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Her lips parted in an unsteady s and took a step closer “Do you really mean that?”

“You damned well better believe I do,” Quint declared with fervor

The quick shining light that leaped into her eyes drew a low, exultant laugh froainst him There were no words to describe the powerful emotion that filled him, and Quint much preferred to show her

Epilogue

The sun was at its zenith, stripping the ranch buildings of their shadow and giving a summer warmth to the December day Dallas hummed to herself as she crossed the ranch yard, bound for the house

There was a radiant look to her face that rivaled the Texas sun Not even the purpling bruises on her cheek and neck were visible, concealed by an adept application of makeup

As she reached the porch steps, she caught the distinctive sound of a vehicle traveling up the ranch lane Pausing, Dallas turned and cast a curious glance its way, but the blue sedan that rolled into vieasn’t one that she recalled seeing before At first she assu to check on the quarantined herd, but the car carried no governs or its doors

When it calare on the windshield blocked her view of the driver, but she had a clear look at a large box in the rear seat, filled rapped gifts

The door on the driver’s-side swung open and a smartly dressed woman stepped out, slender and petite with raven-dark hair A smile spread across her face when she saw Dallas Without hesitation, she ca

“You must be Dallas We spoke a couple times on the phone I’m Cat Echohawk, Quint’s mother”

Dallas stared at the woreen eyes for a stunned moment Other than the black color of their hair, there was little resemblance between mother and son

Recovering frorasped the woman’s outstretched hand “Mrs Echohawk,” she otten to mention it”

“That’s because he didn’t know I decided to surprise him And please call me Cat”

“Welcoled to sound natural, but she felt oddly flustered and nervous

“The old place hasn’t changedan idle sweep of her surroundings