“Is your memory going? We were kissing.” He pulled her in for another one, his body warm and welcoming. She’d missed him in the few days they hadn’t seen each other, and it all seemed so foolish and fear-driven now.
“I like the way we’re taking it slow,” she murmured, “but I know you want more.”
“I do. But I also learned that I’d prefer the agony of taking it slow over not having you at all.”
“Oh, Clint.” She tugged at his jacket, pulling him close enough for another kiss.
“You’re worth waiting for,” he said, brushing her smeared lipstick with a rough thumb. “By the way, I think your boys like me.”
“You’ve won them over.”
“And Carmichael doesn’t seem to mind me on the ranch as long as I’m willing to talk about diesel engines.”
“When you tire of that, he also likes to discuss bulls.”
Her father-in-law didn’t seem to mind having a new man around the ranch in his son’s place. Maria shouldn’t have sold him short. Carmichael was a widower and likely understood the loneliness, and the need to move on. He hadn’t said a word about Clint, but she’d noted he’d started calling her a young filly here and there. And whenever he saw Maria and Clint laughing or cuddling, she could have sworn she’d see a glimmer of a smile tease the old cowboy’s lips.
They exited the car, and as they walked toward the barn Maria slipped her hand into Clint’s. “I’m looking forward to a lot of things because of you.”
“What kind of things?”
“Taking it easy. Being myself. Pursuing my interests—while still helping on the ranch.”
“Of course. That’s a big part of who you are.”
“It is. And you know, I thought it would be weird having you around on the ranch, but it isn’t.”
“It’s been okay?” She heard the hesitation in his voice.
She squeezed his hand. “It’s been more than okay. Life adapts. I’d forgotten that.”
“It does, doesn’t it?”
“Thank you, Clint.”
“I’m not sure what you’re thanking me for.”
“For not giving up, and for pushing me. Your persistence was needed.”
“It’s what I do best. But Maria?” He stopped, pulling her hand to bring her back to him.
“Yeah?”
“I should confess that it was for purely selfish reasons.”
She smiled and nestled into his side. “Yeah?”
“I didn’t want anyone else getting to you before I had a chance.”
“Is that so?”
“It is.”
“I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else.” She realized it was the truth. “And I’m glad you came to Indigo Bay.”
“Are you two coming in?” Myles called from the open doorway. It was a cool night, and they’d set up the donation table for the barn’s upkeep inside instead of out in front like usual. Myles had one hand on the door, ready to close it if they said no.
They began hurrying across the grassy area. “We’re coming!”
Myles saw their linked hands and his smile grew. He nudged Levi and Ryan, who were standing with him. They turned, and smiled in tandem. Right then Maria knew without a doubt that absolutely everything would turn out exactly the way it was meant to be.
Thank you for reading SWEET JOYMAKER. I hope you enjoyed Maria and Clint’s Christmas story about finding love again. Do Maria’s five boys find love? Find out what happens in Maria and Clint’s hometown of Sweetheart Creek, Texas! Start reading The Cowboys of Sweetheart Creek, Texas series with book one, Levi’s story THE COWBOY’S STOLEN HEART.
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Sometimes love is found where we least expect it…
Levi and Laura are definite opposites, but when life throws them together they find that first impressions aren’t always correct.
Click to start reading Levi and Laura’s story, THE COWBOY’S STOLEN HEART, now!
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Want more Indigo Bay Christmas Romances? The next book in the series is SWEET YULETIDE by Melissa McClone! Find what Indigo Bay has in store for Sheridan and Mikey this holiday season! Click to start reading SWEET YULETIDE now.
And if you missed Clint’s friend Jeff & Sonja’s story of getting the B&B going, you can find it in the Indigo Bay novel SWEET HORIZONS by Jean C. Gordon! Find it in your favorite online bookstore!
Indigo Bay Book List
Have you missed other books in the Indigo Bay world? Here’s the full list… You can read out of order! Jump in anywhere.
Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series
Sweet Dreams (Book 1) by Stacy Claflin
Sweet Matchmaker (Book 2) by Jean Oram
Sweet Sunrise (Book 3) by Kay Correll
Sweet Illusions (Book 4) by Jeanette Lewis
Sweet Regrets (Book 5) by Jennifer Peel
Sweet Rendezvous (Book 6) by Danielle Stewart
Sweet Saturdays (Book 7) by Pamela Kelley
Sweet Beginnings (Book 8) by Melissa McClone
Sweet Starlight (Book 9) by Kay Correll
Sweet Forgiveness (Book 10) by Jean Oram (Zoe’s story!)
Sweet Reunion (Book 11) by Stacy Claflin
Sweet Entanglement (Book 12) by Jean C. Gordon
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Indigo Bay Second Chance Romances
Sweet Troublemaker (Book 1) by Jean Oram (Nick’s story!)
Sweet Do-Over (Book 2) by Melissa McClone
Sweet Horizons (Book 3) by Jean C. Gordon
Sweet Complications (Book 4) by Stacy Claflin
Sweet Whispers (Book 5) by Jeanette Lewis
Sweet Adventure (Book 6) by Tamie Dearen
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Bonus holiday short stories:
Sweet Holiday Memories by Kay Correll
Sweet Holiday Surprise by Jean Oram (Alexa’s story!)
Sweet Holiday Wishes by Melissa McClone
Sweet Holiday Traditions by Danielle Stewart
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Indigo Bay Christmas Romances
Sweet Tidings (Book 1) by Jean C. Gordon
Sweet Noel (Book 2) by Jeanette Lewis
Sweet Joymaker (Book 3) by Jean Oram (Maria’s story!)
Sweet Yuletide (Book 4) by Melissa McClone
Sweet Mistletoe (Book 5) by Elizabeth Bromke
Sweet Carol (Book 6) by Shanae Johnson
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Read more about these heartwarming Indigo Bay books as well as find links to your favorite online stores on Jean’s website: https://www.jeanoram.com/indigo-bay-sweet-romance-series/
Turn the page for a sneak peek from Jean’s new series THE COWBOYS OF SWEETHEART CREEK, TEXAS… Yes! These are Maria’s sons! Turn the page to dive in and whet your appetite!
Sneak Peek from The Cowboy’s Stolen Heart