A high-pitched puppy bark pulled them apart and Morgan looked at her questioningly.

"Oh, yeah," Reese said. "I kinda forgot about him."

"Him who?"

Reese took her hand and led her to the truck. "I thought, well, I've never had a pet before. And you had Jackson and he'll always be yours." She stopped before opening the door. "I thought it'd be nice to have one together. One that would be ours."

Again tears, and Reese smiled. "You've got to quit crying.

You're giving me a complex."

But Morgan flung herself into Reese's arms, nearly knocking her over. "G.o.d, I love you so much. A puppy?" Then she quickly pushed Reese out of the way as she opened the door, laughing as she scooped up the yellow ball of fur.

Reese stood back, watching as the tiny pink tongue kissed away Morgan's tears, and she felt her heart swell with emotion.

Yeah, it felt so d.a.m.n good to be in love.

0.

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN.

Reese stood looking out the window to the nearly deserted street, wondering if the light dusting of snow would change their plans. Morgan wanted to hike the meadow trail to the river and let Cody get some play time in the water. It had become a once a week ritual, followed by burgers and beer at Sloan's.

She was still amazed at how much her life had changed, and how much she loved all the changes. After Charlie retired, they bought his cabin along with the two horses he was going to s.h.i.+p off to Thompson's Ranch. The house was bigger than they needed, bigger than either of them had lived in before, but it was slowly becoming their place and no longer Charlie's.

The late summer had been idyllic as they grew comfortable in their love and they'd slipped back into their familiar routine of spending most of their time alone, cooking, talking, hiking...and loving.

And now winter was upon them again and they'd come full circle. And added one furry member to their family. She felt like the luckiest person alive.

"I guess I'm going to head out," Eloise said.

Reese nodded. "Where's Googan?"

"If I had to guess, he's called it a day and is over at Sloan's."

Eloise motioned out the window. "She's here."

Reese turned, smiling broadly as Morgan got out of her truck, Cody right behind her. "That's a pretty sight now, isn't it?"

Eloise just smiled and shook her head as Morgan and Cody burst through the door.

"Hi, Eloise," Morgan said. "On your way out?"

"Yes. How are the roads?"

"Oh, they're fine. Slushy."

"Well, you two have a good evening. See you tomorrow, Chief."

"Drive carefully."

The door had barely closed before they moved together, Morgan pulling her close for a kiss.

"I missed you today," she said.

Reese smiled. "Is that right?" Reese cupped her hips and brought Morgan flush against her, loving the tiny moan Morgan uttered.

"Don't start," Morgan whispered against her mouth. "You promised me a hike."

"It's cold out," Reese said, her hands sliding up to Morgan's b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

"What about Cody?"

"He'll understand." Reese's finger circled Morgan's nipple, eliciting another moan.

"Someone could come in."

"I'll lock the door," she murmured between kisses.

Morgan laughed. "You're insatiable."

"I'm just in love, Zula."

Morgan pulled back, meeting her eyes. "I love you too, Clarice," she said softly as she pulled Reese again to her mouth.

And so their hike was forgotten, and Cody too, as he settled himself on the rug, waiting for their pa.s.sion to be sated. Reese had a feeling he would be waiting longer today than usual as Morgan's hands fumbled with her jeans.

Insatiable and in love.

Yes, a wonderful state to be in.

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end.