His Montana Bride (The Montana Armstrongs Book 1)

by Jillian Hart

  Emily motored down the street in the mellow evening light, heading toward the nice chain hotel. She still felt bubbly from her day spent with Cord. His family had come to pay a visit, perhaps that Facebook post had made a difference.

  Mom and Dad had shown up, dragging their parents along. Maybe God had a hand in getting her here, because the air traffic was still a mess from the remnant of a hurricane on the eastern seaboard. It hadn't been easy, but she had a seat confirmed for one day later.

  Once that was done, she'd helped Renee in the kitchen, along with Cord's mom, who friended her, too. She took a group selfie and posted it as making chicken enchiladas in Montana.

  She had yet to check her phone to see who had commented, but she knew her friends would have plenty to say. She felt all glow-y, having spent the day with Cord and his family. She'd been totally unprepared for this. Cord was turning out to be exactly who he said he was.

  As for her liking Montana life, well, it was fabulous. She was having the best time. Her cell chimed as she parked in the hotel's lot. She cut the engine and dug out her phone.

  Two voice mail messages waited for her, probably both from her mom who had called twice today already. And a bunch of texts. She scrolled through several messages from friends.

  Who's the new guy? Julie wrote.

  He's a cowboy? Caitlin asked.

  So, this is why you left me with a bunch of work to do? Ashley, her associate at work, texted. Way to go!

  Then she came to Cord's message.

  Miss you already.

  She replied with a tap of the keys. I miss you, too.

  Her chest twisted hard with vulnerability. Being here with Cord was like being caught in a kayak with a riptide dragging her out to sea.

  She couldn't fight the current, she didn't know what would happen or where she would end up, or if her heart would make it intact. But God was in charge, His hand was guiding her. She believed that.

  I'll do my best to listen to Your leading, Lord. She glanced upward through the windshield toward the blue sky and hazy clouds.

  No answer blazed from the heavens, but she didn't feel alone as she angled out of the car, tapped onto the sidewalk and remote locked her door. Her hotel room was cool and restful, and she brought the joy of her day in with her.

  Her phone sang a happy little electronic tune. Probably Mom again, she thought as she checked her screen. No, it was Ashley. She answered, hitting the speaker button so she could have her hands free. "Hey, girlfriend. Did your curiosity get the best of you?"

  "You know it. First off, I gotta ask what you think of Montana. You wouldn't catch me out there with cows and nothing else practically."

  "True, but I love it. Don't get me wrong, I love Seattle and I won't stop, but this is nice. I could see myself considering living here."

  "Get out! I thought for sure you would be on the first plane out." Ashley laughed, incredulous.

  "Why would you say that?"

  "You've got everything here. A great townhouse, your family, your friends and country club life. An ex-fiancé who wants you back and makes seven figures a year. Who can walk away from that?"

  "He doesn't really want me back. Neither do I want to go."

  "Well, that's my take on it. But, Montana. Really?"

  "I know, but I didn't say it would be easy. I'm doing my best to keep my heart from getting too involved. I love my family too much. I'm so close to them. No way can I leave them, at least, I don't think." She plunked down her purse and sat on the edge of the bed. A pleasant exhaustion from a day well spent made her sigh softly. "That doesn't mean I'm not wishing. Did you get your flight to Atlanta worked out?"

  "I did. I'm bummed we aren't enjoying hot stone massages right now at the hotel spa, but I booked us all for Sunday so watch out, Atlanta. Wild girls are coming. Then we will go to the juice bar and drink healthy juices."

  "We are wild."

  "True."

  "You were thinking things went badly with my impromptu stay to meet with Cord, and this is a pity call. Wait, you saw my post."

  "You looked happy and laughing. Best I've seen you in a long time. A little relaxation agrees with you."

  "It's the man, not the time off."

  "I've learned that men are great in theory, but in reality? Men don't measure up. A lot of them miss the mark. This one is different?"

  "Very. Cord is everything I hoped for, so far." She leaned down to slip off her shoes.

  "That's a sign of doom if I've ever heard it. What's wrong with him?"

  "Nothing."

  "Does he smoke? Swear? Is he a lady's man?"

  "No, no, no." Laughter bubbled out, probably Ashley's intent. "He's nothing like that. And goes to church every Sunday at his uncle's church."

  "How's his farm? Is it the rundown kind? You know, with chickens on the stoop and falling down buildings?"

  "No. It's a huge ranch, his house is to die for. He has modern horse barns that made my jaw drop, plus the care and investment he's put into them. And his horses are fine. He even has a sweet cat and a perfect dog."

  "Say, what? I'm staring to get an image and it's not a good one."

  "His ranch is picture perfect. His house is Country Living fine." She slid her feet out of her socks and stretched out her toes. "He is handsome, honorable and hard-working and the only thing wrong with him is that I'm sure he is going to break my heart."

  "Why would he do that?" Caring rang in Ashley's words. "He isn't afraid of commitment, is he?"

  "No. He wants to get married. He's the serious type." She plumped up the pillows and leaned back, relaxing, wondering if Cord was doing the same. "If this doesn't change between us and we stay just friends, I realize now that I'm really going to be devastated."

  "Sometimes things just don't work, no matter what you do."

  "I know. We'll see how this goes."

  "Always. Is he that great? Truly?"

  "Truly." She couldn't hide the caring in her voice or the affection in her heart. It doubled with each beat. Already she missed his smile with a soreness that hurt. "My favorite part was riding the horses. It felt so great. After we got back, we washed and groomed and spoiled them up. I'm already in love with Tamra."

  "Tell me about it," Ashley invited.

  How could she resist? While she relayed the tale trying to capture each adorable detail of the little calves she met, the foals she got to pet, how Tamra kissed her, then there was the family supper she helped make.

  Already her hopes had climbed sky high. What would happen to her heart if they came crashing to the ground?

  Best not to think about that.

  * * *

  "Don't say it." Cord took one look at his brother trudging across the back porch from taking out the supper garbage and knew what was coming. "She isn't playing with my heart. She's still going to come spend the day tomorrow."

  "Sure she is." Alex's gruffness carried easily on the evening breezes as he pushed open the screen door. "She got a look at all this property and thought you might be a better catch than she thought."

  "Wrong." He hadn't told Alex about Emily's background and her well-to-do family. "She's no gold digger. How could you take a look at her and think she is?"

  "She's kind looking and sweet, I'll grant you that. But women are women. She's going to break your heart." Alex glowered. "What are you watching?"

  "I just turned the tv on." He checked his phone. No message from Emily. "I'm not sure how impressed she is with me, but she seemed happy. She seems to like it here."

  "Renee sure liked her. That's a plus." Alex plopped onto the sectional and stole the remote. "Let's see what's on. By the way, you'd be smart to hang onto that heart of yours no matter what."

  "That's what I'm trying to do." Trying so hard and failing at it. The day spent with Emily sang like a favorite song in his mind, one that played over and over again, each note treasured, every verse sweet.

  "Try harder," Alex advised.

  The yellow tabby lounging
on the chair mewed in agreement.

  Kate came over, circled around and laid down on the carpet, facing the television, ready to watch.

  "Believe me, I'm trying." Cord couldn't believe he was taking romantic advice from a bachelor who hadn't dated in over a decade.

  No doubt about it, he was in dire straits. He hoped the Lord was looking down on him, ready to lend a helping hand because he was in desperate need of it. Somewhere along the way he'd lost his heart.

  He suspected he knew exactly who had it.

  "Oh, this is a good one, I love mysteries." Alex set down the remote, ready to watch.

  "Good choice. I love this show. Thanks for doing my work today for me."

  "You are never that big of a help anyway," Alex joked.

  "I try," he joked back, laughing easily, grateful for his big brother.

  It was a beautiful evening. The tv show snared his attention, and he leaned back into the cushions, feet up on the ottoman and relaxed, joking with his brother. It was a good life.

  But today, it had been stellar. Having Emily here, walking with her in the sunshine, riding with her in the meadows and listening to the music of her laughter had changed him.

  It had taken him from wishing for her to wanting her in his life, right here on his land, forever in his heart.

  "If I'm not careful I'm going to fall all the way in love with her," he told Alex. "What do you think I should do?"

  Alex shook his head. He didn't have an answer for that.

  11

  Five in the morning rolled around incredibly fast. Emily fought off a yawn as she parked in the concrete driveway in front of the three car garage of Cord's home.

  She set the handbrake and climbed out into the morning. A fresh breeze washed over her, daisies in the nearby field nodded in greeting and a bark echoed somewhere in the house. A dog trotted out of the open door and gave her a wide, toothy grin.

  "Good morning, Kate." Emily pocketed her keys, grabbed her phone and knelt to pet her new friend. "How's your day going so far? Did you get a good breakfast? If you come in with me, I'll sneak some treats out of the kitchen. Deal?"

  In answer, Kate offered her head for petting. Such a sweet good girl. Emily thought of what it would be like to have a dog to love again. To have a horse to love again.

  To have a family of her own.

  "Maybe this time, somehow," she whispered to Kate, feeling sure that the dog could keep a secret. Kate licked her chin and took a few steps and waited, as if to say, come with me.

  "Okay, I'm with you, girl." Emily rose to her feet and followed the canine down the walkway to the open front door.

  The quiet entryway was roomy and full of light, comfortable. Like the best of homes, this house already felt like it was full of good memories.

  She shut the door behind her and followed Kate down the wide hallway, past the rising curve of the wide staircase, the roomy living room and serene dining room and, finally, past Cord's den.

  She paused to look in, curious, smiling to see the desk so orderly, the big leather couch facing a widescreen and a pile of hardback books. Mysteries, she knew. Cord loved a good mystery.

  So did she.

  Kate gave her a patient smile as she waited for her to catch up. She led the way into the kitchen.

  "There you are." Renee didn't look up from the stove, where two frypans of hash browns cooked in butter, and she whipped up western style omelets. "I knew you would show up. Wash your hands and grab the muffins from the oven, will you? The timer is about to go off."

  "I'd be glad to." Happy, she turned on the faucet, soaped up and rinsed off. "How's your morning going?"

  "Good. I've got hungry men to feed, so I'm happy." Renee flipped the omelets one by one in their pan. "How did you sleep in that hotel room?"

  "Pretty good. I never sleep all that well, but it is a very quiet hotel."

  "Good. I want you to be comfortable here. Where are you going?"

  "I need to grab a treat for a special girl." She grabbed the red box from the pantry shelf and handed a large Milkbone to Kate.

  Politely, the dog took it and carried it to her favorite sunny spot by the round oak table.

  It was a pleasant way to spend time. She grabbed a couple pot holders and, while talking with Renee, rescued the muffin tins from the ovens just as the timer went off. She silenced the alarm, freed the blueberry muffins from their pans and left them to cool on the wire racks on the counter.

  She set her phone on the breakfast bar and, taking the cup of sweetened coffee Renee poured for her, sipped and texted Cord.

  Guess where I am? She hit send.

  "Let's get this packed up." Renee turned off the burners.

  "How can I help?" Emily took another wonderful sip of coffee and went to lend a hand.

  The kitchen door swung open. Cord. Her heart soared at the sight of him.

  As if he could sense her presence, he turned toward her, his gaze already kind. Joy chased across his dear face. The face she had missed, so she drank in the details of him, of the lean cut of his cheekbones, the straight slope of his nose and those lips that had almost kissed her last night.

  His iron jaw gentled with a smile. His dimples lassoed her in, making her forget everything but him.

  Lord, help me to keep my feet on the ground, she prayed, feeling the tug of that lasso as it settled around her heart and pulled tight.

  "Emily! Good morning. I didn't get a text to you. Sorry." He ambled toward her. "I didn't know you were going to come for breakfast. This is good."

  "I promised Renee I'd help. You said to come when it was good for me."

  "You're an early riser."

  "Always have been."

  "Me too."

  Her heart had never been so vulnerable or so open. If this didn't work out, the grief would be too much to endure. But when she met his gaze and saw powerful affection shining quietly in those depths, a corresponding affection welled up within her.

  She felt the grip of it like a riptide carrying her away again, and she was helpless against the power of her heart.

  "You're my guest, not a worker." He grabbed one of the insulated packs, standing mighty with his broad shoulders set and his feet braced, every inch a Montana man.

  It was all she could do to keep her heart from fluttering. She grabbed one of the other packs and accompanied him out the door.

  "I'm not working, I'm helping." Humor was easier than exposing her feelings. She wasn't ready to let him know how much she wanted to be a part of his life, how much he was already a part of her.

  "Helping? Do you know what you're doing to me?" he asked.

  "I have no idea." She shook her head, clueless as to what he might mean. He rose to his full height, towering over her, a dream she wanted to hold tight to and never let go.

  Affection strengthened within her as he leaned close, making her pulse still. Nothing was more endearing than the brush of his kiss to her cheek. The tender velvet of his lips, the smooth satin of his cheek, the scent of hay and soap on his skin.

  Emotions stronger than affection and as pure as grace welled up, threatening to drown her.

  Don't do it, she told herself, fighting with everything she had against the ocean-strength wave pulling at her heart. Don't give in.

  "You capture me." The slight rasp of his callused fingertips against her chin, the rumble of honesty in his tone and his unguarded openness shattered the last of her common sense. It fled like dust in a windstorm, blowing away, leaving her with nothing to protect her undefended heart.

  Love whispered through her when he gazed into her eyes.

  Time stilled. The world stopped turning and disappeared, leaving nothing but the hush of the moment between them and the ribbon-like curl of her spirit toward his. He felt so close, it was as if no space or distance separated them, as if their souls touched.

  His heart beat with hers in perfect synchrony. His eyes darkened and he leaned in for a kiss, his lips hovering a hair's breadth above hers.
Pure love enveloped them like a cocoon.

  A cow mooed and another joined in. Soon a choir of bovine voices demanded attention, broke the moment and stopped the almost kiss.

  Laugh lines crinkled around Cord's eyes as he straightened. He shook his head, scattering thick brown locks.

  "Maybe this isn't the right time for a kiss." He dipped his chin, bashful and blushing a little. "In the middle of the yard for anyone to notice? I think I can do better than that."

  "Okay, but I wasn't complaining." Her spirit kept leaning toward his leaning toward her. The mooing rose to a deafening level, echoing around the room. "Later?"

  "Darlin', that's a promise you can count on." Cord squared his wide shoulders, emphasizing the unyielding plane of his chest. Manly, stalwart, he gazed down at her with affection so true, she feared it had to be a dream. "Come on, let's go get breakfast."

  "Okay." She accompanied him toward the open stable door. To the right was an office.

  The double doors were open, showing a tile floor leading over to a comfortable living room. A big dining table and chairs stood facing the bank of windows overlooking the pasture. A kitchen sat to the right of that.

  Cord's boots padded alongside hers, and his presence rang in the chambers of her soul. She set the pack on the kitchen counter, next to his. Her spirit leaned toward him and brightened when he bumped his elbow affectionately against her arm.

  When she glanced up at him, the look of answering joy on his handsome granite face made her feel complete. Nothing could be as good as seeing his regard for her gleaming in his eyes or the quiet understanding that passed between them.

  "I'm getting the hang of ranching life," she said with a casual shrug, as if it were no big deal. But it was, because it was his way of life. "Hey, I learned something else this morning."

  "What's that?"

  "I adore it here," she said shyly.

  As if he understood but was too bashful to say, he nodded once. It felt as if the whole world smiled.

  Boots thudded in their direction. It was time to meet the hired men.

  * * *

  Cord pocketed his phone and opened the kitchen door.