Montana Groom of Convenience

by Linda Ford

  Sawyer chuckled. “So this is your little secret? I like it.”

  Jill rode to his side. “Are we going to have a picnic here?”

  He slanted a questioning look at Carly. “What do you think?”

  She studied the position of the sun and pretended to be quite concerned. “It’s early yet.”

  “But I’m hungry,” Jill pleaded.

  Carly laughed. “Me, too. So let’s eat.” They left their horses to graze and Sawyer spread a groundsheet for them to sit on.

  Carly put the food out.

  Sawyer tossed his hat to one side. “I’ll ask the blessing.”

  Knowing she had more to be grateful for than the food, Carly offered her own silent thanks for the many things God had sent her way. And if she thought of Sawyer and Jill, she expected God wasn’t surprised.

  As they ate, a doe tiptoed from the trees with two spotted fawns at her side and went to the water to drink. She slipped away as quietly as she’d arrived.

  They finished and Sawyer leaned back on one elbow. Carly wished they had cushions as they had when picnicking with the Marshalls. She might have been tempted to lean back, using the pillow as an excuse to be close to him.

  Instead she sat with her arms wrapped about her drawn-up knees and watched Jill playing nearby.

  She recalled her mother’s admonition to not let embarrassment—and surely she also meant fear—stop her from acting but when she turned to rest her elbow close to Sawyer’s, he had fallen asleep.

  Poor man had worked hard for the past two weeks, putting in the crop. He deserved a rest. And she didn’t mind the opportunity to watch him unobserved and edged back so she didn’t have to turn to see him.

  He looked younger with his worries and caution gone from his face. Lines fanned out from his eyes from squinting into the sun. He wasn’t as big as the Marshall men and yet he gave off an aura of strength and determination even in his sleep.

  She was still studying him, memorizing every detail of his features, when he snored and jerked to a sitting position looking startled and defensive.

  Seeing her beside him, he relaxed and stretched. “I think I fell asleep.”

  She grinned. “You surely did.”

  He studied her teasing smile. “Did I snore?”

  “Loud enough to wake yourself up.”

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

  “Fall asleep or snore?”

  “Both, and you’re teasing me.” He grabbed her and pulled her down.

  She lay in his arms looking into his eyes as they darkened to piney green. His breath fanned her cheeks. She lifted a hand and touched his strong promising lips.

  He captured her hand and pressed it to his chest. “Carly.” His voice sound deep and distant or was it that her ears heard differently?

  Time waited as they studied each other, the moment heavy with indecision. She wanted him to kiss her. Didn’t want him to kiss her.

  His gaze lingered on her mouth. Was he as undecided as she? Was he willing to break their agreement?

  “Carly, Sawyer, look what I found.” Jill’s voice called Carly back to reality and she sat up, edging over a foot and a half so he wouldn’t think she wanted more.

  He pushed to his feet. “Let’s see what you have.” He took a step away, stopped and returned to hold out a hand to Carly.

  She knew she should refuse. She didn’t need help to get to her feet, but it wasn’t help she wanted and she took his hand, didn’t pull away when he retained it as they went to see the rock Jill had found.

  “I’m sure it’s gold,” she said, pointing to the golden-colored fragments. “Carly, maybe there is gold on your land.”

  “It’s likely fool’s gold. See how sharp the edges are and it shines when the sun hits it. That proves it.”

  “Oh.” She quickly swallowed her disappointment. “I ’spect there’s gold around here. I just have to find it.” Jill pocked the rock and went in search of gold.

  Carly shuddered. “I wouldn’t want gold found here. Miners would destroy the land.”

  “This is good cattle country. Let’s hope it stays that way.”

  They watched Jill examining rock after rock. Tossing away one after another with a grunt of disappointment.

  Sawyer laughed. “It doesn’t look like gold is here for the picking.”

  *

  Sawyer watched his sister and thought what he said was true on so many levels. Most things weren’t as easy as stooping down and plucking them from the ground. Or even as easy as reaching out and pulling Carly into his arms. Though it had felt so right when he’d held her. He’d ached to kiss her. He had the right as her husband. But their marriage was not real. Their agreement was. And he was a man of his word, though he had to remind himself of such with increasing frequency.

  Even so, he wasn’t eager to return to the ranch and Carly seemed happy enough to walk around the lake and look for birds’ nests and watch the geese and ducks on the water. Jill followed them, still looking for gold.

  A few hours later, they returned to the horses. There seemed no reason not to go back to the ranch so they mounted up and rode home.

  If only he could change their agreement. But did he really want that? Was he willing to take the risk of opening up his heart? To do so held the allure of love and acceptance but also the possibility of disappointment. Hadn’t he long ago decided to guard his heart against that risk?

  Chapter Thirteen

  Sunday morning was sunny and bright, a reflection of Carly’s thoughts. She’d enjoyed the Saturday outing far more than she had a right to. But she could no more stop the joy and hope that rushed through her heart than she could stop the rising of the sun.

  She sat beside Sawyer on the wagon seat as they drove to church. She noticed a long table set up in the yard behind the church. Was some special event planned? She searched her thoughts for a forgotten announcement but could find nothing. Though it wouldn’t surprise her if it had slipped her mind. It seemed she was easily distracted of late. How many times had she found herself staring out the window—generally in the direction that would allow her to see Sawyer—the task she’d set out to do completely forgotten?

  She let out a little sigh. Whatever the occasion, she’d find out soon enough. She waited for Sawyer to help her down from the wagon, ignoring the knowledge that not many days past, she would have jumped down on her own and scoffed at needing assistance.

  She glanced up at him, tucking away a little joy at the way he smiled at her before he placed her hand in the crook of his arm. They followed Father and Jill inside and settled into a pew.

  The service began and they shared the hymnal. Carly’s heart thrilled to join her voice to his as they sang the familiar songs. Hugh preached a sermon that seemed to hold Sawyer’s attention. Carly struggled to concentrate. When had she ever had so much trouble listening to Hugh? Never, she admitted. From his arrival a year ago, his deep voice had pulled her into his sermons.

  Hugh closed the service. Then he said something that had Carly’s complete attention.

  “Folks, we haven’t properly welcomed Carly and Sawyer as newlyweds, so several of the ladies have organized a potluck. There’s plenty of food for those who weren’t aware of the plans. Please join us in celebrating the union of these two fine people.”

  Sawyer stared straight ahead, as surprised by this turn of events as was Carly. Slowly he brought his gaze to her, his look inscrutable. She leaned close to whisper, “I didn’t know anything about this.”

  His eyes smiled as he whispered back, “I’m not about to turn down a church potluck.”

  They laughed a little and then allowed themselves to be escorted to the yard where the table was now filled with a variety of dishes.

  Hugh called everyone to attention. “I’ll ask the blessing but before that, there is someone we’ve neglected to introduce. Jill is Sawyer’s sister. Jill, welcome to our community.”

  Jill ducked her head but not before Carly saw both surprise an
d pleasure in her face.

  As the honored guests, Carly, Sawyer and Jill filled their plates first from the bounty…potato salads, baked beans, hot pots and fried chicken. Carly knew that Annie, Sadie and the town ladies had kept the food hot in their ovens.

  Makeshift benches had been set up for those who wanted to sit on them. Jill sat on the ground, surrounded by the Marshall children and a host of other youngsters.

  “She fits in well,” Annie said, sitting beside Carly.

  Dawson sat beside Sawyer. “Guess we managed to surprise the pair of you.”

  Sawyer chuckled. “You did that, all right.”

  Others came to them to wish them well and welcome them, then Annie and Sadie brought a big cake from the parsonage and placed it at the end of the table.

  “Time for you two to cut the cake,” Annie announced.

  Carly and Sawyer stood in front of the cake. Annie handed Carly a knife. “Put your hand over hers,” she told Sawyer and he did so.

  Together they cut the first piece of cake, his hand firm on hers. Tears clogged the back of Carly’s throat. This simple act made her feel more married than signing the papers in Hugh’s office had. This was public. Their hands were joined. And her heart had undergone a change.

  “Give each other a bite of cake,” someone called. Annie put a piece of the white cake on a small plate and handed them each a fork.

  Carly filled her lungs. She could do this. She could go through the motions.

  They both held the plate. She cut off a bit as he did the same. His steady hand gave her strength. She lifted the fork to his mouth. He lifted his fork to her mouth. They met each other’s eyes…his reflecting the sky. She opened her mouth and took the cake as did he. She could not swallow. Could not think. All that mattered was the promising look in his eyes. Promising what? She couldn’t say. Didn’t want to analyze the thought. The moment had taken her away to hope of a shared future. Sharing more than a name.

  Clapping and cheering jerked her back to reality.

  “Kiss, kiss.” People tinkled their silverware against their plates.

  Annie took the plate and the two forks from Carly and Sawyer.

  “Kiss. Kiss.” The chanting and tinkling increased in volume.

  Sawyer raised his eyebrows, silently asking her opinion.

  She shrugged. She had no objection to a little kiss, though she would have preferred it to be in private and have it given without urging from an outside force.

  He caught her shoulders and leaned close. His breath, sweet with sugar, fanned her face and then he caught her lips in a gentle kiss. He tasted of icing. She leaned into him, wanting more. So much more.

  It was only for show, she firmly told herself. No reason why it should send a bolt of longing clear through to her toes.

  He lifted his head and grinned, his eyes flashing such a rich blue-green she knew she’d never before seen that particular color.

  The crowd seemed satisfied. Carly was not. But she would never admit it.

  Annie cut the cake and invited everyone to come and get a piece. There was tea and coffee. Sadie led Sawyer and Carly to two chairs that someone had set near the table. Carly finally began to relax. All she had to do was enjoy the cake and coffee.

  But then Sammy and Jeannie, Sadie and Logan’s two youngest children, appeared pulling a wagon full of gifts toward them.

  Tears stung Carly’s eyes. How could she open presents when her marriage was such a fake?

  Sawyer squeezed her hand.

  She stiffened her resolve. Her marriage was real enough. They had papers to prove it. And a kiss to seal the deal.

  She opened the first gift from Annie and her sisters-in-law. A quilt with the wedding ring pattern. “It’s lovely. But how did you have time?”

  Annie chuckled. “We enjoyed spending a few afternoons together.”

  There were gifts of fancy dishes, embroidered tea towels and a recipe book from Mary Marshall whose husband, George, ran the general store.

  The gifts all open, Carly and Sawyer rose to express their thanks. It was all Carly could do to get the words past the lump in her throat. She felt so dishonest, letting these people believe she and Sawyer loved each other and had a real marriage.

  People began to collect their dishes and their children to depart.

  Dawson, Logan and Conner helped Sawyer put the gifts in the back of their wagon. Jill excitedly offered her assistance, exclaiming over and over, “It’s better’n Christmas ’cause it’s a surprise.”

  Sawyer joined Carly as she went round the circle of Marshalls and extended her thanks. Then they were on their way home.

  Up until now, Father had said little. Now he leaned over the back of the seat. “’Tis time you two took this marriage business seriously.” He waited.

  “Yes, Father,” she said meekly, even though she knew there would be no changes.

  “Sawyer?”

  “Yes, Father.” His tone conveyed the same resignation Carly felt.

  She kept her gaze straight ahead, unwilling to take the risk of looking at Sawyer. If he seemed determined that things should continue as they were, she would know sharp, searing disappointment. If he revealed regret, suggesting he would like to change their agreement, she wasn’t sure what she’d do. Things were so confused.

  At home, they unloaded the gifts.

  “Where do you want me to put everything?” Sawyer asked.

  “Should I even use them?” They were alone and she could finally confess her uncertainty.

  He stood with the quilt in his arms. His eyebrows drew together, the only indication that he didn’t like her question. “What are you saying?”

  “I hate fooling everyone.”

  “We’re married.” His eyes grew icy. “Unless you’ve a mind to change that.”

  She didn’t address his latter statement but rather continued her train of thought. “Not in the usual sense.”

  They studied each other, wary and uncertain.

  “That’s our business and not anyone else’s.”

  “I suppose that’s true.” But it felt wrong. “I didn’t mean to anger you.”

  “You didn’t.” He took the quilt to her room and laid it on the bed, still folded neatly.

  He said he wasn’t angry but something sweet and promising between them was gone. She felt it keenly the next day and the next. If only there was something she could do to bring back that feeling. But she could think of nothing.

  *

  Sawyer knew better than to let his feelings have their way. Over and over, he’d warned himself not to count on things becoming what he wanted. But at the little party in the churchyard, he’d forgotten all his hard-learned lessons. Forgotten to guard his heart. When he’d kissed her, with her full consent, his heart had burst open.

  He’d thought she felt the same.

  She didn’t and had firmly reminded him that theirs was not a real marriage.

  He wished he could be behind Big Harry, putting seed in the ground. There had been something calming about that work but the planting was done, so he passed his time by repairing the fence around the cropland. Though if he had any sense at all, he would spend his days far from the house.

  For some reason that he refused to admit, he didn’t want to be away.

  He looked up from his task as a rider approached and made his way to the house.

  Carly stepped outside. He realized she had been sticking close to home, too. Though likely not for the same reasons.

  He went to her side.

  “It’s one of the Marshall cowboys,” she said. “I wonder what he wants.”

  The man rode closer. He touched the brim of his hat in greeting as Father Morrison came from the barn to see who had ridden up.

  The rider turned that direction and handed Father a bundle of harnesses. They spoke for several minutes.

  “Let’s go see what’s going on.” Carly headed for the barn.

  “Thank you,” Father said and the man rode away. Fathe
r held up the harnesses. “When Annie’s father, Bud, heard I was fixing old harnesses, he said there was a pile at his place that he’d like fixed.” He began to turn away, then stopped. “Aye, he brought a message, too. I bought three more Hereford bulls. They’re ready. You two will bring them home.”

  “Bring them from where?” Carly demanded, her voice thin with suspicion.

  Sawyer had his own qualms about what her father was up to.

  “Why, at the Bar None Ranch. Where else would they be?”

  “Father, that’s two days’ ride away.”

  “Only one if you’re in a hurry. But I don’t want those bulls pushed hard. Take your time bringing them home. You can leave tomorrow morning.”

  “Sir, what about Jill?” Sawyer asked.

  “Dinnae I tell you? Logan has agreed young Beth can come over. She’s fourteen and capable of taking care of us.”

  Carly sputtered her protest.

  Sawyer wasn’t happy about the arrangement either. “It will be just the two of us?”

  Father came round to face them. “I expect the pair of you can handle three animals.”

  Neither Carly nor Sawyer spoke, though she practically vibrated with her upset.

  Father nodded. “Then that’s how it’s to be. Might be good for the two of you to work together.” He limped back into the barn, his attention already on the harnesses he held.

  Sawyer understood then that the old man knew exactly what he was doing and what he hoped to gain and it wasn’t solely the safe delivery of three bulls. What he didn’t know was both Sawyer and Carly had given their word that their marriage would be a business arrangement only.

  How was Sawyer to remember that if they were to be alone day and night for probably three days?

  He prepared provisions and a bedroll that night. Carly did the same, muttering under her breath comments directed at her father.

  They left early the next morning as soon as Logan brought Beth over.

  They rode in a silence broken only by the thud of horses’ hooves and the call of the birds. They kept up a steady, mile-eating pace, heading to the northwest over rolling hills, keeping to the eastern slopes.

  Sawyer had things he wished he could say. Such as, could we change the agreement we made regarding our marriage? But pride and fear stopped him. They’d been gone about two hours when the humor of the situation hit him and he started to laugh.