Page 69 of The Lawman's Deadly Bargain

He made a choking sound in his throat and tightened his arms around her.

She endured the smothering embrace as long as she could, then slapped her hands against his sides and strained against him.

He let go and stepped back. “What’s wrong?”

“I couldn’t breathe.”

“Sorry. I got caught up in the moment. You’ve never told me you loved me before either.”

“Yes, well. According to my mama, the man has to say it first. Now that you have, I’ll say it more often.”

“Good to know.” He reached for her.

She quickly scooted back. “No, no. Now that we’re going to get married, there are rules you have to agree to follow.”

His expression turned wary. “Rules?”

“What’s good for the swan and all that.”

His mouth crooked in a half smile. “Goose. Not swan.What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”

She waved her hand in the air. “Whatever. What rule number are we up to?”

He crossed his arms. “There are only three rules, and you darn well know it.”

“Three. Right. Rule number four, then. No more thinking theseI love yousin your mind and not sharing them. You have to say it, tell me that you love me. At least twice every day.”

“Twice?”

“Once in the morning when we wake up. And once at night before we go to bed. Even if you’re mad at me. You have to always tell me you love me. And you have to mean it.”

“I can handle that. I love you, Sierra. And I mean it. I always will.”

“That one doesn’t count as one of your two today.”

He grinned. “Of course not. What’s the next rule?”

“Oh. That was it. Just rule number four. It’s the most important rule of all.”

“No. There’s another one that’s even more important. Rule number five.”

She put her hands on her hips. “Five? You don’t get to make up another rule. You already have three of them!”

He tilted her chin up and softly ran his thumb across her lower lip. “Rule number five. Never, ever put yourself in danger on purpose like you did the day you snuck off to confront your father. We’re in this together, from this day forward. For better, for worse, we have to be honest and trust each other. No matter what.”

“Dang it.” She wiped her face. “My eyes are leaking again. I agree to all your rules. Now, hurry up and go to work so you can come back home. We have things to do tonight, new things, to celebrate.”

He blinked. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down in his throat. “New things?”

“Oh yes. Things you’ll like. Very, very much.” She winked.

His voice was hoarse when he spoke again. “Rule number six.”

“No! No more rules.”

He pulled his phone out and slapped it into her palm before scooping her up in his arms.

“Rule number six,” he repeated. “When your husband fakes being sick so he can stay home and make love to his wife all day, you have to call his team and let them know he won’t be going to work.”

She was laughing as he ran into the cabin carrying her.