Storm's Refuge Read online

  She raised her gaze to meet his. “Is that like saying ‘Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free’?”

  “I didn’t mean it like that, for God’s sake woman.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I only meant…well…we’ve already slept together and this isn’t 1963…”

  “I know, sweetie. I was only teasing you. Yes, I will marry you on one condition.”

  “What?” His tone was wary.

  “You never run out on me again and you promise to always listen to my side of things before you go off half cocked.”

  A brilliant smile lit his features. “Deal!” Cale pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. “Here, let me put that on for you. Does it fit?” He slid the gold band onto her finger, the three diamonds winking in the light.

  “It’s like it was made for me? How did you know what size?” Michelle twisted the ring on her finger.

  “I didn’t. It was my great grandmother’s. I asked Dad to bring it with him. I had it in my hand when I went looking for you and found you with Rob. I’m sorry I overreacted, Michelle.” He ran a hand over his face. “It was like my worst nightmare coming true and I felt like an idiot standing there with an engagement ring in my hand and you had your hand…well you know…”

  “Oh, Cale. I’m sorry, too. But, you should have stuck around a few minutes longer. I nailed the idiot in the nuts with my knee, and then Kayla went up one side of him and down the other when he staggered back into the living room.”

  “I don’t want to talk about them anymore tonight. Just us. Do you want a long engagement or do you want to get married soon?”

  She tilted her head to the side and grinned up at him. “How about in the spring? Maybe May, when the prairie crocus are in bloom?”

  “I think I can wait that long.” A slow smile spread across his face.

  “Well, seeing as the horse is already out of the barn, as you so eloquently put it, there’s no reason why we can’t go ahead and anticipate the wedding, as Grampa would say.”

  Cale kissed the top of her head, took her hand and flicked the light out as they left the kitchen. “Happy New Year, Michelle.”

  “Happy New Year, Cale,” she echoed as she followed him down the dark hall to his bed.

  Storm heaved a huge sigh and rested her head on her paws. All was right with the world.

  The End

  Books by Nancy M Bell from Books We Love

  No Absolution – Suspense Thriller

  Young Adult Series

  Laurel’s Quest The Cornwall Adventures Book 1

  A Step Beyond The Cornwall Adventures Book 2

  Go Gently The Cornwall Adventures Book 3

  About the Author

  Nancy Marie Bell is a proud Albertan and lives near Balzac, Alberta with her husband and various critters. She is a member of The Writers Union of Canada and the Writers Guild of Alberta. Nancy has numerous writing credits to her name, having three novels published and her work has been published in various magazines. She has also had her work recognized and honoured with various awards, and most recently, a silver medal in the Creative Writing category of the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games in 2013. Nancy has presented at the Surrey International Writers Conference in 2012 and 2013, and at the Writers Guild of Alberta Conference in 2014. She has publishing credits in poetry, fiction and non-fiction.

  Twitter @emilypikkasso

  Website: http://www.nancymbell.ca

  Blog: nancymariebell.blogspot.ca

  FaceBook: AuthorNancyMBell