The Cowboy's Convenient Bride

by Donna Alward

  “Now do you believe you’re desirable?” he asked, taking a small step backward and trying hard to relax his tense muscles.

  “Is that what that was? Trying to prove a point?”

  He swallowed against the lump in his throat. “At first. You were so sad and pretty and I wanted to kiss you and make you feel better, but as soon as I did...”

  There she was, biting on that lip again. He really wished she wouldn’t. It was sexy as hell.

  “It got away from us,” she said.

  “It sure did.”

  She turned away and he smiled a little as she tossed her hair over her shoulder. She had spunk and she didn’t even realize it.

  “Getting married is probably a mistake,” she said.

  “You’ve changed your mind?” He knew she was simply reacting to what had happened. It had thrown them both.

  She shrugged. He saw her inhale, then exhale slowly before turning around. “I don’t know. This complicates things a lot.”

  “It doesn’t have to happen again,” he assured her. He could control himself, after all.

  “It doesn’t have to, but it doesn’t mean it won’t.”

  Tanner went to her then. He saw her eyes widen at his approach, wondering if he was going to kiss her again. But he didn’t. He put his hands lightly on her shoulders and looked down at her. “Nothing will happen that you don’t want,” he said firmly. “I’m not into persuasion or forcing my hand.”

  Laura gazed up at him for so long he thought he might drown in them. “You mean that,” she whispered.

  “You have my word.” As much as he hated to give it, he would. Because it was what she needed right now.

  “Maybe...” She started to speak and then stopped, frowning. “Hmm.”

  “Maybe what?”

  “Maybe what we need to do is give this a trial run. You know, before the ceremony. It’s three weeks away. You could move your stuff in here in the meantime and we could see how we get along. If it doesn’t work, we cancel the wedding and that’s it. I figure out something else and you can resume your apartment-hunting. We’d only be out the marriage license and the fee for the officiant.”

  He considered for a moment. It was actually a very practical, very sound plan.

  “Then tomorrow we have some things to do, don’t we?”

  “We do?”

  He nodded. “We’re supposed to go for the marriage license. Then we’ll shop for a bed afterward, and I’ll bring what I need over tomorrow night after work and dinner.”

  “You’re sure?”

  He nodded. “I think it’s a smart idea. It gives us a chance to get used to each other. Settle in. Besides, then we won’t be worried about it for the next three weeks. We’ll have all that adjustment stuff down pat.”

  It sounded great, except for just one thing. While he could promise he wouldn’t touch her or make any moves, he couldn’t promise not to think about it. He knew from experience that thinking too much could just about do a man in.

  “And no more funny business.” She pointed a finger at him and then dropped it, giving a small, slightly crooked smile. “Isn’t that what you said that first night?”

  It was, and he found it telling that she remembered. Had it been on her mind?

  “Laura, I find you incredibly attractive and I like you a lot. But I made a promise. So if anything happens between us, it’ll be because you come to me. Okay?”

  She gave a tiny nod. “Okay. So no worries there, then.”

  “No worries there.”

  It was only one kiss. They’d get over it.

  “Now, are you okay? I should get back home. I told Mom I would. Plus I need to break the news that I’m moving out and talk to Cole.”

  “Sounds like a fun evening.”

  “It could be a lot worse.” He laughed a little. In fact, despite tonight’s confusing events, he was looking forward to it. A guy could only live with his parents for so long before wanting to get out on his own. Even if the arrangement was slightly unorthodox. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then? I’ll come by and pick you up late morning, is that okay? We’ll get the license thing looked after and whatever else needs doing.”

  “Okay,” she answered, smiling back.

  There was a moment before he left that they both hesitated and the kitchen was quiet. It was a moment in which a regular couple would come together for a goodbye kiss, or a hug, or their hands would twine together and then drift apart—or all three. Instead Tanner stepped forward and kissed the crest of her cheek, keeping his hands to himself. “See you in the morning. Get a good night’s sleep.”

  It wasn’t until he was seated in his truck with the engine running that he completely relaxed his shoulders and allowed his real thoughts permission to run freely.

  The truth was he was starting to really care for Laura, far beyond friendship or responsibility or to serve his own purposes. He’d explained those feelings away for weeks now, but he couldn’t explain away the reaction he had to her kisses or the feel of her body against his.

  That kind of passion didn’t happen every day. And when it did happen, and with someone he also liked and wanted to care for...

  This marriage wasn’t going to be as platonic as he had thought. At least not for him. For his own sake, they’d best keep it short, then.

  * * *

  LAURA GATHERED THE sheets from the dryer and took them into the bedroom, making up the bed fresh. Tonight Tanner would be sleeping in it. It would be his long body beneath the covers; his head on the pillow.

  The day had passed in a blur. First, they’d gone to the county office for their marriage license, which had been nothing more than official paperwork and certainly nothing romantic about it. They’d gone from there to a furniture store in Great Falls—one of those discount chain places—and Tanner had bought her a single bed, complete with mattress. Laura hadn’t liked that too much, but she didn’t have the cash pay for such a purchase. And then Tanner pointed out he was taking her bed, and if he moved into an apartment he’d have to buy furniture anyway and also pay first and last month’s rent. When he put it that way, she didn’t feel quite so bad. When they stopped at the department store in Gibson, she made sure she paid for the new sheets, comforter, and extra pillow.

  It was as if the previous evening hadn’t happened. Nothing improper, no long, lingering looks or touches. Nothing to suggest that less than twenty-four hours earlier she’d been twined around him like a vine on a fence post, clinging to his lips like a blossom reaching for the sun.

  When they’d finally arrived home again, she helped him carry in the heavy boxes containing the bed parts. He’d be over later to put it together, bringing his things with him. All very practical and businesslike.

  In the meantime, she’d put Rowan down for a nap and was working on making her room into Tanner’s. This job seemed far more personal, because she was making room for him in her house. In her life.

  She sorted through Rowan’s things and packed away anything she’d outgrown, and then took the bottom two dresser drawers for herself. The rest of her clothes she stored in Rowan’s small closet, hanging up what she could and putting some on the top shelf. Her “good” clothes she left in her bedroom closet, pushed over to one side to make room for Tanner’s.

  The computer she left where it was, at least for now. During the day, Tanner would be at the ranch, so she could come in here and work. If it became a problem, they could look at moving her desk somewhere else, though the living room was pretty small for more furniture.

  Rowan woke and Laura fed her. Lately, Ro had been fussing more and more, and Laura figured it was probably past time to start feeding her some solids. Particularly since she’d started waking in the night again. After taking forty-five minutes to change and feed her, she put Rowan on a blanket in the li
ving room and threw the new bedding in the washing machine. She heated up a can of soup and made a peanut butter sandwich to go with it, and by the time Tanner arrived at seven, she had Rowan in the bathtub, splashing happily.

  “Hello?” he called, and Laura’s stomach filled with butterflies. He’s here.

  “We’re in the bathroom,” she called. Even though the baby was in a type of ring that kept her from sliding in the tub, Laura wouldn’t leave her alone. She soaped up the washcloth, preparing to cut bath playtime short since Tanner had already arrived.

  He peeked into the bathroom and leaned on the door frame. “Well. Someone likes her bath.”

  Rowan splashed with both hands, slapping the water and giggling at the sound and the droplets that were flung in and out of the tub.

  “Always,” Laura agreed. “I’ll be a few minutes here. I made room for your things in the bedroom and put fresh bedding on the bed. You can bring your stuff in if you want.”

  “Sounds good.”

  She was dying to know how it had all gone at his parents’ place. If they weren’t thrilled about the wedding, they probably had their noses out of joint about him moving in with her so quickly.

  While she finished with Rowan, she heard him making trips back and forth from his truck to the bedroom. When Rowan was finally snapped into her pajamas, Laura hung up the towel and put the baby on her shoulder, then went out to investigate.

  Tanner didn’t have suitcases. Instead, two large duffel bags sat on the floor in her room, as well as a couple of cardboard boxes. “That’s it?” she asked. “It sounded like you made more trips than that.”

  “I did. I brought some tools and stuff and put them in the basement. I figure it wouldn’t hurt for me to take on some odd jobs around here, right?”

  She rubbed Rowan’s back absently. “Odd jobs?”

  He nodded, wiping his hands on his jeans. “You know, like maybe painting the front railing and trim. I noticed one of the steps could use replacing, too, and the soffit needs tending.” He grinned at her. “Might as well earn my keep.”

  She wasn’t sure what to say. It would be nice to have those things done, but it wasn’t because she couldn’t do them. Deciding it would be best to simply be honest, she met his gaze squarely. “Tanner, I can paint and even fix the step. The reason I haven’t is that I prioritized my spending and fresh paint was more of a want than a need.”

  “I figured that. But it’s June and I bet you’ve paid your mortgage for the month already, haven’t you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then I’ll pick up some supplies and putter away in the evenings in lieu of rent for this month.”

  “But you bought the bed. That was instead of first and last month’s...”

  “And you have all the rest of the furniture. Trust me, Laura, I’m the one getting a bargain here. Besides, maybe you can help me.”

  His smile was so big that she couldn’t argue with him. It would be nice to spruce up the place a bit. Hadn’t she been lamenting the fact not long ago?

  Through it all, Rowan was just looked around, wide-eyed. Tanner laughed. “Wow. I’m not sure the kid approves. Look at that face.” Indeed, Rowan seemed very sober.

  “She’s getting tired,” Laura said. “I was thinking, maybe we can put off putting the bed together until tomorrow. I’ll just sleep on the mattress tonight.”

  “You’re sure?”

  She nodded. “By the time we unpack the pieces and get them put together, she’ll be beyond ready for bed. I’ve got the bedding. We can flop down the mattress. It’ll be just as comfortable.”

  They were still standing in between the living room and kitchen. Belatedly, Laura stepped back. “You’d probably like to unpack, though. What time do you get up in the morning?”

  He stuck his hands in his pockets. “I should be out the door by seven or so. I’ll try not to wake you both.”

  “Okay. There’s bread and jam for toast, or cereal for your breakfast. And eggs in the fridge. Just help yourself. This is your place now, too.” It felt so weird to say it. This wasn’t just her place anymore. It was theirs. And would be theirs until they decided otherwise.

  “Sounds fine. I’ll go put my stuff away, I guess.”

  “The chest of drawers is empty,” she said, calling after him as he walked down the hall.

  For a good half hour, she heard sounds coming from the bedroom; drawers opened and shut and the odd zipper rasped through the silence. Rowan started fussing and it was close to bedtime, so while Tanner finished up, Laura settled back in the corner of the sofa and nursed. For the first time in months, she longed for a glass of wine to steady her nerves. It was weird. So real, now that he was here in the house, larger than life and with his sunny smile. She’d just tucked everything back into place when Tanner came out, his hair mussed as if he’d run his hands through it several times.

  “There. I think I’m mostly set. I feel like a heel, kicking you out of your room, though.”

  They were going to be married. If they were like a normal married couple, no one would be kicked out of anywhere because they would be sharing a room. But not here, no, sir.

  “Don’t think anything of it. I’ll be snug as a bug in there.” She smiled. “Besides, the new bed is far more comfortable than the blow-up mattress.”

  He perched on the edge of a chair, looked at Rowan’s sleeping face for a moment, and then back at her. “This feels weird, doesn’t it?”

  She let out a relieved breath. “A little. We’ll adjust. It’s a crazy thing we’re doing, after all.”

  “Yep.” He slapped his knee lightly with his hand. “I brought a six-pack over and I feel like a beer. Do you mind?”

  “Of course not.”

  “You want one?”

  She glanced at Rowan. “I probably shouldn’t.”

  “Okay.” He got up and went to the kitchen. She heard him open the beer and a minute later he was back. He carried a small glass with him, a scant few inches of beer in it. He handed it to her with a wink.

  “Maybe just a bit to toast?” he asked.

  He was too cute to resist when he looked at her that way, all devilment and sexiness and with his silly hair sticking up on one side. She took the glass and grinned. “Oh, what the heck?” she said.

  He lifted his bottle. “To you and Rowan and me. New beginnings, unorthodox arrangements and a bright future ahead for all of us.”

  Laura lifted her glass and swallowed it all in one gulp, the creamy, fizzy beer sliding down her throat easily. She handed it back to him. “That was quite a speech.”

  He poured a little more in the glass and handed it back. “It’s true, though. We might not be doing things the normal way, but it’s for all the right reasons, don’t you think?”

  This time she didn’t answer, but she drank the sip he’d added to her glass. All the right reasons? In her whole life, she’d never considered marrying for anything but love. And that was conspicuously absent.

  The thought made her more than a little sad.

  Chapter Ten

  Laura slept fitfully that night. It wasn’t the bed or being in the same room as Rowan; she’d done that when her grandfather came to stay and was used to it. It was knowing Tanner was down the hall, sleeping in her old room. It was remembering the banal, ordinary sounds of another person in the house getting ready for bed. A door shutting, the tap running as he brushed his teeth, the gentle creak of the mattress as he got into bed.

  Tonight he’d acted as if their kiss had never happened. As if he’d never licked the sensitive skin of her neck or run his hand over her breast. She swallowed in the darkness, staring at the ceiling. She didn’t want a real marriage. She didn’t want to care for him or feel this inconvenient attraction, but she couldn’t always control it. She remembered something her grandm
a had told her when she was a teenager and everything with friends and boys seemed so dramatic. “Nothin’ you can do about other people, sweetie,” she’d said. “The only thing you can control is how you react. You’re in charge.”

  She was in charge. So while she might get a fluttery feeling when Tanner walked into a room, while she already liked the way the house felt with someone else in it, she was still in charge of her actions. Tanner need never know any of how she was feeling. As far as he was concerned, they would strictly be roommates.

  She finally drifted off to sleep, only to be wakened early by the sound of Tanner rising and getting ready to leave for work. She stayed curled under her blankets, waiting for him to leave for the day. Rowan slept on, the soft sound of her deep breathing barely audible in the room. Laura checked her watch. It was only six-thirty. When Tanner closed the front door behind him ten minutes later, she let out a deep sigh and went back to sleep.

  Her day progressed fairly normally after that. There was laundry, tidying, and caring for Rowan. Now that plans were in place, she booted up her computer and tried to ignore the signs that Tanner now occupied the bedroom, focusing instead on sending out emails to former clients to try to drum up business, then working on her own website design now that she had a launch date of right after the wedding. She threw together a quick sandwich for lunch and had just changed Rowan’s wet diaper when she heard a car pull into the driveway.

  When she looked out, her heart did an awkward skip. It was Maddy, the last person she’d expected.

  Maddy. Gavin’s widow. And probably soon to be Tanner’s sister-in-law—and hers, as well. Maddy, who up until Christmas thought that Rowan was her husband’s daughter. To say things were awkward between them was an understatement. What on earth did she want? It had to be something to do with Tanner. Laura twisted her fingers together. Damn.

  It didn’t help that Maddy was so pretty. Laura had dated Gavin once upon a time, sure, but the woman he’d married made Laura feel hokey and, well, inadequate. Maddy wasn’t just beautiful. She was a kind, generous human being, a wonderful mother, the town sweetheart who could do no wrong. It wasn’t a competition by any means, but Laura felt that she fell shy of the mark when standing next to Maddy.