TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton

TilDeathDoWePart By MadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton

TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are productsoftheauthorsimaginationorareusedfictitiouslyandarenotto be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations,orpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental. TilDeathDoWePart Copyright2008MadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton ISBN: 9781600883125 CoverArtist:DanSkinner Editor:DevinGovaere All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronicallyorinprintwithoutwrittenpermission,exceptinthecaseof briefquotationsembodiedinreviews. CobblestonePress,LLC www.cobblestonepress.com

TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton

Dedication
Tothosewhogiveeverythinginservicetotheircountry. Andtothosewhocarryonafterthelossofalovedone.

TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton

AuthorsNote
ThankyoutotheWebsitesofColoradoStateUniversityandUniversal SemenSalesforthehelpfulinformationontypesofbulls,pricingofbull sperm,andcollectionprocedures.Anymistakesmadeinthisbookare contributedstrictlytotheauthors.

TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton

ChapterOne
April,2003 Teacup! Teacup, stop begging. You know the rules. If you dont behave,Clintsgoingtothrowyououtsidewhenhegetshome. Erica Michaels nudged the hundredsixtypound, black Fengjing pig with her thigh to move her out of the way. Ericas husband had bought the pig to raise for food, but shed fallen in love with the wrinklefacedlittle piglet,and thatwas theendofany thought of eating her. Now the behemoth thought she was a lapdog, and also thought beggingatthekitchencounterwasacceptable. Clintdidnt need toknow that shesometimesgavein tothe pigs pitifulpleas. TeacupsnortedherdisgustatErica,wenttothekitchendoor,and ploppeddownwithagroan.Ericagrinnedasshechoppedfreshtomatoes forClintsnachos. Tonight was their fifth anniversary, and she was making all his favorites. Nachos with fresh tomatoes, jalapenos and grilled chicken, followed by the main coarse of roasted rack of lamb and, for dessert, pecanpiewithhomemadevanillabeanicecream. Her stomach growled just thinking about dessert. With a giggle, sheliftedanothertomatoandbeganchopping.Thingshadbeengoingso well this last year. Theyd struggled since before they got married to get the ranch off the ground, but now everything was falling into place.

TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Clints bulls were producing awardwinning calves and, as soon as the snow completely cleared, she had a list of students who wanted to start ridinglessons. Herwatchbeepedthehour.Sixoclock.Clintwouldbehomesoon, and she was behind schedule. She wanted the nachos done when he walked in. Hed gone into Helena for an appointment, but hed called whenhewasdonetotellherhewasonhisway.Theroadswereclear,so heshouldbehomeanyminute. Afterwipingherhandsonthetowelhangingoverthehandleofthe oven,shewentintothelivingroomandflippedontheeveningnews.She grabbed the lighter off the mantel and lit the tapers on the dining room table,thenheadedbackintothekitchen. The news anchors voice came to her, and she idly listened to the updates on the war while she chopped jalapenos. She couldnt believe AmericawasbackinthatGodforsakenplace. We have a special report tonight, he said in a voice shed been listening to for years and still found extremely sexy. Hed had a special report every night since American forces reached Baghdad days earlier. Three U.S. soldiers will finally be coming home after going MIA in enemyterritoryduringthefirstGulfWarin1991.Butunlikemanyinpast conflicts, these three men wont be in coffins draped with the American flag.No.Twelveyearslater,FirstSergeantRichardWilliamson,Specialist JustinBlackwood,andCorporalZacharyCollingsworthwerefoundalive in an undisclosed location inside Iraq. Details are sketchy, but one correspondent embedded with troops on the front line tells us theres plenty to celebrate in Baghdad following the fall of Saddam Husseins regime... ThebladeslippedandslashedintoEricasthumb.Sheletoutayelp and dropped the knife, but her brain wasnt on her wound. Justin Blackwood. The name echoed in her head as she ran for the living room. Thefrontlinereporterwastalking,butEricadidnthearwhathesaid.On thescreenwasapictureofthethreesolders.Andthere,inthemiddle,was Justin. Justin,herheartcried.HerJustin!Hewasalive.

TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Sinkingtoherkneesinfrontofthetelevision,shestaredathim.He was olderGod, it had been twelveyears. His face was leaner than shed ever seen it. He had lines bracketing his mouth and eyes, but it was her Justin.Herfianc.Herlover.Themanshedthoughtwasdead.Shewould knowthosemidnightblueeyesanywhere. The picture disappeared from the screen. She spun around, grabbed the remote from the coffee table, and flipped to another news channel. Unconfirmed reports say that the three United States Army soldiers were imprisoned in Baghdad. The Army is not releasing any confirmation other than their names and that they are in good health. ColonialThompsonplanstoholdapressconferencetomorrow,aftermore informationisobtainedfromtherescuedPOWs. Once again, three United States Army soldiers, MIA since 1991, have been found...alive. First Sergeant Richard Williamson, Specialist JustinBlackwood,andCorporalZacharyCollingsworth. Ericaraisedherhandtohermouthastearspoureddownherface. Teacupnudgedhershoulderandgrunted.Ericaturnedtoherbelovedpig and wrapped her arms around her neck, hugging her close. Oh. My. God.OhmyGod.Ohmygod.Justin...Hesalive. ***** ClintMichaelspulledupinfrontoftheirranchhouseandkilledthe engineofhisF150.Hegrippedthewheelanddroppedhisheadbackon theseat.HowthehellwashegoingtotellErica?HowinGodsnamewas hesupposedtowalkintotheirhouseontheiranniversaryandtellhiswife badnews? He swallowed hard and sucked in a deep breath. Pain throbbed behindhisclosedeyes.Hedthoughttheyweremigrainesandhadputoff seeing a specialist for almost a year. Not that it would have done any good,thedoctorassuredhim. Maybeheshouldgetasecondopinion.BeforetellingErica... He rubbed his gloved hand over his face, pushed open the truck

TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton door,andsteppedintothecoldair.Heletoutalongbreath,whichpuffed whiteinfrontofhisface.No,hecouldnttellhertonight.Shewasinthere makingaspecialdinnerforhim.Hereachedacrosstheseatandpickedup thegifthedgottenforher.Heneededtomakethisanniversaryaspecial oneoneshedneverforget. Hetriedswallowingaroundthelumpinhisthroat,butitwastoo big. God.Hecouldntdothis.Theydbeenthroughtoomuch,struggled so hard to make their life and marriage work. It was finally coming together. They were closer than theyd ever been. This last years profits had turned everything around for them, and they were talking about havingchildren,startingafamily. Heleaned againstthe side of the truck, his legs too weakto carry himinside.Hisgutclenched,andhecouldntseemtocatchhisbreath.His head throbbed. Oh,fuck. Bracing his hands against his knees, he tried to calmdown.Hehadnthadapanicattackinyears. Calmdown,Clint.Calmdown.Thisisinevitable.Nothingyoucandoto changeit.Period.Endofstory. He breathed through the terror. He wasnt that afraid for himself. HejustdidntknowhowEricawoulddealwithit. Whenhethoughthedcalmedenoughtofacehiswifewithouther being able to tell something was wrong, he headed toward the porch. Pastingonasmile,heopenedthefrontdoor.Honey,ImShit.Whats burning? FirsthesawEricaonthefloorstaringatthetelevision,andthenthe smokebillowingoutoftheoven.Hedroppedthegiftonthecouchashe passedheronhiswaytothekitchen.Erica,whatthehell...? A blackened pile of tortilla chips was the reason for the smoke. Grabbingapotholder,heliftedthepanoutoftheovenandtossedthemin thesink,andthenhethrewopenthekitchendoorandturnedonthefan overthestovetoclearoutthesmoke. Erica,hesaidasheheadedbackintothelivingroom.Whatthe hellis Look. She pushed to her feet, pointed at the television, and

TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton grabbedhisarm. What he saw was her finger bleeding, the droplets falling to the floor.Morebloodwassmearedontheneckofthatwalkingporkchop;the ugly pig shouldnt even be in the house. He grabbed her hand, lifted it aboveherhead,andappliedpressuretothecut. Erica, are you in shock? Cutting herself had never made her loopybefore. JJustin, she stammered, never taking her attention from the television.Justinsalive. What? He glanced at the television, paying attention to the programforthefirsttime,andsawapictureofJustin.AnolderJustin,not theguyheknew.NottheonehedlastseeninIraqoveradecadeearlier. Justinsalive,Ericasaidagain.Hesnotdead.Wehavetogoget him. We have to be there. He doesnt know about his parents deaths. Were all hes got, Clint. She looked up at him then and gripped his forearmwithheruninjuredhand.Hescomebacktous. ***** ThepassengersontheplaneremainedseatedandstaringasJustin unbuckled his safety belt and stood. Even those in First Class with him stayed put and watched with excited, sympathetic expressions. As the planehadtaxiedtothegateinHelena,theleadflightattendanthadasked themtowaitsohecouldgethisbagsanddisembark.Buthehadnoreal luggage,exceptforasmallbackpackhecarriedwithsomeunderwearand toiletries...and the new uniform he wore, given to him by the military, complete with a Bronze Star and Purple Heart presented to him by the Presidenthimself.Thecoldmetallaypinnedtohischestalongwithother medals that didnt mean nearly as much as the knowledge that he was backonAmericansoil,andfinallybackinhishomestate. He begantheshort walkThankyou,Goddownthe aisletoward theexit.Afterthefirststep,theclappingbegan;bythetimehereachedthe front exit, the passengers were cheering, the flight crew was all smiles, andhetriedtonodhisthanks,wave,andgethischurningstomachunder

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton controlsohedidntembarrasshimself. HeunderstoodAmericasneedforthefanfare,buthehatedbeing atthecenterofit.Hedhadenoughflashbulbsgooffinhisface,answered enoughquestionsduringthedebriefings,orinterrogationsrather,tolasta lifetime. He paused briefly in the gangway and took a deep breath. The passengerswouldsoonfollow.Heneededtokeepmoving.Onemorebig breath and he squared his shoulders, prepared to face the onslaught of mediathatsurelyawaitedhimatthegate. Butwhenhewalkedout,therewerenoflashes.Nocrowdwaiting forhimoranyofthosefromtheplane.Whatthehell? Confusionmusthaveshowed onhis face,because anattendant at thegatesmiledandwavedahandasifdirectingtraffic.Thisway,sir. Whereiseverybody?heasked,feelingabitfoolishforhavingto ask.HefeltlikeAliceinWonderland.Eventheairportterminallookedso differentfromthewayherememberedit. The attendants smile never wavered. Because of security since 9/11,onlypassengerscanbeatthegate. Oh. 9/11. Hed heard details of the attack on American soil when some hospital personnel in Germany, where theyd sent him first, explained the reason U.S. troops had returned to Iraq. He hadnt even known thered been a ceasefire, much less a war on terror that scattered soldiersalongmultiplefrontsfromIraqtoAfghanistan. Im sure your family and friends await you near the luggage carousel,shesaidwithatugonhisarm,whichpulledhimoutoftheway asotherpassengerscaughtupandpassedhim. Family... Thank you. He nodded stiffly then followed the signs pointing the way to baggage claim, and almost staggered from the emotions that eruptedinsidehim. He had no family. Except for Erica and, technically, she was only hisfiance. Hestoppedinthebathroom,startlinganothermanasheslammed intoastalltofindamomentofprivacy.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Erica.Thoughtsofherandhisparentshadkepthimalive.Thatand thegoodfortuneofhavingoneIraqijailer,educatedinthestates,whod somehow managed to persuade someone that he and the others were morevaluablealivethandead. Dont think about that! It was over. The war, for him, was over. Twelvefuckingyearsofit. Fullyclothed,hesatonthetoilet,hisheadinhishands. Timehadceasedforhimin1991.Hedsurvivedthetorturesinthe beginning, the long hoursDays? Months?spent in dark, damp cells with no way to track the passage of the seasons. Hed lived despite the illnesseshesufferedwithlittleornomedicalaid.Hedkepthissanity,his identityasanAmerican,bythinkingofhome.DreamingofMontana,his parents,andErica. He exited the stall, hearing its automatic albeit unnecessary flush, andtookanothermomenttocollecthimselfashecleanedupatthesink. Erica.Sheawaitedhimalongwithhisbestfriend,Clint.Damn,hed missedthemhadallbutgivenuphopeofeverseeingthemagain.Their years spent together playing hooky from high school seemed like a lifetimeago. Hedwantedmorethananythingtocallhisparents,butafterabit of stalling, military personnel had finally delivered the news about their deaths.Itwasadecisiveblowhestillwasntpreparedtodealwith,sohis firstcontactbackhomewasErica.Gettingtotalktoher...hearinghersay hisnamehadbeenthesweetestsoundhedheardinmorethanadecade. And the phone conversation with Clint had been an added bonus. Just hearingfamiliarvoicesafteralltheyearslisteningtoArabic Hecutoffthatthought,focusedonthehereandnow.Thefuture, notthepast. With a renewed sense of excitement building inside, he made his way to baggage claim, scanning the faces of those in the crowd. The camera flashes began, nearly blinding him the moment he reentered the publicareaoftheairport.Microphones and questionswere tossed in his faceashetriedtofind... Thenhesawher,andeverythingelsefadedfromview.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Justin! Muttering an obligatory apology, he plowed through the throng, droppedhisbackpack.... The second she was in his arms, he was home. God, Ive missed you,hesaid,givingvoicetovolatileemotionsintheonlywayheknew how.Despiteastartledhesitationonherpart,heclaimedhermouthina searing, passionate kiss that erased time. She might be skittish with the audience,buthedidntcare.Shewaswarm.Soft.Familiar.Andsodamn rightthatheknewtheworldcouldexplodearoundhimandhewouldnt giveashit. Hebrokethekissonlylongenoughtowhisperagainstherlips,I loveyou.Ivelovedyouforever,thenhekissedheragain,holdingherso closeheexpectedtheirbodiestomeldintoone. A hand landed on his shoulder, a familiar pat that sliced through his euphoric haze and brought him back to reality. Clint. His best friend since childhood, his comrade in boot camp, and the brother hed never had. Justin pulled back, gazed into Ericas tearstreaked face, then released her to embrace his buddy amid a renewed shower of flashing lightsandsounds. Welcomehome,bro,Clintsaid.Whatsayweblowthisjoint? Justin grinned at the familiar saying. How many times had he heardClintsaythatatbarsaroundtownornearthebasewheneverthey hadlibertyandmetforsomegoodnaturedhellraisingjustforoltimes sake?Withanod,hepickeduphisbackpack. Not so fast, came a female voice from nearby, authoritative but pleasant. Whitehaired and dressed in a sleek business suit, the stranger heldoutahandassheapproachedwithawarmsmile. The governor, Clint whispered, making Justin cast him a sidewaysglance. Montana had a female governor? Justin shook her hand in a formal greetingthatcausedarenewedlightshowofflickersandflashesfromthe media. On behalf of the citizens of a grateful nation and the state of

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Montana,welcomehome,SpecialistJustinBlackwood. Thankyou,maam. Howwasyourflight? Tiring. She leaned closer to him and lowered her voice. As you can imagine,thenewsofyourheroicsurvivalhascausedquiteastirinthese parts.Ithinkthewholestatewantstogiveyouagianthugforallyouve beenthrough Iappreciatethat,maam,but I know. Its all a big circus. But, if you can hang in there a bit longer, Ill see what I can do to get you and your friends out of here. Okay? Hesmiled.Idlikethat,Governor. Comewithme,then.Sheescortedhimtoamakeshiftpodiumhe hadntnoticedbefore. SincehedtakenEricabythehand,sheandClintaccompaniedhim. Seeing the banners, flags, and crowd of wellwishers, he gave an overwhelmed smile to his buddy. Clints answering look said hed read themessageeasily.Canyoubelieveallofthis? Before a bouquet of microphones, the governor announced today Justin Blackwood Day, much to his private amusement, and introduced the mayor of Helena who gave him the key to the city. The cheers forcedJustintothepodiumwherehesaidthanksinaheartfelt,butbrief, manner. Then, the governor wrapped the ceremony up with a few final words. Iveorderedapoliceescorttohelpyouthroughtraffic,shesaid with another handshake for him, Erica, and Clint. Just tell the officer guardingyourpickupoutsidewhichrouteyouplantotake. Thankyou,Clintsaid. Dontmentionit.Shefacedhimoncemore.Haveahappylife. Andremember,ifyoueverneedanything,justcallme. The reporters and photographers shadowed them as they finally made their way out of the terminal. Justin answered some personal questions,deferringotherstothemilitarybrass.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Imjustgladtobehome.Ihavealotoftimetomakeupfor....No, Ive no comment about the current military campaign in Iraq.... Maybe some other time... I just want to get home and rest. Write a book? No, I haventthoughtaboutit. Arrivingatthetruck,Clinttookhisbackpack,tosseditbehindthe seat,andtheninterruptedthenextwaveofquestions.Justinandweall appreciatethe warmwelcomeyouve givenhim, but now itstime to let himhavesomeprivacy,sohecancatchuponwhatshappenedduringhis absenceandgetbacktohisprivatelife.Ifhewishestodiscussthematter further,Imsurehellcallyou.Thankyou. Theyscrambledintothepickup,withEricainthemiddleandClint behindthewheel,afterhestoppedtorelayhisplannedroutetothecop. Theenginerumbledtolife,andthen,astheypulledawayfromthecurb, they released a collective sigh, the simultaneous nature of which promptedchuckles.EvenJustingaveintotheurgetolaughsomething hehadntdoneinaverylongtime. He draped an arm around Erica and thought of all the times in theircarefreeyouththeydriddenawayfromsomenearscrapeorfoolish adventure.Thefeelingsweresimilar.Relief,joy,giddiness.Sonatural.As ifnotimehadpassed. Butithad.Clintwouldntbedroppinghimoffathisparentshouse thistime.Hewouldnthavetosneakintoavoidthegroundingheknew wouldcomeforhavingmissedcurfew. JustinsettledintoacontemplativesilenceasthesceneryofHelena sped by the window. Erica and Clint remained quiet, for which he was grateful. He needed time to think, observe, and let the reality of all that hadchangedsettleinhismind. The city was the same, yet different. Some types of vehicles he recognized;otherswereforeign. It was almost as if hed been in a coma for a dozen years only to awaken to a new world, or died and been reborn to an alternative universewheresomethingsremainedthesameandotherswerealien. Everythingissodifferent,hesaid,notbotheringtohidetheawe. Alotofthingshavechange,Justin,Ericasaidsoftly.Youwere

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton awayalongtime. He peered at her, met her gaze, and smiled. You havent. Youre stillasbeautifulasyouwerethedayClintandIleft. Her gaze dropped to her gloved hands, and a blush tinted her cheeks,almosthiddenbehindacurtainofstraightauburnhair.Helooked uptoseeClintglanceatErica,thenhim,andbacktotheroad. Oncewereoutofthecity,wherewouldyouliketogofirst?Clint asked.Youhungry? Thecemetery,heanswered,ignoringthelastquestion.Iwantto seemyfolks.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton

ChapterTwo
Ericas heart broke as she watched Justin stop first at his own headstone. He stood frozen in place, and she could only imagine the thoughts that went through his mind, seeing his name and dates on a gravemarker.Shegrittedherteethasatearsilentlysliddownhercheek. Then he moved on and knelt at his parents grave. She waited by thetruckwithClint,givingJustinprivacyandtimetodealwiththegrief inhisownway. I feel so helpless, she murmured. A tremble wracked her body, and she couldnt tell whether it was from the chill in the air, delayed reactiontoJustinsunexpectedkissfromearlier,orfearofknowingshed havetotellhimaboutherandClintsoon. Clinttookherglovedhandandgaveitareassuringsqueeze.Hes asurvivor. She looked at her husband, so tall and solid, with rugged good looks, hazel eyes and a cleft in the chin. His expression, however, was wary and shadowed. This must be hard on him, too, she thought, althoughhemetthechallengewithastrengthsheadmired,whichwasno surprisetoher. Clint had been her rock ever since her fianc vanished during a mission. Hed contacted her as soon as hed heard the news and kept in touch while still overseas serving his country. Hed checked in on her whenever he came home on leave and again after his discharge. Theyd reliedoneachotherastheywaitedforwordofJustinsfateandfearedthe

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton worst.Theydmournedtogetherwhen,sevensyearslater,Justinsparents hadgivenuphopeanddeclaredtheironlychildlegallydead. Whensheneededashouldertocryon,Clinthadbeenthere.When she needed a friend, hed become her best confidant. And hed patiently stood by her until shed finally been ready to get on with her life, even thoughithadtakenheryears. Shed never stopped loving and missing Justin; he was her first love.ButshehadgrowntoloveanddeeplycherishClint.Shedidntwant tohurteitherofthemandfeared,regardlessofherwishes,thatshewould be the wedge that drove apart the men whod once been as close as brothers. Wehavetotellhimthetruth,shesaid.Iknowthat,butImso scareditwillbethelaststraw.Hesalreadybeenthroughsomuch. Heshookhishead.Hissad,worriedexpression,shewassure,was amirrorimageofherown. I love you, Clint. You know I do, she said, repeating the same thing shed said to him countless times since learning that Justin lived. Nothingwillchangethat. Iknow,honey.Hiseyesdarkened.Iloveyou,too. Justinclimbedtohisfeet,themovementdrawingherattention.As heturnedtowardthem,Clintreleasedherhandandopenedthepickups driversidedoor.ShewaitedtoseeifJustinwasokaybeforeclimbingin. After the men got in, they headed out once more, the cab as silent as a tomb. SeveralmilespassedbeforeJustinspoke.Whathappened? Whatdoyoumean?sheasked. Iwasonlytoldtheyddied.Noonesaidwhathappenedtothem. Itwasanaccident,shesaid.Wrongplace,wrongtime. Whiteout conditions on I15, Clint added. Multicar pileup. Authoritiessaidithappenedsofast,itsunlikelytheyknewwhathitem. All of Browning showed up for the funeral, she said. When you...wentmissing...thetownralliedaroundthem.Everyonelovedthem. Justins lips thinned, and he gave an abrupt nod then turned to stareoutthewindow.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Withaworriedfrown,EricaglancedatClint. Hey,bro.Ihopeyoubroughthomeyourbigappetite.IthinkErica cookedmountainoysters;sheswearstheyreyourfavorite. EricaharrumphedandelbowedClint,butareluctantchucklefrom Justinmadehergiveherhusbandaforgivingsmile.Healwaysknewjust whattosaytochangethemoodandlifteveryonesspirits. Afterthat,hekeptupaconstantstringofquestionsandcomments aimedatkeepingthetopicofconversationonhappiertimes,reminiscing aboutoldtimes. They made one more stop in Browning to let Justin buy some civilianclothes.Thestoreownerrecognizedhimfromthenews,whichled to a brief scene as the owner insisted on giving the war hero a huge discount and personal service, but Justin handled it well. Still, he didnt seem to relax until he was out of the military dress uniform and better abletoblendinwithlocalsbywearingapairofsnugdenims,abuttonup westernshirt,andaleatherduster. Backinthetruck,thefinalmilestowardKiowapassedquicklyand, astheynearedtheranch,talkturnedtoClintscurrentcareerraisingbulls. Justinlaughed.Ineversawyouasarancher.Werentyoualways talkingaboutmakingitbiginthecity? Yeah, well, after my discharge, I tried climbing that corporate ladder, but it wasnt for me. I missed... His knuckles tightened on the steering wheel. I missed the laidback atmosphere of Glacier country. Nowhereelsefeltlikehome. Yeah...Justinsreplywaslittlemorethanasigh. Besides,Clintsaid,histonemorecheerfulthanbefore,whosays Icantowntheworldbysellingbullsperm? Justin grinned. If anyone can, you can, my friend. You always weregoodwiththeladies.Ijustneverknewyoudgotosuchlengthsto winovertheaffectionsofthefourlegged,uddervariety. Erica cracked up laughing at that. Clint had been the high school Casanova. While she and Justin had been sweethearts, Clint managed to takeadifferentgirltoeachschoolfunctionandalmosteveryFridaynight doubledateshecouldremember.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Clint chuckled, too. Stick with me, bro, and Ill teach you all my tricks. Justinsobered.Thanksforlettingmebunkatyourplace,hesaid toClint.IdontknowwhatIwouldvedoneifyouhadntoffered. No problem. I told you Im not offering charity. I could use the helparoundtheranch,soexpecttoworkupasweat. A rumble sounded as the truck rolled over the cattle guard at the front entrance to the ranch. Justin stared out the windshield, his gaze turningtoglanceoutthesidewindow.Thenhenodded.Verynice. Ericacouldnthelpthepridethatswelledherchest. Thanks,Clintresponded.Itshomesweethome. Yeah.Justinsvoiceagainturnedwistful,andEricasheartwent outtohim.Hedmissedsomuchovertheyears,onlytocomebacktofind whathedoncecalledhomechanged.Gone. Themountainsprovidedafamiliarbackdrop,atimelessbeautya constantobservertoprogressthatrefusedtoacceptstatusquo. AfterareallygreatsaleinDenverlastyear,businesstookoff,and I had the big barn over there built, Clint said as he pointed toward the west.IllgiveyouthegrandtourlateronandintroduceyoutoGoliath. Justingavehimasidewaysglance.Goliath? Clintgrinned.Hesabigfucker.Heslippedthetrucksgearshift intoPark. Erica rolled her eyes at the pun, while the men shared a goodnaturedlaugh. Justingotout,turned,andheldhishandtowardher.Shehesitated asecondbeforeshescootedtothepassengersideandgotout.Thanks, shesaid,releasinghishandassoonasherfeetwereonsolidground. Justin took a deep breath, his eyes closed, head tilted back. Ahh, Montana.Damn,canyousmellthat? Manure?shesaid,teasingly. Hesnorted.No.Well,yeah,alittleofthat.Hegrinned,shookhis head.But,no.Itsmorethanthat.Itsthetrees,thatwinterfreshsmellof evergreens,thefragranceof...home. Shepeeredathimforalongmoment.Welcomehome,Justin.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton His blue eyes met hers, his smile bittersweet. Tears welled in her eyes as she thought of how long hed been goneall alone, hurt, and facing death at every turn. Hed made it, even though everyone back home had given up on him, moved on without him. Guilt ate at her insides,andsheclosedher eyesagainstthe painand turmoilthatraged. Imsosorry He cupped her cheek in his palm. Shh, baby. Its all right now. He fingered her chin, tilted her head back, and she opened her eyes to lookathim.Onlyhappytimesfromhereonout,okay? Shenodded,triedtosmile. Youtwocoming?Clintasked. Yes,shesaidwithastepawayfromJustin. Clint waited for them to round the truck then led the way for the house. Justin slid an arm around her shoulders again, which sent her stomach into a whirlpool. Being in his arms after all this timeafter accepting that shed never feel his touch againfelt better than wonderful, but it also stirred up concerns and guilt. Her gaze settled on herhusbandasheheadedupthestepstotheporchwithastaccatobeatof bootheels onwood. Whenhe turned,he obviouslyspottedJustinsarm, because his expression locked, and the uneasy sensation in her gut escalated.ButClintdidntsayathing.HegaveJustinahalfsmile,pulled back the screen door, and turned the key in the lock, opening the crossbuckfrontdoorforthem. Jittery,Ericawalkedinside,rattlingoffasilentprayerforcalm.She removedherglovesandletJustintakeherjacket.Hehungitonthecoat racknearthedooralongwithhisduster. Thanks. Why dont you guys see whats on TV? Give me a few minutes,andIllhavedinneronthetable. Clint removed his cowboy hat and gloves, then hung up his own coat.Icoulduseahomecookedmeal. Justinchuckled.Iwouldvethoughtabachelorlikeyouwouldve learnedtofendfor...HisvoicetrailedoffashisgazedroppedtoClints hand,thenreturnedwithsolidforce.Wait.Erica? Shefroze,loweringherhandfromwhereshedjustpushedbacka

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton lock of hair. Justin stepped closer, his gaze following her hand, flicking from one to the other. He took her right hand first, studied the etched band on her ring finger, his thumb caressing it. Shed worn it every day since the night he put it on her handthe night he proposed. The only changewaswhichhanditwason. Herbreathseized.Nomoreputtingofftheinevitable. Hetookherlefthand,hisgazegluedtothediamondweddingset there,andthebottomfelloutfromunderherwiththetickofhisjaw. Youshouldvetoldmesooner,hesaidsoftly. Shecouldntspeak.Hermindspunwithtoomanywordsforherto grasp. God, I shouldve knownrealized... He looked at her face, his expressionlikeathunderstorm. Afterallthistimeshebegan. Clintsaid,Justin Dont! Dont say a goddamn thing. He dropped her hands and, aftergivingClintahardlook,turnedonhisheelandleft,hisdusterstill onthecoatrackbetweentheirs. Shetookastep,butClintsgriponherarmstoppedher. Let him go, he said softly, his workroughened hands tugging hergentlyintoafirmembrace. Howoftenhadhesaidthattoherovertheyears?Howmanytimes hadshecriedonhisshoulderwhengriefneedledherheartwiththepain of a lost love? How many nights had his embrace, his support, his love liftedherupandgivenhercouragetofaceanotherday? Sheburiedherfaceagainsthischestandclungtohim. ***** Volatile emotions ripped Justin apart as he heard the screen door slambehindhim.Heleapedtothegroundandlookedaround,wantingto runandnotknowingwheretogo. He had no home. Nowhere to go. He took off running anyway, downthedirtroadthatwasthedriveway,towardthesettingsun.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Twelve fucking years. Thoughts of Erica had kept him alive for twelve years. Memories of her smile had brightened the darkness of his existence.Thoughtsofhereyesandthelovethatonceshoneinthemfor him had warmed his bleak nights. Hertouch. God, hed wanted nothing morethantolivelongenoughtofeelhertouchonemoretime.Butnow... Hedidntlookbackasheranharder.Unsurewhetherheranfrom the memories or reality of the newfound knowledge he didnt want to face. Heshouldveknownshedmoveon.Itwasonlyfairthatshegeton withherlife.Therehadbeennoguaranteehewouldreturn.Severaltimes, he barely survived the brutality, but he had. He had returned, only to discoverthathehadlosttheonepersonhedlivedfor. No!Heshoutedthroughthepain.Hewantedtoturnbacktime, tochangehispast.Hewantedtorageagainstfate. Alone. Angrytearsstreakeddownhischeeksasfuryboiledinhisveins. Coming to a stop just short of the cattle guard, he scowled at the colorful skybrilliant hues that he used to love and, at the moment, hated. The cold that surrounded him with the vanishing rays of the sun waswelcome. Why? He fisted his hands and kept walking, the rush of adrenalineandurgetofleesomewhatabated.Why? Hed never been the jealous type, never coveted what he couldnt have. But, damn it, why did he have to lose everything that ever meant anythingtohim? Hed fought in a war for his country, fought for his life and the chancetocomehome,andhedwillinglyfightforthewomanhedalways loved. Except,hecouldnt. Shewasntwithjustanyone.Astrangerhadntstolenherfromhim. Fuck. How could he fight his best friend? The man who, despite marryingErica,stillopenedhishometohim. Theywereallhehadleft,andhedidntevenhavethem.Theyhad

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton eachother.Hisfianceandhisbestfriend. Fuck! A deep rumble of tires over a cattle guard and the purr of a V8 enginetoldhimsomeoneapproached.Aglancebackmadehimlengthen hisstrideandswipethemoisturefromhisface. Getin,Clintcalledouttherolleddownwindow. Gotohell.Hekeptwalking. Clintgunnedtheengine,swerved,andcuthimoffontheshoulder of the road. When he rounded the truck, Justin swung first, connecting witharighttothejaw. Slamming back into the hood of the truck, Clint saw stars. He hadntbeeninafistfightsincehighschool.Shitthathurt. You fucking asshole! Justin reared and took another swing, but Clintduckedtothesideandshovedhimaway. He didnt want to strike Justin, but he damn sure didnt want to takeanotherblowtotheface,either. Fuck!Justintackledhim,shouldertogut,andtheybothcollided withthetruck,leavingadentinitsfender.Justinthengrabbedhimbythe frontoftheshirt,asiftoholdhiminplacewhilehetookthenextswing but,whenitcame,Clintblockeditwithhisforearm. Enough! Clint didnt want to fight back. If the situation were reversed, hed be as justifiably pissed off as Justin was. After everything Justinhadsurvived,onlytolearn... No,heunderstoodJustinsrage,butthatdidntmeanhewantedto standhereandbeapunchingbag. Youfuckingbastard.Howcouldyou?BothofJustinsfistsclosed aroundhisjacketcollar,andheshookClint.Youstoleher!Youtookher. She was all I had left, and I dont even have her now. Ive got nothing. Anotherteethrattlingshake.ThenthestrengthwentoutofJustinandhis forehead landed against Clints shoulder. You son of bitch... His voice trailedoff,thedespairinhistoneevident. Clintstaredupatthedarkeningsky.God,whatwashetodo?His bestfriendwasfinallyhome,raisedfromthedead,andhedprettymuch destroyedtheman.HeswallowedhardandlaidhishandonJustinsback.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Imsorry.Whatelsewastheretosay?Whatelsecouldhesay? Justinshovedawayfromhimandturnedhisback,handshanging at his sides, shoulders slumped. He looked so...alone. A day that should havebeenfilledwithjoyhadturnedintoanightmare. Worst of all, Clint had no earthly clue how to solve this problem. Hed always been the one in their group to be the peacemaker, the levelheadedone.Theonetofixthings.WhenJustinandEricasquabbled, hed been the impartial mediator. Hed always made things right. But now...nowhedidntknowhow. Howcouldyou?Justinsaid,hisvoicesoftandfilledwithagony. Clintswallowedhardandranhishandoverhisthrobbingjaw. She was mine. Justins fists clenched at his sides, and Clint bracedhimselfincaseheswungagain.Heturnedaround,butthepunch never came. The rage was overshadowed bydespair? Shes supposed tostillbemine. Iknow. Thentellmewhy. FebruarysixthThreedaysbeforeyouwentmissing. Justins eyes and face showed his confusion, but he stepped back. Thenhefoldedhisarmsoverhischestandcockedonehip.Astancethat Clint knew well and, under other circumstances, would have made him smile.Somethingsneverchanged. He glanced at the land over Justins shoulder, the land that Erica loved with all her heart and the place he now called home. Some things couldntbemadethesameeveragain. Wewereonpatrol,Clintsaid,histhroathurtingfromsuppressed emotions. He was still expected to be the strong one. Always the strong one.Hecouldntbreaknow. God, his head hurt. He blinked past the pain and drew in a deep breath. Wewereonpatrol,andwestoppedontopofthisriseoverlooking some oilfields. We sat down for a couple minutes and shared a smoke. Rememberthat? Justin gave a oneshoulder shrug, tucked his hands tighter under

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton hisarmpits.Hemustbefreezing,Clintthought,butdecideditbesttoget thisoutbeforemovingon. We were both so homesick. Wed been in that damn desert for oversixmonths,anditwasEricasbirthday.Wewerereminiscingabout her eighteenth birthday. About how wed spent it down in your dads barngettingdrunkonasmuggledbottleofCuervo. The pain he saw in Justins eyes nearly killed him, but he continued.Ithinkyouhadoneofyourpremonitions...thoseweirdlittle feelingsyoualwaysgotbeforesomethingbadhappenedinourlives.You asked me to make sure Erica was taken care of if anything happened to you. Justinshifted,hisnewbootscrunchinggravel.Theresabigdamn difference between making sure shes all right and sharing a bed with her. Clint shoved his hands in his pockets. He couldnt tell Justin the truth.Thetruththattheonlygoodthatcameoutoflosinghimwasthathe finally had a chance with the woman hed loved since grade school. But hedcriedforJustin,too,rightalongwithErica.Losinghisbestfriend,the closest thing to a brother hed ever had, was the hardest thing hed ever livedthroughworsethanlosinghisownparents. Butafterthegrieving,afteryearsofhurting,heandEricahadcome together.ShedfinallyputthememoryofJustinawayinasafeplaceand opened her heart to himthe man whod been by her side from the minutehereturnedtothestatesafterDesertStorm. Hed even left his joba wellpaying job he likedin Helena to help her follow her dreams of living on and working her own ranch, a dreamshedoncesharedwiththemanwhonowstoodbeforehim.Evenif theydhadtostruggleforeverypennytheyearned.Eventhoughhereally hatedthesmellofcowshitandhadeversincetheywerekidsgrowingup in this area, hed done what he did for her. And hed never regretted a momentofit. Noanswer?Justinprodded,histonebelligerent. Im not real sure what Im supposed to say or do to make this right.Youweregonetwelveyears.Everyonebelievedyouweredead,and

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton all we had was each other. Were we supposed to mourn you forevernevermoveonwithourlives? Justinsjawticked.Hiseyesnarrowedthenclosedcompletelyasif hewereunwillingtofacethetruthofClintswords. I...Whatcouldhesay?Heshookhishead.Hisgutfeltasifhed eaten a million shards of glass. I dont know how to make this right. Excepttowalkaway.GiveEricaandJustinwhattheyusedtohave.They might have been as close as the Three Musketeers in their youth, but JustinandEricaslovehadbeen...stillwas...thestufffairytalesweremade of. Painpiercedhisskulllikeadagger,andhestumbled,grabbedhis head.Damnit,notnow. Whatswrong?Justinshardgripdugintohisshouldertosteady him. Thenauseacamefastandhard,andClinttriedtobreathethrough it. He leaned against the front of the truck and prayed it would pass quickly. Damnit,Clint,whatthefuckiswrongwithyou? Evenbeyondthepain,ClintcouldheartheworryinJustinsvoice. Migraines,hesaidbetweengrittedteeth. Comeon,Justinsaid.Getin thetruck.Illtakeyouhome.He guided Clint around to the passenger side of the truck and opened the door. Clintclimbedinandlaidhisheadback.Thesharppainsubsidedto adull,throbbingache. Justinclimbedintothecabbehindthewheel.Youokay? Clint almost laughed at the absurdity of the question. I will be. Thanks. The engine started. The throbbing in his head lessened a bit. He wondered if it would be best for everyone involved if he just walked away. Erica and Justin would be back together. Things would return to thewaytheyweremeanttobe.Andhecouldsimply...disappear. The truckstopped,andheliftedhishead.Their littleranchhouse was exactly the way Erica wanted it. Right down to the menagerie of

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton homeless,helpless,adoptedanimals. Hegotoutofthetruckandheadeduptheporchsteps. Clint.Wait. TurningbacktowardJustin,hehalfexpectedanotherpunchtothe jaw,butJustinstoodonthebottomsteplookingupathim.Inthebright porch lights, the lines of age and...and all of the things he must have sufferedwhileaprisonerofwarclearlyshowedonhisface. Iwantsomuchtohateyourightnow,Justinsaid. Hiswordshurtasmuchastheblowhad. But, the truth is, I cant. You and Erica are all I have left in the world.Youweretherewaitingformetoday.Youdidnthavetobe....His gazeslidawaybutquicklyreturned.Sheseemsveryhappywithyou. Shedbehappierwithyou.Clintleanedagainstthepostthatheldup theroof. Thedooropenedbehindhim.Dinnersalmostready,Ericasaid, thereliefevidentinhersweetvoice,whichpunchedhisheartevenmore. Thanks, Clint said. He pushed away from the support post and turnedtowardherwithasmile.Hesawtheworryinhereyes.Worryfor Justin.Wellberightin. Afterapause,shegaveaslightnodandshutthedoor. Shedoesntknowaboutyourheadaches?Justinasked,hisvoice low,probablysoEricacouldnthear. She worries, he said in answer. She knows I get them, but doesntknowhowbad.Andtheydontlastlong. Justincameupthestairsandstoodbesidehim.Heletoutaragged sigh.SorryIhityou. Clint let his lips tip in a genuine smile for an instant. Dont give yourself too much credit. Your wimpy punch didnt bring on the headache. Justinsnorted. Iloveher,bro. Justin gave a slow nod and crossed his arms again. Clint thought themanslipswereturningblue.Iknow. Clint reached for the doorknob. Lets go inside before you get

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton hypothermia. Next time you run off, take your coat. Youre back in Montananow. Justin, thankfully, accepted the subject change and followed him inside. Skeeter, Ericas threelegged rat terrier, darted in front of them, leapedontoachairbythediningroomtable,andgrabbedasteakoffthe platterinthemiddle. No!Damnit,Skeeter,Ericacriedasshe grabbedthedoginone handandtriedwrestingawaythemeatwiththeother.Baddog! Skeeter yelped and snarled as if Erica were beating him and wouldntletgoofthemeat. What the fuck is that thing? Justin asked as Clint shut the door behindthem. Shh.DontletEricahearyoucallitathing.Shethinksitsadog. Justinchuckled.UgliestdamndogIveeverseen. Waittilyoumeetthecat.Clinttossedhisjacketoverthehookby thedoorandheadedtowardthekitchen.Beer? Skeeter!Letgoofthedamnsteak.Notdogfood.Not.Dog.Food. The doggrowled asifitwere rabid. This wasnt the first timethe littlethiefhadnabbeddinnerrightofftheirplates. Beer?ClintaskedagainasJustinfollowedhimintothekitchen. Sure. He stared at the dog. You going to help her with that thing? Clint handed him a cold longneck, then opened one for himself. The headache was almost gone now, so he wouldnt need the heavy painkillershedbeenprescribed.Whichwasgood,becausetheyknocked himonhisassfortwelvehoursstraight. Naw.EricaandIhaveanunderstandingaroundhere.Hetooka swig and wished it were ten times stronger alcohol. He could use the fortificationtonight.Idontinterferewithher...uh...pets,andshedoesnt trytopampermybulls. After taking a long pull from his own bottle, Justin raised his eyebrowinquestion. Ericasnarledbackatthedog.Clintgrinned.Whenshearguedwith

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton the pets, she always wound up sounding like them. It was one of those reallycutethingshelovedabouther.Oneofamillionthings. Clint leaned against the counter. When I joined Erica out here, I jumpedintoranchingheadfirst.Heshookhishead.Bigmistake.Turns out, no matter how much time I spent on your daddys farm, I really suckedatranching.Afterthefirstsummer,Isoldoffallthecattlebutmy twobreedingbullsandacouplesteers.Ericathere...Hepointedtheneck ofhisbeerbottleatherwhereshesatwithSkeeter,hergazelockedwith thedogsinabattleofwills.Thesteak,probablyhisdinner,dangledfrom thedogsmouth.Shedecidedtheyshouldbetreatedjustlikeherhorses. Shewantedtobrushthemand,well,shejustaboutgavemeaheartattack. Shejumpedintothepenwithoneofthem,intentonpettingorgrooming thedamnthing,andnearlygottrampled. What the... She knows better than that. Justins gaze cut to her, andhestaredforafewlongseconds.Didshegethurt? Twistedankle,butno,nothingserious.Asmuchasthewomanis hardheaded,shedidfinallyagreetostayawayfrommybulls. Oh,nowtheresagooddog.Ericadroppedthemeatontoaplate andcuddledtheuglymutttoherchest.Youreagoodboy.Yes,youare. Nomoretakingfood.Youlistentoyourmommy. Justinmadeaface.IthinkIgetit. Clint nodded. Id have just dropkicked the mutt if he took my steak. You would not, Erica said, walking toward them, still holding thedog.Skeeterspartofthefamily.Itlickedherchin.Shewenttothe cupboard,pulleddownthedogtreatsfromthetopshelf,andgaveoneto Skeeter. Clint shook his head and shrugged at Justins look of disbelief. Hesagooddogbecauseheletgoofthesteakhetriedtostealfromthe table.Helookedathiswifeandwassofilledwithlove,itnearlychoked him.Shecallsitpositivereinforcement. Youtwogositdown,shesaidthenputSkeeteronthefloor.Ill washupandbringintherestofthefood. Whogetstheonewithdogslobberonit?Justinaskedashetook

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton aseatatthetableontheoppositesidetothehalfchewedsteak. Ericashookherheadandrolledhereyesasshewashedherhands. Clint needed to hug her. To touch her. So he sidled up next to her and shared the tap as he washed his hands, too, brushing her arm with his. Shesmiledathim. Walkaway,hethought.Just...letthembetogether. Erica wiped her hands on the towel hanging from the oven. I madepecanpiefordessert,shesaidsoftly. His favorite comfort food. You didnt have time to do that since wegotback. Shewinked.Iknewyoudneedit. And that right there was why he couldnt leave. She knew him, alwaysknewwhatheneeded,sometimesbeforeheevendid. Asshewalkedbyhimonher waytothefridge,sheranherhand uphisarmandgaveaslightsqueeze.Loveyou,shewhispered. His heart twisted, and guilt pierced through him. He knew she lovedhim.Hadalwayslovedhim.Butevenafteralltheseyears,heknew thattheloveshefeltforhimwasntwhatshehadfelt,andprobablystill didfeel,forJustin.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton

ChapterThree
Evenwiththereplacementofthechewedsteak,supperstartedoff rather tense. But Clint did his best to lighten the mood, aiming the conversation toward arbitrary subjects like the price of oil, global warming,andanentiredemocraticpresidencythathappenedwhileJustin wasaway,includingallthescandalsthatwentalongwithit. JohnGlennwentbacktospaceinhisseventies?Justinasked,his faceshowinghisdisbelief. Erica nodded as she stood up and headed toward the kitchen. Yep.Seventyseven,Ibelieve. Amazing.IknowIwasgoneaverylongtime,butI neverreally thoughtabouttheworldgoingon...Heglancedtowardthekitchen,and thenatthetabletop.ThenhegaveasnortandturnedawrygrinonClint. GuessImnotthecenteroftheuniverse. Clintsmiled,buttherewasnomissingthesadnessinJustinseyes. Well, maybe this will make up for some lost time, Erica said, setting a pie down in front of each of the men. A pecan for Clint and a lemonmeringueforJustin,thefluffymeringuelightlybrownandslightly weeping.Itwasbeautiful.Itwas... Goddamn,Clintthoughtasheturnedhisgazetowardtheceiling. Shit. Oh, damn, babe, Justin said as he grabbed Ericas hand and kissedherfingers.Youremembered. She laughed, but Clint heard the nervousness as she pulled her

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton hand away from Justins light grip. Of course I remembered, silly. Whenever my mom made this, she couldnt get rid of you until shed givenyouatleasttwopieces. Justingazedupather,andthelonginginhisexpressioncutClint tothequick. Irememberthefirsttimeyoumadeitforme. Ericasteppedback,outofJustinsreach,anditwasthenthatClint gotagoodlookatherface.Justinwasnttheonlyonefilledwithlonging. Iburnedthemeringue. Justinnodded.Istillateitthough. OnlybecauseIcried. Hegrinned.Thelemonfillingwasstillgood. Youatethetopping,too. Clint pushed back from the table and stood. Ill go check the horses,hesaidsoftly,needingtogetout,awayfromthesetwo. Ericareachedforhishand,butheshookhisheadandwalkedout thefrontdoor,grabbinghisjacketontheway.Shecouldonlystandthere withherhearttearingapartasClintwalkedawayfromawholepecanpie. Ifonlypiecouldntfixthis... Shestartedstackingemptydinnerplates.Ofcourse,apiecouldnt fixthis.Nothingcouldfixthis. Erica She shook her head. Im sorry, Justin. God, Im sorry. But Im marriedtoClint,andIdolovehim. He stood and helped her carry dishes to the sink. Is he good to you?Hewassuchaplayboybackinhighschool.Heshookhisheadthen leaned his butt against the counter and crossed his arms as she ran hot water into the sink. I never thought hed get married at all, let alone to mywoman. She clenched her teeth against the emotional pain. Hed always said that nothing would keep him away from his woman. Her. And nothinghad.Hedreturned.Butshehadntwaited.Andnowtheguiltjust mightkillher. Swallowingbacktheballofemotionin her throat,she said,Hes

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton beentheperfecthusband.Hetreatsmewell.Helovesme. Hemust,Justinsaidashepushedawayfromthecounter.Allhe talked about was getting out of the Army and going to work in Helena. Hehateditouthere. Sometimes he still did, but she kept the thought to herself. She knewhedbehappierinthecity,buthediditforher. Erica shut off the tap and wiped her hands. I guess you guys didnt want your pie tonight, huh? Thats okay. Itll save til tomorrow. Youtired? In other words, you want me to back off and not ask you any morepersonalquestionstonight. Erica looked up at him. Im sorry, Justin. I know today has been difficultforyou,but...itsbeenroughforus,too. Justinrolledhiseyes.Youcouldhavetoldmewhenwetalkedon the phone. You should have told me. Getting me all the way out here beforedroppingthatbombwasprettyfuckinglow. Dont snap at me, she said, crossing her arms, mimicking his belligerent stance. We wanted to get you home, at least around people youknewandloved,beforewetoldyou.Nowayinhellwerewegoingto tellyouoverthephone. Bullshit.Youjustdidnthavetheguts.Youhadthreehoursonthe ride here from the airport, but you didnt say a damn word. He narrowed his eyes, and she tried to remind herself that he lashed out becausehewashurt,justlikeherpooranimalstendedtodo. We were afraid you wouldnt come home if we told you on the phone. What home? This isnt my home. This is your home, yours and Clints.Ihavenothingbutagoddamnuniform,achestfullofmedals,and afewpairsofstiffjeans.ThatsallIvegottomyname.Thatsit! Nottrue!Yourenotdestitute,Justin.Whataboutallofyourback pay?Didntyousaythemilitarypaid Yeah,thatllsurewarmmybedatnight.Hisgazeturnedfierce, full of dark fury. Isthat what this is all about, huh? You invite me into yourhomebecauseIvegotlotsofmoney?

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Sheslappedhim.Hereyeswelledwithtears. Shock chased the anger from his face, his frown one of obvious regret.Heslashedhishandsthroughhisshorthairandturnedaway.Im sorry.Ishouldnthavesaidthat.Ididntmeanit. Shewipedhereyesbeforehecouldwitnessthetearsfall.Atleast youhaveyourlife,shesaid,hervoicenowassoftashis. He looked back over his shoulder, his gaze locked with hers, his jaw tense.Andif everything I livedforisgone, what amIsupposed to dothen?WhereamIsupposedtogo,huh?Tellme,Erica.Heturnedhis backtoheragain.Ifoughttosurviveandreturntowhat?ThelifeIonce knewdoesntexistanymore.Myparentsaregone.Youregone.Clint Were still here. We still love you, Erica said, laying her hand againsthisshoulder,herheartbrokenforhim.Please,Justin.Youvegot tobelievethat Dont touch me, he said and jerked away. When he turned towardher,hisfacewasblankofallemotion,asifhedputonamask.It nearlykilledhertoseehimlookingsocoldallofasudden.Justshowme tomyroom,please.Itsbeenalongday. Ericanoddedstifflyandheadeddownthehall.Bathroomshere, she said as she reached in and turned on the light to show him, then reached through the next doorway and flipped on the light. I put your bagofclothesonthebed.Steppingtotheside,shelethimenter. Woof. Shit,Erica.Howmanyanimalsdoyouhavearoundhere?Justin staredattheoldbloodhoundsprawledoutonhisbedandtheoverstuffed catcurledagainstthedogschest. Sheshrugged.Afew.ShepickedupStinky,theblindtabbycat, andcuddledhertoherchest.Stinkymeowedandsetupapurralmostas loudasanoutboardmotor.Ifyoushutyourdoor,theywontbotheryou. Comeon,Roofus. The bloodhound slowly stepped off the bed with a groan of annoyance,sniffedJustinslegashepassed,thenwanderedoutthedoor. Thatcatdoesnthaveanyeyes,doesit? Nope,Ericasaid,scratchingthekittyshead.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Whatswrongwiththehound?Helooksnormal. Shegrinnedathimandsteppedthroughthedoorintothehallway. Nothingswrongwithanyofmyanimals.Theyrespecial.Thatsall. He scanned the room, his lips thinning. Then he gave her a hard look.Imnotoneofyourstrays,Erica. I never said you were. She lifted her chin and hardened her resolve.Sleepwell,Justin. After she pulled the door shut, she leaned against the wall and brought Stinkys velvet fur to her cheek. How was she going to survive this? How could she have Justin in her house, day after day, if she couldnt get through day one without wanting him to pull her into his armsandkissherthewayhehadattheairport? No!Shepushedawayfromthewallandheadedtotheotherendof the house to the bedroom she shared with Clint. She was Clints wife. Shed said her vows in front of God and their families. She meant them andwoulddonothingtohurtClint.Hedgivenhereverythinghecould giveher.Everythingshedeverwanted. ShedalwayslongedforJustin,butshedburiedthatneedwhenhis parentshadhimdeclareddead.Itwouldhavetostayburiednow. ShesetStinkydown,andthecatslowlysniffedherwaytothewall, thenaroundtheroom,orientingherself. Ericadecidedtodeal withthedishesinthemorning.Shewastoo tired, too drained, to worry about a few dirty plates. She peeled off her clothes,leavingthemwheretheyfell,andwentintothebathroomtowash herface.Tearsfellthen,andshecouldntholdthemin. Her greatest dream came true. Justin was alive, and he was here. Sheshouldbehappy,nomatterwhat.Hewasalive.Thatsallthatmatters. She slid into bed and pulled the covers up over her head. Shame filled her because shed craved Justins touch even for a second. Clint deservedbetterfromher.Neverwouldshebetrayhim.Never. ***** Clintfoundthemainpartofthehousedesertedwhenhecameback

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton infromfeedingEricashorses.Forasplitsecond,panicspearedhim.He wonderedifJustinandEricawereinoneofthebedroomstogether,buthe brushedoffthethought.Hedidntthinkeitherofthemwoulddothatto him.Asmuchastheymightwantto,hedidntthinktheywould. Thetwowholepiesstillsatonthetable,andthedishessoakedin thesink.Herolleduphissleevesandsettoworkrinsingthedishesand loading the dishwasher. After he finished that, he grabbed the can of whipped cream from the fridge and a clean plate, and sat down at the table.Hecuthimselfapieceofpie,buthedidntthinkhecouldeatit.He keptstaringatthemeringueEricahadmadeJustin. Thiswasntfairtoher.Heshouldgo.Rightnow.Justgoandgive thetwoofthemachanceatafuturetogether.Thechancetheydeserved. Hiswouldsoonendanyway. Helaiddowntheknifeandheadedtotheirbedroom.Bythelight filtering through the opened curtains from the yard lamps, he saw her curled up under the covers. She was hiding. When something bothered her, she always burrowed into bed and pulled the blankets up over her head. Heshutthedoorwithasoftclickandsatdownontheedgeofthe bed.Hey,honey.Hetuggedtheblanketdowntoseeherface.Weneed totalk. WhenyouwereoutsidewithJustinearlier,theclinicinGreatFalls called. Helickedhislips.Okay.Thanks.Butthatsnot Said youd called to make an appointment. I went ahead and acceptedtheonetheyofferedfordayaftertomorrowatthreethirty. Thatsfine.Look,IthinkitdbebestifI She sat up and wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her faceagainsthisneck.Pleasedontwalkoutlikethatagain,Clint.Please.I love you. I need you. She kissed his neck, his jaw, then caught his lips withhers. Heraisedhishandstohershoulderstopushheraway.Ifhedidnt saynowwhatheneededtosay,heneverwould. Hertonguespearedintohismouth.Hegroanedandtightenedhis

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton grip, his cock growing hard, as it always did at a mere touch from his beautifulwife. I love you, Clint, she murmured against his mouth. I married you.Pleasebepatient.Wellgetthroughthislikewedideverythingelse.I promise. She laid her forehead against his, her soft breaths puffing againsthischeek.Illneverhurtyou.Never.Wevealwaysbeenableto talk everything out. She buried her fingers in his hair and pressed her full,warmlipsagainsthis.Wellgetthroughthis. HedwaituntilhegotthesecondopinionfromthedoctorinGreat Falls. He couldnt push her away. He couldnt walk out right now. His heartwouldntlethim. Justinmighthavebeenherfirstlove,butshewashiswife.Andhe neededher. Iloveyou,Erica,hewhispered,hisvoicetight.God,Iloveyou. He took her mouth in a deep, wet kiss. The situation with Justin could wait. Soon enough his world might crash down around him. Tonight, alonewithhissweet,warm,lovingwife,heshuthismindofftoanything butthetreasureofherlush,curvybodyagainsthim.Thewarmwetnessof hermouthasshekissedhim.Herhoneysucklescent. Erica sighed with relief when Clints arms closed around her and his tongue delved deep into her mouthwhen she felt the hard, fast lengtheningofhiscockagainstherhip. Shedidntknowwhathedbeenthinking,butsheknewthattone hedusedatthestartoftheconversation.Itwasthesameonehedused when he told her Justins parents were having Justin proclaimed legally dead.The same onehedusedwhenhe told her theywould haveto file forbankruptcyiftheydidntselloffthecattletopaydowntheirdebt.It was his bad news tone. She couldnt take any bad news right now. And withthelookonhisfacewhenhewalkedoutondessert... Shestraddledhislapandpressedherbarebreastsagainsthischest, her heated center against the bulge in his jeans. Make love to me, she begged. Please, Clint... She pushed him onto his back and jerked open hisbuttonfly.Makemeforget.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton She cupped him. His hot, thick cock filled her hand. Desperation rodeherhardasshestrokedhimandsuckedontheslightlysaltyskinof hisneck.Whyhadhelookedatherthewayhehad?Whyhadhesaidthey neededtotalk?Shestifledasobandscootedoffhislaptobenddownand takethetipofhispulsingpenisintohermouth.Shewouldntlethimgo. Notever.Hedbeenthereforherwhensheneededhim.Shedbetherefor himforeternityifhelether. Hesighedandthen,witheyesclosed,heliftedhishipsandherin theprocessashepushedhisjeansfartherdown.Hecaressedhercheek andtangledhishandinherhairwhileshecontinuedtofisthim,working hermouthupanddownhislength,sucklingthetipjustthewayheliked. When she looked up at him, his eyes opened as if he sensed her, and the passion that had eventually won her heart darkened his gaze, convincinghertobelieveinhislovealloveragain. Come here, hon, he said, his voice low and raspy. Her insides shook with need and souldeep love as she rose up over him. His hazel eyesweredarkwithpassion,andhegazedatherwithsuchdesireitmade herinsidesmelt. He ran his hands up her sides, paused to thumb her nipples into stifflittlenubsbeforefinallyrisingtocradleherfaceanddrawherdown to him for a kiss that made good his vow to cherish. With supreme tenderness, he nibbled at her lips, skimmed his tongue over them, and then gently delved into her mouth. He lifted her head, and his breath caught.Hiseyesshonewithloveandsomethingelse...somethingshewas terrified to examine too closely. Then he pulled her back down and murmuredagainstherlips,God.Seewhatyoudotome,woman? Her smile was shaky, but she raised her hips and slid over him, taking his hot, hard length inside her in a slow motion that made them bothsigh. Hisheadwentback,hiseyesshuttight,andhismouthopenedona moan.Hisfingersbitintoherhipstoholdherstill.Shekissedthecleftin hischin,ranhertongueoverit,alonghisbottomlip,thendippedintohis mouthassheclenchedandunclenchedherinnermusclesaroundhiscock. His enthusiasm showed in the way his tongue dueled with hers,

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton howheswepthishandsoverherbodyandhuggedherclose.Softgrowls and groans vibrated from deep in his chest. Then he bucked his hips, sinkingsodeephiscocknudgedherwomb. Withahandoneachofhisshoulders,shepushedup,whimpering at his depth. He stared at her a long moment, his breathing deep and harsh.Thenhegrippedherhipsandforcedhertomove. Rideme,honey. Shefollowedhislead,takinghercuesfromhowheguidedherwith his hands, and reveled in the tantalizing sensations that ricocheted throughherwitheachdeepthrustandbounce,eachsensualswivelofher hips. He filled her, held her, loved her and, for a moment as she gazed intohiseyes,therestoftheworldceasedtoexist. Hisbodyarchedupoffthebedandeverymusclewentrigid.When he called out her name, pulled her down over him, and held her in a desperately tight embrace, she felt him come deep within her. Then her own orgasm rocked through her, and she cried out. Clinging to her husband,shereveledatthereliefofherrelease. Whentheirbreathinghadslowedandtheirheartbeatsreturnedto normal, still they didnt move. Erica tucked her head beneath his chin, burrowedagainsthiswide,hardchest,andletoutashakysigh. Clints arms tightened around her for just an instant, and she felt himdrawinadeepbreath.Hiswarm,callusedhandsmoothedoverher hair,downherback.Hekissedthetopofherhead.Hewassogentlewith her.Alwayshadbeen. Atearfellfromhereye,butsheblinkedbackanymorethattriedto escape.Guilttwistedhergut.Whycouldntshebecontent?Whyshould seeingJustinbringbackfeelingsloveshedburiedyearsearlier? Clint sucked in another breath and slowly released it. He was thinking again. Soon hed say something she didnt want to hear. Somethingthatwouldhurt.Somethingthatwouldbebad. She cut him off before he could say anything. I stopped taking birthcontrol.Iwanttohaveyourbaby. *****

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton An explosion of curses and a loud thud awoke Erica from a dead sleepandsentherscramblingoutofbed.Foramoment,inherconfusion and hearing the shower running, she feared Clint had fallen in the bathroom.But,afteranotherstringofobscenities,sheheadedforthedoor. She spared only a second to grab her wrap before barreling down the hallwaytowardJustinsroom,thesourceofthecommotion. Anothercurseatfullvolumesoundedjustassheshovedasidethe partially open door and came facetoface with Justin...and a hundredsixtypoundsofflustered,gruntingpig. Oh!shesaid,turningherbackonhim.Toolate.Thatoneglimpse was enough to engrave on her mind the vision of him standing buck naked in the middle of the room. How could she have forgotten that he sleptinthebuff? Whatthefuckisthat?heasked,hisvoicenotshowinganounce ofmodesty. Withher backto him,shemadeher wayaround him and toward the bed. Stop yelling. I can hear you just fine, and youre upsetting Teacup. Upset...Teacup? That behemoth upset me by waking me with slobbery Shewasjustsayinggoodmorning.Noneedtogetallbentoutof shapeaboutit.Shefoughttheurgetolookoverhershoulderathimand instead,pettedTeacupinanattempttosootheherdisgruntledsnortsand grunts.Shh.Itsokay,girl. Damnit.Whatinthehellisthatslopmunching,porkchopbuffet doinginthehouse,inmybedroom,anyway? Her name is Teacup! And this is usually her bedroom. She just didntrealize Herbedroom?Yougavemeapigsbedroom? Sheturnedaroundatthat,paused,eyedhimfromheadtotoe,and then took a deep breath. GoodLord. Her attempt to swallow the lump in herthroatfailed.Shecoughed,yankedapillowfromthebed,andthrewit athim.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Wouldyoupleasegetdressedorsomething?Icantspeaktoyou withyoulike...Shewavedahandathim. Herolledhiseyesbutheldthepillowtoblocktheview. Thankyou.Thisisthebestguestroomwehaveinthehouse.The otheronedoesnthaveabedinitanymore.Iuseitasastorageroom,so unlessyouwanttosleeponthecouchorinthebarn,thisistheroomyou get.Iputfreshsheetsonthebed,eventhoughtheonlyonestoevergeton itareRoofusandStinky.Teacupsleepsoverthere.Shepointedtoapallet under the window. But she wouldnt have woken you up in the first placeifyouddonewhatIsaidandkeptthedoorshut. I went to the bathroom...earlier. Forgot to pull it closed, he finishedlamely.CanyougetitoutofheresoIcangetdressed? Itisashe,andhernamesTeacup.Shetuggedonthepigscollar. There was no dragging the heavyweight; only gentle coaxing would do. Comealong,Teacup.Comeon. Justthen,Clintsteppedintothedoorway,hishairwetandatowel aroundhisleanhips.WhatwasalltheOh,Isee. Come on, Teacup. Ill make you a nice breakfast. The big black petfinallylumberedtowardthedoor. That porker needs a meal about as much as a horse needs a hangover,Justinquipped.Ericascowledathim. Clint was eyeing him, too, and the pillow, when Erica placed a hand on his bare, damp chest. He glanced at her, then the pig, and steppedasidetoletthemthroughthedoorway. You might want to get some clothes on, she heard him say to Justinassheheadeddownthehall.Wevegotalotofworktodotoday. Clotheswouldntmakeabitofdifference.Justinsnudeimageappeared eachtimesheclosedhereyes. ***** JustinwascertainClintworkedhimhardalldaybecausehedbeen foolish enough to stand bareassed naked in front of Erica. His breath fogged out with each exhale while sweat poured down his back, but he

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton stabbed the hard ground again with the posthole digger and glanced at Clintwhodidthesameseveralfeetaway.Theonlyconsolationwasthat Clintappearedtoworkjustashardifnotmoreso. Tohiscredit,themanhadntmadeasceneaboutfindinghiswifein Justinsbedroomatdawn.EvenduringEricashomecookedbreakfast,he avoidedthetopicaltogether. It had been obvious that nothing more than an argument over a stupidpighadoccurred,butstill....Justinhadntrevealedhowimportant the pillow had been in hiding his erection, although he suspected Clint knew. The moment Erica stormed into the room, all disheveled and adorablypiqued,hisbodysreactionwasunavoidable,evenifunwanted. Erica had always had that effect on him and, after years of forced abstinence, her proximity was too much for his libido to ignore. He wantedhermorenowthanheeverhad. HepeeredatClintagain. Buthecouldnthaveher.Heknewthatand,yet,hismindfoughta constantbattleagainsttherapaciousneedofhisheartandbody.Hiscock stirred just at the thought of taking her, loving her once more, like that firsttime. Themoonhadbeenhighandfullthatnightwhentheirpostdance, midnight picnic turned into much more. The sparkle of stars paled in comparisontothelookinhereyes,thetendersmileonherface,inthesoft moonlight.Thatsweet,nervousexpressionhadsealedhisfatethemoment itchangedtooneofapassionatesirenashebecamethefirstmantomake lovetoher.Shedstolenthekeytohisheartthatnight. ThethudofafencepoststrikingthedirtnearhimdrewJustinfrom hismemories.HeglanceduptoseeClinthaulanotherpostfromthebed ofhispickupandcarryittothenextholeintheline. Justinstabbedthegroundagainandpulledmoreearthout. As wrong as it was to covet what he knew he couldnt have, and regardless of how much he hated the way things had turned out, he couldntfaultthemformovingonwiththeirlives.Nowthattheshockof their marriage had worn off, he even understood why theyd gotten together. Theyd been close because theyd all grown up together. Hed

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton brought them togetherhis best friend and his girl. He couldnt blame them. And, if he were honest with himself, he was glad shed at least foundhappinesswithamanwhowouldtreatherright. Giving Clint another glance, he set his diggers aside, pulled out a bag of quicksetting concrete, and headed toward where his friend positionedapostinadeephole. Readyforsomeofthis?heasked. Clintswipedhisbrowandnodded,thenheldthepostcentered. Herippedopenthetopofthebagandpouredinthegraymixture, his mind on other things. Nothing happened. The words slipped out, quietbutloudenough. Iknow,Clintanswered,shortandclipped. Okay.Changeofsubjectneeded.Hehadtogethisownmindoffwhat shed looked like in the tiny red teddy and satin wrap. He set the bag downandstretchedhisback. You know this would be so much easier if we waited until the spring after the ground thawed. Digging now is like trying to chip an icebergwithatoothpick. Clint released the post and picked up his tools. Dont put off til tomorrow... ...what you can get done today, Justin finished with a sigh. He rubbedhisrightshoulderashefollowedClinttothenexthole. Timesatickin... ...whetheryourwatchiswoundornot. Clintdroppedthenextpoleintoplaceandflashedhimagrin.He lowered his voice to a gravelly growl. Dont let the sun beat you up in themornin... ...or itll beat you to bed at night, boy. Justin chuckled. A smile pulledathislips.MyDadalwayshadoneproverboranothertocounter laziness,didnthe? Hewasagood,hardworkingman. Yeah.Heheftedthebagandpouredintheconcretemix. WhenyoudWhenyouwentmissing,henevergaveuponyou. Evenaftertheirattorneyconvincedemtohaveyoulegallydeclareddead,

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton he still didnt believe it. At your grave, he kept repeating, Hes not in there. Justinsqueezedhiseyesshut,droppedthebag,andthenlookedup attheclearMontanasky.Whyareyoutellingmethis? Because I thought you should know. Yeah, he went on with his life. We all did. But he never stopped loving you. Clint touched his shoulder,methisgaze.Lifecanbeabitch.Deathisathief.Butsurvivors neverlosefaithinthepoweroflovetohelpemfacethehardtimes. HiswordshitJustinhard.Hehadntrealizedit,butmaybehehad been angry with his parents. Theyd declared him dead after only seven years.Hethoughthedovercometheacidicbitternessthatfilledhimafter learning the nation had written him off as dead. Euphoria at his rescue gave way to anger the moment he realized the troops that stormed Baghdad morethan adecadelater werentthereforhim.Theydwritten himoffasKIAyearsearlier,becausesomeIraqihadmanagedtofoolthem with a few patches of uniform and a set of bloodcovered dog tags. The militaryhadgivenuponhimbeforehisparents,buteventuallyeveryone hadmovedon.Nowhemustlearntodothesame. IthinkIoughttogetaplaceinBrowning. Clint paused, a roll of barbed wire in his gloved hand, his gaze piercing. If thats what you want, I wont stop you. But I meant what I said. Iknow.Iappreciateit,butHell.Idontknow. Clint dropped the wire and reached for the open bag of concrete mix.Comeon,bro.Iknowyoudontneedthejobormoney,butIcould useahandaroundhere.Besides,whatareyougonnadoinBrowning?Sit alldayatMilliesDiner,nursingacupofcoldcoffeeandlisteningtothe old farmers bitch out Mother Nature for ruining their latest crop? Clint tookahandfulofconcretemixandtosseditathim. Hey!hesaidwithalaugh. Youknowdamngoodandwellyoudgetfatandgoinsaneinside ofamonth. Shestillcookthegreasiestburgersinthecounty? Oh,yeah.Thebest!ButdontyoudaretellEricaIsaidthat.Clint

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton winked. Justinsnorted.Hehadtodosomethingtokeeptemptationatbay. Maybeheshouldmovefartheraway.MaybegotoHelena? Clints expression turned serious. Look. If staying in the house doesnt suit, theres a foremans studio in the new barn. I included it because Id planned to hire someone all along. Its not much, but its heated,andyoudhaveyourownspace. Space. He feared all the space in Montana wouldnt be enough to help him move on and get over Erica, not when hed still see her every day,butitwasastart. Clintslappedhimontheshoulder.Andtheresonemorething. What? Ifyoureinthebarn,youwonthavetoworryaboutTeacup.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton

ChapterFour
ClintstaredatDr.Hastings,watchedthemansmouthmoveashe spoke,butafterthewordinoperable,hisbrainhadshutoff. ThespecialistinHelenahadtoldhimhehadabraintumor,butthis onewassayingithadgrownsubstantiallyinthethreeweekssincethelast MRI.Thatitwastoolargenowtoremove.Thathewasgoingtodie. ...radiation treatments have proven effective in some cases. Possiblychemotherapy,buttherearesome...Mr.Michaels?Iknowthisis difficulttotakeinallatonce,butitsimperativewegettreatmentstarted immediately. Whatsthechancethatchemoorradiationwouldcureme? Icantgiveyouanyguarantees.Thelocationofthetumormakesit muchmoredifficulttotreat,becausethebrainhasitsownprotective So,nocure? At this point all we can do is to try to stop, slow, or delay the tumorsgrowth.Itslocationmakesittoodangeroustoriskremoval. Clintshookhishead.Nofuckingwaywashegoingthroughchemo onanoffchancethethingwouldstopgrowing.HowlongdoIhave? Imsorry?Dr.Hastingslookedathimfromacrossthewidedesk. Theresnotellinghowlongyoucouldhaveifthetreatmentsucc No. Without treatment, how long do I have? When the doctor didntanswerrightaway,Clintsaid,Days?Weeks?Months?Givemean estimate. WiththerateofgrowthbetweentheMRIdonelastmonthandthe

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton onedonetoday...Heshookhishead.Afewweeks...amonthortwo...six attheverymost.Itshardtosay. Clintsuckedinaquickbreath.Hisgutchurned.Holyfuck. Mr. Michaels, I strongly suggest we try the treatments. I can call an oncologist now and have you in to see him this afternoon. Theres absolutely no time to delay. If you start tomorrow, theres a chance we couldprolongyourlife. Achance.Heswallowedhard.Achance?Givemeanumber. Anumber? Apercent.Howmuchofachancecouldtherebewhentheresno guarantees,nocure? Thedoctorfrowned.Thesoonerthetreatmentsstart,thebetterthe oddsthatwecouldprolongyourlifeforalittlewhile Clint snorted. Prolong his life a little while, but at what expense? Nowayinhell.Tellmewhatsgoingtohappen. Itsoutpatient.Youcomeinfirstthinginthemorning No.Tellmewhatsgoingtohappentomeasthetumorgrows. Thedoctorlookeddumbfounded,buthequicklyshedthemaskof confusion and nodded. The tumor is right at the nerve center of your brain. So far youve experienced headaches, nausea, and you said some brightexplosionsoflightbehindyoureyes? Thats right. The bright lights and a piercing headache had awoken him yesterday morning. Hed barely slept last night because of thepain. Those symptoms will continue to worsen. The headaches will probably become unbearable. As the tumor grows, other areas of your bodycouldbeaffectedinadditiontoyoureyesight. When the doctor stopped, he asked, Like what? He needed to knowwhattoexpect. Youmaybecomeparalyzed,yourabilitytospeakcouldfalter,and youmightexperienceseizuresorastroke.Thedoctorstaredathimfora moment, and Clint got the impression he willed him to decide on the radiation. When Clint didnt respond, the doctor continued. Eventually youwillslipintoacoma,andyouwontwakeup.Withoutlifesupport,

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton youwilldie.Withlifesupport,yourbodywillgoonlivingforawhile,but eventuallyallbrainactivitywillcease. Hedidntwantlifesupport.Heneededtogoseealawyerassoon as he left here. His will was current. Erica got everything, of course. But withher penchantto save every last woundedand halfdeadanimalshe came across, he just knew without a legal order, shed have him on life supportindefinitely.Thatwasnotacceptabletohim. Hestoodandheldouthishand.Thankyou,Doctor. Dr.Hastingsstoodupandshookhishand.Mr.Michaels Imnotgoingthroughwithradiationorchemoontheslimchance thatIllsurviveforalittlewhilelonger.Iwontdothattomywife,andI wontdoittomyself.Mymotherdiedofcancer,andIknowifshehadto doitoveragain,shewouldvelivedoutherlastdaysmucheasierthanshe didsufferingthedebilitatingeffectsofpoisonspumpedintoher. Dr. Hastings nodded. I understand. He scribbled on a prescription pad then ripped off the sheet and handed it to Clint. Morphine in pill form. Itll help more with the pain than what youre taking. Clints gut twisted in on itself. His mother had been on morphine the last month of her life. His father had gone broke paying for her medicaltreatments,madehimselfsickfromtheconstantstrainofworry, fromthelonghoursatthehospital,watchingherslipawayregardless.He didntwantthatfateforErica. Thanks, Doc. He turned and walked out of the doctors office. When he stepped into the crisp air outside, he sucked in a breath and fought back the tremble that tried to shake his body. He strode to his truck, telling himself to take one step and then another. But when he pulledthekeysfromhispocket,hishandshooksohardhedroppedthem. Sonofabitch,hemumbledasheleanedagainstthedriversdoor andbowedhishead.Inoperable.Paralysis.Coma.Death.Thewordsswirled inhismind,mockinghim. He wasnt afraid of death. It was all the other stuff that terrified him.Mostly...howthefuckwashesupposedtotellErica?Shewantedto have his baby. Theyd talked about having children since they got

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton married,andtheydbothagreedtowaituntilthetimewasright. Heswallowedhardandfistedhishands.Thetimehadneverbeen right,anditsureashellwasntrightnow. ***** Ericasatonthefloorinherbedroom,leaningbackagainstTeacup. Roofus sprawled on her right, and Stinky was curled in her lap. As she slowly flipped through her wedding album, Skeeter slunk out from beneath the bed where he practically lived, and carefully made his way overtoher. Shelaidthenextpagedownandreachedforthelittlethreelegged thief.Hey,baby,shesaidsoftly.Skeeterwalkedintoherhandsandlet her lift him against her chest. Her pets always knew when she needed comfort. They surrounded her and let her accept all the attention they could give. Skeeter licked her chin, then huffed and laid his little head against her shoulder, his tiny wet nose against her neck. The little dog didntletanyonebutEricatouchhim,andthenonlyrarely. Teacupsnortedandnudgedhersidewithhersnout. I know, baby, she said as she reached back and scratched the piggysear.Imnotverygoodcompanylately,huh? Roofus groaned as if in agreement with her and laid his head on herthigh,hisbig,sad,hounddogeyesstaringupather. Erica sighed and turned another page. The eightbyten on this pagecapturedthemomentClintplacedherweddingbandonherfinger. The ceremony had been small, just a few friends in attendance at a little chapel in Helena. By the time shed finally agreed to marry him, their parents had all been gone, although Justins father had stood in for her owndadbyescortingherdowntheaisle.Buttheeventhadbeennothing like the wedding shed originally planned to have when Justin got back fromDesertStorm. She and Clint had worn nice clothes, but she hadnt worn white, andhehadntwornatuxedo.Whensheagreedtomarryhimafterahalf dozen proposals, she just wanted to get it done. Theyd been living

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton togetherforalmostayear,hadboughttheranchtogetherso,toher,ithad justseemedlikeaformality.Signingthepapers.Gettingitoverwith.She wonderednowifClinthadwantedmore,thoughhedneversaidso.She guessedshedcheatedherself,too. In the five years theyd been married, theyd faced a lot of problems, mostly financial. But theyd come through all the hardships strongerasacouple.Strongertogether.Itwasntuntiltheyovercamethe difficulties that she realized how much she loved him. How much hed given up to ensure her happiness. And shed been so unfair, clinging to thememoryofJustin.So,shedshovedthosememoriesasideandfocused onmakingthebestlifeshecouldtogetherwithClint. AndnowJustinwasback. She sighed and closed her eyes as she rubbed her cheek against Skeeters velvetsoft head. Justin wasnt a memory any longer. He was hereinthefleshandblood,hurtandangrybecausehesawherandClints marriageasabetrayaltohim. Hedstayedintheroomdownthehallthefirstnight,butyesterday hemovedintotheforemansstudioapartmentatthebackofthebarn.He couldnt even stand being in the same house as them. Although she understood,itstillhurt. No. It wasnt his move that bothered her so much as the coldness he presented toward her. He spoke to Clint, carried on entire conversations as they worked around the barn, ate dinner, or as they watched sports last night. But after the fiasco with Teacup, he hadnt initiated a discussion with her at all. Anytime she spoke to him, he answeredwithmonosyllabicreplies.Itdidnttakeageniustoknowthat mostofthetime,heavoidedheraltogether. Shecouldunderstandhisangerandpain,buthowlongshouldshe be punished? Was she supposed to have spent her entire life alone, mourningamanwhodiedwhenshewasbarelyanadult? No, she said with finality. He had no right treating her badly becausehewasangryoverthingsthatcouldntbechanged. Erica kissed Skeeters head then gently set him on the floor. She lifted Stinky out of her lap, patted Roofus and Teacup in turn, then

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton slipped the photo album in a box of mementos and pushed to her feet. Enoughwasenough.SheandJustinneededtotalkthisoutandclearthe air. Grabbingherjacketoffthehookbythedoor,shecarriedtheboxas shesteppedoutintothechillyeveningair.Teacupfollowedher outside, pushing open the screen door and letting it slap back against the doorjamb. The sun had just sunk below the mountains, and the sky was ablaze in orange and pink. She took a moment to breathe in the fresh countryairandwatchtheprettycloudsskitteracrosstheskyonthewind. Shelovedithere.ThedaysheandClintmovedintothelittleranchhouse, inheritingRoofuswhodbeenlivinginthebarn,sheknewshedfoundher home. Whilethecolorsfadedtopurplegrayinthesky,sheheadedacross the wide yard to the barn. The warm scent of horses and hay wrapped around her, and she sighed. A couple whinnies met her as she walked down the center aisle, stopping to scratch a forehead here, pet a nose there. Whycouldntpeoplebelikeanimals?Theydidntcarehowmany of them she loved at once. Sure, sometimes they got possessive, but as longasshespreadthelovearound,theywereallcontent. Sheshookherheadandmadeherwaytothetackroomattheend ofthebarn.BehindtherewasthesmallapartmentthatClinthadaddedon last year. The door was open, and Erica could see Justin sitting on the edgeofthebed,headinhishands.Helookedso...alone. Knock,knock,shesaidasshelightlyrappedonthedoorframe. Justins head came up. He looked guilty, as if shed caught him doingsomethingwrong. Hey.Allmovedin?Shetriedforanupbeat,cheerytone. Hesnorted.NotlikeIhadalotofshittomovein,nowisit? Atleasthedansweredthistimewithmorethanonesyllable.Erica pursedherlips.Still,shewasmightytiredofhisnastyattitude. Without asking permission, she walked in and set the box on the foot of the bed. Justin pushed to his feet and paced across the room. He lifted a burlap sack and began cutting it with a pocketknife that he

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton snatchedoffthedresser. The tworoom apartment wasnt large, but it was cozy and well furnished. There was a bed, nightstand, dresser, a small fridge, a twoburnerstove,andasmallsink.Awindowopenedonaniceviewof thepastures,andthebathroomwasthroughadoortoherright.Sheknew thebedwascomfortablebecauseshepickeditout,andshedsleptonita coupleoftimeswhenshehadasickhorseandwantedtostayclose. For a moment, she watched him slice the material into two large halves,mildlycuriousatwhy,butshechosenottoaskaboutthat. Can we talk, please? She lifted the album from the box and huggedittoherchest. He turned toward her, set the burlap and knife on the bed, and shovedhishandsinhispockets.Helookedaspissedoffasacagedjungle cat.Shehopedhedidntattacklikeone. Thiswholethingwouldbesomucheasierif,despitehisscowl,he didntlooksodarnedgood.Thoughhedspenttwelveyearsincaptivity, onewouldneverknowwhilehewasdressed.Shedseenthescarsonhis body. His time away had been...bad. But he had recovered physically at least. The wounds had healed, even if they werent invisible. Now, fully clothed, he appeared leaner, but still fit and solid. His new black Tshirt stretchedacrossimpressivepecsand,althoughtheborroweddenimjacket from Clint covered them now, his thick biceps were enough to make a womanswoon. Thevisionofwhathedlookedlikenudeflashedinhermindseye, andsheswallowedhard.Gonewastheboythathadleftheresolongago. Hed been cute then, with a boyish grin and humor dancing in his midnightblueeyes.Nowhewasharder,bothinbodyandspirit.Hisface showedageandmaturity.Pain. Justinsighed.Goahead.Talk.ButIdontknowwhatwehaveto saytoeachother. Shemovedtotheedgeofthebedandsat,thenpattedthespotnext toher.Abedwasntthebestplacetoholdaconversationwithhim,butit wastheonlysurfaceavailablehere. Heshookhisheadandleanedagainstthedresser,hisarmscrossed

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton defiantly. Ijustwanttoshowyousomething.Doyoumind? After a suspended moment of silence, he approached the bed. As hesatdownnexttoher,itwasobvioushemadesuretheirbodiesdidnt touchinanyway.Whatsthat?Hemotionedtowardthephotoalbum. Thiswasmoredifficultthanshethoughtitwouldbe.Shelaidthe album on her knees and opened it to the middle, knowing what picture wasthere. Justins breath sucked in hard. He surged to his feet and then moved across the room. What the fuck do you think youre doing to me? Erica swallowed the lump in her throat. I want you to see how muchapartofourlivesyouare.Thatyoualwayshavebeen. He turned toward her and made a face of disgust. You got marriedatmygrave? No!Sheshookherhead.WegotmarriedintheSunshineChapel inHelena.Butwestoppedatthecemeterythateveningand...Freshtears stunghereyes,butshefoughtthemback.Cantyousee?Sheflippedto thelastpageinthealbumandhelditupforhimtoseethepictureofthe threeofthem.AneightbytenofthemthedayJustinandClintleftforthe Gulf. Youre a part of...everything. Did you see the pictures on the mantelinthelivingroom? Yourweddingpicture? All the rest of the pictures. Aside from photos of our parents, everysingleoneoftheotherpicturesinourhouseisofthethreeofus. He slashed his hands through his hair. What the hell am I supposed to say? Thanks? The sarcasm came through loud and clear withthatoneword.Thanksforthinkingofmewhileyoutwowere Ericaclosedthealbumwithaloudpopandstooduptoleave.He wasjusttoobittertolistentoanythingrightnow.Itwouldntmatterwhat shesaid.Hewouldntseethathewasnttheonlyonehurting.Theywere allbeingpunishedforthingsthatwerecompletelyoutoftheircontrol.She startedtoward thedoor thenthought better ofit.Shewouldnt letanger orhurtkeepherfromspeakinghermind.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Youcanhatemenowallyouwant,Justin.Beassarcasticandrude asyoulike.Sheslashedherhandthroughtheair.Ignoremeeven.That wont change the past. So if you want to be a bitter fool who ruins his futurebecausehecantletgoofthepast,thatsyourproblem. ***** Clint sat in his truck and stared at the house through the windshield. His hands fisted on the steering wheel while uncertainty waged war with conviction. He should tell Erica the doctors prognosis but, if he did that, he knew shed worry herself silly and try to talk him into getting treatment. With her soft heart, shed have him trying every experimentaldrug,herbalremedy,orpsychichypnotismtechniqueevery crackpot,voodoo,ormedicinedoctorcouldthinkup. He took a deep breath, got out of the truck, and headed for the house. Erica? Im home. He stepped over the hound dog after walking through the front door. She wasnt in the living room or kitchen. He checkedthelaundryroombeforeheadingtotheirbedroom. Maybeheshouldnttellheryet.Shedfindouttheinevitablesoon enough. At least he could save her a few days of worry. Heaven knew shed had enough to worry about with Justins resurrection from KIA status. Honey? He paused and listened. The house was quiet. He glancedoutabedroomwindowtowardthebarnandsawoneofthedoors ajar.Feedingthehorses?Or... Heheadeddownthehall,dodgedtheblindcat,andsteppedonto the porch, the screen door slapping behind him as he leaped to the ground.Teacupwallowedonthegroundnearbyasifshethoughtalayer of dirt would hide her wrinkles. Inside the corral, one of the bulls stood watch,unconcernedwiththeporkersantics. Buttherewasnosignofhiswifeorherthreeleggedthief. Justin was nowhere in sight either as Clint headed across the barnyard.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton HedhavetotellJustin,too. Clint paused, the throbbing behind his eyes intense but not as severe as some previous bouts.His headaches werent the reason for his delay. HismindtoldhimheshouldbeconcernedaboutnotfindingErica inthehouse.HisguttoldhimtoexpecttofindherinJustinsarms,tofind theminbedtogether.Hewaitedforthefurytocome.Thepanic,thehurt thatheknewheshouldfeelattheideaofherinfidelity,nevercame. Resuming his walk toward the barn, he recalled dreams hed had yearsearlier.DreamsofbeinginvitedtojoinJustinandErica.Hedenvied Justin sometimes, coveted his good fortune in capturing Ericas heart. JustinandClinthadsharedmanythingsinlife,butEricahadneverbeen oneofthem.NotuntilfatetoreJustinfromtheirlives. Backthen,hisdreamshadremainedunfulfilled.ButsohadJustins andEricas. Maybe that was why the thought of finding them together again didnt offend his sensibilities. Hed spent years on the outside watching hisfriend andhisdreamgirl, secretlywishing he couldbe apartof that picture. Whatwouldhefindinthebarn?Whatshouldhedoif... Clintnudgedthedooropenfartherandwalkedintothebarn.The scentofhay,feedgrain,leather,andhorseswasstrong,butnotasstrong astheargumenthecouldhearcomingfromtheforemansstudio. ***** I never said I hated you, Justin said, his voice as loud as a thunderclapinthesmallconfinesoftheapartment.Hisnostrilsflared;his jawticked.Ineversaidthat.IwasjusttryingHecuthimselfoffand spunawayfromher.Youshouldgo. She didnt budge an inch, except to raise her chin to a stubborn angle.Justtryingtowhat?Punishmefornotwaitingtwelveyears?Tell me.Tryingtowhat? Nothing. Go back to your home, your husband...your life. And

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton leave me be. He didnt look at her as he removed the curtain rod from overthewindow. Dismissed.Thewordranginhermindlikeagong. Justinsnatcheduptheburlapandusedtheknifetopokeholesfor the rod along one edge. She hadnt ever gotten around to putting up curtainsoverthewindow,sherealizedwithaninnercringe.Shedalways liked the view too much to cover it up, but the sun did stream in at inconvenienttimesoftheday. Staringathisback,shefumedandchastisedherself.Ididtellhimto ignoreme.Butthatdidntmeanhewassupposedtodoit.Shegrittedher teeth. She had promised herself shed get everything out into the open and,byGod,shewould.Imnotgoinganywhereuntilyoutellmewhat youmeanttosay.Tryingtowhat? Dropit,damnit!Andgetout,okay? Shebitherbottomliptostopthetremble.No.Tellme. Youtellmewhyyoustillwearmyengagementringwhenyoure married to Clint. The pain in Justins eyes when he finally looked her waynearlykilledher. I loved you. I mourned you. In some ways, Im still mourning you.ButIhadtomoveon.Wealldid.Clint,me,yourparents...Yourdad gave me away at the wedding. Your mother was there, too. They understood that my feelings for you were genuine, but to dwell on the pastkeptmefromliving.Iwasonlytwentyoneyearsoldwhenyoudied. WasIsupposedtodiewithyou? Im.Not.Dead! She flinched at his outburst but stood tall and stiffened her spine. TheArmysaidyouwere. He snorted. Yeah, well, despite popular belief, the Army isnt omnipotent.Itfucksup,too,liketherestofuspunyhumans. Shelaidthealbumintotheboxandpulledouthisdogtags,which hismotherhadgivenher.ThiswasallthatreturnedtomefromIraqfor twelveyears.Youweregonefortwelveyears.Onceyourparentsdecided to have you declared legally dead... She shrugged. Was I supposed to livetherestofmylifeonamemory?WasIsupposedtobealoneforever

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton because...becauseIdidntwanttobelieveyouweredead? Noneofthatanswersmyquestion,butwhatifmyparentshadnt done it? Then what? He stepped closer to her, and she foldedher arms acrossherchestlikeashield,awallthatblockedherselffromgoingtohim andputtingherarmaroundhimtotrytocomforthim.Toseekherown comfortinhisstrength. Honestywastheonlycoursehere,nomatterhowmuchithurthim. He had to know. Clint and I were living here for almost a year before your parents took the legal action. Wed been discussing marriage, even thoughwewaiteduntilaftertodoit. Justinsfacewentblank,justliketheothernight.Theshuttercame down, and all emotion vanished from his face. Then why do you still weartheringIgaveyouwhenyouremarriedtosomeoneelse? Behonest,shethoughtasshestaredintohiseyesandlongedtobe inhisarms.Shelickedherlipsandfoughtbackthepaininherownheart. BecauseIllneverstoplovingyou.Youwerearetheloveofmylife. Justin flinched as if shed slapped him again, and then his gaze slippedaway.Heturnedtoleanahandagainstthebarewall,theburlap andcurtainrodheldinhisotherfist.Hisshouldershunchedasifhewere coldorwardingoffblows. Getthefuckout,hesaid,thewordsbarelyaboveawhisper. She again stood her ground, her heart aching to do anything but putmorespacebetweenthem.Icant.ItoldyouImnotgoinganywhere. Not until you answer my question. What are you trying to do? Tell me...please. Hetossedtheburlapandrodonthebedandfacedherwithangry blue eyes. Dont you get it? I cant think with you around, he all but shouted. You belong to Clint, my best friendmy brother!and theres not a damn thing I can do about it except push you away. Piss you off. MakeyousomadthatyoullleavemethehellalonesoIcanhaveasliver ofhopeofgettingoveryou. Shecouldnttakeit,couldntstandtoseehimlikethis.Shetossed the dog tags back into the box and stepped toward him, ran her hands overhisshoulders...cradledhisface.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Hestiffened,triedtoturnhisfaceaway.Dont. She forced him to look at her before she spoke. Im sorry, Justin. Im sorry you got captured, and Im sorry you lost so much. He gazed longinglyintohereyes,anditwasalmosttoomuchtobear.ImsorryI didnthavethe...thestrengthtowaitforyou.Imsorry.Whatmorecould shesay? Heraisedonehandandcuppedhercheek.Hispalmwascallused and rough, but so warm. She shut her eyes and breathed in. He still smelled thesameashe hadso longagosweetand musky. She usedto lovesnugglingupwithhimandjust...being. DoesClintknowhowyoustillfeelaboutme? She nodded, her cheek lightly rubbing against his palm. I think so. Ishouldhavenevercomebackhere.Youshouldhavetoldmeon thephone.IwouldvestayedinD.C.AsmuchasIloveyou,Icant...His words trailed off, and she looked at him. The emotion glistening in his eyesnearlyundidher.Icant. Dont, she whispered, her throat tight with her own withheld emotions.Dontyoudarecry.Theonlyothertimeshedeverseenhim withtearsinhiseyeswasthedayheleftfortheGulf.Thedayhelefther. Hetouchedhisforeheadtohersandwrappedhisarmsaroundher. I dont know what to do anymore. For so many years everything I did, everythingIendured,wastogettoonegoal.Tocomehomeandbewith you.Itwastheonlythingthatkeptmegoing,keptmesane.WheredoI gonow?WhatdoIdowithoutyou? A soft sob tore free from her throat, and she closed her eyes and burrowed into his arms, tucking her face against his neck and breathing himin.Forthelasttime.Becauseshecouldnot,underanycircumstances, windupinhisarmsagainaftertoday. Shh,hewhisperedinherearashegentlyrockedherfromsideto side.Yourtearshavealwaysrippedmeup,babe.Dontcry. Shenoddedandsniffled.IwishIhadtheanswers.IwishIknew how to make all this better. To make sure nobody got hurt. But... She sucked in a quivery breath. I cant change what has been done, and I

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton wont... I swore before God that I would stay by Clints side no matter what.Hesmyhusband,andIdolovehim.Iwont breakthat vow.Not evenforyou. Iknow.Andthatprovesjusthowspecialyouare.Heslippeda big, warm hand beneath her jacket at her side and flexed his fingers against her. She sucked in a breath at the intense pleasure that shot through her. She clenched her thighs together and prayed the sensation wouldgoaway.Lustandpassionwereonlyforherhusband. Partofmewantstoremindyouthatyoupledgedthesametome whenIgaveyouthatring,butitsnotthesamething.Alotisdifferent.I dontbelonghereanymore.Iknowthat,butnothinghaschangedhowI feel, Justin whispered. His breath brushing her ear sent tingles chasing down her arm. I still love you so much. I always will. Wherever I go, rememberthat. Clintstoodinthedoorwaywatchinghiswifeandbestfriendhold eachotherinanembraceheknewtheywishedcouldbemore.Hedheard everywordoflovetheyexchanged.Healsoknewhecouldntkeepthese two apart any longer. He didnt want to. And the way they were going, theirdevotiontohimwoulddojustthat. WhenEricaleanedbackinJustinsarmsandthetwoofthemstared at each other with such adoration...and sorrow...he couldnt take it anymore.Hesteppedintotheroomandsaid,Goahead.Kisshim. Thepairjumpedapartasiftheydjustbeencaughtsinning.Intheir minds,theyprobablyfelttheywere.Buthedidntseeitthatway.Oddly, he felt relief. Justin was back. Thank God, Erica wouldnt be left alone when...Heshovedthatthoughtasidefornow. Its not what it looks like, Erica said in a rush as she hurried to hisside.Wewerejusttalking. Iknow,hesaidsoftlyasheputhishandoverhers,whichlayon hisforearm.But...Itwassurprisinglyhardtosaywhathewantedtosay to them. He glanced at Justin who faced him with a stance that said he thoughtClintwasgoingtotakeaswingathim.Buthehadnointentionof fighting. No,hehadtoolittletimetowaste.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton HemetEricasbeautifulgaze,leaneddown,andcapturedherlips withhisown.Shegaspedintohismouth,andherfingerstightenedonhis sleeve.Heknewheturnedheron.Andshelovedhimenoughtoremain faithfulwhenitwasmorethanobvioushowmuchshewantedJustin. She moaned and went soft against him when he sank his tongue into her mouth and pulled her flush against his body. He ran his hands downherbackandsqueezedherlusciousroundass.Shewhimperedand rubbedherbellyagainsthiserection. Clintbrokethekiss,pulledback,andpeereddownatherupturned face. He cradled her head between his hands, brushed her cheeks with both thumbs. So beautiful...the way you look at me. I see that same desire,thatsamelonging,inyoureyeswheneveryoulookathim. Moisturewelledonherlowerlids,herexpressiontwistingtooneof regret.Apology.Ishebegan. Shh. He touched a fingertip to her lush, moist lips. Its okay. Clint glanced at Justin who stared at them, his body tense, face blank...guarded. Its okay, he repeated while holding Justins gaze. WhenheagainmetEricaseyes,hesmiled.Hehadsolittletimeleftwith her,andhewonderedifshedslughimforevensuggestingit,buthehad to try. Because walking away, as hed planned on doing after he said goodbyetonight,justmightsendhimtohisgraveevensooner. ThatswhyIwantyoutwotobetogether. Sheblinkedinobviousshock.Hermouthopenedonasoftgaspas herperfectbrowpuckeredintoafrown.Excuseme? Are you crazy? Justin asked, his surprise evident. Id never cuckold my best friend. I may be an asshole, but Im not that big of a bastard. YoucantcuckoldmeifImhere,too,canyou?Clintlookedfrom JustintoErica.Ifanything,theyjustprovedtohimhowmuchtheycared about him. As much as he did for each of them. And youre not being unfaithful,honey,ifImtheonesuggestingthemnageinthefirstplace. Heleaneddownandwhisperedinherear,Rememberaconversationwe hadonenightalongtimeagoaboutournaughtiestfantasies? Herbodytensed,andshesuckedinaquickbreath.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton So, how about it? he asked. Are you willing to share yourself withthetwomenyoulove?

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton

ChapterFive
Clintswordssluggedherintheheart,sentherpulsespeeding.He wanted her to... A surprising thrill ricocheted through her body. Nervousness battled with excitement and made her tummy churn. She glanced at Justin, stopped, and studied his expression. Want and need, hope, shone in his eyes. She looked back at Clint and recognized acceptanceinhisgaze. Yourchoice,honey,hesaidsoftly. When she braved a slight nod, he took her by the shoulders and turnedhertowardJustin,whostarednotather,butatClint.Uncertainty wasclearlywrittenonhisface,thereforhertowitness. She didnt look back to see Clints response to Justins unspoken questions; she didnt have to. He reached around her and slid off her jacket.Thenhisarmsreturnedtowrapherinwarmth.Hisfingersslipped the first button of her shirt through its hole, followed by another, then another. Justins silent regard followed the motion, the sudden heat of arousalflaringinhiseyes. The brush of Clints palms over her breasts, despite the layers of herclothing,madehersuckinashakybreath.Theabruptintakelodgedin herlungs.TheMohavehadmoremoisturethanhermouthdid. Clearthebed,Clintsaid,andJustintookasecondtoremovethe box,curtainrod,andhomemadedrapesfromthemattress.Bythetimehe turnedaroundtofaceheragain,Clinthadalsoremovedherbratojoinher longsleeved shirt in a heap on the floor. When Justin froze, her nerves

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton zinged. Questionsechoedinhermind.Doeshestillfindmeattractive...afterall of these years? Whats he thinking? Oh, God. Are my legs gonna hold me up muchlonger? Justins gaze locked with hers as he pulled his own shirt from his waistbandandunbuttonedit.ThenClintswarmhandsslidaroundeach side, over her abdomen, to dip fingertips inside her pants. Mmm. Clint alwayshadthegentlesttouchwhereshewasconcerned. Justindroppedhishandstothefasteningofhisownpants.Quick snaps. The rasp of zippers, hers and Justins. She had to close her eyes against the overwhelming effects the men had on her senses. Justins gorgeousbody.Clintstalentedfingers.Hermouthmightbedry,buther pussywassoverymoistwitharousal. Clint nuzzled her neck, pressed light kisses to her heated skin, which sent a ripple of goose bumps over her flesh. Her husbands body aligned perfectly with hers, his hips bucked once to tease her, and an obvious,bolderectionrubbedagainstherbackside.Shewhimperedwith pleasure. A tug on her foot made her look down to see Justin pulling one shoe, then the other, off her feet. A shiver rocked her spine as Clint pushed her denims and panties, the last remnants of clothing she had, overherhips,andJustintuggedthemoff. When Justin stood up again, he was so close to her his presence was a vacuum, sucking the air out of the room. She leaned against Clint who hugged her close, his big, rough palms spread over her aching breasts. Justin glanced over her shoulder at Clint before he closed the distancetoclaimhermouth.Hebeganslowly.Awhisperedtouch.Asoft pressoflips.Thenhelightlyfingeredherjawandneck,whilehistongue delvedfarther. Without thought, she ran her hands over his arms and chest. Her fingertipsbrushedoverscarsandleanmuscleassheshovedhisshirtup his chest and encircled his neck. Her fingers slithered into his hair. She reveledinthecontrastsilkysofthaircomparedto theruggedhardness ofhisbody.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Justin pulled his shirt off then deepened the kiss. A wouldbe monopoly on her attentions except for Clints sensual strokes over her breasts,sides...andlower. Oh, damn, Justin said on a harsh breath as he touched his foreheadtohers.Idontbelievethis. Ifshedhadairinherownlungs,shemighthavechuckledatthat comment,whichwassoclosetoherownthoughts.Instead,shegulpedin airbythelungfulandtrieddesperatelytocalmthepoundinginherchest, to shore up the quivers that wracked her body. A groan crawled up her throatwhenthebulgeofJustinscocknudgedher. She felt a little dizzy from the overwhelming thought that Clint loved her enough to allow this. To participate. Clint was always the caregiver,andithadbeensolongsincesheandJustinhadbeentogether. Shewantedtodoforthem,showthemhowmuchthismeanttoher.Shed revelintheircareanothertime.Rightnow...ShenudgedJustinbackwith constantpressureonhisshoulders. Heblinkedbuttookastepbackwards,thenanother. Erica? Clint asked when she followed Justin, pulling out of Clintsgrasp. She paused, flashed him a grin over her shoulder, and with one palm still flat against Justins chest, quirked a finger toward Clint. Come here. Clintseyesnarrowed,butthecurlofhislipswarmedherheart.He ranafingertipdownherspineandgrippedherhipsassoonasheneared, histhumbsdrawingsemicirclesacrosshersensitiveskin. ShesmiledatJustinandgavehimapush.Hesatwithabounceon thefootofthebed.Myturn. Justinseyeswidened,butshedidntletthatstopher.Shegrabbed thewaistbandofhispantsand,afteraslightliftofhiships,droppedthem around his ankles, the black briefs going with them. He braced himself withhandsonthebed,armsstraight.Hiscockstooderectandboldabove anestofdarkcurls.Shegavehimasmileandstartedtodroptoherknees onlytobestoppedbyClint. No,hesaid,ahandonherarm.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Sheturnedwithaconfusedfrown.But Hestoppedheragainwithafingertoherlips.Hewinkedthentook herbytheshoulders,positionedherfacingJustin,andforcedhertobend atthewaist. Oh!SheplantedherhandsonJustinsthighs,spreadherownlegs, and bent farther. Clints zipper being tugged down ripped through the silence of the room, a sound punctuated by Justins sudden moan when shelickedthetipofhiscock.Asecondlater,oneofhishandscaressedher head.Shegavethetipachastekissthensuckedhiminasfarasshecould. Fingertipsbitintoherscalp. Oh,fuck,wasallJustincouldmanage.ThefeelofEricaslipsand tongue.Themoistwarmth.Thesuctiononhiscock. Fuck! She was an exquisite aphrodisiac, a dream come true after a lifetime of nightmares. Hed worried a moment when she removed his shirtthathisscarsmightrepelher,butshedseenallofhimbefore,thanks to the slobbery advances of that behemoth porker, so his marred body shouldcomeasnosurprise.Butshedidntseembotheredbytheevidence leftbehindofhistortuousabsence. She sucked him once more to the back of her hot mouth, and he fistedherhair.Hesqueezedhiseyesshutforamomentinanattemptto regain some control, but it wasalmost useless. Hed been without for so long.... She pulled back, the draw on his cock a tantalizing torment he prayedwouldnevercease.Hepushedherheadbackdown,thestartofa steadyrhythmthatmadehimlightheaded. The physical sensations mixed with emotions stronger than hed ever experienced. The combination was damn near unbearable. His eyes nearlyrolledbackwhenhefeltthefirsttendertouchofherfingersonhis testicles.Wasthewomantryingtokillhim? With both hands, he reached for her shoulders and collided with Clintshands.JustinopenedhiseyesintimetoseeClintslidehisdickinto Ericas pussy from behind. He met Clints gaze and knew the desire, want...need...onhisfacewasamirrorimageofhisown.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Clint withdrew only to press forward again with a deeper, more forceful thrust, which shoved Erica closer to him. Justins cock slipped fartherintohermouth. He dropped his gaze to stare at the gold band on Clints left ring finger. Shit. He couldnt believe what his eyes were telling him. The unfathomablerealityofwhathisbestfrienddidwasdoing. Ericamoaned,andthevibrationsshookJustintothecore.Thatfelt veryreal.Histhoughtsfracturedlikethecolorsofakaleidoscope.Heheld hisbreath,butasoftcircularrubofhisballsandthefirmglideofherlips yankedtheairfromhislungs. Oh,babe.Damn.Dontstop. Mmm, she replied without pause, her head bobbing as she suckedhimhard.Herstraight,auburnhairtickledhisthighsandblocked his view of most of her face. He widened his legs and cradled her head betweenhishands. On Clints next thrust, Justin lifted his own hips in direct oppositionandheardEricasapprovinggrunt.Asifbysilentagreement, theysetarapidpacematchedonlybytheadrenalininJustinsveins. Hecouldntgraspthewhy,butrightnow,watchingClintfuckher, Justindidntcare.Helethisheadfallbackandhismouthhangopenashis ballsdrewuptight,theorgasmimminent.Heclungtoherhead,hopingto stayofftheclimaxalittlelonger. Oh,babe...wait.Imgonna Clint slammed into her with a fierce stroke, she groaned around Justins cock, and he could hold back no longer. With a shout of completion, he came hard into her mouth. The erotic shockwave rippled overhisskin,penetratedhismuscles,andsingedhisnerves.Hethought hemightexpirerightthenandthere.Shedrankhisreleaseandcontinued to suckle him for a few more precious moments until, at last, she reared upwithaeuphoriccryfromherownclimax,timedperfectlywithClints finalthrust. HisbestfriendpausedhiscocknodoubtpulsinginsideofEricas wombanddrewin severalharshbreaths. Then Clint withdrew,and as

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton he did, Erica ran her hand up Justins thigh one last time then straightened.Asmileshoneonherface,aheavyliddedlookofsatiation, beforesheturnedtowardClintandembracedhim. With a sigh of sheer astonishment, Justin collapsed back onto the bed, his arms flung wide. His world spun off its axis, and there was nothinghecoulddotorightit.Hewasntsurehewantedtorightit. ***** Clintwatchedhisdinner companions and wondered what exactly went on in their heads. Erica was pretty simple to read. Every time she lookedupfromhergrilledchicken,shegrinnedliketheproverbialcatthat ate the canary. She fairly glowed with sexual gratification. He could practicallyhearherpurring. Justin,ontheotherhand,lookedabit...confused?Concerned?Hed barelytouchedhisfoodandhaddownedthreebottlesofbeerinthelast twenty minutes. Clint worried about the alcohol consumption. He doubtedhisfriendcouldholdtheamountofbeerheusedto. DidJustinregretwhattheyddone? Erica put a bite of broccoli in her mouth and met his gaze. Her cheeks flushed pink, and she smiled. When she finished chewing, she said,Ialmostforgot.Wehadafewphonecalls.Onewasfromanational newsprogram.Anotherwasatalkshow.SheglancedatJustin. Hedidntlookupfromhisplate.Notinterested. ThatsprettymuchwhatItoldthem.Theyleftnumbersanyway. Justinspearedacoupleofgreenbeanswithhisfork. YousaidafewWhatwasthethirdcall?Clintasked. Erica turned to him. Mr. Matheson called today while you were gone.HewantedtoplaceanorderformoreofBigBoyssperm.Thetwo calvesthathavebeendeliveredalreadythisyearhesaysarethebeststock heseverseen. Clintnodded.Illcallhimtomorrow.Hefocusedhisattentionon Justin. How do you feel about getting your hands dirty? I could start showingyoutheropeswiththespermbusiness.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Justin snorted. Aint getting my hands anywhere near a bulls dick. Ericaslaughwasbrightandhappy.Dontbesilly. JustinsmiledacrossthetableatErica,andtherewasnomissingthe tenderness in his eyes. It reaffirmed Clints thoughts that hed done the right thing. Made the correct choice. As he was buried deep within her, watching her suck his best friends dick, he knew that sharing her was what needed to be done. He couldnt say goodbye until he had to, until thetumorstolehisfaculties,butuntilthen,heddowhathecouldtokeep thesetwotogether.Theyhadalotoftimetomakeupfor,andhedidnt havemuchtimetoensureEricahadsomeonewhodstickaroundandcare forheroncehewasgone. Insemination usually starts in July and August, so we start collectingthespermacouplemonthsbeforethatandfreezingit.Wehave aspecialcryogenicfreezerinthegaragewherewekeepit. Justinmadeaface.Howmuchdoesitgofor? BigBoysgoesforahundredfifty.Theothersaretwentytofifty. And you sell enough to make money on it? I mean, how many peoplearoundherearehardupforbulljiz? Erica chuckled. We have a Web site that I maintain. We sell nationwide.Wemadequitealittleprofitlastyear,anditllonlygetbetter. Idsaythreeyears,andwellbedoingdailycollectionyearround,justlike thebigcompanies. Website?Justinasked.Whatthehellisthat? Ericaslipspressedtogetherforamoment.Illshowyoulater.Its onthecomputer. Noneofthemhad been into computersbefore heandJustin went intothearmy.ItwasntuntilcollegethatheandEricahadlearnedhowto usethem.Nowshewasawhiz,andhegotby.Whowashekidding?Erica wastheonewhohookeduptheirfaxandprinterlastsummer.Hecould barelyfindtheon/offswitch. Justin shook his head. I feel like I lived in a vacuum for the last decade. You have, Clint said, his voice soft. But well bring you up to

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton speed. Sometimes I wonder. Justin pushed his halfeaten dinner away andpickeduphisbeer.IthinkIllheadto...Hestoodupthenstopped movingandlookedatErica,thenatClint.Imgoingtobed. Erica flashed Clint a worried glance, her brow wrinkled, but she didntsayanything. Clint had wanted to speak to Erica alone first, but he couldnt let Justinwalkoutlikethis.Notagain.AndhewasalmostcertainthatErica would agree to anything in order to keep both of her men close. Hold up, he said as Justin headed for the door. I wanna talk to you for a minute. They grabbed their jackets off the hooks by the door and stepped outontheporch. Look, man, Justin started. I appreciate what you did today. I dontknowwhy Shutup.Clintleanedbackagainsttheporchrailingandshoved hishandsinhispockets.Hisheadhurtagain,andthechillywindseemed togostraighttothebone.Imnotgivingheruptoyou...Notyetanyway. ...butImwillingtoshare.Howdoyoufeelaboutthat? Justindroppedhisgazetothewoodenfloorboardsthenshovedhis handsinhispockets.Whyareyouwilling?Youremarriedtoher.Shes yours.I...ImnotsureifthesituationwerereversedthatIcoulddowhat youdidthisafternoon.HelookedupandmetClintseyes.Itwasmore than I could have ever hoped for, and it was amazing. Dont get me wrong. ButIdontunderstand it. Dont understandwhy itdidntbother me. Dont understand why it doesnt bother you to see your wife give headto...Hiswordstrailedoff,andheshrugged. TomybestfriendwholovesherasmuchasIdo? Justinsatdownintheporchswingandhunchedhisshoulders. Iveneversharedherbeforewithanyone,ifthatswhatgotyouso concerned. Itisntthat.Well,maybeitwasaquestionIhadinthebackofmy mind.Justinmethisgazeagain.Look,allIknowforsureisIdontwant to come between you two. Id just started trying to put it to rest in my

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton headthatIwasntevergoingtobewithheragain,thatIneededtoleave, andthenyoucomeinthereandsaywhatyousaid. Clint looked up at the porch roof and sighed. I guess its time to cleartheair.WhenhelookedbackatJustin,therewasnomistakinghis confusion.ForyearsIwatchedthetwoofyouandenviedwhatyouhad. I loved her then, too, but it was you she was with. I never would have done anything to try to break you up or steal her away, but that didnt changethefactthat,deepdown,Iwantedtobewithher. Justindidntsayanything;hejuststared,waiting. No,Ididntmoveinonherortakeadvantageofthefactshewas mourningyou.ThatwasntwhatIwanted.WewenttocollegeinHelena and shared an apartment, but platonically. We tried to go on with our livesasbestwecould.Aftercollege,Igotajobatanaccountingfirm,and Erica started working as an assistant at a law firm. I was pretty happy with my job, but Erica hated being cooped up in an office all day. She stuckitoutforafewyears,butthenshedecidedshewantedtomoveback here.Shewantedaranchofherown.Shedalwayslovedyourdadsplace and...Well,youknowwhatherdreamswere. Justin nodded. She wanted to raise horses and run a riding stable. Clint sighed. Right. I couldnt let her go,and I couldnt keepher tied to the city. It would have killed something in her. So, we started lookingfora placearoundhere,andwhen shesaw thishouse, the land, shemadeuphermind. Andyoustarteddiddlingbullsfortheirsperm. Clint chuckled. No. Not right away. I didnt get into that until threeyearsago. How... Justins thick swallow was audible. When did you get togetherasacouple? Clinthadknownthequestionwouldcome,butitwasstilldifficult totellJustinthedetails.Hesupposedheowedittohim,though.When wemovedinhere.Idlivedwithherforseveralyearsandnevertouched her.Icouldntdoitanylonger.IrealizedIwasntonlygivingupagood jobIloved.IfthingsdidntchangebetweenusinthewayIneeded,thenI

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton couldntlivewithheranylonger.Asmuchasitscaredmetofindouther feelings, when we were unloading the moving van, I put our stuff togetherinoneroom.Sheneverquestionedit,andwhen...ItwasClints turntoswallowthelumpinhisthroat.Sheneverturnedmeaway. Silencestretchedbetweenthem,andClintwasntsurewhattosay. HecouldntbegintoimagineeverythinggoingthroughJustinshead. Whathappensnow?Justinaskedashelookedbackupathim. After drawing in a deep breath of cold night air, Clint said, Are youwillingtoshareher? Justins mouth opened then snapped shut. He nodded. Im worriedaboutyourrelationshipwithher.Icouldntlivewithmyselfif You let me worry about that. I have loved the two of you for as longasIcanremember.Youweremybrotherineverywayexceptblood. Im not sorry for marrying Erica, but youll never know how sorry I am that it hurt you. And I cant stand her being emotionally torn apart the wayshehasbeenthesepastfewdays.Hepressedhisfingersagainsthis forehead, fighting back the growing headache. She needs you and, if it wouldntbetooawkwardforyou,Idlikeyoutomoveinwithus. Justins brow furrowed. Move in? Where? Back to the guest room? No. He seriously needed to take some painkillers. His vision blurred slightly. Our room. He squeezed his eyelids shut as the bright explosionoflightswentoffbehindhiseyes.Ifitsnottooawkwardfor you, I think it would make Erica happy if you agreed to share our bed. Oh,shit.Hedoubledoverandgrabbedhishead. Justingrabbedhimbytheshouldersbeforehefellandmovedhim totheswing.Whatthefuck?Areyouokay? Headache, he mumbled as he breathed through the nausea and pain. IllgetEri No. No. Dont. The last thing he needed right now was Erica worryingherselfoverhim.Hesuckedinadeepbreathasthepainslowly subsidedtoadullthrob.Theydont lastlong.Whichwasalmosttrue. Usedtobetrue.Thepainhadntcompletelylefthimforthelasttwodays.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Nowthesharp,debilitatingpaincamemuchmoreoften. You sure its only migraines? Justin asked. Seems a lot worse thananythingIveeverseenanyonedealwith. ShouldhetellJustinthetruth?Itwouldeasehisburdenifhecould shareitwithsomeone.Hefinallyopenedhiseyesandlookedathisfriend hoveringoverhimlikeamotherhen.No.Hecouldnttellhimyet.Hewas fairlycertainJustinwouldpushforthechemotreatmentsashardasErica. Ive seen a doctor. Ive got some pills. I just need to remember to take them.Notmuchelsecanbedone.AndIdontwanttoworryErica. Justingaveacurtnod.Okay.Betternow? Yeah. Clint leaned back in the swing and closed his eyes again. Itllpasssoon.Hehoped. The swing moved a bit as Justin sat down next to him. You told me the other day theyre brought on by stress. Did asking me to...you know...shareyourbedroom...bringiton? No.Thelemonsizedlumpinhisbraindid.Ihavenostressover theoffer.Ithink,forallofus,itistherightthingtodo.Aslongasyoure comfortablewithit.Iknowthishasgottobedifficult. Justinclearedhisthroat. Clintchuckled.Abitofanunderstatement? Youcouldsaythat. Clint opened his eyes, glad the blinding flashes had dispersed. Youdonthavetomakeadecisionrightthissecond. Howdidyoumakeitsofast? Clint thought about lying, wondered if it would be the smartest thing to do, but then he sighed and said, I remember what it was like beingontheoutsidewhenthetwoofyouwouldgetkissyfaceinfrontof me. I used to dream of being invited to join you two. Sharing, to me, is betterthanneverhavingatall. Justinswipedhishanddownhisface.Shit. Clintnodded.Youdontknowthehalfofit,bro. Okay,Justinsaid.Idbeamorontosayno.ButIsweartoGod, the first time I sense something isnt right between the two of you, Im outta here. Not just the bedroom, but Im leaving the ranch. I will not

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton breakupamarriage. Clint knew it would never come to that. Besides the fact that he wouldbeoutoftheirlivesinnolongerthanamonth,heknewEricaloved himandrespectedtheirvowstoomuchtoallowittohappen.Itoldyou before.Letmeworryaboutthat. YousureEricawillbecomfortablewiththis?Youhaventhadany timealonesince...thebarn. Imsure.ButIllgoinandtalktoherwhileyougatheryourstuff. Okay.Good.Justinpushedoffoftheswing.Imeanit.Idrather leavethan Go.Clintstood.Givemeafewminutesalonewithher.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton

ChapterSix
Erica stopped her nervous pacing across the living room when Clint came in the door. Her heart sank when Justin wasnt with him. Damn. She wasnt sure what she expected, but Justin banishing himself backtothebarnwasntit. Clinttookherhandandledhertothesofa.Weneedtotalkabout something,honey. Shesatdownnexttohim.Hekeptherhandinhisgentlegrasp,and her heart sped to double time. He had that tone of voice. The one that usuallybroughtbadnews. Justinwasleaving! No.Hecant. IaskedJustintomovebacktothehouse. Thebreathshedbeenholdingburstoutofherlungs.Clintreached upandcuppedthesideofherface.Iloveyou.Iwantyoutobehappy. But...? No buts. I need to know how youd feel about sharing our bed withhim. Uh... Her brain went blank. She hadnt expected that question fromhim. Youseemedsohappythisafternoon,hesaid.Ithought,tofixat leastoneofthemajorproblemsrightnow,thathavinghimherewhenever you... His lips pressed together for a moment, and thats when she saw

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton the lines at the corner of his eyes and bracketing his mouth. He had a headache.Hewasinpain,andhewasworriedabouther?Aboutwhatshe wanted?AnddidshewantJustininherbed?Intheirmaritalbed?Hewas willingtoallownoofferthistoher? She leaned into him and wrapped her arms around him. I dont knowwhattosay. Hishandsscootedupherback,andthenhereturnedherembrace. Hesgatheringhisstufftogethernow.Clintkissedthesideofherneck and sighed as if in complete contentment. I wouldnt have offered if I didntmeanit.Iwantyouhappy.Iwanthimhappy,too.Havingyoutwo soclosetogether,yetfightingtheattraction,wasnthealthy.Butitsyour call,hon.Ifyouwontbecomfortablewithit... You think the beds big enough? she asked, speaking the first coherentthoughtthatcrossedhermind. Hischucklerumbledagainstherchest.Yeah,Ithinkwecanmake itwork,butnowyoullhavetwomentofightforthecovers. Sheleanedbacktolookintohiseyes.God,shelovedhim.Touching hisslightlywhiskeredcheek,sheleanedinandkissedhim.Iveheardof stufflikethisgoingon,butIneverthoughtIdbepartofit. Clints smile was sweet. Heard of it? He raised an eyebrow. I seemtorememberaDVDyouboughtmeformybirthdaylastyear. She pinched his arm and ducked her head. I guess it gave you someideas,huh? Ah, no. If you remember right, I told you my fantasy was two women. Shemethisgazeandknewherblushdeepened.Icantshareyou withanotherwoman.Thebedsnotbigenoughforfour. He laughed and tucked her hair behind her ear. Then he ran his thumboverherthunderingpulsepointatthebaseofherneck.Canyou shareyourselfwithmeandJustin? Tearsstunghereyes.Shenodded.Aslongasyoudont Hesweptinandcapturedher mouth withhis. His tongue delved deep, and she moaned. When he pulled back they were both breathing hard,andshecouldseethearousalinhiseyes.Iwantthis.Foryou.For

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton us. She pulled back a bit and frowned. For us? Is there something youre not telling me? Her eyes widened. Oh, good lord. Youre...you andJustin? Clintrolledhiseyesthenwinced.Hisheadmustreallyhurt.Give meabreak.Afterallthistime,IthinkyouknowbynowImnotintomen. Besides,thatdbetooincestuousformytaste. Well,Iguessyouhaveapointthere,buttechnically He kissed her again, and she laughed against his lips. Dont be impertinent,hesaidwhenheliftedhishead. Iloveyou,Clint. After he placed tender kisses on her cheek, he tucked her head against his shoulder. I love you, too, hon. After a few heartbeats, he said,Ialwayswill. Shesatuptoaskhimwhatthatcrypticcommentwassupposedto mean, afraid of whatit might mean, but Justin walked in the door right thencarryinghisblackbag. Clint gave Justin a nod, and Justin headed down the hallway that ledtotheirroom.EricaslidoffClintslapandfrownedathim.Hebetter notbeplanninganythingstupid.Maybeitwasjusttheheadache. Illgetyourpills,shesaidasshestoodup.Youlooklikeyoure hurting. Clinttookherhandandkissedherpalm.Yeah.Iam.Thanks. Shewentintothekitchenandpulledthepillbottlefromthecabinet overthesink.Thenshepouredhimaglassofmilkandbroughtittohim. Shesatdownnexttohim,watchedhimtakehismedicine,andthenheset theemptyglassontheendtable. Youokay? Sure,hon.Imfine.Hesmiled,butitlookedalittleforced.Why dont we watch some TV? He grabbed the remote from the coffee table then sat back and held out his arm for her. As he channel surfed, she snuggledupagainsthim. Justin came into the living room and looked at them, then the loveseat,asifhedidntknowwhattodo.Ericapattedthecushionnextto

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton her, and he sat down. She stretched out, throwing her legs over Justins thighs,thenpickeduphishandfromhissideandlacedtheirfingers.She smiled at him. His answering grin was a little shy, and she found it endearing. It would take a while to get used to this, she thought as she turnedherheadtowatchthecrimedramaClinthadsettledon. Justin slouched into the cushions. After a few minutes, he said, Thanks. ShesqueezedhishandandfeltClintnod. ***** Clintstrippeddowntohisboxers,tossinghisclothesinthehamper bythewall,thenpulledbacktheblanketsandstretchedoutonhissideof the bed. He frowned as he looked at the bed. King sized, it should be enoughroomforallofthem,right?Itwasntasifitwouldbelong... Herubbedhisfingersoverhisforehead.Thepainhadsubsidedto afaintthrob. Iclearedouttherightsideofthemedicinecabinetsoyoucanput yourstuffinthere,ifyouwant,EricasaidtoJustinasshecameoutofthe bathroomwearinghersexylittleicebluenightie.Helovedthatone.She woreitthefirsttimeonhislastbirthday.Alittlegiftforhim. Thanks, Justin said as he eyed her. There was no mistaking the lustinthemanseyes. She wore it on purpose, Clint thought. She wanted some.A small smileplayedonhislipsashesettledmorecomfortablyintothebed.She alwaysworeitwhenshewaslookingforalittlefun. Justin finally tore his heated gaze from Erica and headed for the bathroomwithoutaword. Ericawenttothedresserandsquirtedabitoflotiononherhands thencametowardthebedassherubbeditintoherarms.Hey. Heyyourself,Clintsaid. She went around the bed and climbed into the middle. Dropping her voice to a whisper, she said, I think Justins a little uncomfortable withthis.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Heheldouthisarmforher,andshesnuggledagainsthisside.She smelledofgardenias,andherskinwassoftwhenheranhishandupher arm.Well,heshere.Thatsastart,right? Shenoddedagainsthisshoulderthenkissedhischin.Yeah. Rollingtohisside,hebrushedhissemierectpenisagainsthersoft bellyashepulledherintohisarms.Herheartthunderedagainsthischest, andheknewshewasaroused.Sincedayone,shedalwaysbeenreadyfor him. But tonight might be more than she was ready for. Whatre your limits,hon?Howfardoyouwanttogo? Ittookamomentforhertolifthergazetohis.Hervoicesoftand husky,shesaid,Ivebeenenvisioningthatpornmovieallevening. He nodded. Theyd watched the movie a couple of times. The woman in the porno took it every way imaginable from the two men. Okay.Istheresomethinginparticularyouvebeenthinkingabout? Sheduckedherhead,hidinghereyesfromhim,thennodded. Comeon.Youhavetotellme.Youveneverbeenshyabouttelling mewhatyouwantbefore. Iveneverwantedthisbefore.Shefiddledwithhisnippleuntilhe caughtherhandandpresseditflatagainsthischest.Clint,areyousure you...Shelookedintohiseyes.Whyarentyouweirdaboutthis? The bathroom door opened and out came Justin wearing nothing but a dark pair of briefs. He walked to the other side of the bed and sat down,hisbacktothem,andstaredoutthewindow.Helookedtense. Clint sighed. Now would be a good time to admit to his medical condition.Itwouldexplaintothesetwopeoplehelovedwhyhedidthis. ButashelookedintoEricasbright,beautifuleyes,hejustcouldntsaythe words.Itwouldruinthemoment,destroythetimetheyhadlefttogether. Because I dont doubt for one second that you love me and that youd neverstray.IalsoknowthatforyouandJustintodenythelovebetween youwouldbeacrime.IdrathershareyouwithamanyouloveandthatI trust with whats most important in my life than to have either of you hurting. Ericas eyes filled with tears. Oh, Clint. She buried her face against his chest and drew in a couple of deep breaths, obviously trying

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton nottocry.Herubbedhishandupanddownherbackbarelycoveredbya bitofsilkandlace. Justinturnedhisheadandmethiseyes.Youreagoodman,and ImsorryIhityoutheotherday. Ericalookedup.Youhithim?SheturnedtoClint.Hehityou? Clintgrinned.Thatweaklittletap? Justinsnorted. Erica shoved Clints side and laughed. You two will never grow up, will you? She rolled onto her back, her pebbled nipples barely coveredbytheseethroughlace. Hed gladly share this woman with Justin for eternity, if he had that long. But he didnt. He only had now. Today, tomorrow...if he was lucky. You have to tell us, hon, he said as he trailed his fingertip over her collarbone and then down her arm. Goose bumps spread across her fleshathislighttouch. Ericaswallowedhard.Iwantitall. Justinturnedmorefullytofacethem.Whatisall?Hereachedout and touched her cheek with his palm, then dragged his hand down her neck,pausedasecond,thencuppedherbreast. Ericasuckedinherbreath,andhereyelidsfluttered.Shelickedher lipsslowly,sensuously.Withherhands,shereachedforbothofthem,her fingers ever so lightly playing over their crotches. His hardon was instantaneous, and from Justins quick exhale, he assumed Justins was, too. I want... She looked first at Clint, then at Justin. Both of you insideofme.Atthesametime. Clintsheartthunderedagainsthisribcage.Youresure? Justins thumb rolled over her beaded nipple, his gaze trained on herbreast. ShearchedintoJustinshandlikeakittenandmoaned.Imsure. Herfingerstightenedaroundhiscock.Please. Justinpulledthetopofhernightgowndowntorevealherbreasts, and then he leaned over and suckled her. She cried out and hugged

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Justinsheadtoherwithonehand,allthewhilestillstrokingClintscock. Clintgroanedthencapturedhermouthwithhis,sinkinghistongue deep into her. She bucked as he pulled up the bottom of her gown and brushedhisfingersoverhersoftcurls. Shesqueezedhiscockalmostpainfully,andhejerkedbackwitha chuckle.Easy,hon. Herbreathswereraggedandhotagainsthischeek.Hereyesshut tight,hercheeksflushedpink.Whenheslippedonefingeroverherslick, hardclit,shecriedout.Shewasready.Sodamnhot. Justin alternated between her breasts, plumping them, suckling them. Clintslidhisfingerdeepintohercunt.Hersilkyjuicessoakedhis hand. With his thumb, he flicked her clit. She bucked and moaned, her lipsslightlyparted. Openyoureyes,Clintwhisperedinherearbeforehenibbledher lobe.Heslippedasecondfingerintoher.Seeus.Seeyourfantasycome tolife. Hecouldntseeherfaceashenibbledthesweet,tenderfleshofher neck, but he knew the instant she obeyed. Her body tensed, her inner muscles milked his fingers, and she let out a long, low groan as the orgasmovertookher. Thatsourgirl,hewhisperedinherear.Shewhimpered,herhips flexingagainsthishandasherodeoutherorgasmwithher. Shit, Justin said on a gasp. Youre so damn sexy, baby. Better than I remember. Hotter than I ever fantasized. He moved up, trailing kissesoverherchest,herneck,untilhewasoverher,claimingherlips. Her muscles clamped down again on his fingers when Justins tonguedelvedintohermouth.ThesoundsoftheirpantsmadeClintache withhisownarousal.Henippedhershoulderashescooteddown.Justin still sat at her side, so Clint had free access to her pussy. He spread her legsandburiedhisfacebetweenherthighs. Shescreamedandliftedherhips.Hepumpedhisfingersintoheras he sucked her clit, the way she always liked. Oh, yesss! Her heels dug intothebedassheliftedup.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Hepinnedhertothemattresswithhishandsonherabdomenand suckled harder. Her body vibrated with the growing orgasm. She tasted likehoney.Sweet,slickhoney.Hepiercedathirdfingerintoher,rubbed againstherGspot,andshecamewithascream,herlegslockingaround hisshoulders. Heeasedhisministrationsonher,soothingherwithhistongueas heslowlywithdrewhisfingers.Herlegsfloppedoffofhimontothebed. Whenhewentuponhisknees,hesawJustin,stillleaningoverher,head hanging,hisbreathscominginshort,choppypants.Clintwantednothing more than to bury his cock into her hot pussy, but Justin was obviously hurting.Themanhadbeencelibateforyears.OratleastClintassumedhe hadbeen. Movingbackupthebed,Clintstretchedoutnexttoher.Hereyes were shut, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to regain her breath.HetouchedJustinsshouldertogethisattention.Whenhisbuddy lookedhimintheeyes,Clintnodded. Justin obviously didnt need to be told twice. He shoved his underwear down, moved between Ericas legs, and slammed into her in onehardthrust. Erica screamed. Justin groaned and stopped moving. Clint almost came just watching the ecstasy explode between them. Hearing their laboredbreaths,theirsoundsofpleasure. Justindrewbackandthrustagain. No,Ericasaidonamoan.Iwant...both. Okay, hon, Clint said. Justin needed to come, but Erica was the onethatmatteredhere.HelookedatJustin.Pullout. Justinwithdrew,hiscockstillhard,andgavehimaconfused,tense look that almost made Clint laugh, but he kept the humor to himself. Analsex,hesaidtohisfriend. Justinseyeswentwideforasecond.I... Clint realized that Justins sexual experiences ended when he was onlytwentyone.HedneverbeenwithanyonebesideErica,andheknew forafactshedbeenananalsexvirginuntilhim. Erica rolled over, pressed Clints shoulders to flatten him on the

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton bed, and then jerked down his boxers. Her hands shook slightly as she graspedhiscockandstrokeditafewtimes.Mmm.Youresohard,she said,hervoicehusky. You turn me on, he said honestly. You always have. He reached into the nightstand drawer and pulled out a tube of lubricant. Whodoyouwantwhere? Sheansweredwithasly,excitedsmile,threwherlegoverhimuntil she straddled his hips, and then guided his cock into her slick, hot cunt. He groaned and thrust up as she sank down. Her muscles spasmed aroundhim,evidenceofanotherorgasmgrowingwithinher. Ittookasupremeefforttocontrolhisownreleaseassherodehim, but Clint wanted this to be for Erica. Needed to give her everything she wanted. Thatsit,hon.Slowdown.Wellgetthere.Hisheartthumpedso hard he wondered why he didnt have a heart attack. Turning his attentiontoJustin,whostoodatthesideofthebed,Clinthandedhimthe lubricant. Put some on your finger and rub it on her ass. Then slowly workyourfingerintoher. The bed jiggled a bit as Justin climbed back on. Hed shucked his underwearandseemedabitunsureashekneltbehindErica. Sheturnedherheadtolookathim.Itsokay,shesaidtoJustinas sheslowlyrodeClintscock.Ilikeit. Idontwanttohurtyou,Justinsaid.Clintheardhimflipthelid tothe lubeopenandsquirtsomeonhisfinger.WhenJustinreachedout andspreaditoverheranus,hermotionsslowed,andshemoaned. Youwont,Ericareassured.Iwantyou. Justinmusthavepushedafingerintoherthen,becausesheturned back toward Clint with a contented look of arousal on her face. She planted her hands on his shoulders and leaned over a bit, giving Justin better access to her ass. Pressing down on Clints cock, she slowed her motionstoagentlerocking. Ohh... she moaned, her fingernails digging into his shoulders. More. ClintcouldfeelherbeingstretchedbyJustinsfinger,andhisballs

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton drew tight, his climax nearing because of the added pressure. Put a secondfingerin,heinstructedJustin. HegroanedasJustinsfingerswiggledinsideofher. Another,Ericasaidasshepanted.Youwonthurtme. Babe... Doit,ClintandEricanearlyshoutedinunison.Iftheydidntget onwithitsoon,Clintwouldntbeabletoholdout. Oh! Yes. Erica ground her pelvis against Clint. Justin had obviouslycomplied. Stroke her a few times, Clint said through clenched teeth. He grippedEricashipsandheldherinplace.Imabouttoloseit,hon. Sheshookherhead.Dontyoudarecome,yet.Notyet. Bossytiltheend,hesaidwithaslightgrin.God,Iloveyou. Hersmilewasbright,andhereyessparkled. Fuckher,Justin,Clintsaid,histenuousholdonhimselfslipping. As Justin entered her, Clint felt the pressure, the tightness. He reachedupandpulledherdownforadeep,wetkiss. Justinhissed.Shestootight. Erica reared up, flexed her hips, and shoved back. Justins cock seateddeepwithinher. Oh,damn,Justinsaidonagroan,whileshesquealedintoClints mouthandhernailsprobablydrewblood. Clintrippedhismouthfromhers.Fuckherass,hegroundout. Erica collapsed against his chest, panting her pleasure as Justin pumpedintoherwithslowbutthoroughstrokes. Harder, Clint said, pleased to feel Justin respond. The pace increased,theimpactsmoreintense. Clint wrapped his arms around her and held off as long as he possibly could, but three deep strokes later, he shouted out his climax, everymuscleinhisbodytensingasstarsexplodedbehindhiseyes. His wifes scream nearly deafened him when her orgasm struck. Still,herbodyandhisrockedonthebedfromJustinscontinuedthrusts. Ohfuck,ohfuck,ohfuuck!Justincamehardwithalong,loud groan, and then he collapsed over Ericas back, pinning Clint to the bed

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton withtheircombinedweight. AsoftgiggleslippedoutofErica,eventhoughshelaylimpagainst him,theirbodiessweaty. Justingroaned,rolledoffofthem,andploppedontothebedbeside them. Whatsfunny?Clintaskedwhenhisbrainkickedin. IthinkIcoulddefinitelygetusedtothis. Justinchuckled. Clintrolledsideways,dumpingEricabetweenhimandJustin.Go tosleep,woman. She kissed his lips. Thank you, she whispered. Then she rolled overandkissedJustin.Thankyou,shesaidagain,andthenshedrifted offtosleepbetweenonebreathandthenext. Justinmethiseyes overher head. He smirked. Hiseyes sparkled, andhelooked...content. Clint snuggled up against Ericas back and closed his eyes. Gnight,buddy. ThebedmovedabitasJustinmovedclosertoErica.Night.

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ChapterSeven
Justinsearchedthebedroom,hisleftbootonhisfoot,therightone missing.Wherethehellcouldithavegone?Whenhedcomeinlastnight, hedstrippeddownanddroppedallhisclothesbootsincludedonthe floorbyhissideofthebed.Nowitwas...gone. Comeon,Justin.BillandTommyarehere,Clintcalledfromthe livingroom. Just a sec. Today Clint would show him how sperm collection wasdone.Forthepastweek,theydstrungnewfenceonapastureClint hadbeenbuildingwhereEricawouldworkherhorsescomespring.Rain orshine,hedmuckedoutstalls,fedanimals,andgenerallyworkedhard to keep up with Clint who seemed driven to get everything done yesterday. Hed alsolistenedto Clint expound onthe business ofbullsperm collection,thedifferentmethods,andhowthingshadimprovedoverthe years.Buttoday,sinceClinthadanorderforfreshbulljiz,itwastimeto getsomeratherthanjusttalkaboutit. The thought kind of turned his stomach. Hed grown up on a ranch,hadhelpedhisfatherwiththeheardofangusbeevesforaslongas hecouldremember,butwhenitcametogettingthecowspregnant,they hadletnaturetakeitscourse. Where the fuck is my boot? he grumbled as he jerked open the closet door and searched the floor. Then he dropped to his knees and liftedthedustruffleofthebed.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Thereitis.Hereachedtograbit,butsomethingbithim. Fuck! He jerked his hand back and peered into the darkness. Beady black eyes stared back at him, white fangs bared. That little threelegged rat sat in his boot, its head sticking out. He reached again, anditsnarled. Givememydamnboot,yourabidlittlerodent.Hegrabbedthe toeofthebootandpulled. Thedogyelped,snarled,thenchargedhisface. Justin rolled to the side as the ugly thing came at him. Instead of chomping into him, it grabbed the boot and dashed back under the bed, dragginghisfootwearoutofreach. Youfuckinglittlemonster.Justinshovedhisshoulderagainstthe bedframe,tryingtogetittomove,buttheheavyoakfurniturewouldnt budge. Whatareyoudoing?Ericademandedasshecameintotheroom. Yourrathasmybootandtriedtakingmyhandoff. Hesaratterrier.Anditjustmeanshelikesyoursmell. Justin made a face of disgust and rolled to his butt. Would you pleasegetyourratterriertogiveitupsoIcangetdressed?Heexamined thescratchesonhishandfromthelittlefreaksteeth,butithadntbroken skin. A giggle had him looking up at Erica with narrowed eyes. God, even when he was furious, he found her too tasty. Its not funny, he grumbled. Hergiggleturnedintoafullfledgedlaugh.Yeah,itis,shesaid, droppingtoherkneesnexttohim.Big,badJustinlosingabattlewitha tinylittle,threeleggeddoggy. Arabidratiswhat She caught him off guard with a kiss that melted his brain and made his dick hard. He groaned as she sank her tongue into his mouth. Whenshepulledback,shegrinnedathim.Donttalkbadaboutmypets, oryoullbesorry. Herolledhiseyesbutcouldntkeepfromchuckling. Ahem.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Justin looked up to see Clint in the doorway, arms crossed, shoulderagainstthedoorframe.Weneedtoheadout.Now.Impaying theseguysbythehour,yaknow. Clint didnt seem upset about the stolen kiss but about time awastin. Justin sighed and gave Erica a look he hoped seemed pathetic. Myboot,please? She winked and dove under the bed, her small body easily wigglingfartherthanhecould. Comeon,sweetiepie.Justinneedshisboot.Illgetyouatreatif youletmehavehisboot. Clint chuckled. Keep your boots in the closet by the front door. Thatthingsahorriblethief. Justin made a face and got up, but he rather enjoyed the sight of Ericasdenimcladassstickingoutfromunderthebedasshecroonedto thebeast.Dulynoted. Fiveminuteslater,bothbootsonhisfeet,JustinfollowedClintinto the corral behind the barn. The day before, Clint had showed him the chuteusedfortheprocesstoeliminatehumaninjury.Atoneendstooda short,stockysteer. Whatshedoingthere?Justinasked. Thats our female, Clint said. Justin, meet Bill Worth and TommyDexter.TheyworktheCodyranchdowntheroadandcomebyto helpwithcollection. Justin shook hands with the two men. Bill, a wiry man in his midfifties with long gray hair pulled back in a braid. Tommy couldnt have been more than twentytwo or so, with the good looks of a movie star. IllgetBigBoy,Tommysaidasheheadedoff. Okay,Justinsaid.Igive.Thispoorsteerisyourbitch? ClintandBillbothchuckled. WhileBillheadedovertoafoldingtablesetupnearbywithsome items on top, Clint said, We call him our teaser mount. We dont use femalesbecauseoftheriskofactualinseminationanditslesssterile.Risk ofvenerealdiseasesandsuch.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton So...howdoyougetabulltomountthispoorguy? Billusedabottleandsprayeddownthehindendofthesteer,then wipeditdownwithacloth,obviouslydisinfectingtheanimalsbackside. BigBoysbeendoingthisforoverayear,andallwehavetodois get him in the chute. He does the rest. It was tricky at first, getting him turnedonbythesteer.Youhavetoleadthesteeraround,havingthebull followhim,thenstopabruptly,justasacowwoulddowheninestrus. Justinletoutabreath. Alowgruntcaughttheirattention,andtheyturnedtoseeTommy leading Big Boyand one hell of a fucking big boy he was!into the other end of the chute. Justin took a step back, even though the metal railingsofthefivefoothighgateseparatedhimfromthebeast. DonttellmethisisthebullthatEricatriedtobefriend. No.ThatwouldbeGoliath. JustinhadseenGoliath,amassiveSemmental,butnotupclose.He hadalotmoregirththanBigBoyhere,whowasonlyanAngus.Goliath probably outweighed Big Boy by a thousand pounds. The thought of ittybittyEricaanywhereneareitherofthebullsmadehisbloodruncold. Hell,hedidntparticularlywanttobearoundahornybull,either. Billpickedupaweirdlookingtube,thebottomformedintoacone, andsquirtedsomethingintoit. Theartificialvagina.AVforshort,Clintsaidashepulledonlong plastic gloves that covered him up to his elbows. The kind used when helpingacowthrowacalf. Big Boy snorted and grunted. Tommy shut the back gate of the chute behind the bull and walked around to the other side from where theystood.ClinttooktheVAfromBillandmovedclosetothebackendof thesteer,reachedthroughthewidelyspacedbarsofthechute,andflicked the steers tail while emitting a low grunting sound. The sound a cow makeswhenshestryingtogetabullsattention. Thesteerstoodstill,lookingbored,chewingitscud. Big Boy came up to the steer, nudged his nose against the steers rear,thenmounted. Clintmoveddownabit,stucktheAVoverBigBoys...

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton And then it was done. Big Boy dismounted, his breathing a bit heavy. Andthereyouhaveit,Clintsaid,grinning,ashehelduptheVA nowfilledwithBigBoysfuturechildren. Yeah. Justin shoved his hands in his pockets. He saw nothing wrong with doing it the old fashioned way. Hire the damn bull out to whoeverwanteditssperm.Atleastthepoorguycouldhavealittlefunin theprocess. Yourturn,Clintsaid,handingofftheusedAVtoBillandpicking upanotherfromthetable,alongwithanotherpairofgloves. Justinshookhishead.Idontthinkso.Imgonnaleavethisupto you.Illmuckoutshittyhorsestalls,butImnot...Nuuh.Nothanks.This issonotforme. Clints face grew serious, and Justin once again noticed the lines bracketing his buddys mouth and fanning from the corner of his eyes. Thoseheadachesseemedtobegettingworsethelastcoupleofdays. Justin, he said, his voice low. This is important. Youve got to learnhowtodothis. Hefrowned.Why?Seemslikeyourthing. Clint swallowed hard and glanced over Justins shoulder, as if gazingovertheland.Becauseitsimportant.Okay?Please.For...Erica. TherewasnodenyingtheseriousnessofClintswords,butallthey didwasconfusehim.Whywouldhimlearninghowtocollectspermhave anybearingonErica? Clintseyesfocusedbackonhim.Please. Justin took the gloves from Clint and put them on. Fine. Hed confrontClintlater,whentheydidnthaveanaudience.Somethingwasnt right,andheneededtogettothebottomofit.MovinginwithClintand Erica,sharingtheirbed,sharingher,hadbeenarathereasytransitionto make. The stress of denying their feelings was gone, and everyone, including Clint, seemed contenthappy evenwith the situation. But theredbeentheseheadaches,whichClintstillinsistedhehidefromErica. Headaches that sometimes hit so fast and so hard, Clint literally lost his footing.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton HereachedfortheAV. Okay,Illteasehimintogettingready.Allyouhavetodoisslide theAVoverhiscockwhenitcomesoutofthesheath,andhellfillit.Its lubricatedandstimulateshim,soitsreallyquick. Justinsighed.Gotit. Clintdidthetailswishingthingandthelowgruntsofacow. Big Boy snorted a few times then mounted. Justin slipped the AV over. Oh, fucking shit! The AV slipped out of his hand and sperm squirtedoverhisarmandontohischest.Fuck,fuck,fuck. Thebulldismounted. Clint,Bill,andTommylaughedinhysterics. Justinpeeledoffthegloves,thenhisjacketashisfaceheatedwith frustrationandembarrassment. Gotta hold on, boy, Bill said. Thats a twelvehundred pound bull.Itsnotlikejackinyerselfoff,yaknow. Furious,hewenttothetableandpickedupanotherpairofgloves. Howmanytimescanhegetitup? Anywhere between two and four times in a row, Bill said. Big Boysbeenknowntogomorethanthat. Butweonlyneedtwocollectionstoday,Clintsaid.Theresten inseminationsfromeachcollection.Morethanenoughfortheordersthat camein,andtostockthefreezer,too. Damn horny bull, Justin muttered as he picked up another AV. Now he was bound and determined to do it right. Just to show these laughinghyenashecould. ***** Acouplehourslater,freshlyshoweredandwearingcleanclothes, Justinheadedfortheofficeatthebackofthehouse,whereClinttoldhim tomeetEricasoshecouldshowhimthecomputer. She sat behind the desk, pretty as a picture, her long hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. When she looked up as he came through the door,shesmiled.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Hey.Heardyou hadabitofexcitementwith Big Boy. Her eyes sparkledwithmischief. Heshookhishead.Clintnevercouldkeephismouthshut. Shelaughedandstoodup.Comeon.Sitdown.Letmeshowyou aroundourWebsite. He walked past her and sank into the soft leather executive chair, herscentteasinghisnose.Closinghiseyes,hebreatheddeep. Um,youhaveto actually look atthe monitor. Humor lacedher voice. He opened his eyes and turned the chair to face her. Id rather lookatyou. She planted her hands on her hips and frowned, but her eyes glitteredwithlaughter. Come here, he murmured as he wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her between his legs. God, Ill never get enough of you. Witha sigh,shelaid her hands againsthisshoulders.Thesepast fewdayshavebeenthebestofmylife.ButImworriedaboutyou. He raised his eyebrows even as he tugged her Tshirt from the waistband of her jeans and laid his hands over her warm, smooth flesh. Oh?Whysthat? Yournightmares. Shit. Youcryoutatnight.Shout.WhenItouchyou,youjerkaway. Aw,babe.Leaningforward,helaidhischeekagainstherbelly.I didntmeantofrightenyou. Her fingers wove through his hair and held him against her in a sweetembracethatmadehisheartclench.Wasithorrible? Hesqueezedhiseyesshut.Sheshouldntknowaboutthethingshe saw,thethingsheddone,overinIraq.Itwastoohorribleforhimtoface inthelightofday,which,hesupposed,waswhytheyhauntedhisdreams at night. Hed been through a few intense counseling sessions from the timehewasrescuedtothetimehewasreleasedfromdutyandputona plane to Montana. He thought hed gotten it out. Apparently he hadnt.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Didnt know if he ever would. Time healed all things, though, didnt it? Thatswhathekepttellinghimself. Pleasetalktome,Justin,Ericawhispered. Leaning his head back, he looked up into her eyes. Theres not muchtotalkabout,babe.Just...Hesighed.Itwashardasking.Fortwelve yearshedlongedforhertouch,dreamedaboutit.Nowhehadit,andhe wasterrifiedshedberippedawayagain.Thoughtshehadbeenwhenhe firstfoundoutshewasmarriedtoClint. Justwhat? Dontletmego.Bethereforme. Oh, Justin... Tears welled in her eyes. Always. She leaned downandbrushedhermouthagainsthis.Forever.Ipromise. He speared his tongue into her mouth and swallowed her moan. Her fingers delved through his hair, tipped his head to the side. Pulling her body flush against his chest, he breathed her in. The warm gardenia scentofherlotion,hersensualmuskheddreamedaboutforadozenlong years. Ineedyou,hemurmuredwhenshetrailedkissesdownhisneck. Imhere.Shenibbledonhisearandpulledopenhisbuttonfly. His cock surged to fullness at her first tentative touch. And then shedroppedtoherkneesinfrontofhim,pulledhisdickfromhisbriefs, andengulfedhiminhermouth. Dropping hisheadbackagainstthechair,hegroanedandbucked hiships.Oh,God.Alaughburstoutofhim.Yourewaybetteratthat thanIremember. Shepulledoffofhimwithasmallpopandlaughed,allthewhile pumpinghimwithinherfist.Ivehadabitofpractice.Youlike? Ilove.Hepulledthebandfromherponytailandspreadhersilky hairaroundhershoulders.Iloveyou. Hereyesshonewithalltheloveinsideher,andheknewnowhed neverbeabletolivewithouther.Hedmeantwhathesaidtheothernight. Clintwasabettermanthanhim. He frowned and wondered if he was supposed to be doing this withher.Didsharingmeanthatintimacybetweenthemwasonlyallowed

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton with Clint present and participating? He didnt want to break any unwrittenruleshell,hedidntknowiftherewereany. Babe... Itsokay.Shelickedthetipofhiscock,pullingagroanfromhim. Heknowswellbetogetherwhenhesnotaround.Sheranhertongue from the base to the head in one long, wet stroke. Just as Ill still make lovetohimwhenyourenot.Hergazesnaredhis.Isthataproblem? Justinshookhishead.No.Hecaughtherrighthandmidstroke up his cock and brought her fingers to his lips, kissing the simple gold ring hed given her what felt like ages ago. For some reason I feel no jealousywherehesconcerned.Hestrokedherhairandgazedintothose gorgeouseyes.Ijustdontwantanythingtocomebetweenuseveragain. Nothingatall.YoutwoaretheonlyfamilyIhave,andIloveyoubothso much. Tearsshoneinhereyes,butsheblinkedthemback.Andweboth loveyou.Shedippedherheadandcaughthispenisinhermouthagain, suckinghimdeep. Ahh,babe.Yes. She moaned, and the sound vibrated down to his balls as heat seared up his spine. Bobbing her head, she sucked him hard, licked the tenderunderside,butwhenshereacheddownandcuppedhisballsinher palm,hethoughtheddiedandgonetoheaven. Iloveyou,hesaidonagroanashesliddowninthechairabit. She made asoundofagreement,but continuedto workhim hard andfast.Hisballsdrewuptight.Hegrippedthearmsofthechair. Babe... Shedrewhimtothebackofherthroatandswallowed,hermuscles convulsingaroundhim,andheshoutedashecame.Shedrankhimdown andlickedhimwithsoothinglittlestrokesasheslowlysoftened. Hepanted,hisheadbackandeyesclosed.Holyshit,Erica. Shechuckled.Likethat,huh? Hecrackedoneeyeopenandpeereddownather.Youcandothat tomeanytimeyouwant. Withawidegrin,shepushedtoherfeet.Imgonnatakeyouup

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton onthat.Thensheswiveledhischairtofacethedesk.Now,payattention andlearn. Helaughedandcaughtherhand,draggingherdownintothechair on his lap. Okay. But you have to stay right here while I do. Then he delvedhishanddownthefrontofherjeansandflickedhisfingeroverher tight,hardclit,soslickwithherjuices.Atleastuntilyouresohornyyou cantstandit. Upalittle,shesaidasshereachedovertothecomputerandhita button,whichmadethepictureofswimmingfishdisappear. Upalittle? Uh huh...up and over my clit, then around and around. She grinned over her shoulder at him. Youre a little out of practice, so Ill walkyouthroughmakingmesohornyIcantstandit. Helaughedandnippedhershoulder.Brat. Sheshivered.Yeah.Ilikethat,too.Nowpayattention. Hecircledherclitoriswithhismiddlefingerafewtimes,knowing when he hit the right spot by the way her breath caught. Teach me...everything.

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ChapterEight
Ericadriedherhandsonthekitchentowel,snappedherfingersat Teacupsothepiggywouldgolaydownonherrugbythedoorandstop begging for postdinner scraps, then headed into the living room and ploppeddownonthesofanexttoJustin. Wheres Clint? he asked as he wrapped his arm around her shouldersandpulledhersnugagainsthisside. Shebreathedinhiswarm,muskyscentandclosedhereyes,resting her head against his shoulder. He said he had some phone calls to make. Justinranhisfingertipsupanddownherbarearm,andhernipples tightenedbeneathherTshirt.Shesmiledandsighed. Yousound...content. Mmm. She wiggled just a bit closer and rested her hand on his thigh. These past few days have been the best of my life. Having you home.Clint...Sheshrugged.Well,Ineverwouldhavedreamed... Iknow. Shesatquietlyforafewmomentsasthelatenewsdronedon.Im worriedabouthim,shewhispered. Oh?Henuzzledhislipsagainstherhair,hisbreathwarmonher scalp, making her tingle all through her body. You think hes not acceptingthisaswellashewantsustobelieve? She stroked her fingertips along the seam of his jeans inside his thigh.No.Itsnotthat.Itshisheadaches.Theyregettingworse,buthes

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton tryingtohideitfromme. Maybehejustdoesntwanttoworryyouovernothing. Shed tried telling herself that, but... Hes got morphine pills. To me,thatsserious.ButwhenIaskhimaboutit,hetellsmeitsnothingto worryabout. Justinlacedhisfingersthroughhers.Hesbeentoseedoctors.Im sureifitwasserious,hedtellyou. She turned her head to look into his face. His piercing blue eyes bore into her, and she saw love there. So much love. She was by far the luckiestwomanintheworldtohavetwomensocompletelyhers. The grandfather clock against the wall chimed the hour. Justin glancedoveratit. Isthatmyparentsclock? Mmmhmm.Theygaveittouswhenwegotmarried.Remember ourprompicture?Itwastakenintheirfoyerrightinfrontofthatclock. Yeah, I remember senior prom. He turned back to her and cuppedhercheek.Thatwasthenight... Hercheeksheated.Evensomanyyearslater,sherememberedthat nightasifitwereyesterday.ThenightJustintookhervirginity.Thenight shegavehimeverything. Did you know that I was eight years old when I told my mom I wasgoingtomarryyou? Justins eyebrows rose in surprise. We barely knew each other whenwewerethatyoung. YoubeatupJohnnyCusterforpullingmypigtailsandcallingme a tomboy. With a chuckle, she added, I went home and told my mom that I was going to marry you because you knew how a lady was supposedtobetreated. I guess I was the one a little slow on the uptake, huh? He grinned.ButIknewfromourfirstkissthatyouweretheone. Yeah,shechided.AfteryoudmadeoutwithMarySuebehind thebleachers. He chuckled. She crammed her tongue down my throat so far I almostgagged.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton They laughed together, and Erica settled back against his side. I was so mad I almost broke up with you for good the day I found out abouther. IfithadntbeenforClint,Imprettysureyouwouldhave.Hewas alwaysthepeacemakerbetweenus. Hesaidwewerebothtoovolatile.Weneededtomellowoutand lookatthebigpicture. Thenhetookmebehindmydaddysbarnandbeattheshitoutof me. Ericasatupandfrowned.Seriously? Justinnoddedandgaveaslygrin.Yep.SaidifIeverdidanything tohurtyouagain,hedkillme. Her heart skipped a beat. Had he loved her even back then? I neverknew. Ineverwantedyoutoknow.Idontthinkhedideither. Alittlenigglingofguiltpiercedthroughher.Wasthissituationfair to her husband? Should she have been stronger and refused his offer to acceptJustinintotheirmarriagethewayshehad? Hey... ShemetJustinsgaze,andallshecouldseewashowmuchheloved her. How much she loved him. How many years shed mourned and missedhim.Canthisreallywork?shewhispered. Helickedhislipsandglancedawayforamoment.Iwantitto.I dontthinkanyalternativeisbetterforanyofus.Ifwearentalltogether, someonegetshurt.Mostlyyou.NeitherClintnorIcouldlivewiththat. Tearsrushedtohereyes,andsheburiedherfaceagainsthisneck. Idontwanttobewithouteitherofyou,either.Iloveyouboth. Justinwrappedhisarmsaroundherandheldhertight,smoothing onebighandupanddownherback.Youhaveus,baby.Hechuckled. Bytheballs. She laughed through her tears and kissed his chin. You always knewtherightthingstosay. Brat.Hekissedhernose,andthenhisexpressiongrewserious.I wish I could have married you beforeyou know. He swallowed hard

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton and gazed into her eyes. The last few letters from you came the day before I was captured. Mail was always getting delayed, so I got four lettersfromyouatonce.Ineveryoneofthem,youtalkedabouttheplans youandyourmotherweremakingforthewedding.Inthelastone,you said youd found the gown of your dreams. He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. I wanted so badly to see you in that dress. I dreamed about coming home and making you my bride for twelve lonely, unendingyears. For years after hed gone missing, shed dreamed of it, too. She lookeddownattheringonherrighthandasherfingerslayoverhisheart. Thenshesatupandthrewherlegoverhis,straddlinghim.Apartofme neverstoppedbelieving.Never.Ineverfeltlikeyouweredead. Baby... She tugged at the thin band, twisting her hand this way and that, tryingto pull off theringthat had beenon her finger for more than five yearssince she married Clint and moved it from her left hand to her right.Shh.Imserious.IknewIhadtomoveonwithmylife,andIdid fallinlovewithClint.Withhim,itwasasifapartofyouwasstillaround. HeknewyouaswellasIdid.Theringfinallycameoffinherhand.He never got upset when I talked about you, when I cried about you. No othermanwouldhavebeenso...understanding.Shelookedintohiseyes andheldupthering. Whatareyoudoing? Take it.She liftedhishandandlaid thegoldband onhispalm. Wereinthistogether,right?Allthreeofus?Forever? Henodded. Holding out her left hand, she said, Then put that ring where it belongs. She tapped her index finger of her right hand against the weddingsetClinthadgivenher.Putithere. Justinfrowned,glancedatherhand,thenbackintohereyes. I, Erica Michaels, take you, Justin Blackwood as my husband. I promise to love you, cherish you,andbe yoursforeverthroughsickness and health, good times and bad, forsaking all others... She grinned. ...exceptmyotherhusband.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Justinslipstwitched,butshecouldnttellifhewassuppressinga smile or trying not to get tearyeyed. He slid the band onto her left ring finger,nudgingitupagainstClintsweddingring.I,JustinBlackwood... Hisvoicechoked,andheclearedhisthroat.Iloveyou,Erica.Therenever hasbeen,andneverwillbe,anotherwomanonearthformebutyou. Throwing her arms around his neck, she kissed him hard. He groaned and sank his tongue into her mouth, stroking ever so gently against her own. Her body sizzled, her nipples tightened. She pulled away,panting,andrestedherforeheadagainsthis.Itmightnotbelegal intheeyesofthelaw,butitcouldntbetruerinmyheart. Or mine, he whispered. Thank you. He cupped her butt and pulled her flush against his body where his aroused cock nudged her pussythroughtheirjeans. Damn,youreashornyasoftenasyouwereateighteen,shesaid, impressed he was ready to go again after the two blowjobs shed given himthatafternoon. Ive got a lot of years to make up for. He thrust his hips up, grindingagainsther.Theybothmoaned. Roofus woofed and nudged his wet nose against her bare lower backwherehershirthadpulledoutofherjeans.Sheyelpedandslidoff Justinslapwithalaugh. Damn dog, Justin grumbled. If it hadnt been for the blind cat thisafternoon,you wouldhavehadatleastthreemoreorgasmsbeforeI letyouleavetheoffice. Shelaughedharderandgotupfromthecouchtolettheoldhound dog out for his nighttime check of the area. He was as good as any securityguard,usuallyfindingaraccoonortwotoharass. Threemoretimes,hmm?sheaskedassheopenedthedoorand turned on the porch light. Pretty sure of yourself, arent you? And you cant really fault Stinky. She cant see where shes going. Shutting the door,shecrossedherarmsandgrinnedatJustinstillsittingonthecouch, his cock making a hard ridge behind his zipper. She heard noises and cametoinvestigate. Justin laughed. Yeah. Her owner sounded like a cat in heat. He

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton stood up and stalked toward her. Yowling and crying every time she came. Ericastuckhertongueoutathimandsidledsidewaystowardthe hallwaytothebedroom.Iheardafewstrangenoisescomingfromyou, too. He grabbed for her, but she danced backwards down the hall. I thinkatonepointIswallowedmytongue.RemindmetothankClintfor teachingyouhowtodothatthingwithyourfinger. Shelaughedandgrabbedthedoorknobtothebedroom.Hedidnt teachme.Ireaditinabookandtaughthim.Andyouusedtomakefunof mebecauseIreadromanceinhighschool.Withawink,sheshovedthe dooropenandturnedtomakeadashforthebed,butstopped,herbreath catchinginherthroat. The room had been transformed into a magical fantasy. Candles flickeredfromeverysurface,castingtheroomintoawarm,dancingglow. Blood red rose petals were strewn on the down comforter, one perfect bloomlyingonthecenterpillow.Clintsatontheedgeofthebedwearing only his boxers. He looked up at her, and his lips curved into a small, secretsmile. Hey,honey. She went to him, down on her knees in front of him, and hugged himaroundthewaist.Oh,Clint.Itssobeautiful. Heranhisbighandoverherhair,downherback.Wenevergotto celebrateouranniversarythisyear. I...uh...Justinstartedbackingoutoftheroom. No,Clintsaid.Dontgo.Hepattedthebednexttohim.You belongherenow.IjustwantedtodosomethingspecialforErica. She pulled back and looked up at Clint through teary eyes. Then she turned toward Justin as he sat down next to Clint. I burned Clints anniversarydinnerbecausethatsthedayitwasannouncedonthenews thatyoudbeenrescued. Clintleanedsidewiseandpickedupasmall,giftwrappedpackage fromthenightstand.AndIneverhadthechancetogiveherthegiftIgot her.Ithinkitsevenmoremeaningfulnowthanitwasamonthago.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton She pulled the shiny blue ribbon from the black velvet box and slowlyopenedthehingedlid.Sittingbackonherheels,sheranherfingers over the sparkling stones. A journey pendant, she whispered. Its so beautiful.SevendiamondsinashallowSshapecurve,eachoneslightly largerthanthelast. Clint touched her shoulder, and she looked up at him. Weve all comealongway.HeglancedatJustin.Someofusfartherthanothers. Turninghisattentionbackonher,hesmiled.Buttheresalwaysbeenone constant.Andthatsyou. JustinclappedClintontheshoulderthenpulledhiminforaquick, backslappinghug. Whentheypulledapart,Ericasetthejewelryboxonthenightstand and took Clints hands in hers. Theres something I want to tell you. Tonight, just a few minutes ago, Justin and I... She didnt know quite howtosayit. Clintturnedherlefthandoverandlookeddownatherrings,ran histhumboverwhatwas nowagroupofthree, andsmiled. Good,he said,hisvoicelow.Imglad. She saw nothing in his eyes that would make her disbelieve his words. He truly was happy she and Justin had made a commitment to each other. But she saw something else there...something she hadnt noticed until just now. His eyes were slightly glazed, and the brackets alongsidehismouthseemeddeeperthanshedeverseenthem.Hewasin pain. Clint,shewhispered,pushingtoherfeetandtippinghisheadso shecouldlookintohiseyeswithmorelight. Shh.Imokay.Hekissedherthen,andherthoughtsfled.Kissing Clint was so different from kissing Justin, yet it lit her up just the same. Herbloodsizzled,andhercorethrummedwithneed. She pushed him back and climbed over him, straddling him. He tuggedherTshirtupandbrokethekissonlylongenoughtopullitover herhead.Andthenanotherpairofhandscamearoundherfrombehind, unzippingherjeans.Justin.God,shewasoneluckywoman. While Clint cupped her breasts and kissed her deep and wet and

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton hard, Justin tugged her jeans down over her butt and delved his fingers between her legs to flick her clit. She moaned and swiveled her hips, showinghimwithoutwordsjustwheretotouch,howtotease.Aftertheir session in the office earlier, hed caught on fast. Warm moisture seeped fromherpussyandslickedhisfingers. She pulled away from Clints mouth and held herself up on all fours,lookingdownintohiseyes.Iloveyou,shewhispered. Iknow,honey.Iloveyou,too.Ialwayswill.Hisvoicewaslow, gravelly.Andhiseyesseemedevenabitmoreunfocused.Buthisfingers pluckedathernipples,pinchingslightly,justthewayheknewsheliked it. Justinthrusttwofingersdeepinsideofher,andshegroaned. Tastehercunt,buddy,Clintsaid.Tastehowgoodsheis. Justinshotmouthpressedagainstherpussy,slurpingupherjuices as he kept up the slow, deep press and draw of his fingers, rubbing againstherGspotwitheachtantalizingstroke.Justingroaned,thesound vibratingthroughher,andtheorgasmgrew. YouarethesexiestthingIveeverseen,Clintsaidashestaredup intohereyes.Yourcheeksflushed,yourbodyshaking. Betweenhiswordsandthefourhandsmakingherwild,theclimax hitwiththespeedofabullet,andshekeenedherpleasureassherocked againstJustinsfaceandhand,nevertakinghergazefromClints. Thatsit,honey.Doitagain.Doitforme. Anotherspikeoflustwentthroughher,Justinsuckledherclit,and Clintpinchedhernippleshard.Shescreamedasshecameasecondtime inasmanyminutes.Herarmscollapsed,andshelandedonClintschest. Pull her pants off, Clint said to Justin as he encircled her in his arms. Justin tugged off her jeans and underwear, then both her socks. ThenClintrolledherontoherbackandcamedownoverher.Hereached betweenthem,freedhiscockfromhisboxers,andsurgedintoherwitha hard,drivingthrustthatmadeherteethclicktogether. Hecapturedhermouthinahot,almostdesperatekissthatstoleher breathashepumpedintoherharder,deeperthansheeverremembered.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Anotherorgasmrippedthroughher,andstillhekeptmoving,pummeling intoher.Hegrabbedherlegsandpulledthemuphighonhissides,and stillhekeptgoing. The tip of his cock hit her sweet spot repeatedly, which kept her flying on the edge. One orgasm after another went through her, one on topofanotheruntilsherippedhermouthfromhisandscreamedlongand loudwhilesheclungtohisshoulders. He kept going though, harder, faster, his breaths hot against her neck where hed buried his face. His animalistic grunts spurred her on evenmore.Shedneverhadhimlikethis,sowildanduntamed. She screamed his name as a climax so hard it clenched every muscleinherbodyseizedher.Witharoar,Clintcame,hiscumspurting intoherhotandhard.Andthenhecollapsednexttoher,breathinghard. Fuck her, Justin, he said through his pants before Erica could evenbegintogatherherwitsbacktogether.Keephergoing. Justin must have stripped while Clint had been inside of her because suddenly he was there, in her, and the sensations were too powerfultocomprehend.Hehadntclimaxedinherpussyfortwelvelong years,andnowhe was buriedinside her again. Hard and hot and thick, glidingwiththecombinationofherandClintsjuices.Wantingtofeelthat pinnacle of perfection, that erotic instance of complete abandonment, he gruntedandpumpedintoherwithmoreforcethaneverbefore. She gripped his shoulders, dug her nails in for purchase, and lockedheranklestogetherbehindhisback. Hespearedhishandsunderherass,tiltedherpelvisslightly,and slammedintoheroverandover,justasClinthaddone. The orgasm built again, growing and growing until she thrashed herheadfromsidetoside,cryingout,needingtherelease. Then Clints hand was between their bodies, his fingers pinching herclit. Justin shouted as her muscles tightened around him, and when theycametogether,theircombinedcriesrangthroughtheroom.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton

ChapterNine
Clintstaredattheceilingaslightsexplodedinhiseyes,thepainin hisheadsointenseittookallhiswillpowernottogasp. Itwastime. Tears burned his eyes from the pain, from the emotional turmoil swirling through him, making him nauseous. Hed wanted tonight to be specialforErica.Forhimself.Thelasttimehedtouchher,holdher,love her. Even the morphine pill hed taken an hour earlier didnt seem to slowthe agony pounding in hisbrain.He was surprisedhed evenbeen abletogetitup,butonceEricawasoverhim,thelightofloveandlustin hereyes,ithadntbeendifficult.Thedesperationhedfeltashelovedher had been too real, and he prayed she hadnt noticed. It had been hard enoughtokeepherfromaskingaboutthepain;shedobviouslyseenthe effectsofthedrugswhenshedlookedintohiseyes. As the fireworks blazing behind his eyes slowly faded to small pops of white light, he turned his head and looked at his beloved. She faced him, curled against his side, Justins arm around her waist, their bodiesspoonedtogetherintheperfectfit. Shewaswhereshebelonged. Thefingersofhislefthandtingledasifithadfallenasleep,yethed not laid on it. He lifted his right hand to touch the perfect curve of her cheek. She nuzzled his palm and sighed. He touched her hair, lightly trailing his fingers through the silky mass. The guttering candle flames

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton castherinanetherealgoldenglow.Shelookedsopeaceful.Heplacedthe softestkissonherlipsthenpulledaway,rollingtothesideofthebedand sittingup. Asifarailroadspikedrovethroughhisskull,hegrabbedhishead andbithistonguetokeepfrommoaning.Thefireworksstartedupagain, blindinghim. Hehadtogetoutofthere.Now.Beforehecollapsed.Hecouldnt let Erica see him this way. Shed survived too much as it was. Losing Justin,herparents,alltheirparents. Thank you, God. Thank you for bringing Justin home. For giving him backtoherbefore... Beforeyoucalledmehome. Bitternessbitathim,buthetriedtopushitaway.Forthelasttwo weekshedtriedtotellhimselfthiswassomegreaterplan.Ericaneeded Justintobefulfilled,tohavethelifeshewasmeanttohave.Andbecause he was selfish and couldnt let her go, he needed to be taken out of the picture. Itwasasisitwasmeanttobe. Butitstillfuckingpissedhimoff! EricamightnevermournhimthewayshedoncemournedJustin, buthisdeathwouldstillhurther.Andthatpissedhimoffevenmore.She wasthelastpersonintheworldhewantedinpainofanykind. He tried to stand, but his left leg gave out, and he plopped back down on the bed. Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck. He gripped the corner of the nightstandinhisrighthandandleveredhimselfup. Hey,Justinsaid,hisvoicesleepy. Blowingoutthecandles,Clintsaid,buthisvoicesoundedthick andtight. Youokay? Fine.Hewasafraidtomove,toletgoofthenightstandforfear hedtoppleover.Gobacktosleep. His back to the bed, he heard the blankets rustling, and assumed JustincoveredhimselfandErica. Gnight,Justinmumbled,alreadysoundinghalfasleep.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Clint clenched his jaw. He wanted to crawl back into the bed and wraphisarmsaroundbothofthem.Theydbeeneverythingtohimsince childhood. His friends, confidants, and eventually Erica had become his loverandwife.Theselfishpartofhimdidntwanttogooffalonetodie. Heneededthemwithhim. ButhecouldntdothattoErica.Notaftershedwatchedhismother dieofcancer. He stepped forward, gingerly testing his footing. He stayed upright, but his left leg was numb, rubbery. He grabbed the edge of the dresserandblewoutthecandlestherefirst,thenhobbledtotheotherside of the room where more candles glowed from the top of a chest of drawers. Theroomfellintodarknessexceptforthebrightflashesoflightin his head, which made it nearly impossible to see. Guided by the faint illuminationfromtheyardlampsoutside,hewenttothecloset,usingthe wall as a guide and support, and pulled out the duffle bag hed packed earlier that night. It contained his travel gear, shaving kit, medication, a couplechangesofclothesthoughhedoubtedhedneedany more than theoneheddontonight. Heslowlymadehiswaytothebedroomdoorandturnedbackone lasttime.Thetwowerecuddledtogetheronthebed,asinglelumpunder thecovers. He closed his eyes, fighting the sorrow, then turned away and limped down the hallway to the office, where he pulled on clothes from theduffle.Hisfingersofhislefthandwerentcooperatingatall,makingit nearly impossible to button his fly. He could barely pull on his pair of socks, and struggling into his boots was a feat that left him winded and his head throbbing so bad he was ready to lie down right there on the floorandnevermoveagain. Gaspingthroughtheagony,heleanedagainstthedeskandcradled hishead,beggingforthepaintoholdofflongenoughforhimtogetoutof thehousebeforeittookhimdowncompletely. When the fireworks eased and the pounding lessened to that of a jackhammer, he pulled open the top drawer of the desk and pulled out

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton twothickmanilaenvelopes. ThetoponewasforErica.Theotherwashislivingwillhewould turnovertothedoctorsstatinghewantednoheroicmeasurestokeephim alive. No life support. No resuscitation. When he went, he wanted to go peacefully. Usingthedeskforsupport,hestood,pickeduphisbag,andnearly fellonhisfacewhenhelosthisbalance. Ten more minutes, he ground out between clenched teeth. He had to get out of there. Hed lain in that bed too long, hoping the pain wouldsubside,prayinghehadonemoreday.Butthepainonlyincreased, the popping of his neurons, the fucking lightshow going on that nearly blindedhim...Itnevergotanybetter. He shuffled to the door, flipped off the light and, leaning heavily onthewall,wentdownthehallwaytothelivingroom.Hestoppedfora moment, squeezing his eyes shut tight to ward off the absolute torture, butitdidntlessen. The only place he could think to leave the envelope for Erica that shed see it first thing in the morning was in front of the coffeemaker. It washerfirststopeveryday.Thekitchenseemedsofaraway. Grippingtheenvelopesinhisrighthand,hemadehiswayaround theperimeterofthelivingroomusingthewallforsupport,thenrounded thebreakfastbarintothekitchen.Hesettheoneenvelopeonthecounter directlyinfrontofthecoffeemaker.Theduffleslippedfromhisshoulder, thuddingtothefloor. Tears dropped from his eyes as he laid his palm against the envelope.Thiswasthehardestthinghedeverdone. He took the second envelope and tucked it into the front of his jeans. The paramedics were sure to find it there. It had to get to the doctors. The alternative was unacceptable. Then he carefully bent and grabbedthehandleofhisbag.Lightsexploded,aloudringinginhisright ear.Heliftedthebagontohisrightshoulder,tookthecellphonefromthe charger on the counter, and hobbled toward the front door, using furnituretokeepfromfalling. Hehadnofeelinginhisleftlegorhand.Noneatall.Hetuckedthe

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton phoneunderhischinsohecouldopenthedoorwithhisrighthand. Roofusshovedthedooropen,rippingitfromhisgrip,slammingit against the wall, which made him cringe. The dog sniffed his leg then headedataleisurelymeanderdownthehallwaytotheguestroomwhere heslept.Hewasevengoingtomisstheold,uglydog.AndSkeeter,and thewalkingporkchop. Eventhe blindcatthatalways showedup at the mostinopportunemomentsforattention. Hesilentlypulledthedoorshutbehindhim,refusingtolookback into the house Erica had fallen in love with on sight and turned into a warm home filled with love. He shoved the cell into his shirt pocket, knowinghedneedhisonegoodhandtogettothetruck. Navigatingthethreestepsdownfromtheporchproveddifficultto the point he stumbled on the last one, and only the handrail kept him from landing in the dirt. He whimpered at the throbbing in his skull. Fuck,ithurt! Thetrucksattwentyfeetaway,withnothingbetweenhimanditto holdonto.Slowly,carefully,heshuffledacrosstheyard,makingsurehis left foot actually made purchase before he tried to step on it. When he reached the drivers side, he gripped the door handle and leaned his forehead against the cold metal. Sweat trickled down his back from the effortofstayinguprightandthebattlehewaslosingagainstthepain. He opened the door and dragged himself into the drivers seat usingthesteeringwheelforpurchase.Hehadtodraghisleftlegintothe truckwiththewaningstrengthinhisrighthand. He shoved the duffle onto the passenger seat and started the vehicle.ThankGod,itwashisleftfootandnothisdrivingfootthatdidnt work. Without turning on the lights, he turned the truck around in the wide yard and headed down the driveway, not even putting his foot on the gas, concentrating with everything he had to keep the tires on the rough,gravelroad. Abrightlightflaredinhishead.Pain.Agonizing,debilitatingpain shot through his skull, and he slammed on the brake, squeezed his eyes shut,andthetruckskiddingslightlyontherocks.Hehadntmadeitfar, noteventothecattleguard,butheknewifheturnedtolook,thehouse

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton would beout of sight over a slight rise. It was far enough. When he did openhiseyes,hecouldntseeforamoment.Thenherealizeditwasonly hisrighteyehecouldntseeoutof.Hedlosthissight.Itwasgone. Hecouldntdriveonandriskharmingothermotorists.Heshoved thegearshiftintoPark,turnedofftheignition.Hottearscourseddownhis cheeks,hecouldntdoanythingaboutit.Hedneverenvisionedhisdeath thisway. Goredbyabull.Trampledbyahorse.Hell,afuckingcarwrecklike Justinsparents.Notthisslowtorture.WhenhedbeenintheGulfduring DesertStorm,hislifewasonthelinedayandnight.Ithadntmeantmuch then.Hewouldhavegladlydiedforhiscountry. Now... He wrapped his right arm around himself and dropped his head backontheseat.Aroughsobtorefromhischest.Hewasscared.Andso fuckingalone! He reached for the duffle, ripped open the zipper with his right hand,andfumbledarounduntilhisfingersclosedoverapillbottle.Using his teeth, he popped open the lid and took two of the morphine tablets. For just an instant, he thought of taking the entire bottle, ending it here andnow. ButthenJustinorEricawouldbetheonetofindhim.Hecouldnt dothat. Hedroppedthebottlebackinthebag,heardthepillsspill,didnt care. Extracting the phone from his shirt pocket, he flipped it open. He couldbarelyseethenumbersinthedarkness,betweenhisblurredvision and the spikes of light popping and sizzling behind his eye. Luckily, it didnttakemuchtodial911. BrowningEmergency.Police,fireorambulance? He recognized the dispatchers voice. Becky, this is Clint Michaels. Browning was so small, everyone knew everyone, and there wereonlythreedispatchersfortheentirearea.Beckyhadgonetoschool withthem,thoughshedbeenafewyearsyounger.Shedmarriedafew yearsbackandhadababygirlnamedSally. God,hedwantedtohaveababywithErica.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Hey,Clint.Whatshappened? Thebuzzinginhisheadgrew,practicallydrowningouthervoice. Listen.Ineedanambulance.Iminmytruck,aboutfiftyyardsfromthe endofmydriveway.Tellthemnottousethesirens. Uh...okay.Whats...wrong? He shut his eyes against a wave of dizziness and nausea. I need youtotelltheparamedicsIhaveabraintumor.Ivetakentwomorphine tablets about five minutes ago. One about two hours...ago... His tongue seemedtobethickening.Inthewaistbandofmy...jeans...Hesuckedina deepbreath.Livingwill...Doctorsname...Helena... Hedroppedthephone,andhisheadlolledtotheside,tooheavyto holdup. Clint! Clint! he heard Becky calling as the phone lay on his lap, buthecouldntmovehishandtopickitup.Theambulancewillbethere infifteenminutes.Canyouhearme? He let the darkness move in, glad in that instant that the bright fireworksweregone.Thepaineased.Theringinginhisears...

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton

ChapterTen
Erica stretched and yawned, bumping against Justin when she liftedherarmsaboveherhead. Justin mumbled something, wrapped his arm around her, and threwhislegoverhers.Thethick,solidlengthofhiscockrubbedagainst herthigh,andshelaughed. Shh,hewhisperedandkissedhershoulder.Hishandmovedup overherbellytocupherbreast.Itstooearlytogetup. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It was after eight. Nope.Timetogetoutofbed.Animalsneedtobefed.Whenshetriedto pullaway,hetightenedhisgriparoundherandthrusthiships,rubbing himselfagainsther. Sheswattedhishandanchoringhertothebedandlaughedagain. Igottapee,shewhined,butthengiggledwhenhescrapedhiswhiskery cheekagainstherbareshoulder. He growled and nipped at her neck as she wiggled, trying to get awayandacrossthebed. Stopit,shesaidaroundalaughasshedoveoffthebedandout ofhisreach. Hechuckledandpeekedovertheedgeofthebedathersittingon thefloor.Okay.Iguessyougottapee.Hewinkedandfloppedbackon thebedwithayawn.Fuck,thisranchlifeisapainintheass. She shoved her hair out of her face and got up, headed for the bathroom. Nope. You love it. I know you do. Its not like you didnt

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton spendeighteenyears onyourdaddys ranchtelling mehowyou loved ranching and workin the land, how you dreamed of following in his footsteps.Shestoppedatthedoorandturnedbacktolookathim,tofind himstaringather.Hiscockwasrockhardasitlayagainsthisabdomen, andhiseyesblazedwiththeheatoflust. Cantfoolyou,canI? Gripping the doorframe to the bathroom, she struck a little pose, assandbreastsout,andraisedaneyebrowathim. Hechuckledandrolledover,wrappinghisarmsaroundhispillow. Youreabrat. Sheflungherhairoverhershoulderwithaquickflickofherhead. Iknow.Andyoulovemeanyway. Mmm.Gotthatright,baby.Nowgodowhatyouneedtodo.Ill waithere. She laughed and shut the bathroom door, then turned the lock in casehechangedhismind.Shehadsomethingtotakecareofthismorning anddidntwanttobedisturbed. Giddinessmadeherhandsshakeassheopenedthecabinetunder the sink and got down on her knees to reach far in the back, behind the sparerollsoftoiletpaper,andpulledoutthelittlebox. Shewastwoweekslate,andthelastfewdayssincesheboughtthe pregnancy test had nearly killed her. But shed wanted to make sure beforeshewastedthetenbucksithadcost.Butaftertwoweekswithno period,andtheslightacheinherbreasts,shewasalreadyconvinced. Sheclimbedtoherfeet,fumbledtheboxopen,andpulledoutthe test and the instructions. Her hands really shook now. She scanned the directions,pulledoffthelid,satonthetoilet,andpeedonthestick. Five minutes. Five long damn minutes. She put the lid back on it, checked the test area that was supposed to turn color, saw that it was working,andstartedcounting. Oneonethousand.Twoonethousand. No,thatwouldjustmakeherinsane.Shower.Shedtakeashower. Sheturnedonthewaterandgotinbeforeitwashot.Shelathered herhair,rinsed,thenputintheconditioner.Notmorethantwominutes

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton hadgoneby,shewassure.Okay...Shegrabbedherrazorandthecanof shavingcream. Crap!Shenickedherselfonthefirstswipe.Thiswouldntdo.She rinsed off the cream and stood under the warm spray to clean the conditioneroutofherhair.Shedshavetomorrow. Flexingherfingers,sheforcedherselftostandthereandnotgetout tocheckit.Butshereallywantedto.Really,really,really.Screwit,she mumbled and turned off the water, opened the curtain, and grabbed a towel off the rack, purposely avoiding a glance toward the counter and thetest. Another minutemaybeshe spent drying off and squeezing the waterfromherhair.Thenshesteppedoutofthetubandtookherrobeoff thebackofthedoor,stillavoidinganylooktowardthecounter. Coulditbefiveminutesyet? She grabbed her brush and turned her back to the counter. One hundred strokes later, shed reached her limit. Turning back, she closed her eyes, set the brush on the counter, then slowly opened her eyes and lookedatthetest. Blueplussign. She slammed her hand over her mouth to keep in the squeal of surpriseandjoy.Yes!Yes,yes,yes! Grabbingthetest,shedancedacircle,wavingherhandsintheair. Impregnant.Impregnant!Thensheshovedthetestintothedeeppocketof herrobeandjerkedopenthebathroomdoor. Justin still lay naked, curled around the pillow, looking so damn sexy,allleanmusclesandroundbottomshewantedtosinkherteethinto. Ittookeverythingshehadnottoshoutherhappinesstotheworld. Instead,shewenttothebedandslappedhimontheass.Getup. Shelaughedanddancedbackwardswhenhegrabbedforherwith agrowl. Comeon.Comeon.Getup.WeneedtogofindClint. He scowled up at her, his eyes narrowed. Why? Rolling to his back, he stretched and yawned wide. Hes probably out playing with bulldicksorsomething.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Agiggleslippedoutofherasshewenttothedresserandpulleda pairofbriefsoutofthedrawer.Comeon.IhavesomethingIneedtotell thetwoofyou.Hurryup! Hetooktheunderwearfromherandsatup,pullingthemonwitha grumble.MaybeIshouldmovebackouttothebarn.Itsquieteroutthere inthemorning. She stuck her tongue out at him as he stood up and tucked his semierectcockintotheunderwear. He rolled his eyes and came toward her, but she dashed out the door, heading for the living room, where she assumed shed find Clint readingthenewspaperashedideverymorning. Hewasntthere.Shefrowned. Fuck!Justincursedashestumbledintothelivingroom.Teacup snorted. SheturnedtofindTeacupwithhersnoutinJustinsgroin. Ericaburstoutlaughing.Shesjustsayinggoodmorning. He sidestepped the pig, only to almost land on his face when Skeeterzippeddownthehallandaroundhisfeet,headingforthedoor. Sonofabitch.Theyregoingtokillme. Still chuckling, Erica opened the front door to let Skeeter outside. ShelookedoutintotheyardandsawClintspickupwasgone. Damn. Clinttellyouwhathehadplannedthismorning?sheasked. No.Why? She shut the door and turned toward Justin who still stood in the living room wearing nothing but his black briefs. A bit of her happy balloon deflated. He doesnt usually go anywhere without telling me first. Maybe he just ran into Browning to the Feed and Seed or something.Sheshrugged. Heyawnedandrubbedhishandthroughhisshorthair.Well.You cantellmeyournews,cantyou? Shedreallywantedtotellthemtogether,butshejustcouldntkeep it inside any longer. After sucking in a deep breath, her smile returned. Shepulledthetestoutofherpocket,andsaid,Imgoingtohaveababy.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Justins face went blank for a moment before it looked as if his knees buckled and he landed hard on the loveseat. He stared at her, his mouthopeningandclosinglikeafishoutofwater. Shefrowned.Justin? I...uh...Heswallowedhard. Teacupwaddleduptohimandrestedherheadonhisknee. He looked down at her then back at Erica. Thats...great, baby. When he laid his hand on Teacups head and scratched the pigs ears, Ericaknewhedidntbelievewhathesaid. She went to him, satdown next to him, and took his hand. Why areyouupset? He refused to face her, to look at her. She studied his profile, his strong jaw, the hard lines that hadnt been there twelve years ago. His handlaylimpwithinbothofhers.HestillscratchedTeacupshead. FearsettledinEricasgut.Thiswassupposedtobeahappy time. She thought... Justin. His name came out as barely a whisper. This doesntchangeanything. Adry,almostdesperatesoundinglaughcameoutofhim.Right. Hestoodinarush,forcingTeacuptostepbackwards.Thepiggruntedher displeasureandheadedofftowardthekitchen. YouandClintaregoingtohaveababy,andyoustillwantanother maninyourbed?Givemeabreak.Heslashedahandthroughhishair. Im outta here. He headed down the hallway toward their bedroom, andittookEricaamomenttoprocesswhathedsaid. No.No,Justin.Sheranafterhim,grabbinghisarmbeforehegot through the bedroom door. Dont leave. Please. Desperately she held ontohiswristwithbothhands. Hestoppedandlookeddownather,andthepaininsidehimwas evidentinhiseyes,inthepressofhislips.Shedidntknowwhattosay, whattodo.WherewasClint?Heshouldhavebeenhere.Healwaysknew whattosay,andsheknewhedidntwantJustingoneanymorethanshe did.Ababywasagoodthing,ahappything.AndJustinshouldsharein it. She wanted her baby to know him, to love him. And maybe there wouldbemorechildrenlater,oneshefathered.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Ifhedidntleave. Shewrappedherarmsaroundhiswaistandheldon,pressingher face against his shoulder. Youre part of this family now, Justin. Dont youknowthat?Youcantleave.Weneedyou. Hedidntwraphisarmsaroundher,andherdesperationgrew. Please,Justin.Iloveyou.Iloveyou.Youcantgo.Notnow.Not ever. Hegrippedherarms,pushingherawayslightly,butdidntletgo. His painfilled gaze bore into her. How the fuck do you expect me... Erica, he said on a soft sigh, closing his eyes. He pulled her against his chestandheldhertight.DontyouseeIhavetogonow? Sheshookherheadandclungtohim.Please... He buried his face against her hair and breathed in, and then he pushedheraway,turnedintothebedroom,andwentrighttothecloset. Paincurledthroughher.What...whatareyoudoing?Shegripped thedoorframeforsupportbecauseherlegswentweak,herheadlight. WhatIshouldhavedonethemomentIfoundoutthetwoofyou weremarried.Imgettingoutofheresoyoucanhaveyourfamily. No!Asobtorefromherthroat.Dont. Hedidntlookatherashegrabbedhisdufflebagoffthetopshelf andstartedpullingclothesfromthehangers. Sheturnedawayandstumbleddownthehallway,blindedbyher tears.ShehadtofindClint.Hedknowwhattosay.Healwaysknewwhat to say. He wouldnt let Justin leave. There had to be some way to work thisout. Shesearchedthecounterforthecellphone,andseeingitgone,she grabbed the phone from the wall mount and dialed the cells number. Clintneverleftthehousewithouthiscell. Thecustomeryouhavedialediscurrentlyunavailable.Pleasetry yourcallagainlater. Shit.Heeitherforgottoturniton,orhewasoutinthefieldswhere receptionwasshoddyatbest. Shedialedthenumberagain,butgotthesamerecording. Tearscourseddownhercheeks,andshedroppedthephoneonthe

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton counter.Thats when shenoticed thefatmanilaenvelopewith her name scrawledacrossthefrontinClintshandwriting. Sheswipedthetearsfromhereyeswiththebackofherhandand pickeduptheenvelope.Itwasheavy,obviouslyfullofpapers.Sheturned itover,openedtheprongs,liftedtheflap,andpulledoutthethicksheafof papers. On top was an envelope the size of a card, again her name was writtenacrossitinClintshand. When she picked up the white envelope, her blood drained from herfaceasshesawthewritingonthetopsheetofpaper.LivingWillfor ClintW.Michaels. Shewentcold.Whywasthissittingonthekitchencounter? Her heart thudded at a frantic pace against her breastbone as she turnedoverthewhiteenvelopeandpulledthecardfromwithin. Onthefrontwasasingleredrose.Nowordstoindicatewhatkind of card it might be. Her birthday passed a few months ago. Their anniversarywaslongover. Sheknewitcouldntbegood.Wherewashe? She reached for the phone and hit Redial. Again the recorded messagecameonsayinghewasunavailable. Bitingherbottomlip,shesetthephonedownandopenedthecard. Mylove, By the time you read this, Ill be hospitalized. Or already gone.Pleasedontcryanddontbemad. Ive wanted to tell you several times about the severity of myillness,butthenIknewifIdidthatIwouldonlycauseyouto sufferandworrysooner.Icherishthesmileonyourbeautifulface toomuch to cause afrown, and I couldntbear to see your tears. So, please forgive me for doing it this way. I hope you can understandthatIhadtodowhatIthoughtbestforyou. Iloveyou.Ialwayshave. I told Justin recently that my feelings for you began long beforewhathappenedinIraq.Itstrue.Ineverwouldvewishedfor anyonetogothroughwhathedid,neverwantedyoutosufferand

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton yet, Ill be forever grateful for the chance to show you how much youmeantomethechancetowitnesstheloveyouveshownme in your eyes. Every moment Ive shared with you, the highs and lows,havebeenablessing,andImthankfultohavehadtheyears wedid. The tumor I have is inoperable, the cancer terminal. As I write this, I dont know how much time I have left, but the pain tells me my time is short. I know you wont want to accept that. Youll want me to seek treatment, to find a cure, to try every possibleremedymedicine,science,andhocuspocuscouldconjure up.Youalwayswereafighter,asurvivorwithaheartofgold,and thats one of the many things I love about you. Its also what convinces me that youll make it without me. That has been my biggest regretleaving you. So, words cant express how glad I am to know that now Im not leaving you alone, that Justin is back.IteasesmyworrybecauseIknowhelovesyouasmuchasI do. Ineverwantedtocauseyoupain,onlyhappiness.Pleasebe happy,staystrong,andrememberthatImeantitwhenIvowedto loveyoutildeathdouspart. Withallmyheart, Clint Ericacollapsedtoherkneeswithacryofanguish.No! ***** Ericascryechoedthroughthehouse,freezingJustininthemiddle of buttoning his shirt. He closed his eyes and fought the pain radiating through his heart. He had to go. He couldnt stay here. Clint and Erica weregoingtohaveababy,andhewasthesquarepegthatdidntfitinto theroundhole. It couldnt work. Hed known it from the beginning, from the moment Clint showed up in the barn and caught him holding Erica.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton SharingEricawithhimwasonething.EvenClint,asaltruisticashewas, wouldntshareachild.Couldnt. He envisionedthechildracing intothe bedroomto awakenthem, EricaandClint,withnewsofSantaonChristmasmornings,orcrawlingin betweenthemafterhavinganightmareaboutmonstersinthecloset. No matter how hard he tried, he couldnt fit himself into those pictureperfect images of childhood. And he wasnt so selfish to force themtotryeither. Fuck,heshouldhavethoughtthisthroughbetterbeforeitstarted, but Clint hadnt given him time. How was he supposed to have reacted whenClinttoldhertokisshim?WhenEricadidthatandmore?Whenshe wentdownonhiminthebarn?HewasamanforChristssake.Onewho hadntbeenwithawomanwithherintwelvefuckingyears. Hejammedhisshirttailsintohisjeansandfastenedhisfly. Ericas soft sobbing carried to him down the hall, and he hated himselfformakinghercry.Butthiscouldonlyhaveoneoutcome.Better hedotherightthing,regardlessofhowmuchitsucked.Bettertogetthe fuck out of Dodge now, rather than be forced out later, or worsecome between a childs parents. Shed married Clint. She was having Clints baby.Endofstory. Hegrabbedhisduffleoffthebedandslungitoverhisshoulder.He should have realized when no protection had been used that pregnancy wasapossibility.Hedstupidlyassumedshewasonthepill.Notuntillast night, when Clint gave him clearcut permission, had Justin fully taken herthatway.Theydsharedoralsex,orhedfuckedherass.Theonetime hed slipped inside of her pussy, hed withdrawn long before either of themfoundrelease. No,therewasnodoubtthatthechildshecarriedwasClints.And Clintdeservedthechancetoraisehischild,tobeafatherwithoutanother maninthepicture. He glanced back at the big bed, around the room, then headed downthehall,intentonleavingbeforehechangedhismind.Heneeded to be gone before Clint got home and heard the news of their child. As muchashehatedit,heshouldbeoutoftheirlivesforgood.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Fuckingsonofabitch!Ithurt.Itwouldhavebeenbettertogetout beforehedbeengiventhegiftoftouchingErica,holdingher,lovingher onceagain.Hedforgottentheheaventhatcouldbefoundburieddeepin her pussy, until last night. But it wasnt his heaven. Wherever he went now,thememorieswouldhaunthim. Still, this was the right thing to do. He just hoped he was man enoughtodoit. When he walked into the living room, he heard Ericas jagged crying,buthedidntseeher.Thesoundcamefromthekitchen,ofwhich hehadclearview. Shit.Hefeltlikeatotalbastard.Maybeheshouldjustgo.Heknew Clintwouldunderstand,butwouldEricaeverforgivehim? Damnit.Hecouldntjustwalkoutwithoutaword,withouttrying toexplain.Deepdownshehadtoknowhewasonlygoingbecauseitwas best for them and the baby. They deserved a shot at being a normal family.Theydidntneedhimthrownintothemixtoscrewthingsup. Hedroppedhisbagbythedoorandheadedtowardthesoundof herdeep,heartwrenchingsobs.Hefoundheronthefloor,leaningagainst thecabinets,herfaceburiedagainstthepigsneck. Fuck!Hisheartbroke,yethegrittedhisteethandforcedthewords out.Erica.Imleaving.Hekepthisdistance,afraidhedpullherintohis arms and never let go. He didnt want to go; he had to go. His honor demandedit. Maybe in a few years, he could come back and play the role of UncleJustin,butrightnowHelovedhertoomuch,andrespectedClint toomuch,tonotdowhatwasright,nomatterhowmuchithurt. Awail,sosharpandfilledwithpain,camefromher.Itpiercedhis heart,nearlybucklinghisknees. Erica,baby,Imsorry,butitsforthebest.Youknowthis. She lifted her head and looked at him through swollen eyes. Her noseranandwasred,hercheekssplotchy. Something wasnt right. The look on her face, the sorrow he witnessedwasmorethanhecouldbear.Asenseofuneasydreadcrawled uphisspine.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Sheheldoutherhandtowardhim.Initwasacardwitharoseon thefront. He frowned and stepped forward, took the card, and flipped it open.HescannedClintsneathandwriting. Oh,dearGod.Hisstomachclenchedasbileroseinhisthroat.He looked at Erica where she sat on the floor, the giant pig practically sprawledacrossherlap.Erica... Another sob tore from her. She wrappedher arms aroundthe pig andburiedherfaceagainstitsneck.Why?shecried.Why?

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton

ChapterEleven
Justin stood stock still for the longest moment of his life. Sickness churned in his gut. The sight of Erica on the floor, so distraught, tore a holeasbigasMontanainhisheart.Isthiswhatshedgonethroughwhen hewentMIA?Whohadbeenthereforherthen? Clint. Oh, God, baby. He fell to his knees, shoved the pig out of his way,andpulledEricaintohisarms. She turnedher head, buriedher faceagainstthefront of hisshirt, andsobbed,herwholebodyshakingwiththeforceofheranguish. Shh.Shh,babe.Please.Hisheartshattered. Hetriedtothink.Triedtoassimilatewhathedjustread.Clintwas dyingmight already be dead. He swallowed back the bile crawling up histhroat. Shh.Fuck.Whatcouldhesay? They needed to find out where he went. Needed to find him. He shouldntbealonenow.No,Justinknewwhatitwasliketobeneardeath and alone. After hed been captured, hed barely survived the beatings, the torture. Hed begged God to kill him then, take him away from the humiliationandpain. He rocked Erica, praying her jagged breathing didnt lead to hyperventilation.Calmdown,babe.Calmdown. If Clint was still alive, they needed to find him. To be there with him,forhim.Wheresthephonebook?

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Ericahiccuppedandgrippedhisshoulder. Babe, he said, his voice stronger now that he had a plan. Wheresyourphonebook?Weneedtolocatehim.Heobviouslywentto a hospital, right? He would have had to. Unless heno. He couldnt thinkthatway. Clint would want at least the comforts of a hospital. He wouldnt go off to die alone, completely alone, like an injured wolf. He wouldnt wander off on their land, somewhere remote, to die where Erica might findhimhisbodymuchlater. Please,lethimhavebeensaneenoughtomaketherightdecision. WhenEricadidntrespond,hetookherbytheshouldersandgave heralittleshake.Phonebook. Shelookedupat him throughswollen eyesand slowlyraised her hand,pointingatadrawernearthephonecharger.Hesetheroffhislap, gotup,andrippedopenthedrawer.Hegrabbedthelocalphonebookand looked up the number to Browning Memorial Hospital. He grabbed the phonefromthecounteranddialed. Lessthananhourlater,theywereinEricascar,headingdownthe driveway. Theyd been able to track him down through the Browning hospitalwherehedbeenbroughtattwothatmorningviaambulanceand MedEvacedtoHelena. Erica sat silent in the passenger seat as her little Nissan rumbled overtheroughgraveldrive.Shehadntsaidawordtohiminallthetime sincefinding thecard fromClint.Theyhada fourhour driveto Helena, andJustinwasterrifiedshewashavingsomekindofmentalbreakdown. Moreimportantly,thestresswasntgoodforthebaby. He glanced over at her again to find her staring out the side window,herhandoverhermouth,silenttearsslidingdownhercheeks. When he turned to look out the windshield, he slammed on the brakes hard, throwing out his arm to stop Erica from lurching forward, even though she wore her seatbelt. Clints truck sat in the middle of the drive. He knew from talking with the ambulance driver from last night, theydpulledanunconsciousClintfromhistruck.Hejusthadntrealized

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton it was at the end of their longassed driveway. He pulled around the pickup, dipping two wheels into the soft shoulder, and back onto the gravelroadway. After they crossed the cattle guard and pulled out onto the smoother surface of the paved highway, he gunned the accelerator. Out here, with the lack of traffic and straightass roads, fuck the speed limit. He punched the button to turn on the emergency flashers. His heart lurched as he thought of Clint alone, in an impersonal hospital room, aloneandinpain. Whydhesneakaway?Ericaasked,hervoicejustbarelyaudible overthesoundofthetiresontheroad. Becausehedidntwanttohurtyou.Thoughhedidntagree,he understood. He was afraid of putting you through more pain. He graspedthesteeringwheelinagripthatwhitenedhisknuckles. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Erica turn to look at him. He kepthisattentionontheroad. Didyouknow? He gave his head a quick shake. No. He told me they were migraines. Hismothersufferedwithcancerfortwoyearsbeforeshedied.He swore...Asoftsobslippedoutofher.Hesworehedneverputhimself throughwhatshewentthroughifitcametohim...Hestooyoung... Shebrokedownagain,andallJustincoulddowasreachoverand takehersmall,delicatehandinhis.Giveitalittlesqueeze.Thisexplained so much. The acceptance of Justin into their marriagetheir bed. Clint wanting him to learn the ways and wherefores of semen collection. Teaching him about the bulls, riding the land with him. All along, Clint knewthisdaywascoming.Andthestubbornassholehadntbotheredto sayanythingtohim! He bit back the curses and stared at the seemingly endless road ahead. Hedjust gottenhisbrotherback,andnowhe lost himagain.He gripped Ericas hand a little tighter and fought the anguish in his own heart.Hehadtobestrongnow... Ericaneededhim.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton ***** ImDr.Hastings.YoumustbeMrs.Michaels. Justin turned to see the distinguished, whitehaired doctor in a starkwhitedressshirtandpalebluetiegraspEricashandinafirmshake. Yes,shesaid,hervoicesoft.Atleasthertearshadstopped,and shedwashedherface,takingawaysomeofthetracesofhersadness. Theyd waited mere seconds, though it felt more like agonizing minutes,toseethedoctor.ThenurseattheICUstationwouldnotletthem seeClintuntiltheydspokentohisneurologistwhodbeencalledinfrom hisofficenearby. Ishestillalive? The doctor gave a slight nod and reached for Justins hand. And youare...? JustinBlackwood Clintsbrother,Ericacutin,andherealizeditwassothedoctor wouldntaskhimtoleave.HeputhishandonEricaslowerback,silently showinghissupport.ItdtakeabrigadeofMarinestopullhimawayfrom hersiderightnow. Her body trembled beneath his touch, proving she was nowhere nearassteadyasshepresentedtotheworld. JustinshookDr.Hastingshand.Howishe? The doctor shook his head as he released Justins hand. Hes dying. Ericashuddered. Im terribly sorry. Theres no way to soften the blow. When he arrived this morning, he had just experienced a massive stroke, which paralyzedhisentireleftsideandblindedhisrighteye.Hesbeenslipping inandoutofconsciousnesssincethen. Ericaswallowedsothicklyheheardit. Justin asked the question to which neither of them really wanted theanswer.Howlong? The doctor shook his head again. Honestly, Im surprised hes

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton lasted this long. Hes a real fighter, but the pressure of the tumor is too great. Its pressing on the receptors in his brain that control the natural functions of his body. His organs are shutting down. He paused and drewinadeepbreath.Itsonlyamatteroftime. The muscles of Ericas back contracted under his hand, but she didntbudge.Sheswallowedagain.Iwanttoseehim. Of course. He may be unresponsive, though. We have him on heavymedicationtocontrolthepain. Justinnodded,histhroattootighttoformwords.Hedglancedat Clints living will while Erica had gotten dressed. He knew Clint didnt wantanylifesavingmeasures.Hiswishwastodiewithdignity.Nolife support,noresuscitation. Thankyou,Doctor,Ericasaid,hervoicestrongbutwithaslight quavertoit. Dr.Hastingsheldouthishandtowardaroomjustafewfeetdown thehall. Erica drew in a deep breath, fisted her hands, then turned and walkedstraightthroughtheopendoor...tosaygoodbyetoherhusband. Justin hesitated a moment in the doorway, wondering if Erica needed some time alone with Clint. She answered his unasked question when she sat down beside the bed, took Clints hand between hers, and turned her head to look back at him, the silent plea evident in her tearshinedeyes. The room had a strong astringent odor, overlaid with the scent of plastic,latex,andantibacterialsoap.Thesamearomashedbeensubjected toforoveraweekinthemilitaryhospitalinGermanyafterhisrecovery fromBaghdad.Hehatedit.Itgaggedandchoked.Hisstomachclenched asheapproachedtheothersideofClintshospitalbed. An oxygen tube ran from behind his ears and over his top lip, givinghimtheairforwhichheseemedtogasp.IVswereinthebacksof bothhisfragileandmotionlesshands. Yesterdayhedseemedsotan,sotallandstrong. Now,helookedpaleandweak,asifsomehowhedshrunkinthe eighteenorsohourssincetheydtakenturnsfuckingEricasenseless.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Howhadhekeptsuchasecret?Carriedsuchaheavyburden? Erica dropped her forehead to Clints arm, her slender shoulders shaking,butnosoundcameoutofher. Justinswallowedthelumpinhisthroatandbreathedthroughthe nausea. Hed lost friends in battle twelve years ago. Hed lost a couple during his captivity. None of them had hurt this much. He reached out and wrapped his fingers around Clints callused hand, careful not to bumptheIVneedle.Hisskinwascoldanddry.Abnormallyso. Hey, buddy, he whispered over the soft beep of the heart monitorandpersistenthissoftheoxygen. Clintsfingersflexedaroundhis,andherealizedClintcouldntfeel Ericabecausesheheldontohisparalyzedside. EricaandIarehere. Clintseyelidsflickered,amotionsotinyhewouldhavemisseditif hehadntbeenconcentratingsohardonhisfriendsface. Prettypissedoffyousnuckawayinthemiddleofthenightlikea woundedbear.Butyoureforgiven.Histhroatnearlyclosedup, but he pressedon.Imightvedonethesameifthetableswereturned. Clints fingers flexed again, and slowly, his eyes opened. Thats when the effectsofthestroke were mostevident.Hislefteyelid, theeye hesupposedlycouldseeoutof,droopedslightly,asifitweretooheavy. The entire left side of his face seemed to sag a bit, no musclemovement beneaththeskin. Erica,Justinwhispered. Sheliftedherheadandlookedatherhusband.Clint... A travesty of a smile pulled at the right side of Clints mouth. ricka...Hisspeechcameoutslurred,soft. Hi, honey, Erica said, and Justin was so proud of her for not breakingdownagain.Clintwouldntwanthertocry. Found...me... Ericanodded.Yeah,wefoundyou.YouknowhowpersistentIam whenIwantsomething.Herchinshiveredasshefoughthertears.I... She licked her lips and drew in a slow, steadying breath. I couldnt let yougowithouttellingyouhowmuchIloveyou.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton I know... His eyelids blinked so slowly, for a moment Justin didntthinktheydreopen.Loveyou...too...Thenheturnedhisheadthe merest bit and looked up at Justin. Love you...too... he repeated, the wordshardlymorethanawhisper. Justindideverythinghecouldnottounmanhimselfandbawllike ababy.Yeah,Iknow.Heforcedagrinandgentlysqueezedhisbuddys hand.Feelinsmutual,brother. Clints gaze moved back toward Erica who had leaned in closer, herhandnowonClintsshoulder. Are you cold? she asked, busying her self with adjusting the blanketoverhisbody.There.Doesthatfeelbetter? Sorry...ricka.So...sorry. Shh, she whispered and stopped fidgeting. Its okay. I understand. She brushed his hair off his forehead. She looked up at Justin,aquestioninhereyes. Heunderstood.Thebaby.Justingavethesmallestofnods. Clint, honey,shewhispered. Were going to haveababy. Your baby.Impregnant. The right side of his mouth twitched and slowly drew up into a smile.Baby,hemumbled,hiswordsslurringworsenow. Erica nodded and touched his cheek. Youre a daddy. A single tear slipped from his left eye to track down into his hair. She brushed it awaywithherthumb. Clint pulled his hand from Justins and reached across his torso until he got his hand around his opposite elbow. Erica sat back and watchedalongwithJustinasClintpulled hislefthandontohisstomach and slowly, as if it took all his strength and concentration, pulled his weddingringoffhisfinger.Whenitcameoff,hepuffedasifhedruna marathon,andhiseyesclosedonceagain. EricalookedupatJustin,tearsquiveringonhereyelashes. Justincouldntspeak,didntknowwhyClinthaddonethat,butit obviouslyhurtErica. Clints eyes didnt open as he whispered something between the gasps.Theheartmonitorsbeepssped.

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton Hey,bud.Calmdown.Itsokay. Ericaturnedbacktoherhusband,laidherpalmagainstthesideof hisfacethatdidntsag.Shh,honey.Werehere.Justrelax. Clints eyes opened again. He lifted his right hand, the one that nowheldhisweddingring.Hemumbledsomething.Thewordsstillcame outindistinguishable,andhegrimacedwiththerightsideofhisface.He shookhisclosedrighthandinJustinsdirectionthendroppeditontothe bednexttohiship. Justinleanedincloser. February, Clint forced out between gasps. Six. The heart monitorwentwild. Mybirthday?Ericaasked,hergazeliftingtowardhim. 1991.Clintraisedhisrighthandoncemoreandletitdrop. TearsburnedJustinseyesasherealizedwhatClintwassaying.He laidhishandoverhisbestfriends.Igotchabuddy. Clintturnedhiswristuntilhishandlaypalmup,theringheldout toJustin.Yourturn. JustintooktheweddingbandfromClintandslippeditontohisleft ringfinger.HisgazeliftedtoEricastearstreakedface.Itwashisturnto lookoutforher.Tokeephersafeandhappy. HiseyesmetClints.Ipromise. Clint visibly relaxed, the heart monitors beeping slowed, and he seemedtobreatheeasier.Both... Justinnodded,butClintseyeswereonceagainclosed.Both,he choked out aroundthe lumpinhisthroat. Always.Thepledge to care for bothClints wife and childwas made with all his heart, from the depthsofhissoul. Kiss, Clint whispered as he reached up and tugged the oxygen tubingfrombelowhisnose.One...last... Erica stood up, leaned over him, and brushed her mouth over Clints. Justinturnedhisbackasthetearshedfoughtagainstsprangfrom hiseyes.Hepressedhishandoverhismouthandhunchedhisshoulders. Theringonhisfingerfelttoolightforasmuchweightasitplacedonhis

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton heart. Theheartmonitorsbeepsslowed,andslowed. Justinclenchedhisteethandtippedhisheadback,hishandsfisted athissides,scaldingtearsstreamingdownhischeeks. Letgo,buddy.Itsokay.Everythingwillbeokay.Iswearit. Onelastgaspofbreath... Along,single,unbrokenbeeeep... Ericasobbed. AwarmtingletouchedthebackofJustinsneck,asifbrushedever so lightly by electricity. He shivered and nodded. Everything would be okay. Anursecameintotheroom,wentrighttothemonitor,andturned offthenoise.Thentheoxygenandotherapparatuswereturnedoff.The roomfellintosilenceexceptforEricasweeping. Justinwaiteduntilthenurselefttheroom,thedoorclosingwitha softclickbeforeheturnedback. Erica lifted her head from Clints shoulder, tears in her eyes, makinghercheeksshinewithmoisture. Without a word, Justin held his arms open to her. She slowly walkedaroundtheend ofthe bed andinto hisarms, pressingher damp face against his neck. He ran his hand down over her hair, and she clenchedherhandsinhisshirt. Youpromise?shewhispered. Again,heunderstoodwhatshewasasking.Andwhy.Shewanted reassurance he wouldnt leave her now. He held her tight and gently swayedherbackandforth.Withallmyheartandsoul,baby.Heranhis thumboverthecurveoftheweddingringonhisfinger.They mightnot have said vows in front of a preacher or witnesses, but it didnt matter. Hed given his word to Clint, and his heart had belonged to Erica ever since he saw Johnny Custer pull her pigtails and call her a tomboy. Nothingcouldmakehimbreakhisvow.Hemadeit.Hedkeepit.With allmyheart.

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ChapterTwelve
May2004 Ericasatdownintheshortgrassandleanedtowardtheheadstone. Thesunwashighinaclearbluesky,awarmbreezerustledtheleavesof the oak tree that shaded her, and she breathed in the scent of the single redrosesheheldtohernose. She laid the rose at the base of the headstone. Hey, honey, she whisperedasshetracedClintsnameinthecold,smoothmarble. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and pictured Clint, not how hed beenthatlastdayinthehospital,buthowhedbeenbeforetheheadaches. Tall,strong,gorgeous.Withthattwinkleofloveinhiseyesonlyforher. Imissyousomuch.Wealldo. Hey, babe, Justin called as he came up the small rise lugging a picnicbasketinonehand,adiaperbagin theother, andlittleC.J.inthe snuglydrapedacrosshischest. She grinned and waved, then giggled when he made a face as he droppedthebasketandbagnexttoher. I know the guys supposed to carry heavy things for his wife, but...maybewecouldfashionabackpackforTeacup.Whatdoyathink? Thefat,wrinkledpigwaddledupthehillthatoverlookedthefarm atapaceevenslowerthanherhusband. Doyouhonestlythinkshecouldcarryanymoreextraweight? He dropped down on the ground next to her and eyed the pig as

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TilDeathDoWePartbyMadisonLayle&AnnaLeighKeaton shetookthreelaststepsandploppedtotheground,bellyfirst,stillseveral feet shy of where they were. The pig snorted, and so did Justin, which madeherlaugh. I guess not. He slipped his arms out of the snuggly. C.J. was asleep, his head lolling to the side in a way that would be permanently disablingtoanadult. Loveyou,shesaidwithawinkasshetookthebabyfromJustin and nestled him against her shoulder. He was a big, healthy threemontholdtreasurewithhazeleyesthecolorofhisdaddys. JustinspreadtheirthickblanketoverthegrassthentookC.J.from herandlaidhimdown,coveringhimwithasmaller,lightblankettokeep anymosquitoesatbay. Loveyou,too,babe.Hewrappedhisarmaroundhershoulders, pulledheragainsthisside,andreachedintothepicnicbasket,unerringly findingthebagoffriedchicken.Andyourfinecooking.Hedugin. Ericasmiled. Teacup lifted her snout and scented the breeze. Then she gave a loudsnortagain,andJustinteased,Iluggedituphere.Youlljusthave towaityourturn. Erica chuckledher heart content to watch her child sleep, her husbandeat,and time pass.She glanced at the headstone, the roseat its base.ShemissedClintsobadlysometimesithurt,butinlittleClintJustin MichaelsBlackwoodshehadapartofhimforever,areasontoliveon. Turning her head, she looked at her husband as he bit into a drumstick,closedhiseyes,andmoanedwithpleasure. Thankyou,Clint.Thankyousomuch.Hedsupportedher,cherished herand,whenheneededto,gavehertheinspirationtocarryonandset herfreetoloveagain. TheEnd

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AuthorBio
AnnaLeighhasbeenreadingandpenningromancesforaslongas shecanremember.Aftershemetandmarriedherveryownreallifehero, romancetookonawholenewmeaning.Shenowknowsmarriedlifecan sizzleandromancecanbeeroticeveninherownhome. MadisonLayleavoidedherchildhoodchoresonthefamilyfarmby curling up with books, and disappearing into other worlds of fantasy, adventure,andromance.Withmaturitycametheloveofherownreallife hero (a.k.a. my darling hubby), and a real understanding of why her parentslockedtheirbedroomdoor. MadisonandAnnaLeighfirstmetonlinethroughacritiquegroup, a meeting which sparked a strong friendship and a fun partnership. Together,theirwritinghastakenonaspicierflavor,sowhiletheirhubbies areoffatwork,theylettheirimaginationssoar.... You can visit Madison and Anna at their Web sites: www.madisonlayle.com,www.annaleighkeaton.com,orcheckoutallthe excitinghappeningsatIncognitoat:www.incognitoseries.com

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