When the Glitter Fades (Cowboys of Whispering Winds) by Renee Peterson Page B

taking a deep breathing then exhaling. His eyes shut, as though forcing away the memories. When he opened them, they were filled with a quiet desperation, a need for redemption. “Can you learn to trust me again; even after all I did?”
    She reached across the table, covering his balled fist with her hand. “I’ve seen the change in you; I know you’re a better person. Do I think you’ll repeat past mistakes? No. Do I think there will be times when I struggle with trust? Yes. Those are the times we’ll need to fight through it together and remember that this is a new beginning.”
    “It’s not going to be easy,” he reiterated.
    “What in life worthwhile, is? Forgiving yourself is just as important as me trusting you. If we pursue this, we need to leave previous deeds in the past where they belong.”
    She watched as he struggled to free himself from the guilt. Thin lines around his eyes relaxed. “Are we really doing this?”
    “I think we are.” A shiver of contentment passed through her.
    “Come here,” he said tugging on her hand and pulling her to his lap. “I promise you this time will be different. I’m going to be the man you deserve.”
    She ran her fingers through his hair. “I know,” she murmured, then lowered her lips to seal their new relationship with a kiss.
    When they ended the kiss, she remained on his lap, her arms wrapped around his neck. “I think we should keep this between us for now,” she advocated, hoping he wouldn’t take the suggestion the wrong way.
    “Probably for the best. We need to be absolutely certain before bringing Cody into this.”
    That he’d thought of Cody first, further solidified that he’d changed, his priorities in place. “Actually, I was more worried about my family; mainly Jase,” she confessed. 
    “That too,” he agreed with a smirk. “Otherwise, I might end up with some buckshot in my ass.”
    “And it’d be a crying shame to mar that perfection,” she teased, nuzzling his neck. This is what she missed. The intimate conversation, the light banter. Him.
    “Mmm,” he moaned as she covered the crevice below his ear with kisses. “Are we done with breakfast?”
    “Do you have to ask?”
    “In that case…” he lifted her up, causing her to squeal and carried her back to the bedroom.
    Later, as they still lounged in bed, Lanie rolled to her side, propping herself up on an elbow. “Do you realize you’ve carried me to bed twice now?”
    “I guess so.” he said. “Too much manhandling?” He winked.
    “Don’t you see? You’re leg’s getting stronger,” she said excitedly.
    “I can’t wait for the day my leg will be normal again.”
    “You have to have faith and patience. Look at us.” She ran a finger in circles around his navel. “Who knows, you might ride a bull again yet.”
    His eyes narrowed, turning serious. “Actually, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Even if my leg, by some miracle, heals completely, I don’t want to go back to the rodeo.”
    Lanie jerked her head back, not expecting his confession. For so long, that had been his life; all he’d wanted. “What made you decide that?”
    “Cody. I don’t want to be on the road again, all the time, and miss out on more of my son’s life. I’ve even thought about selling the house and finding a permanent home nearby here. That and I’m too old for the dangers. The accident showed me how quickly a life can change, and I don’t need to tempt fate.  I intend to be around long enough to see my son grow into a man.”
    Her heart burst with love for the man who’d fallen so low and found his way back a better man.
    “Can you love a boring, plain cowboy?” He stared at her intently, waiting for an answer.
    “No. The cowboy I love is anything but boring or plain.” She brushed the back of her hand against his cheek. “We’re going to be okay.”
    The morning turned to afternoon and it was time to pick up Cody.  
    “I was thinking, can have movie nights or