Judith French: Morgan's Woman

"You gonna draw, big man?" his redheaded partner said. "Or are you-"

Ash laughed as a hand closed on the redhead's collar.

"Mama!" David's eyes widened in surprise, and he dropped the fishing pole he'd been using for a rifle.

The littler criminal threw his pole, turned to make his getaway, and gasped as Tamsin grabbed him by the seat of his baggy trousers. His broad-brimmed sombrero slid back revealing big brown eyes, a freckled nose, and a dimple on his chin.

"Were you going someplace, Jared?" she asked.

"Hi, Mama."

"We were just foolin'-" the nine-year-old protested.

"Playing bounty hunter with Daddy," his younger brother chimed in.

"What have I told you about violence?" Tamsin asked.

"We didn't have a real gun. Just fishing poles. Daddy was-"

Ash shook his head as he climbed over the corral fence and joined Tamsin. "Don't you boys drag me into this. Where were you two when we were ready for church this morning?"

Jared flushed and kicked the dirt with the toe of his boot. "David said the fish were biting."

"So you two went fishing instead of going to church with your mama and me?" Ash asked.

"Yes, Daddy," David admitted sheepishly.

"Umm-humm," Jared agreed. "But we caught fish for dinner."

"Enormous fish," his brother said. "I thought that's where you might have gone when I found holes in my flower bed," Tamsin observed.

"We needed big worms, Mama," Jared explained. "Big worms live in your flower beds."

"Lucky for you two there's going to be a special service this evening," Ash said. "Reverend Graham and his wife offered to pick the two of you up and take you to church with them."

"But Daddy, you promised we could ride out to the north pasture with you and bring in Dancer and the mares." David looked hopeful. "I'm awful sorry we missed church this morning, but next Sunday-"

"Next Sunday we'll be in our usual pew as a family," Tamsin said. She released her prisoners. "I want those ponies curried and turned into their stalls, and then-"

"Then the two of you can take the fish in to Maria, eat the cold dinner your mother left on the table for you, and help Maria wash the dishes," Ash finished. "Baths for both of you."

"Put on your church clothes, and you may read until it's time to go with the reverend," Tamsin said.

David sighed. "But where are you and Mama going?"

"We'll just go and get the horses ourselves. Now, you heard your mother! Get! And take Sam Houston with you. That fool cat has been after your mother's canary all morning. Next time you run off, take him with you."

Shoulders slumped, heads down, the little bandits trudged off to fetch their ponies. The big orange-and-white tomcat trotted after them, tail flicking back and forth.

Ash put an arm around Tamsin's shoulders and chuckled. "Rascals, both of them."

"All three," she said. "Sam Houston climbed up my lace curtains and left a dead mole on the back step."

Ash rubbed his face in Tamsin's hair. "Don't be too hard on Sam Houston. He's just keeping critters out of your flower garden." He tilted her chin and looked into her eyes. "Sure you wouldn't rather go to services than round up horses with me? We've got enough wranglers on this ranch."

She smiled up at him. "And Sunday's their day off. What if they want to go to church? Besides, I think I like riding off with you into the sunset. We could pack a little supper-"

"And a blanket," he added.

"I remember what happened the last time I went picnicking alone with you." She patted her rounding belly. "Another Morgan."

"Maybe it will be a girl this time."

"I'd like that," she said softly. "But I wouldn't mind another boy either. I've grown quite fond of my three men."

Ash glanced up toward the sprawling adobe ranch house sheltered beneath the flowering trees. "We've done all right for ourselves in California, haven't we, woman?"

"I've done all right since I met you," she replied.

"You just say that because it's true," he teased, then raised her chin and kissed her tenderly.

"I love you, Ash Morgan," she whispered.

"And I love you, Tamsin Morgan."

The bay colt whinnied, and Tamsin laughed softly. "You're certain you don't miss your old life," she murmured. "Free as the wind, riding wherever your fancy takes you?"

"Bad joke," he said. "More like wherever your Dancer takes me."

"Sorry." She grimaced. "It was the best one I could think of at the moment."

He pushed the brim of his hat up. "Mrs. Morgan, has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?"

"No, sir," she replied sweetly. "I don't remember that they have."

He sighed, knowing defeat when he heard it. "Fetch your picnic supper, wife. I'll saddle the horses. And ask Maria if she'll put the boys to bed when they come home from church. I've a feeling we'll be spending tonight under the stars together."

"Me, too," she murmured.

He pulled her into his arms. And this time, the kiss he and Tamsin shared was as deep and sensual as the passion they shared for each other, their children, and this big, beautiful, new land.