Where There's Smoke: A Texas Heat Novel Read Online Free PDF Page B

wait until her dad was stronger to have the wedding. Booker insisted he was fit and dandy. He took the next plane out to Vegas.
    “If only your mother could see you now,” he said with tear bright eyes.
    “Oh daddy!” she hugged him tight.
    “You are the best,” he said squeezing her, “Best daughter a man could ever have.”
    Sawyer sold most of her prized possessions to help pay for his cancer treatments. The insurance company declined the lifesaving medication as experimental and medically unnecessary. Sawyer refused to let her dad die without a fight. She organized a calendar full of hunky firefighters and police officers. She raised nearly $75,000 with calendar sales alone. The hospital received an anonymous donation of $250,000, enough for his treatment. Sawyer had no idea who his wealthy guardian angel was. Her heart overflowed with gratitude. Had it not been for the mystery donor and the support of her friends, her dad wouldn’t be here today.
    There were so many nights when she sat by his bedside, crying silently near his skeletal remains. His skin ashen, bloodless. His hands, thin to the bone and white at the knuckles. He asked for Rowan when death seemed imminent. He wanted prayer and peace near the end. Sawyer had never cried so much or so hard in her life. Rowan would take her in his arms and just hold her until the storm of tears subsided. He’d whisper things in her ear, words of comfort and strength.
    Harper made sure she slept, threatening to knock her out if need be. Emerson militantly forced her to eat despite a total lack of appetite. Rowan kept Sawyer alive in mind, heart and spirit. He wouldn’t give up, give in or let go.
    Sawyer, Harper and Emerson had a group hug.
    “This is déjà vu,” Emerson said, smiling. “I got married two weeks ago, Harper got hitched two days ago and now we’ve come full circle.” Her pixie face flushed with unshed tears. “I love you Sawyer.”
    “Me too,” Harper said.
    “Me three,” Booker yelled.
    The women laughed. “You’re seriously the cutest thing I’ve ever seen,” Harper said wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

Chapter 7
    The sight of his bride nearly brought Rowan to his knees. He clenched his jaw. His breathing altered. His chest felt tight as Sawyer walked beside her dad, who looked strong, despite all he’d been through. Rowan’s green eyes glittered over her. Dear God, what did he do to deserve this girl? Sawyer took his hand. Her hazel eyes luminous.
    Deena’s chin trembled with the effort not to display emotion in public. Felicity and Caleb cried openly in happiness for their brother.
    Seth glared at Felicity with mockery and something she couldn’t identify. She held his searing gaze as the vows were said and done. His expression grew fierce, every inch the former Navy Seal. Felicity gulped and looked away.
    Rowan held Sawyer’s chin in his hand, he leaned down and kissed her tenderly. The guests clapped as they were pronounced husband and wife.
    The reception was a blur of hugs, dancing, cake and more hugs. Rowan had Sawyer laughing throughout their first dance. The father daughter dance was so emotional there wasn’t a dry eye in the penthouse suite. The dance made all the more memorable since neither Sawyer or Booker thought he would live to see it. The silky voice of Luther Vandross Dance with My Father surrounded them. Sawyer and her dad embraced long after the song ended. In a poignant moment, Rowan joined them, holding his bride and his father in law close.
    “Please,” Booker whispered tearfully, “Please take care of my little girl.”
    Rowan swallowed convulsively, “I will.”
    They walked Booker to his suite. Clinton took over his care and bid them congratulations. Rowan and Sawyer walked with their arms around each other’s waist. Sawyer never imagined such happiness.
    “Thank you,” she said.
    “For what?”
    “Everything.”
    Rowan kissed her forehead. “Mrs. Camden,” he whispered.
    Sawyer