The Cowboy

know that there was growing evidence that she was finally important enough to him to make him alter his normal way of doing business. A year ago she had not been at all certain she held that much significance in his life.
    "You look like you're enjoying yourself, Maggie, love." Rafe materialized out of the crowd and took her hand to lead her onto the dance floor. "Can I conclude that the thought of engagement parties in general no longer is enough to send you running for cover?"
    She smiled up at him, aware of the sheer pleasure of being in his arms. His beautifully controlled physical strength was one of the most compelling qualities he possessed. She loved being wrapped up in it. "I'm having a great time at this one," she admitted.
    "One of these days we'll start planning another one."
    His certainty always left her feeling breathless. "Will we?"
    "Yeah, Maggie, love. We will."
    "I thought I was going to get plenty of time to make up my mind."
    "I promised you a little time to get used to the idea of marrying me, but don't expect me to give you an unlimited amount of rope. Knowing you, you'd just get yourself all tangled up in it."
    She shook her head in wry wonder. "You are always so sure of yourself, aren't you?"
    "I am when I know what I want." Rafe came to a halt in the middle of the dance floor. "And now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to make the big announcement. I've been assigned to do the honors."
    "Doesn't it seem a little odd that you're announcing your own mother's engagement?"
    "We live in interesting times." He kissed her forehead. "Be back in a few minutes."
    The crowd broke into loud applause and cheers as Rafe grabbed a bottle of champagne, vaulted up onto the diving board and strode out to the far end. He held up the bottle in his hand to get the crowd's attention.
    "You all know why you're here tonight, but I've been told to make it official," he began with a grin. "I would therefore like to say that it gives me great pleasure to do as my Mama tells me and announce her engagement to one smooth-talking cowboy named Connor Lark."
    A roar of approval went up. Rafe gave the crowd a couple of minutes to grow quiet once more before he continued.
    "I'm here to tell you folks that I've got no choice but to approve of this match. It's not just because I've had Lark checked out and decided he can take care of my Mama in the style to which she has become accustomed—"
    The crowd interrupted with a burst of applause.
    "And it's not just because she seems to actually like the guy or the fact that he's crazy about her. No, folks, I am giving my heartfelt approval to this match because Lark has informed me that if I do not, he will personally drag me out into the desert and stake me out over an anthill. Folks, I am a reasonable man. I want you to know I can hardly wait for Connor Lark to marry my mother."
    Laughter filled the air as Rafe let the cork out of the champagne bottle with a suitable explosion. Again the crowd yelled approval. Connor, standing at the side of the pool next to Bev, grinned broadly at Rafe as he held a glass up to be filled with bubbling champagne.
    Rafe filled the glass with a flourish and then a second one for his mother and everyone toasted the guests of honor. Connor finished his drink in one swallow and kissed his fiancée. Then he gave a whoop and grabbed her hand.
    "Honey, let's dance," Connor crowed, sweeping Bev into a waltz. She laughed up at him with undisguised delight.
    "They make a great couple, don't they?" Rafe leaped lightly down from the diving board and went to stand beside Margaret. He put an arm around her shoulder and drew her close to his side.
    "Yes," Margaret said, her eyes on her father's face. "They do. I think they're going to be very happy."
    "No happier than you and me, Maggie, love, you'll see." Rafe kissed her soundly and then dragged her over to the section of the patio that was being used for dancing. He smiled down into her eyes as he whirled her into the Western waltz.
    A moment later the patio was filled with dancing couples and Margaret gave herself up to the joy of the music that flowed around her like champagne.
Yes
, she allowed herself to think for the first time in a year,
yes, she could be very happy with Rafe
. She could be the happiest woman in the world.
     
     
    R afe saw H atcher hanging back as the last of the guests took their leave. He scowled at his assistant, wondering if Doug had followed orders two hours ago and laid off the