Analise came to as a heavy weight lifted from her chest.
A scream died on her lips as the shadowy figure looming over her turned into a familiar one.
“Pierce!”
“I thought you were dead,” he said, and then she was in his arms, tears she’d fought for so long running freely down her face.
He held on to her as though she was a mirage and he was afraid if he let go she’d disappear.
And then he was leaning back and she knew he was trying to see her through the dim light and she knew it didn’t matter if they were blurs to each other. In the next instant, he’d pulled her back against him and, cupping her face in his hands, kissed her lips.
His face was rough with stubble and cold from the snow and it felt wonderful against her skin. He felt real, and his kiss was the fabric of fantasy. Happiness welled inside her like an untamed artisanal well, tickling her from the inside out with the delirious feeling of safety she’d thought she’d never again experience.
Westin’s Wyoming
Alice Sharpe
MILLS & BOON
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This book is dedicated to my daughter-in-law,
Becky Braun, with much love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alice Sharpe met her husband-to-be on a cold, foggy beach in Northern California. One year later they were married. Their union has survived the rearing of two children, a handful of earthquakes registering over 6.5, numerous cats and a few special dogs, the latest of which is a yellow Lab named Annie Rose. Alice and her husband now live in a small rural town in Oregon, where she devotes the majority of her time to pursuing her second love, writing.
Alice loves to hear from readers. You can write her at P.O. Box 755, Brownsville, OR 97327. SASE for reply is appreciated.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Pierce Westin —When he left the Open Sky Ranch, Pierce was a troublemaker who’d had a falling-out with his father. Fifteen years have gone by and he’s back to mind the homestead for a while and maybe mend more than one kind of fence.
Princess Analise Elsbeth Emille —Raised in the small monarchy of Chatioux, this engaged to be married beauty never questioned her destiny—until now.
General Kaare —The king’s closest advisor and protocol expert, this old soldier is determined to monitor the princess’s behavior and safety whether she likes it or not.
Brad Harley —The princess’s new bodyguard, hired after an attack on the original. Is he part of the solution or part of the problem?
Mr. Vaughn —Traveling with the princess, is he more than the meek little man he seems?
Bierta Gulden —The mousy maid seems content to stay in the princess’s shadow, but that won’t protect her from a killer….
Lucas Garvey —This ranch hand is sworn in to act as a backup bodyguard.
Darrell Cox —Another ranch hand who signs on to help protect Princess Analise—and soon regrets it.
Cody Westin —Pierce’s brother who calls him home to fill in for him. He leaves in such a mysterious hurry that no one on the ranch even knows visitors are expected.
Birch Westin —Pierce and Cody’s father.
Toby (aka Tex) —A little boy who gets a whole lot more Wild West than he ever bargained for.
Jamie Dirk —Two generations of Westin ranchers have depended on Jamie’s knowledge and common sense, but never more than now.
Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Epilogue
Prologue
February
Cody Westin gripped the receiver in his left hand as he sat down at his desk.
“Tell me exactly where you found her,” he said, pausing to listen as the detective rattled off rapid-fire details.
“Yes, I’ll come,” Cody said at length, his dark gaze moving to the big window that overlooked the uncompromising Wyoming peaks. He glanced at the clock on the wall. “I’ll leave within the hour. I’ll meet you there.” Brow furrowing, he added, “Smyth? Don’t lose her, okay?”
He
