“Danny’s been wanting more hours since the new baby.” Mom glanced up long enough to reveal a satisfied grin.
He should’ve spared the details. Just asked for the day off, not mentioned they’d be doing a road trip together.
He aimed a glower at her, shut the door and reclaimed his seat by Landry. “We’re good to go.”
“But I haven’t agreed to the pretend thing.” A doe with her fawn crossed the trail at the edge of the woods. “I can’t believe you wanted to turn hunters loose on them,” she whispered.
“I’ll admit, they are beautiful.” The doe stilled, caught sight of them, nudged her fawn, and they bolted into the woods. “If we’re gonna do this, we need to make sure we know pertinent details about each other. Things couples would know.”
“I’m not saying I’m in on this make-believe relationship.” She wouldn’t look at him. “But what kind of things?”
“Your favorite color is that blue-green jewelry stone color, right?”
“Turquoise.” Her gaze met his. “How do you know?”
He shrugged. “You wear it often.”
“I’m guessing yours is red. Because of your truck.”
“Very good. For the record, my favorite car is a Mustang—preferably red. But it’s highly impractical to own a car on a ranch. So I have a red Dodge Ram with a lift kit instead. Arr arr.” He made a macho grunting sound.
She rolled her eyes. “Now that your little he-man moment is over, what else?”
“Your favorite hymn is ‘The Old Rugged Cross.’”
“You’ve heard me hum it. And I’ve heard you whistle ‘Blessed Assurance.’”
“It’s my favorite. Let’s talk flowers.” He tapped his chin with his finger. “Those purple things that hang from stuff in the spring. What’s it called?”
“Wisteria, and they’re lavender. But how did you—?”
“I might have sort of Googled you.” He grimaced.
She whacked his shoulder. “You did what?”
“When you first arrived.” He splayed his hands. “I thought you were a scammer.”
“Oh, no.” She leaned her head back, closed her eyes. “You saw my mindless blatherings about the wedding that never happened.”
“You mean the happy plans of a woman in love.” Though his stomach turned at the notion, he gave her arm a reassuring squeeze.
“I thought I was.” Her voice cracked. “I closed my account after we ran into him. I wish I’d done it sooner. This is too embarrassing.”
“We’re not finished here.” He pressed his fingers to his temple as if he could lock in the information. “I have to remember. Turquoise, lavender wisteria.”
“I don’t think it’s unusual for a guy to struggle with color and flower names.” She giggled.
He’d never noticed how cute her laugh was. “Your greatest fear is a bug getting in your ear.”
The smile slid from her face. “How did you know that?”
“Eden told me about y’all’s trail ride. About you dashing inside, squealing and jumping while pounding your head with your palm. Granny dragging you to the sink to run water in your ear.”
“The moth floated right out.” She shivered, clamped a hand over her ear. “I can still feel it in there.”
“I noticed you never uncover your ears, even when you wear a ponytail.” Why did he suddenly have to urge run his fingers through her silky curls?
“Your biggest fear already happened.” She snagged his gaze. “Losing someone you love.”
He couldn’t swallow the lump in his throat.
Something warm settled in her eyes. “We probably know more about each other than most people.”
Sitting here with her was feeling way too right. “Now all we need is a story,” he said.
“What kind of story?”
“We’ll cause a stir at the wedding.” She muddled his thinking. Would he even have to do any pretending for the wedding? “We need to know when our relationship became more than friendship. That kind of thing.”
“More lies,” Her gaze swung to his.
“Not necessarily. We can be honest about how we’ve gotten closer since inheriting the dude ranch.”
She chuckled. “At least you don’t think I’m a con artist anymore.”
“It took two weeks to fall for each other.”
“That’s awfully fast.”
“Sometimes it happens that fast. But you’ve pretty much been here a few days past two weeks, so we’ll have to go with it.” He had to look away. Because coming up with this story, the reasons he had for not falling for Landry were starting to give way. “We should have a favorite movie. Ever seen that Star Trek movie where Khan put that worm thing in Chekov’s ear?”
“Stop it.” She whacked his shoulder.
“Just trying to help you overcome your fear.”
“Yeah, right.” She smacked him again. “But I could go for watching The Twilight Zone.”
“What’s your favorite episode?”
“The one with Burgess Meredith where all he wants to do is...”
“Have time to read. Classic. Such irony.”
She turned serious on him. “I’ll think about the pretending thing. Let you know tomorrow. But either way, I appreciate you going with me. It means a lot.”
“Fair enough.” Watching her every move, every expression. He was coming to realize that no woman had ever affected him the way she did.
“Can we leave at six in the morning? I know it’s early, but the ceremony is at two, and I’d like to have extra time in case anything goes wrong.”
“I’ll be ready.”
If he could convince her to do this, he’d have to remind his heart not to forget they were pretending.
* * *
The next day, they were halfway to Aubrey and Landry’s insides continued to whir. Should she take Chase up on his offer—pretend they were a couple? He hadn’t brought it up again. Just made small talk as he drove.
The opportunity to stop hiding her growing feelings for him tugged at her. At least for a day. If she agreed to the pretense—how would her family react? Should she pull them aside, let them in on the ruse? Would they go along with it if they knew? It was lying.
But her feelings were becoming real. And that was the biggest problem of all. If she spent a day playing couple with Chase, would she be able to get back to normal with him afterward? She wasn’t sure her heart could handle the charade.
Her cell phone buzzed, making her jump. She quickly dug it out of her pocket.
“Just for the record,” Chase said, never taking his eyes off the road, “that’s a really boring ringtone.”
“It’s my sister.” She swiped her finger across the screen. “Hey, Devree. What’s up?”
“Waverly called the wedding off. She dumped Kyle.”
Laughter bubbled out of Landry. “You’re kidding. You’re certain about this?”
“Another wedding planner called to let me know the venue they booked is up for grabs next month.” Devree sighed. “Please tell me you won’t go running back to him if he beckons.”
“Trust me. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Good.” Relief tinged her tone. “Are you on your way?”
“Yeah. About halfway there.”
“Can’t wait to see you.”
“Me, too.” She ended the call, slid her phone back into her pocket. “Kyle is single.”
“What?” Chase glanced her direction.
“His fiancée cancelled the wedding.” She snorted. “That’s the best news I’ve heard in I don’t even know how long.” She knew exactly how Kyle must feel. She should have been empathetic toward him, especially since she’d forgiven him. But all she felt was validation.
<
br /> “Congratulations.” Chase’s mouth tightened.
“This will make the wedding better for me.” No need for the pretense. Her hometown would be buzzing with the breakup. Taking the pressure off her. She closed her eyes. “I’ve made a decision.”
“About what?” His jaw clenched.
“There won’t be any pretending. I’ll make sure everyone in Aubrey knows we’re just friends.”
“It would still make the wedding easier for you if we pretend. Just one wedding, and then we could pretend to break up later. By then, your hometown would be convinced you’d moved on.”
“I’m not comfortable with it.” She shook her head. “I should never have considered it to begin with.”
“Fine. Let me know if you change your mind.”
“I won’t.” But something inside her died at her assertion. She’d just blown the chance to spend a day getting cozy with Chase. Something she’d looked forward to—even if it wouldn’t have been real. For him, anyway.
* * *
It was the perfect Saturday for a wedding. Bright sunshine warmed this first day of August. Chase stood on the lawn of Landry’s home church. Their six-hour drive had been mostly quiet after Devree’s call. Lost in their own thoughts and interrupted only by necessities like stopping for gas and food. As if a wall had been erected between them.
Kyle got what he deserved. And Chase had to hand it to the blonde for putting him in his place. Justice well served. He could roar with laughter over it.
Except that Landry was way too happy over the news. He couldn’t do this. Couldn’t watch her celebrate Kyle’s freedom. Instead of having the chance to see what a relationship between them could be like, Landry would introduce Chase as her friend. Did she decide that so Kyle wouldn’t get word about her bringing a plus one?
Was she already hoping he’d come back to her now? Would he ask her to? Would she take him back if he did?
Chase’s gut wrenched. If Kyle came slithering back and Landry fell for him again, Chase would be stuck watching the romance unfold. Why did Landry still have feelings for that jerk? How had Kyle gotten not one, but two women to fall for him?
In just two and a half weeks, Landry had turned Chase upside down.
Just get through the wedding. Why did he feel like he was losing her, when he’d never even had her?
A hand clapped him on the back. “Howdy, Chase.” Clay Warren adjusted his cowboy hat. His wife, Rayna, by his side.
“How are y’all?” Surreal. But Landry had Chase too tied up in knots to be speechless over his hero.
“Good. Where’s Landry?” Rayna looked around.
“She’s here somewhere.” He scanned the crowd but didn’t spot her. “Probably helping the bride get ready.”
“Must be hard on her after Kyle.” Rayna shaded her eyes with her hand. “Especially with his engagement and then breakup.”
“Yeah.” Even more so since she still loved him.
“At least Ally’s wedding is here at this church and not at the scene of the crime, the Ever After Chapel.” Rayna huffed out a sigh. “How do you think she’s holding up?”
“She’s tough. I’ll get her through it.”
Rayna patted his shoulder. “You sure there’s nothing between y’all?”
“We’re just friends.”
“I know several very happy couples who started out as friends.” She gave him a conspiratorial wink.
“We’d better find seats,” Clay said. “Looks like the place is filling up. The groom’s my cousin, so we’re sitting on his side.” Clay offered his arm, and Rayna settled her hand in the crook of his elbow. He looked at Chase. “You coming?”
“Sure. I think Landry’s dad saved me a seat.” He followed the couple up the steps.
Her dad was seated about halfway up on the left—apparently that was the bride’s side.
He approached her dad. Tina’s purse and Owen’s jacket were scattered down the length of the pew.
“We saved a seat for you and Landry.” Owen moved his wife’s purse for him, and he settled in. Leaving a space on each side of her dad for his wife and daughter.
The smell of mothballs invaded his space. Owen twisted in his seat to look behind him. An elderly woman leaned over the back of their pew.
“Mrs. Thornbury. How nice to see you.” Owen gestured to Chase. “This is everyone’s favorite Sunday school teacher. She’s led half the kids in Aubrey to the Lord.”
“I give God all the credit.” Mrs. Thornbury peered at Chase.
“Nice to meet you. Chase Donovan. Landry’s business partner.” Though he wished he could say different.
“Is our dear Landry here?” Her hand settled on his shoulder. Kind eyes.
“Yes.”
“Oh, my. This must be hard on her. Poor thing.” Her concern was genuine. “You sure it’s just a business thing? Do I hear more wedding bells on the horizon?”
I wish. He patted her arthritic fingers. “Landry and I are only friends.”
“Oh. Well, you tell her I said that uppity fellow wasn’t worthy of her. She can do better.” Her hand dropped away from him.
“I will.” But he wouldn’t. Landry didn’t need to know everyone still felt sorry for her. How could he protect her now that Kyle was free. His fists clenched.
If only he could have talked her into going ahead with their pretend relationship for the wedding. Simply because he longed to let his real feelings show.
* * *
Mama, Devree and Aunt Dianne surrounded Ally with makeup brushes, combs and hair spray. Landry stayed out of the way with Ally’s best friend.
“That’s enough.” Her cousin held her hands up like a shield. “My hair and makeup have never been this precise.”
The ladies quickly backed off.
Dianne picked up the hair spray again. “It’s your wedding day. I just want my baby girl to look stunning.”
“But I want Cody to recognize me when I walk down the aisle.” Ally grabbed the hair spray out of her mom’s hand.
Landry snickered. Ally stood, gathered her billowing skirt and turned to face her.
“I’m so glad you came.” Ally hugged her. “I know it’s rough.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
“I would have asked you to be a bridesmaid, but...”
“I know. It’s fine. I’m happy to be here and so happy for you.”
Ally pulled away, swiped her cheeks.
“No crying.” Caitlyn, Ally’s best friend, moved in on the bride and dabbed a tissue under her eyes.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of getting dumped than Kyle.” Ally guffawed.
“I know. Except that—from what I saw—they were perfect for each other.” Landry clamped her mouth shut. “I have to stop that. I forgave him, so I shouldn’t be happy he’s hurting.”
“I’m still praying about forgiving him.” Mama huffed. “Thankfully God is patient with a mama when some jerk hurts her baby girl.”
Landry’s smile died. Maybe that’s why Chase had clammed up during their drive. Maybe he didn’t approve of her laughing over Kyle’s broken engagement.
“I don’t want to talk about Kyle.” She closed her eyes. “Or think about him. This is Ally’s day. We should focus on her.”
“I’ve had enough focus.” Ally rolled her eyes. “Besides, Landry has moved on. Found someone better than what’s-his-name in Chase.”
“No.” Landry held her hands up. “We’re only business partners. And friends.”
“Oh.” Ally frowned. “Well, after Rayna and Clay saw y’all in Medina, the whole town was buzzing.”
“We were just running errands for the dude ranch and squeezed lunch in. That’s all Rayna saw. I’ve known him only a short time, and we’re
developing a nice friendship. That’s all.”
“Trust me—” Ally’s dreamy smile lit her entire face “—a friendship can turn into the most amazing love you’ve ever imagined.”
If both people were interested in becoming a couple. But Chase wasn’t. And Landry was still too afraid to trust what she felt.
“He’s way too good-looking to be just friends with.” Devree’s intense gaze dissected her.
Landry tried not to fidget. “I’d better go find a seat.” She gave Ally another hug. “I love you and you look gorgeous, but no more than usual. Cody is a blessed man.”
She blew a kiss to the entire lot of her female family members, then exited the classroom and wove her way through the lobby. At the doors to the sanctuary, she stopped. Chase sat near her dad, the seat between them unoccupied, waiting for her. Landry took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders and tried for casual as she strode to the pew.
“Excuse me,” she whispered to her dad. He stood and kissed her check as she shuffled past him and settled beside Chase.
He was wearing a typical cowboy suit made up of a Western blazer, jeans and boots. Looking way too handsome. And sitting way too close. She closed her eyes. But it didn’t do any good. His woodsy cologne filled her senses. He smelled as good as he looked. Solid, dependable and fun-loving all wrapped up in one handsome cowboy package.
Feelings she’d never had for anyone before swirled around. She’d finally met a really great guy. But she wasn’t sure she could trust her befuddled heart.
“I heard they’re dating,” someone behind them whispered.
Her eyes popped open, and she looked up at Chase.
“Really?” another lady’s voice reached her. “I’m so glad she moved on. They make a cute couple.”
“I heard that despicable ex-fiancé of hers is already engaged again.”
“No. They broke up.”
“Well, I don’t guess it will matter to Landry now.”
Neither voice sounded familiar. Just as she was about to turn around and set them straight, she heard music start up and the bridesmaids began to trail down the aisle. Then the wedding march began, and the crowd stood. Chase touched her elbow and urged her to her feet.
Winning Over the Cowboy Page 12