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Matt Garth couldn’t deny that he was greedy. He’d made a successful sale of the cattle. The man who had raised him like his own had forgiven Matt his betrayal, and there was little doubt Dunson would leave the ranch to Matt when he passed on. As though that weren’t enough, he had not one but two people who loved him fiercely. There was Tess, who had traveled miles with group of men she barely knew just to warn him of Dunson’s impending arrival. Then there was Cherry, who had ridden with Matt across three states, had mutinied for him, and had taken a bullet trying to protect Matt from Dunson.
If there was anything Matt had done to deserve them, he couldn’t think of it, yet he had his pick of them. He knew that whichever one he chose would gladly make the long trek back to Texas with him and stay by his side for the rest of his life.
Yet, God, was he selfish, but Matt didn’t want to choose. He wanted them both. He wanted Tess with her fearlessness, sharp tongue, and soft curves. He wanted the way she clung to him at night and rested her hand over his heart, as though seeking a reminder Matt was still alive. And he wanted Cherry with his wild laugh and dark eyes that made Matt feel undressed every time they looked at him. Cherry’s hands strong and confident as they moved over Matt’s body.
Oh, there were men who had a wife and a man. No one talked about it, but it happened. And as long as the men were well liked and took care of their families, and as long as they kept things quiet and hidden, people pretended not to notice. But both Cherry and Tess deserved better than that. Matt knew that he’d have to give one up, and that thought killed him.