Her words didn’t serve to ease his fears. She still didn’t make a commitment to stay, only to keep the house. Maybe.
As she’d pointed out this afternoon, she could easily renovate the house and turn it into a hotel, then employ a manager to run it.
When he’d come up with the idea, he was certain it was going to ensure she stayed. As much as he loved that old house, he didn’t care whether Sierra kept it or not. Not really.
What he did care about was her staying in town and eventually becoming his wife.
He wanted her to have his children, and he wanted to grow old with her.
His wayward thoughts were interrupted by Joyce returning to their table. “I was trying to place your name. You own that horse property outside town, don’t you?”
He frowned. “Sure do. Whispering Pines. How did you know?”
“My brother’s boy, he does a few odd jobs for you.”
Now his interest was piqued. “A few odd jobs? I don’t have anyone doing odd jobs as far as I know.” He grinned. He personally hired every person who worked for him. In all these years, he’d not had to fire even one of them.
“His name is Austin Addison. Do you know him?”
Braxton laughed out loud. “Austin has been with me for years. But he doesn’t do odd jobs – he’s my Property Manager and does a damned fine job too.”
She grinned. “Oh,” she said. “Eat up before it gets cold. We’ll talk sometime.”
“That’s hilarious,” he told Sierra when the older woman was out of ear-shot, then tucked into his dinner.
* * *
They’d had a wonderful night together, at least he did. He’d thoroughly enjoyed his evening with Sierra, despite knowing in the back of his mind she could be leaving in a matter of weeks.
He hadn’t brought up the subject of Evelyn’s house again, because he didn’t want to spoil their time together.
After they’d left the restaurant, he’d taken her to The Lookout, which overlooked the town below.
It had been more than a decade since she’d been up there and said she was keen to see it again. He didn’t want to think that it might be the last time she saw it for another decade or even more.
As they sat in his truck, he reached across and put an arm around her.
“This is nice,” she said, resting her head and staring at the town of Oakdale below. The entire town was lit up by the moonlight, but they could also see the light streaming out of the windows of the houses.
He pulled her a little closer. “It is that,” he said, squeezing her shoulder. “I really missed this, but I missed you more,” he said leaning in closer to kiss her.
She turned toward him and had to have seen him moving toward her. He wouldn’t force her if she wasn’t interested but would pull back.
“I’m going to kiss you, Sierra,” he said softly. “Say no and I’ll stop.” He hoped and prayed she didn’t.
“Stop talking and just kiss me,” she said softly, pulling him closer.
His heart felt as though there was a steam train chugging along in his chest, and fireworks went off in his head. He was in heaven.
As their lips met, a thrill went down his spine.
His hands went up to her cheeks, and he cupped her face. She returned the kiss with as much fervor as he’d hoped. Perhaps more.
He rested his head on her shoulder for long moments contemplating their future together, then nibbled at her neck in the silence of the night. He’d always loved it up here, and Sierra was the only one he’d ever brought here. They’d made so many memories together, and he wasn’t prepared to tarnish them.
Now he wanted to make new memories with her.
He pulled her closer and enveloped her in a hug. Not a hug of friendship, but a hug that affirmed his love.
“I’ve never stopped loving you,” he whispered.
She pulled back suddenly.
“It was a bad idea to come up here,” she said quickly. “Nothing is decided, and I don’t want to start something we might not get to finish.
He stared into her eyes in the moonlight. “I’m not starting anything,” he said quietly. “Rather picking up where we left off. It feels like we’ve never been apart.”
“I know,” she replied quietly, then rested her head on his shoulder again. “It’s all too hard right now. All these difficult decisions are clogging up my brain and hurting my heart.”
He put his arm around her again. “I don’t want to make things harder. When you’re ready, I’ll be here for you.”
For the next half an hour they stayed that way, holding each other close, all the time Braxton was hoping they had the rest of their lives together.
Chapter Eight
He left the coffee shop the next morning and headed to where he knew Sierra would be.
The same place she’d been every day for the last week – at Evelyn’s place.
“Nice going, Braxton,” Mrs Sheridan called from outside her florist shop. She gave him a thumbs up.
He frowned. What was she on about? He had two coffees in his hands – one for himself, and the other for Sierra. That surely couldn’t be what she meant.
He crossed the road. “Looking forward to it, Brax.” This time it was Shelley from the news agency.
He mentally scratched his head. “Hey, Shelley,” he said, then continued walking.
“Hooley Dooley, I can’t wait,” said Mrs Halligan, the butcher’s wife.
Braxton was totally confused. What on earth was everyone on about?
He finally arrived at his destination. He knocked then stood back. Sierra greeted him with a genuinely welcoming smile. “Just what I need! You are such a life-saver,” she said.
Putting the confusion of the last few minutes behind him, Braxton sat down beside her as she sipped her coffee.
“How is it going?” She looked frazzled, confused. Almost beat.
“I think I’m going to have to get an accountant in. Some of these figures are rather confusing. Besides,” she leaned back on the chair. “I’d rather be doing something productive than fiddling about with figures for days on end.” She sighed.
“Oh, I heard back from the real estate agent. He’s already got a buyer for my unit. If I decide to sell that is. Good price too.”
He frowned. He hated to think of her selling her home if this didn’t work out. “I can lend you the money,” he said quietly but firmly. “Please think about it,” he said quickly when she frowned. “I honestly don’t mind. Another thought – I could become a silent partner?”
She glared at him. Had he offended her?
“For your information,” she said, stabbing a finger at his chest. “I don’t need your money. I don’t need to sell my unit, but I’d rather do that and have plenty of capital behind me for the start up.”
She looked annoyed. Really annoyed. It was all he could do to stop himself from grinning.
She was cute when she was mad. He’d forgotten that.
Braxton put both hands in the air as a defense mechanism. “Whoa. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
She looked down to the ground. “Sorry. I guess I got a bit carried away.” She took another sip of her coffee and went back to her books.
He watched as she scribbled away in her notebook, then leaned back looking defeated.
“If it helps, I could call my accountant for you?”
She spun around. “Oh, would you? That would be wonderful!” She leaned across and hugged him. He wasn’t going to refuse her affections.
“This is so hard, Brax,” she said into his ear as she rested her head on his shoulder.
He held her tight. “I’m sorry. This is my fault,” he said quietly. “I suggested it.”
She shook her head. “I’m really glad you did, but I thought I could do all the calculations myself. It’s just too big a job, and I’ve got so much on my mind.”
She leaned back away from him and he felt bereft. He knew he was getting too close for comfort, especially if
she ended up leaving again. He was trying to keep his distance, but it wasn’t working.
He had already fallen in love with her all over again.
* * *
“I’ve been doing some research.”
Braxton had insisted on taking Sierra to the local historical society. She was confused at first, but suddenly it all became clear.
He handed her a pair of white gloves, putting on a pair himself, then opened an obviously antique book - it had to be at least one hundred years old. He pointed to a very tarnished article. “Oh my gosh, that looks like Gran’s place!”
Adrenalin rushed through her veins. “But it surely can’t be,” she said. “That place is an inn.” She squinted and looked closer.
Braxton sat there grinning.
She read the article. “It is Gran’s place! It was an inn when it was first built in 1885. Oh my gosh.” She felt as though all the air had been knocked out of her lungs.
“How is it not historically listed?” she whispered, for fear someone might hear.
Brax leaned in. “Oversight I’d say.” He straightened his shoulders and sat back. “You could use this information as a drawcard. I thought you’d be interested.”
“I am indeed.”
She continued to read the article. “This changes everything,” she said, a tingle running down her spine. “I’ll contact the architect and make sure everything is era specific.”
She turned the pages carefully. Her eyes scanned the photographs depicting the Oakdale Inn with its very prestigious guests arriving in their impressive carriages. “This is so exciting!”
She turned to Brax and hugged him tight. “You’re amazing,” she said. “No wonder I love you.”
She suddenly slapped her hands to her mouth and stared at him. “I didn’t mean…”
“It’s fine, don’t think about it for another minute,” he said. But his words sounded injured. As though she’d just broken his heart.
But she knew what she’d said was true. She did love him and could never love another. She dearly didn’t want to leave Oakdale, so she had to find a way to stay.
* * *
He was being selfish. Braxton knew he was.
But he also knew the moment he told Sierra about the old inn, she wouldn’t back away. She loved that old house more than life itself.
She’d told him so more times than he could recall. And not only when they were teenagers – since she’d arrived back home.
Back home…
Oh, how he hoped that were true. She’d confided that she’d always considered Oakdale her home, despite living in the city for more than a decade.
Deep down she was a country girl. Had always been a country girl. He had no idea how she’d managed to stay away for so long.
With all the flurry of activity surrounding Evelyn’s house, he’d been pushed to the backburner. His heart fluttered.
He’d been pushed aside for a house. He felt jealous of that house. It made him chuckle to think he was competing with a house for her affections.
When she was ready, Sierra would tell him her intentions, would tell him her final decision.
He was not going to try and influence her; she needed to make her own decision without him trying to force her hand. If she stayed, he wanted her to stay of her own volition.
And oh man, he truly wanted her to stay.
Sierra was his soul mate. Would always be his soul mate. If it meant uprooting his entire life and moving to the city to be with her, that’s what he would do.
Austin could run the property without him. He was more than capable, he’d proven that time and again.
He was not prepared to lose her again.
* * *
Braxton’s accountant had been a huge help. He’d done all the number crunching, while she’d contacted the suppliers to get firm prices.
Everything was finally falling into place.
And now?
The old house, Gran’s house, had become a Mecca of activity.
Everything changed the moment Sierra knew the house had once been of historical significance to Oakdale. The architect was notified, and he put everything into place.
This was going to happen. One way or another, she was going to ensure this beautiful old building received the respect it deserved.
Gran would be so pleased. She’d be up there in heaven dancing at the prospect.
Sierra’s eyes welled. Her dear old Gran would have loved to see this place restored to its former glory. Would have reveled in being a part of it. It was a great shame they didn’t know about this before – Sierra would have funded the restorations without a doubt.
The Historical Society of Oakdale would help ensure the renovations would be appropriate and put Sierra on the right track to get it historically listed. She wanted to do the right thing. Wanted to ensure its future.
With all this frenzied activity, she’d pushed Braxton to the back of her mind. At least that’s what she thought she’d do. But Braxton had never been far from her mind. Ever.
The past ten years had been hell. Gran had wanted the best for her and sent her away ‘to the big city’ to make a life away from Oakdale. Away from Braxton.
Gran had adored Braxton, she’d often told Sierra what a great young man he was, and how he would make a wonderful husband one day.
She’d worried Sierra and Braxton were getting too involved too quick, and it would tie Sierra down, without her having a chance to experience her own life. And she’d loved her for it.
It had opened up a whole new world for Sierra – one she didn’t know existed. She’d studied hard, worked hard, and made it in a traditionally man’s world.
She had it all – a prestigious job and money. More money than she could ever use.
But in the process, she’d lost the love of her life.
And now? Now she was going to make it right. She was going to fix Gran’s house until it was restored to its former glory.
Braxton was a whole different story. Somehow she had to make that right too.
Chapter Nine
Braxton stood rigid in the center of the stage and braced himself.
Every muscle in his body was taut, and the hair on the back of his neck stood up.
He looked across the sea of women who were staring at him in anticipation. They held tight to their numbers; numbers on a stick they would use to bid with.
He groaned.
How did it come to this? Why did he let his cousin Melanie manipulate him into doing this?
Melanie had volunteered him to help out for the charity event but had left out crucial information. She failed to explain exactly what he would be doing.
It had only become clear when the advertising material had been distributed a few days earlier. When the town’s people had begun to make strange comments.
He shook his head in disgust.
“Braxton, Braxton, Braxton!” The women were chanting and clapping at the same time.
He stared down at his feet. This couldn’t be happening.
“Take off your shirt, Braxton,” one woman yelled. “Let us see your yummy muscles.”
His head shot up and he felt the color drain from his face.
“Come on,” another woman said. “I know you like it. You are so sexy!” A slow grin crossed his face at her words.
He’d never thought about himself as sexy, but hell, he’d take it any day.
Without taking his gaze from her, he slowly pulled off his jacket and flicked it to the floor. The resulting noise was deafening.
“More, more, more!” The chanting began again.
He swallowed hard. As much as he was annoyed with Mel, he was enjoying his ten minutes of fame.
“Take it off, take it off, take it off.” A spotlight suddenly focused on him, standing up there on the stage.
He swallowed again, flexed his well sculptured muscles, then grabbed the bottom of his tight-fitting t-shirt and slowly pulled it up over his head, revealing his well-buil
t body. He then tossed the shirt aside. His muscled chest and arms were bare for all to see.
The cheering and chanting became an uproar. He scanned the room until his gaze landed on his cousin’s smug face.
She had that ‘told you so’ look about her.
“You’ll fetch at least two thousand,” she’d told him when he discovered what she’d done. He had his doubts.
His heart rate amplified as the bidding began.
Not in his wildest dreams did he ever imagine he would be part of a bachelor auction.
As the bidding began, Braxton’s gaze scanned the room.
He could see women, young and old, waving their numbers about. The bidding had started at five hundred and was now at the fifteen hundred mark. He tried to put it out of his head.
It was like a meat auction, only the highest bidder got to have him for a date night. There was only one person he wanted to take on a date, and that was Sierra.
But for the youth of Oakdale, he would endure that one date. Hopefully it was one of the older ladies in town. They’d be easy to please and wouldn’t hit on him.
He grinned.
“Braxton, take it all off!”
Good grief. Did old Mrs Perry really just say that? “Not likely,” he yelled back.
The Master of Ceremonies stood at the side of the stage with a microphone. “Now then ladies, calm down,” he said. “We know Braxton Chalmers is the catch of the century, but we need some decorum. Please.”
He looked across at the man of the moment and grinned. Braxton almost died with embarrassment.
“Two thousand,” the MC said. “Anyone willing to go above two thousand?” He glanced around the room.
Another number went up. “Thank you, Mrs Peterson. Do I have any more bids? Just look at this prize.” He pointed across at Braxton. “Voted Bachelor of the Year several times, you won’t want to let this bachelor get away.”
Braxton wanted to melt into the floor boards. He glared across at his cousin, Mel. No doubt she put the MC up to this. Dragging up past history he wanted to forget.
He glared at her again, and she had the gall to grin and nod her head.
Where was Sierra? He scanned the room again, but she was nowhere to be seen. He was sure she’d be here to watch him at the height of his embarrassment.
A Bride for Braxton Page 6