TYCOON WARRIOR Page 18

She closed her fingers around him, setting the rhythm for her tongue, her mouth. Dakota lowered his head and watched, his blood running through his veins like a warm river. A current of pure need.

  Candlelight shimmered in her hair, sending streaks of gold tumbling through the scarlet mass. He tugged a handful, reveled in the texture while she seduced him with slow, intoxicating strokes, her mouth gentle yet greedy.

  She kissed her way back up his body, and they tumbled onto the bed, pulling at the covers as they did. He couldn't get enough of her. This woman who was his wife, his lover, the lady of his heart. She had given him the most important gift of all. She loved him for who he was, for the man life had made of him. He couldn't ask for anything more.

  He licked the tips of her breasts, smiled when her eyes glittered like emeralds. Beautiful Kathy. She arched as she reached for him, playful as a kitten, erotic as a cat.

  He settled between her thighs, took comfort in being there. "No protection this time." She slid her hands through his hair. "I want you inside me, only you."

  Dakota touched her cheek. Not using protection might make her pregnant. He understood her wish, her hope. She had found healing in their reunion, just as he had. The past was over, the hurt and the pain gone. Tonight was perfect for creating a new life.

  He entered her, found her warm and willing, wet and inviting.

  Together they moved, peppermint leaves and candles scenting the air. He was home, Dakota thought. Wrapped in the luxury of forever.

  * * *

  Epilogue

  «^

  Dakota, attired in a buckskin shirt, led a pinto, an exceptional horse he had purchased for this occasion. Pinto horses had been prized by his Indian ancestors for their color and stamina.

  Stopping at the fence that separated the courtyard from the path that led to the barn, he waited, the horse patient beside him.

  A gathering of guests waited as well, quiet and respectful of the ceremony about to take place.

  Kathy's father, Harold, opened the gate and escorted his daughter onto the dirt path. Stunning in a three-piece buckskin dress, she took Dakota's breath away. The beadwork was bright and intricate, the leather heavily fringed. Her hair fell loose about her shoulders, shimmering like fire beneath the Texas sun.

  Dakota offered Harold the pinto, a ceremonial gift representing a bride price in the Comanche culture. As the older man guided the horse back to the corral, Kathy came forward and reached for Dakota's hand.

  Their eyes met, and they smiled. This was the renewal of their Wedding vows. No words were exchanged, but the message was clear. In a modern version of an ancient tradition, Kathy had just accepted Dakota as her husband. It was simple, yet beautiful – a moment neither would ever forget.

  A whoop of appreciation sounded from their guests, and Dakota and Kathy turned to the festive commotion.

  Dakota scanned the sea of faces and spotted his mom, Kathy's mother and Mrs. Miller, the three looking happy and proud. A beaming Jake and Jenny stood with their full-time foster family, and beside them were the men and women who had participated in the Lone Star jewel mission.

  Sheikh Rassad, wearing a kaffiyeh with his traditional robes, held his wife's hand. Dr. Webb and Winona took turns entertaining baby Angel, and Aaron and Pamela caught Dakota's eye and smiled. But the couple who seemed to relish the ceremony most deeply were Matt Walker and Lady Helena. Soon they would be married, too.

  Within a heartbeat, hugs and good wishes were granted, along with laughter and handshakes. Angel squealed and flashed Dakota a one-toothed grin. He nuzzled the little girl's cheek and winked at Kathy. Making babies was constantly on their minds.

  Dakota escorted his bride to the courtyard where buffet tables of catered food and a tall, white cake awaited. A band had been hired to play soft country ballads – music to sway by.

  As the guests filtered into the festively decorated area, Dakota kissed Kathy's hand. The Lone Star jewels mission was over, but he knew the hidden stones still sparkled.

  Leadership. Justice. Peace. The secret mantra the Texas Cattleman's Club members had chosen to honor still guided their lives. But so did another word.

  Love.

  Each man, including Dakota Lewis, had found his one true love. The woman who would share his home, his soul, his world. The woman who had become the shining gem of his heart.

  * * * *