The Wedding Photo

by Kelley, Pamela M.

  "Christian, I am so sorry for your loss. Your grandfather was a special man."

  "Thank you." They made small talk for a few minutes, as the waiter brought Molly a glass of Cabernet and then they put their orders in. The wine was excellent, rich and smooth, and she'd just taken another sip when Travis got down to business.

  "I figured we might as well get this out of the way first, then we can relax and enjoy our steaks." It seemed as though he was trying to make light of something, which Molly found odd. She'd thought it was sweet that Mr. Ford had thought to include her in his will. It had been wonderful to bump into him last month; he’d been as feisty as ever, even though it had also been clear that he had slowed down quite a bit. Still, Molly never would have guessed that he'd been sick. He’d been ninety-four when he’d died, and had lived well right up until the end, when he’d gone to bed one night and never woken up. She was more than surprised she featured in his will, and imagined he'd left her a small token to remember him by, maybe one of his crystal animals. He’d had quite a collection and Molly had always admired them as a child.

  "As I mentioned on the phone, Mr. Ford thought very highly of you." Travis paused for a moment, glancing at Christian, before turning his attention back to Molly and clearing his throat before continuing. His voice was a little shaky as he continued—Molly had never seen him so flustered. Travis was always so cool and collected. This wasn't like him at all.

  "Yes, so as I was saying, Mr. Ford liked you, quite a bit actually. So much so that he thought it would be a very good idea for you to marry Christian."

  Molly almost spat out her wine. "What?" By the look on Christian's face, he didn't look too happy about the idea either. "I don't understand."

  "After Mr. Ford ran into you, he stopped by my office the next day and added a provision to his will, a condition under which Christian will only inherit the Ford ranch if the two of you get married immediately."

  Molly was speechless. No wonder Travis was a little flustered. If he didn't look so uncomfortable, she'd wonder if he was joking, but it was obvious that he was quite serious.

  "This is ridiculous. Why would he do this?"

  Travis looked at Christian, who then explained, "My grandfather approved of almost everything I've done, except when it came to dating. I haven't really been serious about anyone in years, and he wasn’t thrilled about the ones I have dated. He'd been after me for a long time to settle down. I told him that you can't rush these things, but truthfully I have no interest in getting married and he knew it."

  "Okay, but why me? No offense, but why on earth would I agree to this? You both know I live and work in Manhattan. My life isn't here."

  "He always liked you, and knew we used to get along."

  "We were just kids." Molly protested.

  Travis jumped in to further explain, "It's really not that bad. You just have to stay married for six months. If you both want out after that, there's no problem."

  "Yes, but even if I were open to doing this, I couldn't. I have a job and an apartment clear across the country. Unless a long-distance marriage would be okay?" It was a lame attempt at humor on her part, a way to lighten the mood. The whole thing was too surreal.

  "No, that wouldn't work." Travis pulled the will from a manila folder and flipped to the last page, where the terms of this arrangement were apparently detailed. "According to his instructions, you need to marry within the month, and live together as husband and wife for at least six months after that."

  "He was quite the matchmaker. This is obviously not at all what I expected. I was thinking, maybe, one of his little crystals to remember him by."

  "I know this is a lot to take in," Travis sympathized.

  "It's flattering that he thought so highly of me, but it's a bit puzzling too. Honestly, you don't expect me to really do this? I'm sorry, but it just doesn't make sense for me. I'm not in a position to put my life on hold for the next six months."

  "I understand," Christian said. "I don't blame you at all."

  The waiter arrived with their steaks, and Christian immediately cut into his and started eating. Travis didn't.

  "There's more to this. What you decide to do could affect others."

  Molly's steak was delicious, but this remark caused her to put her fork down and pay closer attention, as Travis continued.

  "The Ford Ranch employs nearly sixty men, all locals, most of whom have families here. I believe your Uncle Richard is among them. There is a sizable bank account that goes with the ranch and there's money there for operating costs, payroll and other emergencies. But if Christian doesn't inherit the ranch, he won't have access to the bank account and no way to meet payroll."

  "That's awful!" But something didn't add up here, Molly was under the impression that Christian was a wealthy man. She was about to ask about this, when Christian spoke up, almost as if he knew what she was thinking.

  "Almost all of my money is tied up in the ranch." He explained. "Just this past year, I took out a personal line of credit to expand and improve the main house, where I live. I'm maxed out."

  "But surely the business has a line of credit?" Molly asked. The look on Christian's face tugged at her emotions and her first instinct was to help, but how could she? It was really too much to take in.

  "The bank won't approve releasing additional funds until the matter of ownership is made clear. And there is a potential buyer." Christian added in a clipped tone.

  "That would be a last resort." Travis explained. "This buyer is known for buying ranches at a deep discount, cutting costs drastically by laying off up to fifty per cent of staff and then reselling a year or two later at a huge profit." He paused for effect before adding, "I don't think I have to tell you that would decimate our town."

  "Why would your grandfather do this to you? To the town?" Molly's memories of Mr. Ford didn't include someone who was this manipulative.

  "He always boasted about being a good judge of character. I think he was counting on you to say yes." Christian looked serious as he added, "You don't have to, though. None of this is your fault. It's not fair that my grandfather expected us to do this, especially you."

  "It's a lot to take in." Molly agreed, and half-heartedly cut into her steak. She'd been so hungry when she arrived here, but now her appetite had vanished.

  "I think he meant well; he was a romantic at heart." Travis said with a smile, obviously trying to lighten the mood.

  "Tell her about the Rose Cottage." Christian shot a look at Travis

  "Right, of course. Mr. Ford didn't expect you to give up everything and get nothing in return. For your trouble, he wanted to compensate you with a piece of land and a house that has been in the family for years. It needs a bit of work, but the location and potential are there."

  "Isn't that…" Molly began, and Christian jumped in to finish, "Yes, it's where my grandfather first lived, when he and my grandmother moved here. They lived there for years, until my grandmother died, about ten years ago. He moved in with me then, at the main house, to be closer to everyone. He said Rose Cottage was too big for one person, but I think he just didn't want to be alone. I enjoyed his company." His voice broke a bit, and Molly's first instinct was to reach out and touch his hand. But before she could do that, he'd already pulled himself together and was cutting into his steak again.

  "When do you need an answer by?" Molly asked. She needed to process this. It was a big decision, and one that would affect other people.

  Travis brightened at this, possibly sensing that Molly might have a hard time saying no. "We can give you a week. We'll need to update the bank on ownership status by then and give an answer to our potential buyer."

  Molly took a final bite of steak and chewed thoroughly before saying anything.

  "I honestly don't know what I am going to do." She looked at both of them. "I'm up for a big promotion, the job I've always wanted. It's a lot to give up."

  "Just think about it," Travis said, while Christian signaled the wa
iter for the check.

  "Thank you for coming, and for listening." Travis added. "I assume we'll see you at the funeral tomorrow?"

  "Of course. I'll be there."

  Molly drove straight to her mother's house after dinner. Her Aunt Betty and mother were relaxing in the den, sipping a glass of wine and watching the latest episode of The Bachelorette. The two of them were debating whether or not the remaining bachelors were really 'in it for love', or not.

  "Molly is that you?" her mother called out as Molly let herself in. "We're in here. Pour yourself a glass of Merlot and join us."

  Molly did just that and, since she knew they were dying of curiosity, she filled them in on Christian's ‘proposal’. When she’d finished delivering the details, the response she got was not what she expected: absolute silence. After a few long minutes, her mother finally spoke first. "I honestly don't know what to say. I've never heard of such a thing, not in this day and age anyway. Of course you said no, right? You're about to get that promotion you've always wanted, and worked so hard for. Plus, you love New York, right?" Her mother sounded both defiant and wistful at the same time, and Molly knew she'd love to have her living back close to both of them again.

  "Well, I think it sounds like a dream come true!" Aunt Betty exclaimed. "Christian's gorgeous, and it's not like you won't be paid well for the inconvenience. Plus, maybe the old man was right; what if you fall in love? It could happen."

  "Neither one of us is looking to fall in love." Molly corrected. "Not with each other anyway. I mean, I'd love to find Mr. Right someday, but my life is in Manhattan, and Christian made it very clear that he has no interest in marriage, to anyone."

  "So, what are you going to do?" Her mother asked quietly.

  "I have no idea. I have a week to decide."

  "Well, try not to think about it, and just go with your gut, do what feels right." Aunt Betty said, and then couldn't help adding, "But remember, we'd love to have you living nearby again!"

  The next few days flew by but, by Wednesday, Molly still hadn't decided what to do. As she stepped out of her apartment to head to work, she caught her breath at the beauty of the city. The trees along her street were always dressed in a smattering of delicate tiny white lights, and it was still dark enough outside that they were lit and casting a cheery glow on the neighborhood. There was a magical feeling in the air and Molly felt a bit excited for the first time all week. Today was the day of her review and she would hopefully find out about that promotion.

  * * *

  Click here to go to Amazon to get your FREE copy of Six Months in Montana!

  Also by Pamela M. Kelley

  Six Months in Montana

  Mistletoe in Montana

  Mischief in Montana

  Match-Making in Montana

  Winter in Ireland

  Trust (Waverly Beach Mystery Series #1)

  Motive (Waverly Beach Mystery Series #2)

  Nashville Dreams

  Sweet Saturdays

  Rivers End Ranch Series

  Veterinarian’s Vacation

  Charming Chef

  Cute Cowboy

  Merry Manager

  Bernie’s Birthday

  Missing Melissa

  Jingle-Bell Jam

  Christmas Catch-Up

  Billionaire’s Baby

  Teasing Tammy

  Romancing Rachel

  Make-Believe Marriage

  About the Author

  Pamela M. Kelley lives in the historic seaside town of Plymouth, MA near Cape Cod. She has always been a book worm and still reads often and widely, contemporary and historical romance, suspense, and cookbooks. She writes contemporary romance and suspense and you'll probably see food featured and possibly a recipe or two. She is owned by a cute little shelter kitty, Bella.

  Get connected

  www.pamelakelleycom

  pam@pamelakelley.com