the rare times she’s not already busy, Renee can be found attempting to garden (don’t count on her crops for survival) or finding items to restore and repurpose.

Renee loves hearing from her fans and welcomes their feedback. You can e-mail her at [email protected], follow her on twitter at @reneepeterson18 or find her on Facebook at facebook.com/reneepetersonauthorfanpage

Available Titles from Renee Peterson

Cowboys of Whispering Winds:

His Heart to Have

When the Glitter Fades

Brothers of the Bayou:

The Best Laid Plans

The Best of Intentions

The Best is Yet to Come

Short Stories:

A Cowboy’s Dream

A Cowboy Christmas in Sweet Hill

Cowboy Fireworks