“I know, Hunter said I can keep the clothes and then I can be like James Bond,” he said excitedly.
“Oh now that’s a great idea,” she said and straightened up.
“Who’s James Bond mommy?” he asked curiously.
“A very famous spy,” she said and smiled at her son.
She could still pull out of this, there’s no law on this planet that would force her to get married, she thought somberly. And although she shared something really special with Hunter a few nights ago, there was still no declaration of love and commitment; this was still only a means to an end for him.
“Are you ready Paige?” Jess asked.
She gave herself another once over and then nodded, “Yes, I am”
Hunters stood at the Wedding Arch, with no best man flanking his side. This was meant to be an informal, last minute wedding to show the important people that he was too in love to wait. The tranquil setting in the large garden on the ranch was perfect, with nothing but close friends and family from his side, which was convenient. From Paige’s side she only had one guest, her best friend Jess.
Until this point, the plan was in full swing, he was going to get married, seal the deal for Old Stone Ranch and once the dust had settled file for an annulment, but that thought alone left him with an uneasy feeling. He wasn’t quite sure if he would want to let her go at all.
Just then Gregory Johnson appeared next to him.
“You’re missing your best man, so I reckon I can stand in,” he said behind a fake smile.
“How generous of you, but both Paige and I decided on a small wedding,” he said looking out over the small crowd of people.
“I know you did,” Gregory said and paused for a second, “I changed the terms of our agreement by the way.”
“Why are we discussing business now?”
“Because I’m covering my basis, I will sign the sales agreement for Old Stone after six months from today, just to make sure there’s no false pretenses, this marriage was rather sudden,” he said with a sardonic smile on his face.
Hunter cursed inwardly, and smiled, “If you feel the need to do that, then that’s your choice,” he said coolly.
Saved by the bell, or rather the wedding march, he turned to face the aisle and as Paige made her way past the white flower decorated chairs and down the rose-petal strewn path, he felt his heart contract and realized there and then that he could not go through with this lie. From where he stood he could see the smile on her lips, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes, and behind her was his son Joshua beaming from ear to ear.
He shifted his weight from one leg to the other uncomfortably, and as she reached him he looked at her, and it was then when he realized she was worth more than this, he didn’t deserve her one bit.
The priest cleared his throat and they both turned to face him, but even as the priest started the formalities, Hunter’s mind was racing and his conscience was fighting him.
“Wait,” he said stopping the priest, then looking at Paige, who tilted her head questioningly at him.
“We can’t go ahead with this,” he said only for her to hear, and by the look in her eyes, he knew she agreed, and then he turned to the guests.
“Friends, and guests I have a confession to make,” he started feeling Gregory’s uneasy stare burn into his back.
“This wedding is a farce, It’s been one since the start when I acquired a willing woman to marry me and stay married to me for a period of time, just so that I could sign a business deal,” there were a few gasps and whispers in the small crowd and for a moment he searched for words, but just then he felt Paige lace her fingers I his and he found a new breath of confidence.
“You see, Paige and I do go back many years, and I was told that I could not purchase Old Stone unless I was a family man, I made a very bad choice. I managed to find her and with deceitful promises, I convinced her to marry me,” he continued without a breath, “the problem is that her son Joshua is in fact my own flesh and blood, believe it or not, we were in love once a very long time ago. And just like the fool I am now, thinking I can con Gregory Johnson into selling his land to me by marrying the first available woman, I was a fool back then. I left Paige without even a goodbye and although I never knew she was pregnant, I never bothered to contact her for reasons I will only explain to her later,” here and here guests started getting up and leaving, but that did not stop Hunter.
“The problem is that if I marry Paige like this today, it would be a lie, because I don’t want an arranged marriage bound to a business deal, I want the real thing, and…” he started, then turned to Paige, “you deserves the real deal. A marriage to man you love,” he said as he looked into her tear-filled eyes. “I’m so sorry Paige, but I love you too much to continue with this deceit.”
Paige was a mess, her mascara was most certainly streaked down over her cheeks, but what was worse was the feeling of utter relief she felt as she heard Hunter declare his love for her, she turned to him and smiled through the tears.
“And I love you too much to let you go again,” she said quietly trying to hide the trembling in her voice.
She felt Joshua cling to her dress and she looked down at him where he stood with eyes wide, and she bent down to his level, then looked up at Hunter, “Joshua, Hunter is your real daddy,” she said, knowing that this must have come as a shock to him, but instead, Joshua flung his arms around Hunter’s’ one leg and hugged him.
Hunter bowed down next them and slid his hand around the back of her neck pulling her forehead against his, “I would like a second chance to redeem myself, and prove to you that I am worthy to be your husband,” he said as he held unto Joshua and Paige.
“I would like that,” she said softly, and midst this emotional reunion of souls, the few guests that were left rose to their feet and applauded them, whilst Gregory Johnson and his wife stood by the love struck couple.
“Well we have a priest, and you two are in love, so why wait?” he said sternly but with a smile tucking at the corner of his lips.
Hunter stood up and pulled Paige into his arms, “I loved you from the start, Paige,” he said smiling as he framed her face in his hands.
“And I have loved you, since forever,” Paige said and turned her face to kiss the inside of his palm.
“I love you too!” the little voice from below cried out, and they all laughed.
Epilogue
Hunter and Paige married on the same day, and although Gregory Johnson was more than willing to sign over his land, Hunter no longer wanted it. Instead of a businessman with need and greed for greater things, he now had a family and everything he ever wanted.
Three weeks after the wedding, Paige discovered she was pregnant, and this time Hunter was going to be with her every step of the way.
Joshua, as any five-year-old, was over the moon, he had his own room and everything his heart desired, most of all a real father, and knowing that he would soon have a little brother or sister, he couldn’t stop fussing over his mother’s pregnancy.
THE END
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Home At Last
May
A glance in the rearview leaves me sure no one is following me. Not that there’s anyone to follow me anyway. Out here, under the stifling Texas sun, I realize I’ve driven nearly six hundred miles and I’m tired.
The kind of tired that’s sinking right down deep into my bones. But that scared side of me tells me to keep running. I have to keep going. I haven’t gone far enough.
Pushing aside the troubling thoughts, I try to settle into happier times, happier memories. Out here, on an old dirt road that reminds me of home, I’ve seen a few gates between stretches of fenced land. The gates have huge wooden frames of old logs that are a throwback the time when Texas was truly wild. Hung from each wooden frame is a name; the name of the ranch proud
ly on display. One creeps up on me now: Mustang Ranch.
I slow down as I notice an odd-looking bit of paper clinging to the beam on the right side of the frame.
Help wanted.
It’s like every prayer I’ve ever said that’s gone unanswered has suddenly left me here, finally heard and saved.
Before I can change my mind, I pull in before the closed gate. I sit for a moment. Am I really doing this? Am I crazy? I can’t stop. I haven’t put enough distance between me and…
It’ll be fine.
With a deep breath, I calm myself and I get out of my old car. It’s on its last legs after the punishing drive we’ve just endured. The sky just seems to stretch on endlessly as I open the gate before heading back to my car to pull through. On the other side, I get back out and close the gate behind me. Might as well make a good first impression, right?
What was that old rule dad made sure I remembered? A closed gate must be closed behind oneself.
The drive is dirt and rough, potholes claim my tires and jolt the car. Along both sides, fences trap plots of land and pastures stretch as far as the eye can see. The sparse grasses and few trees offer spotty shade to majestic-looking horses of many colors that stand in groups of two and threes.
I drive slowly, but still, my tires kick up enough dust to announce my presence long before I ever even see the house.
When the house comes into view, I feel my jaw drop. It’s not an old ranch house; it’s an old ranch mansion. It’s like a cross between an old plantation mansion and a castle. My heart thunders in my chest as I pull up and park my car.
They’re looking for help, I remind myself. I know that Texas is a stand your ground state, but the sign said they’re looking for help. Besides, what self-respecting man would shoot an unarmed, obviously tired woman?
With slow steps, I walk up the sprawling porch, loving the white swinging loveseat and the several matching white wicker chairs. This place reminds me more of home than home did in its final glory days.
I step up to the door and gather my courage to knock. Before I can, the door swings open and I find myself under the intense brown stare of a man who’s taller than me by a foot and a half at least. He leans on the doorframe, his imposing form enough to make every drop of saliva dry up on my tongue.
His heavy brow, shiny black hair and tanned skin all make up an incredibly handsome face. His eyes are hooded, like he trusts no one and nothing, his jaw is wide and powerful and working like he’s clenching it and deciding whether or not to shoot me.
Maybe he should shoot me. Put me out of my misery.
Suddenly, he smiles and it’s like the sun parting heavy gray thunderclouds. “Ma’am,” he says, tipping his hat. “May I help you?”
At a loss for words, I turn and gesture back to the gate that’s easily several miles down the drive. “I’m May. You’re looking for help?” My voice sounds small and breathless, even to me and I see his eyes narrow a bit before someone behind him calls out something I don’t quite hear.
“A lady inquiring about the job,” he says over his shoulder and I hear laughter. My face flames red hot and I turn to walk away, an apology quick on my lips.
“I’m sorry for wasting your time--”
The words die as a strong hand curls around my arm just above my elbow and stops me dead in my tracks. I turn to face the man and notice there’s not even a hint of amusement in his face.
“Can you work hard, miss?” he asks, all seriousness that send my heart fluttering like a scrap of paper caught in the wind.
“I can,” I say, wondering why I can hardly draw a deep breath.
He looks me up and down, his hand falling away from me like he realized he’d been touching me for much longer than is proper. “You’re not suitable for a ranch hand, but I might have something else for you,” he says slowly, his eyes wandering across my face like he’s committing my features to memory – or like he recognizes me.
Clint
May isn’t what I’m looking for as far as help is concerned. I need men. Strong, hardworking, rough men willing to take on backbreaking labor, punishing hours, and fair pay. But May, she’s so pale and fragile looking I’m not sure she could handle the simplest task I’ve got here.
Still, something in her eyes begs me to let her stay. And she looks so tired I wouldn’t forgive myself if I let her go right now. There’s a strength to her, a quiet power that leads me to believe she’s stronger than I’m giving her credit for.
Her big blue eyes are as pale as the skies behind her, and there’s a light sprinkle of freckles across her nose. She’s so innocent looking I find myself needing to know how old she is.
“How old are you?”
She seems relieved, and I wonder what she expected me to say. “Twenty-four,” she says, her blue eyes solemn on me. Of age. I want to let out a breath I wasn’t aware I’d been holding. As she brings her hands forward to clasp before the hips of her jeans, I debate. What could I have her do?
When she draws a deep breath, I notice the gentle thrust of her breasts under the thin material of her black shirt. I’m careful not to actually look, though, and keep my eyes locked on hers. Still, she’s a beautiful girl, and it’s hard to keep my attention off her charms.
“Come in,” I say, suddenly remembering my manners. “My name’s Clint. Clint Quentin.” I can find something for her. Even now, a plan, partially formed, nags at the back of my mind. As I step back and allow her in, I hear the guys stand up and begin moving.
We’ve got some horses we’ve got to get moving from beyond the pasture they’d escaped. It’ll take all night to ride out there and drive them back home, and I realize that May might help alleviate one problem I’ve got.
“Have you ever taken care of kids?” I ask as she moves through the house to the dining room where men are filing out toward the front door. Shane lowers his shoulder as he comes to pass me and I engage my core, ready and braced for impact. He doesn’t disappoint and the clash of our shoulders would have been enough to knock a smaller man to the ground.
After what he did, he should be glad it’s not my fist across his jaw again.
“I haven’t, but I imagine it’s common sense.” May is solemn as I guide her into the emptying dining room. Carson meets my gaze and looks away, an unsure glint in his blue eyes. His harshly tanned Texas skin is rough from a layer of grit and sun.
He takes his hat in his hands and May studies him as he nods to her with a thick air of politeness. “Sorry to interrupt,” he says to her, and she nods graciously as his eyes skip to me. As always, fixed with his icy stare, I’m a bit unsettled. “Should I saddle your horse, boss?”
“Yes,” I say, and he dips his head, “Buy me ten.”
He leaves as the last few guys file out of the room like sand whipped from the corner of a canyon by storm winds.
“Am I keeping you?” May asks, her wide blue eyes worried.
“Only a moment, miss,” I say, watching a bit of relief creep into her features. “I must ask you for a favor,” I say, and she nods.
“Anything.” The way she says it, breathless and unintentionally seductive takes me aback. Clamping down with steely control, I get back on track. I can’t be thinking about how long it’s been since I had a woman in my bed.
“My daughter, Grace, will be home from school this evening and I’ve got a long job ahead of me.” I hated to ask, but this is easier than calling on the babysitter. If only those damn mustangs hadn’t busted out. But I’d rather be there for the ride than let the guys handle it.
But I didn’t want to call the sitter. She just eyes me with disproval every second and tries too hard to make Grace be a proper little lady.
“How old is Grace?” May asks, and I wonder why that’s the first question.
“She’s five,” I say, hoping that this isn’t the detail that breaks her. Grace could use a real woman, someone soft-spoken like May to talk to her. Gertie isn’t the best adult woman figure to have on hand. She’s
brash, loud mouthed, and insists that Grace be a little lady at all times and quiet. Things I’m not all that happy with. I’ve thought about finding a new sitter for a while, but I hadn’t actively been looking.
Maybe lady luck is smiling down on me today. Maybe May is the answer to a question I hadn’t known I had.
“Allergies?” May asks, and I shake my head. She looks up at me as if she doesn’t trust that I’m not holding something back. “Is there anything I need to know?” She asks, those serious blue eyes on mine.
Her full lips press together a bit and I can’t help but look at them. Before I can stop myself, I reach out and touch her lower lip with my thumb as if brushing away the stressed expression. It works. Her lips relax and she’s beautiful. My thumb travels toward the middle of her lower lip and there’s a sense of wonder in me that she’s softer than she looks somehow.
And she shivers.
Her lip is so soft, so kissable. My thumb leaves her chin to trace down her slim, pale throat, no longer even pretending at having a reason or right to be touching her. I look into those big, blue, trusting eyes and see she’s looking at my lips like she wants nothing more than for me to kiss her.
I snap out of it and my hand drops from her satin skin. Somehow, my voice sounds like nothing happened between us, but my throbbing cock begs to differ.
“I’ll be out of cell service,” I say without missing a beat. There’s disappointment in her big blue eyes and I suddenly wish I’d kissed her after all. But perhaps that would have left her disappointed for other reasons.
“But there are other emergency numbers you can call on the fridge.” I gesture past her toward the kitchen and the fridge. I’m sure she’ll explore when she’s ready. Her eyes follow my gesture before snapping back to my face like she’s trying to decode the sudden distance I’d put between us. I’ve been hurt before. It’s not like me to just put myself out there. There’s no way she’d take on someone with baggage like mine.
Cowboy's Fake Fiancée: A Single Dad & A Virgin Romance Page 15