Charlene Sands - Vegas Vows, Texas Nights

Snow became agitated, moving around on her bed of straw.

“I think you need to keep whistling,” Katie said. “It really does help her.”

Luke put his lips together again and the melodic sounds filled the barn. Soon, Snow calmed and her breaths came more evenly.

Afternoon gave way to evening, and the ole girl hung on. Snow’s eyes were closed now, her breathing more labored. “That’s my girl, Snow. Ease over the bridge now. You’ll be in a better place soon.” Katie bent to kiss her and stroked up and down her nose.

Luke took a break from whistling. “I remember when I first spotted her. She was covered with sores and bruises, yet she had soulful eyes. They were filled with such life, such hope.”

“I was appalled at the way she’d been treated. For heaven’s sake, the poor thing didn’t have a name,” Katie said.

“Yeah, I remember. Her coat was black underneath the dirt, and that circle of white on her forehead right smack between her ears couldn’t be missed. It looked like she’d been struck by a fat snowball.”

“And I named her Snowball.”

“I named her Snowball,” Luke said, raising his voice an octave.

She smiled, seeing the feigned indignation on his face. In truth, she didn’t know who’d said it first, but they’d agreed on the name. “Okay, maybe we both named her Snowball.”

Luke smiled, too. “I think that’s the way it happened. Finally, we agree on something.”

Katie liked this Luke, the one who showed compassion. A man who could laugh at himself and not put on airs. He was a zillionaire, yet he never seemed to flaunt it. “It’s the magic of Snow. She’s…”

They both gazed down at the mare. She was still. No longer breathing. “Oh no.”

Katie looked at Luke as both their smiles faded. The mare had taken her last breath as they were conversing. Snow had heard them, recognized their voices and felt at peace enough to slip away without struggle.

Tears stung Katie’s eyes.

Luke, too, was pinching the inner corners of his eyes.

“She’s g-gone.”

“She is,” he said. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her in close. “But she went knowing she was loved.”

Katie couldn’t hold back any longer. She nodded, bobbing her head as the truth of his words sank in. She wept quietly and turned to Luke, her tears running down her cheeks and soaking his shirt.

“It’s okay, Katie. Don’t cry, sweetheart.”

“I knew this day would come, but I didn’t think it would be so soon. I thought we’d have more time with her.”

She had never owned a pet. She’d never had an animal to care for, to nurture and love, until she’d started working at the rescue. She loved all the horses here; they all had a story. But for some reason Snow was special. She’d touched Katie’s heart and they’d shared a deep connection, a bond that she didn’t have with any of the others. Katie had taken it as a personal challenge to make Snow’s days comfortable.

Luke clearly felt the same way. His eyes moist, his expression sad, he couldn’t mask his sorrow either. He brushed his lips across her forehead. She needed his warmth right now, his strength.

“There’s nothing more we can do.” His voice was shaky and he seemed reluctant to release her, to let go of the bond they’d shared. “We should go.”

She nodded, wiping her face with the back of her hand and then attempting to pat his shirt dry from her tears. “Sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he said softly.

“I hate to leave her.”

“I’ll let Wes know she’s gone. He’ll take good care of her from now on.”

It was hard to let go. To say goodbye.

Luke rose and helped her up, entwining their hands. “Ready?”

“I think so.” She glanced at poor Snow one last time, her heart breaking.

Luke picked up the jackets and brushed the straw off them. “Put this on. It’ll be cold outside.”

He gave the fallen horse one last glance, too, a look filled with sadness and regret as he grabbed a woolen blanket from the stall post and covered her body.

Katie slipped into his jacket and he clasped her hand again, his warmth and strength seeping into her. He led her out of the barn. “C’mon, sweetheart. Let me take you home.”

She didn’t mind the endearment this time; she couldn’t fight it. Couldn’t argue. She’d had a rough twenty-four hours and she was just too numb to think anymore. His shoulders were there for her to lean on, he seemed to know the right things to say and this one time she would accept what Luke had to offer.

Without guilt.

Three

Luke stood facing Katie at the threshold of her apartment. He’d insisted on escorting her upstairs after entering the bakery, probably because she couldn’t quite get her emotions in check. She’d wept most of the drive home, little sobs that broke from her lips every time she pictured Snow lying still on the ground, lifeless. In the car, Luke had glanced at her often. She’d felt his concerned gaze but she couldn’t look him in the eye. She didn’t like showing her vulnerable side to anyone, but tonight she couldn’t help it. Her emotions were running out of control.

“Are you going to be okay?” he asked her.

“I think so.” She bit her lip. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

He stared into her eyes, then ran a hand down his jawline. “But I do.”

“You have no obligation to me, Luke. Really, I’ll be fine.”

“Is that what you think this is?”

He said it softly, without condemnation, and suddenly she felt small and petty. “No, no. I’m sorry. I know you’re just as upset as I am about Snow. Really, I’m glad we shared her last night together. You cared for her as much as I did. Gosh, I can’t believe I’m speaking of her in the past tense.”

“It’s strange, huh?”

“Yeah.”

She stared at him, so many thoughts racing through her mind. But mostly, she was glad he was there tonight, lending her comfort, helping her come to grips with losing Snow.

“It’s been a long day. I should let you go, get some rest,” he said.

“That sounds…good.”

“Okay, well. Good night then.”

He turned to leave and Katie blurted, “Luke, wait.”

He turned, his dark brows lifting.

She took both of his hands in hers and gave a squeeze. “I just wanted to thank you for coming to get me today. It meant a lot to me to be there. Honestly, I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through it all, if you weren’t with me.”

Then she reached up on tiptoes and pressed her lips to his cheek to give him a chaste peck, but suddenly she turned her head, he turned his, and their lips were locked in a real kiss. Luke made a sound from deep in his chest and a warm delicious sensation sparked inside her.

She might’ve kissed Luke dozens of times in Vegas, but she didn’t remember any one of them. This kiss she’d remember. This kiss she didn’t want to end.

A moan rose from her throat, one of need and want, and for a moment she flushed, totally embarrassed. But Luke didn’t stop, he didn’t hesitate to devour her mouth. He was all in, too, stirring her deepest yearnings to be held, to be comforted. She was hurting inside and this kiss was a balm to her soul.

He moved forward, backing her into the apartment, kissing her endlessly. She went willingly, relishing the taste of him, the raw pleasure he was giving to her. He tossed his jacket off and then removed hers without breaking the kiss. Then he cradled her in his arms, holding her so close to him that his need pressed against her belly.

A surge of heat raced through her. It was astonishing how quickly he made her come alive. She was glad of it, glad of the sensations rocking her body. In Luke’s strong arms, she suddenly wanted what was forbidden to her.