by Cindy Stark
“Vegas?” Disappointment hung like a dark cloud over her friend’s face. “Why not get married here where your friends and family can attend?”
If this was her real wedding, she’d never elope. “Time, money. I can’t pull off a proper wedding in a couple of days.” Nor did she want to spend her money on a sham. “We’ve talked about renewing our vows in the summer like we’d originally planned, and we can invite everyone then.”
“That’s too bad.”
“Yeah.” She didn’t have to reach far to produce a sad expression. “But I’ll survive.”
“Of course you will.”
“So, dress? Something classy, but also appropriate for going out on the town afterward.”
Jessy laughed. “Oh, honey, I know the perfect thing for you.” She grabbed her by the elbow and led her through racks of clothes toward the back of the store.
“Linda mentioned I should carry fancier things before the holidays, so last December, I got a little crazy. Sold some, but not others. I thought this would be a fun dress for a party.” She stopped and selected a short silver and white dress. “I think it would be perfect for a Vegas wedding. What do you think?”
The sleeveless cocktail dress was comprised of silk overlaid with diagonal slashes of short shimmering fringe across parts of the dress. Sparkling stones traveled the vee between the breasts and across one hip. “It’s gorgeous.” She fingered the soft fringe. Never in her life had she owned anything so flashy or delicate.
She couldn’t imagine not catching Caleb’s eye. “I think it will be perfect. How much?” She searched for the price tag inside the dress.
Jessy caught her hand and stopped her. “Consider it a gift. I’d be honored if you’d wear it.”
“Oh, Jessy.” Her heart swelled with gratitude, and she hugged her friend. “Thank you so much.”
Her happiness died a few short seconds later when she realized she’d just allowed her friend to gift her with an expensive dress on false pretenses. God, she was a mess.
What was that line about not having to worry about what you said if you never told lies? This wasn’t a little white lie, either. It was a whopper of one that literally constituted telling falsehoods to make a profit. There had to be a legal term for it, and probably a hefty jail sentence to go along with that.
Back at the counter, Jessy wrapped it carefully in layers of tissue and boxed it up for her. “When you get back, we’re going to do this the proper way with a bridal shower, wedding cake and a hell of a celebration.”
Her enthusiasm was contagious. “Yes, we will. I really wish I could have a proper wedding here so you could be my maid of honor.”
“Me, too.”
With a hug and a smile, Jessy sent her out into the bright spring sunshine carrying the most beautiful dress that would be wasted on a lie.
That knowledge weighed heavy on her heart.
If only she and Caleb had met online and had fallen in love. She’d always had a hard time picturing herself married, but now she had no problem seeing herself with a man like him.
Chapter Fifteen
Caleb strode the streets of Moose Meadows, admiring the quaint, old-fashioned charm. This was the type of town he always enjoyed visiting, where hours rolled at a slower pace and people still made time for each other.
He slowed as he passed the jewelry store, wondering if he should buy something for Rachel. Another prop to help alleviate the questions. He’d loaned her his ex-wife’s ring the day he’d arrived, but he couldn’t consider placing that ring on Rachel’s finger when they married. Even if it was only a short-term agreement. Not now that he knew how beautiful Rachel was inside and out.
Joe had told him that people in town were talking, making her seem like a desperate woman. She didn’t deserve that. She was the victim in an unfortunate set of circumstances. She shouldn’t have her good name slandered, too. A ring would also go a long way in helping to convince everyone this was a legitimate marriage and in helping to prevent her cousin from trying to prove otherwise.
He pulled open the door of the jewelry store and stepped inside. He certainly could find her something appropriate without spending too much.
“Hello, there.” An older gentleman with a balding head and white mustache approached him with a friendly smile. “How can I help you?”
Caleb nodded in greeting and removed his hat. “I’m looking for a ring.”
“Any particular kind?” he prodded.
Caleb silently chuckled at the horseshoe tie he wore with a button-down white shirt and blue slacks. That was probably the most he’d seen anyone dress up in this town, except on Sundays. “A wedding ring.” He looked the man directly in the eye.
“Ah.” The old man’s eyes crinkled at the edges when he grinned. “You must be Rachel’s man.”
The sound of her name brought a smile to his face. “I am.”
“Well, if this is for Miss Rachel, it’s going to need to be something special like she is.” He turned and headed for a brightly lit display case to their right.
“She is special, isn’t she?” It wasn’t hard to speak highly of her. He admired her strength and spirit, not to mention she looked damn sexy whether she wore jeans and boots or the cute pajamas she wore to bed. He doubted whether she realized exactly how much of her assets they showed. Not that she wasn’t covered, but his imagination could fill in the lines of what lay beneath.
“I’m totally forgetting my manners.” The man paused and stuck out his hand. “Welcome to Moose Meadows. I’m Fred McKenzie, but most around here call me Mac.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Mac. I’m Caleb Dawson.”
“Any family in Texas? I used to know some Dawson’s when I lived there.”
“Not that I know of.”
“Ah, well. Let’s see what we have here.” Mac slid out a tray of sparkling rings. “The ones with these big diamonds are real nice.”
“They are,” he agreed. “But that’s not really her, is it?” He said it as a question, but he knew for a fact flashy wasn’t her style.
Mac grinned. “That was a test.”
Caleb laughed. “Did I pass?”
“With flying colors.”
He couldn’t help but feel relieved. “How about that one?” Caleb pointed to a thin band with a classic cut diamond sitting right in the middle of it. It wouldn’t be too expensive. The extra thousand she’d insisted on paying him would more than cover the cost. She could sell it later on if she wanted. But he kind of hoped she’d keep it to remember him. He and Rachel had connected on some level, and he was certain he’d never forget her.
A pleased smile lit his face. “I’d say that’s perfect. I have more I could show you, but I think you nailed it with this one.”
The compliment warmed him inside. “Great. I’ll take it.”
The man eyed him as he rang up the purchase and Caleb presented his credit card. “I heard there’s going to be a shotgun wedding this weekend.”
Caleb raised surprised brows. “Not a shotgun wedding, but we are eloping.” He wouldn’t have people spreading nasty rumors, too.
“Congratulations. We’re all behind her, you know, wanting her to keep what’s hers.” He looked up from bushy white eyebrows.
“I’m sure she’ll be happy to know that.”
The older man placed the jewelry box in a small bag. “Some of us have been talking. Does she ever mention Jessy to you?”
“Her friend?” Rachel had briefly talked about her.
“Yep. At lunch just today, she told a bunch of us how Rachel really wants to get married here in Moose Meadows, but there’s not time for her to get everything ready, and we’d really love to be here to support her. Anyway, Jessy’s got it in her head that we should rally the forces and give her the wedding she deserves. Jess says she can host it at her place so Rachel would be totally surprised. What do you think about that idea? You’d need to be in on it if it was going to work.”
Caleb hesitated. Had Rachel reall
y said that? Maybe the trip to Vegas wasn’t necessary, though he did want to take her out on the town. Maybe he could figure out a way to sneak in a trip later on. Besides, a hometown ceremony would seem more logical and beneficial to her story. Most brides did want their friends and family around. “Think Jessy can pull it off? She doesn’t have long.”
“You don’t know Jessy. If she says she can do it, she’ll do it. ‘Sides, she’s got the whole town to help her.”
“If that’s what Rachel wants, then that’s what she should get.” Besides, this would be more realistic for Rachel and a lot more fun. He’d gotten to know a few of the residents and wouldn’t mind doing some so-called celebrating with them. Just because the marriage was a farce didn’t mean the friendships he’d made were. “The only issue I can think of is obtaining the marriage license in advance. We could have gotten one the day of the ceremony in Las Vegas.”
Mac shrugged. “Tell her you need to get it in advance here in Wyoming. Do you think she’ll know the difference?”
He considered that for a moment. “Probably not. She’s never been married, so it’s unlikely she’s researched the process. It’s definitely worth a try. Good thinking, Mac.”
“Thanks.” The old man smiled. “I knew there was a reason I liked you the moment you walked in the door. Go talk to Jessy at the clothing store just down the block. If she can pull this off, it would be a heck of a celebration.”
Chapter Sixteen
“I have a surprise for you.”
Rachel tossed the last bit of hay into Gemini’s stall and then lifted her gaze. She admitted she hadn’t expected Caleb to finish his work so soon. It was barely two in the afternoon. “You’re done early?”
“Something better.” A hint of mischief sparkled in his eyes and made her smile.
“Okay then, what?”
“You know Cal Kendry, right? I met him at the hardware store, and he asked about our wedding, wondering if we could use his services as a photographer.”
“Did you tell him we’re eloping?”
“I did, but he said he’d still like to take some pictures as a gift to us. I couldn’t exactly tell him no. Then I got to thinking this is another way to help validate our marriage because all couples are going to want a photo together, right?”
She nodded slowly. “Yeah, that’s true.”
“So, here’s what I thought. We could get dressed up in our wedding attire, have him take a few photos, and then head for a nice dinner in Cody tonight. What kind of a fiancé would I be if I never take you anywhere special?”
She shrugged as a strange happiness enshrouded her. He seemed to show real interest in her, but she couldn’t discern how much was for show and how much wasn’t.
“Then we can get to bed early so we can hit the road for Vegas at dawn,” he continued. “Would you be agreeable to our date?”
“Sure.” She shoved the true level of her excitement down into the deepest part of her heart. “That sounds really nice.”
“Good.” He grinned. “I figured you’d want time to get ready because this will be your bridal picture and all. I told him we’d be there around four-thirty. Is that enough time for you?”
“I think so, though I’d probably better get started.”
He took the pitchfork from her. “I’ll finish in here before I hit the shower.”
She took a few steps toward the door before she glanced back with a curious smile. Caleb watched with an interested gaze that sent her heart into a tailspin. “I’ll just meet you in the living room when I’m ready, okay?”
He nodded and then shooed her away.
Tendrils of excitement twisted through her as she hurried toward the house. She’d need all the time she could get if she wanted to get her hair and makeup just right. Though pictures were a pretense, she wanted to look pretty, wanted Caleb to notice her.
Hell. If she was going to be honest, she wanted him to want her, wanted him to push her up against a wall like he’d done in the barn and kiss her senseless. Call her crazy, but she’d come to like the man and wanted time to discover if the attraction between them was real. If it was…maybe he could stay.
She’d fought her feelings for him for nearly six weeks now. The closer it came to the time he’d have to leave, the more she ached to explore her feelings.
She didn’t want him to go. Not yet anyway.
She wanted the dark cloud of Franklin’s threats to disappear, and then she wanted time with Caleb. Simple, honest time together to see if he would be the same charming person if she was no longer paying him. To see if she was still attracted to him if he no longer played the role of her savior.
****
By the time Rachel pulled her shimmery, silky dress from the closet, she barely had ten minutes remaining. She slid into the garment enjoying the feel of the fabric against her skin. Because of the sheerness across the shoulders, she was unable to wear a bra with it, but the bodice was tight enough that it would hold her in place.
She glanced in the full-length mirror. The dress did wonders for her figure, for everything. She looked sexy, felt amazingly beautiful.
Would Caleb notice?
She’d worn her hair down in thick curls like he’d mentioned he liked and had fastened the teardrop diamond necklace her mother had given her on her sixteenth birthday. She’d never been much for jewelry, but she was grateful to have it now. The silver pumps she’d been lucky enough to find in Cody left her feet feeling awkward, but she’d get used to them.
If her marriage was real, her mom would have helped her pick out her dress. Would have helped her do her hair on her wedding day. She would hug her and tell her how lucky she was to have found a man like Caleb.
Except he wasn’t hers. And none of this was real.
With that heaviness settling in her heart, she grabbed the small purse Jessy had snuck in with her dress and stuffed her lipstick inside. She spritzed on perfume and then glanced around the room as though she had to be forgetting something. When she couldn’t think of what, she left her bedroom, nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
Caleb stood staring out the picturesque front window, his hands in the pockets of black pants, and his black suit jacket tailored to his far-too-handsome frame.
“Hey,” she said in a subdued voice.
He turned, and her heart fell out from beneath her. Beneath the jacket, he wore a black dress shirt, painting the picture of a lean, muscular man capable of stealing her soul with just a glance.
The full black ensemble combined with his dark hair and passionate green eyes was possibly the most beautiful sight she’d ever seen.
“Wow,” he said in a low voice as he moved toward her. “You are simply stunning.”
Hot strikes of lightning bolted through her as she searched his expression, looking for any sign of insincerity. She could find none.
Quite simply, he took her breath away. “Thank you. You look pretty amazing yourself.”
He slipped an arm around her waist when he reached her and turned them both toward the large mirror she’d hung above the couch. The enticing scent of his woodsy cologne caught her off guard and gripped her tightly.
“Look at us,” he said and grinned. “We look like we belong together. Who would suspect otherwise?”
Oh…damn. They truly did.
She studied their images, him the epitome of tall, dark and handsome, her with her long dark curls and gorgeous silvery dress. She met his gaze in the mirror, and smiled, showing no signs of the strong current whipping through her. “Who wouldn’t look good standing next to you?”
“Ah, the lovely lady flatters me.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it.
She couldn’t move, could barely breathe.
“Should we go?” Caleb asked. “He’s meeting us near a woman named Jessy’s barn. She’s one of your friends, right? He said it was a great spot to shoot photos and that you’d give me directions.”
“Oh? Jessy’s? Yes. It’s
not too far.” She slipped her hand around the arm he offered her and let him lead her out the door.
“Sorry you have to climb into my truck in those heels. I would have rented a limo, but Moose Meadows doesn’t have any.”
She gave a soft snort, not certain if he was kidding or not. “It’s okay.” He opened her door and turned, placing both hands on her waist.
“What are you—” She gasped as he lifted her into the air like she weighed nothing and placed her on the leather seat.
“Oh, my gosh.” She laughed as he drew a hand down her calf to her outside shoe and tucked it inside as she swiveled frontward in her seat. “Okay.”
He tipped his head as though to say “no problem”, his entrancing eyes teasing her. She wondered if he flirted like that on purpose, or if he didn’t realize how unbelievably charming he was. Dizzying shivers flitted through her, leaving her off balance and more than a little captivated.
She tried to regain her composure as they drove the mile and a half to Jessy’s place. “Do you mind if we stop in to see Jessy after the pictures?” she asked as they grew near. “I’d like to introduce you to my other best friend besides Elle.”
She shouldn’t let him get to know any of her friends since he wouldn’t be around long, but maybe just this one.
“I’d love to meet her.” Caleb parked alongside the road in front of her house, and she knitted her brows together.
“Looks like she has something going on tonight. There are so many cars.” It stung that Jessy hadn’t invited her to whatever she was hosting, but she couldn’t blame her. Rachel had been so preoccupied with her own life lately, and she couldn’t deny she’d distanced herself from most people in town in order to keep a low profile. “Maybe we should do the pictures and stop to see Jessy another time, instead.”
Caleb shut off the engine and turned toward her with a smile. She was sure he hadn’t intended to heat her blood, but he did all the same. “Whichever you’d like.”