Brides & Bargains. Maureen Child

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      “Looks that way,” the cowboy said as he eyed the flower before regarding his child. “You know better than to run off without me, Brady. Your mother’s going to skin my hide for not watching you better.”

      “I didn’t mean to do it,” Brady said. “Angie was chasing me and I ran too far, I guess. And then this man picked me up before I got run over by kids and the lady gave me her flower so I could give it to Mom.”

      “Mom, huh?” the father asked.

      Brady shrugged and muttered, “Maybe Angie,” then turned his attention back to Nasira and Sebastian. “They’re from London. Do you know about London, Dad?”

      “Yep, I do,” he replied. “I also know that I told you to stay away from people you don’t know.”

      Sebastian offered his hand for a shake in an effort to reassure the man. “I’m Sebastian Edwards.”

      The cowboy hesitantly accepted the gesture. “I’m Gavin McNeal, former sheriff.”

      No wonder he had looked at Sebastian as if he were a deviant. “You’re no longer in law enforcement?”

      His features went from rock hard to only slightly stony. “I gave that up to spend more time with this kiddo, and the one we have on the way. I’m a full-time rancher now, although I do pull deputy duty now and again if the department’s shorthanded.”

      A clear message to Sebastian the cowboy could still hold his own around unwelcome strangers. “I’m certain your service to the community is very much appreciated. And to put your mind at ease, Brady did mention he wasn’t allowed to talk to strangers. Of course, I assure you our intentions were perfectly honorable.”

      “Yes, they were.” Nasira moved to Sebastian’s side. “However, my husband has forgotten his manners as he has failed to introduce me.”

      That could be a rather large strike against him. “My apologies. This is my wife, Nasira.”

      “I am Rafiq bin Saleed’s sister,” Nasira added. “You might know him.”

      “Only by reputation,” Gavin said. “I did hear something about some folks from England staying at the Shakirs’ place, so I assume that’s you. My ranch isn’t too far from there and my wife, Valerie, and Fiona are fairly good friends.”

      Apparently news traveled at warp speed in this dusty Texas town. “We’re only going to be here for a few weeks. Do you have any suggestions on sights we should see while we’re here?”

      “You should have dinner at the Texas Cattleman’s Club,” he said. “And when you do, be sure to check out the statue of Jessamine Golden. That’s my wife’s great-great-grandmother.”

      “I have seen the statue,” Nasira said. “But I am sure my husband will find it quite interesting.”

      Brady began tugging on his father’s hand to garner his attention. “Can we go ride the roller coaster now?”

      “Sure thing, bud, as soon as I find your mama, who was hanging out near the arts and crafts last time I looked.” Gavin regarded them again. “Nice to meet you folks, and thanks for corralling the kid. What do you say to Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, Brady?”

      “Thank you for getting me not lost and for giving me the flower.”

      “You are quite welcome,” Sebastian said.

      “Goodbye, Brady,” Nasira added. “I hope you have a wonderful time this evening, and I am certain Angie will appreciate the rose.”

      Gavin took Brady’s hand and touched the brim of his hat. “Have a good night, folks.”

      Watching father and son walked away, Sebastian experienced a good deal of regret as he remembered a time in the distant past when he’d had the same relationship with his own father. The relationship that at one time he’d hoped to have with his own son, until he realized the lack of wisdom in that. He was amused as Brady started chattering about the funny-talking man being a superhero, and did they have those in London?

      The comment caused Sebastian to chuckle. “From shipping magnate to superhero. Quite a leap.”

      Nasira tucked her arm into his again as they started down the sidewalk. “I would thoroughly disagree. You are a natural-born rescuer.”

      He frowned. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

      She tipped her head against his shoulder. “I would. In a sense you rescued me.”

      He had never looked at his marriage offer in that way, but he understood why she might. “Perhaps I saved you from a life of misery with a forced marriage to a man chosen for you, but you would have found a way out of the predicament without my assistance.”

      “I suppose that is possible,” she said. “But I am glad that I met you that night at the gala.”

      “I’m grateful you gave me a second glance considering all those potential suitors surrounding you.”

      “Yes, but not one offered to whisk me away in their Bentley.”

      They exchanged a smile and walked on in silence, but one question nagged at Sebastian. “Have you enjoyed our life together, Sira?”

      She paused a moment before answering. “We have had wonderful adventures and amazing travel. You have introduced me to many new experiences.”

      “No regrets?”

      “Only one.”

      “What would that be?” he asked though he already knew the answer.

      “We have no children.”

      He had strolled right into that one. “I understand you’re still mourning the loss, yet I can’t understand why you would want to risk your health after you had such a difficult pregnancy.”

      She stopped and faced him. “Life is not without risk, Sebastian. And at times risk comes with precious rewards.”

      He didn’t know how to answer to satisfy her needs. He didn’t know if he would ever want to enter that territory again. “Speaking of risks, would you care to climb on that giant Ferris wheel and take it for a spin?”

      Nasira glanced over her shoulder then regarded him with a frown. “You know I am afraid of heights.”

      “You have no need to be afraid while in the presence of a superhero.”

      She smiled. “This is true. If I agree, will you promise to hold on to me?”

      “You may count on my undivided attention.”

      “Then yes, I will join you on that contraption, and hope I do live long enough to regret it.”

      Sebastian led Nasira to the line of people awaiting their turn on the ride. When their time came, he approached the elderly gentleman in charge of the ride and withdrew his wallet. “How much, kind sir?”

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