Fake Marriage (Contemporary Romance Box Set)

by Ajme Williams

  Sinclair felt she needed to let her parents and Ryder know the truth about the marriage and why we were doing it.

  “I kept us a secret the first time I was with you, and I didn’t like it, Wyatt,” she said to me as I got ready to leave that night after she accepted my fake proposal and I had dinner with her family. “I can trust my family. Only Alyssa won’t know. She needs to think it’s real. I can’t expect her to lie to people.”

  Knowing I couldn’t talk her out of it, I went along, noting it was probably best to explain to my mother as well. The issue of the farm weighed on her, and I didn’t want her to think I was off in la-la land with Sinclair and not doing what needed to be done to keep Stark away.

  The next rule Sinclair came up with was that she and Alyssa would share a room. I wanted to ask her how she was going to explain not sleeping in my bed to the girl. Sure, she was young, but she had to know married people shared a room. However, I didn’t ask because I was afraid that she’d change her mind. I’d worry about getting her in my bed once she was moved in and it would be too difficult to explain to others if she changed her mind and left me. Plus, once she was moved it, it would be too much of a chore to leave.

  “Are we going to have a problem with Ryder? Is he going to kick my ass for having a relationship with his sister?”

  She rolled her eyes. “God, that damn bro’ code. He knows about us.”

  “What?” I actually turned to look behind me, expecting Ryder to be there with a bat ready to bash my skull in.

  “I told him when-” She stopped short and got a funny look on her face. She swallowed and then gave me a smile. “When you disappeared, I was worried. He told me not to be. I guess he knew about your family and figured you did exactly what you needed to do. But I was upset which he thought was weird, so I told him.” She looked me hard in the eyes. “And, as I told you back then, he was fine with it.”

  I grinned cheekily. “Why didn’t you say so?”

  She gave me a light shove. “We’ll talk about the logistics of this tomorrow.”

  The logistics were that I’d make a place for her and Alyssa and we’d tell only our families about the plan. Trina obviously would know since it was her idea, but Sinclair felt she could be trusted.

  I wanted to get married ASAP so I could deal with that dick Stark and it could be added to my legal claim that Jeannette was getting ready to file. Sinclair worried a quickie wedding might make it look like she was knocked up, and she didn’t want that. I wondered if she’d been harassed about Alyssa when she became pregnant.

  I pointed out that she wasn’t knocked up, unless there was something that she hadn’t told me since our encounter the other night under the oak tree. Again, she got that strange look on her face that made me think she was hiding something.

  “The sooner we get married, the better it will be in dealing with Stark, which is the purpose,” I pointed out.

  She nodded. “We can tell people that we dated back before you left.”

  “We’d planned to marry then.” I watched her reaction to see if she remembered or cared that we once planned a life together.

  “People will buy that.”

  It’s the fucking truth, I wanted to say, but I held it back. This arrangement was precarious at best. I didn’t want to do anything that would make her change her mind.

  Today, I was working with my mother to get the house ready for Sinclair and Alyssa to move in. Mom had always kept it clean and tidy, but the rooms could use a coat of paint, several floors could use refinishing, and on the outside, it needed a lot of cosmetic repair. But the house was comfortable and livable. If I was lucky, I’d have a lifetime to turn it into a real home with Sinclair and Alyssa.

  Alyssa was a great kid. I couldn’t wait to teach her how to ride. She was quite the artist too. I secretly took a few of her drawings and had them framed to hang in her room.

  We had enough room for both of them to have their own space, but, as per Sinclair’s request, my mom and I were setting up a single room for both of them. Sinclair seemed to think Alyssa would need time to adjust to a new home. To my eye, Alyssa looked like a well-adjusted kid who didn’t need coddling, but what did I know?

  “I hope she likes these sheets,” my mother said as she made up the twin beds in the room that we set up for them. “I never had a little girl. Do you think she’ll like these?”

  “She likes horses, so yes, I think she will,” I said of the pastel sheets with horses on them.

  My mother looked at me as I hung the last horse picture on the wall. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

  “I think it’s the best option. Getting married secures my claim to the house. Sinclair has influence in the town and mayor’s office.”

  “I imagine it’ll be hard having Sinclair here with you as your wife, but not a real marriage.”

  I flinched, not sure I wanted to ask what she meant by that. Was my mom talking about me and Sinclair having sex? “What do you mean?”

  She sat on the edge of the twin bed and sighed. “I knew about you and her in high school.”

  I turned to straighten the picture that didn’t need straightening. “What about it?”

  “That you and her were an item. In love.”

  I took a breath before turning to her. “How’d you know?”

  “I used to do all the laundry, and your shirts always smelled like honeysuckle or some sweet flower. I suppose it could have been any girl, but I was sure it was her because I remembered the few times that she came over to ride when your father was away.”

  I never invited Sinclair over when we dated. I didn’t think she’d ever been in my house until the day she showed up asking about Stark. She’d come riding with me and Ryder a couple of times before she and I were a thing, but she’d never been in the house.

  “I always liked her. I thought she was good for you. I was sorry when it ended. When you left.”

  I sighed in frustration that she’d bring that up. Then again, we’d never really talked in detail about that night.

  I sat next to her on the bed. “I didn’t want to go. But I couldn’t stay.”

  She nodded and looked down as if she was ashamed. “You felt betrayed by me and you were right.”

  I blew out a breath. “I was angry you didn’t kick him out or leave him. You always chose him instead of yourself or me. You got mad at me for stopping him from hitting you.” I could feel anger rising and worked to hold it back. She’d had enough of men raging at her. I wasn’t like him.

  “I didn’t want to choose. I just wanted to keep the peace. I loved your father and… Well, I suppose I needed him. I don’t have the skills to get a job. If I left with you, what would I do?” She was crying and I felt like shit because I hadn’t considered that she felt trapped. “When he left, and you weren’t here, I was so scared, Wyatt. But I tried and I learned a few things. I’m stronger than I thought. But I still couldn’t do it alone. I’m so glad you came home and you’re taking on the ranch and Stark. I hope you can forgive me.”

  I put my arm around her. “I forgive you, Mom.”

  “Really?” she sniffed.

  “Yes. I’m sorry I left the way I did, but it was good for me. I learned things about myself too.”

  “Like what?”

  “Well, I’m stronger than I thought too.”

  She smiled. “There was no doubt you were strong. And had a good heart.”

  “I also learned that my life, at least from now on, is here in Salvation. I won’t run off again.”

  She physically relaxed as if relieved. “Maybe this fake marriage will become real.”

  From Mom’s lips to God’s ears, I thought. “Even if it doesn’t, I’ll stick this time. I promise.”

  “Sinclair would be a fool to let you go, Wyatt.”

  “I was the fool, Mom.”

  “Well, you were young. Now you’re older and wiser. You’ll do good by her and her daughter.”

  I hoped so. “You’re going to be
okay in the grandparent apartment? You don’t have to move there. There’s plenty of room in the house.”

  “I know, but this place is yours now.”

  “Ours.”

  “It’s for your family. You’ll have a better chance of convincing Sinclair to stay if she’s not tripping over her mother-in-law. Besides, I like the little apartment. It’s cozy. It also gets the first rays of sun in the morning.”

  “If you change your mind, move back into the main part of the house. I mean it, Mom. You’re a part of this family and this effort to send Stark packing.”

  She patted me on the cheek. “You’re a good son, Wyatt.”

  16

  Sinclair

  I turned up the drive and approached the Jones house. There was a time when I thought I’d be the matriarch of this home one day. I’d imagined being in Wyatt’s arms at night, making babies and watching the children play in the yard during the day, while he worked the ranch. It had been a schoolgirl fantasy.

  Today, as I stopped my car, I wondered, for the umpteenth time, what I was doing. This couldn’t be a good idea. I understood the pros of what Wyatt and I were planning. When I told my parents about this crazy idea, they were surprised, but even they saw the merits.

  “We’re a tight-knit community, and we all need to support each other. I suppose as childhood friends, it makes sense that you and Wyatt would marry,” my mother said. “Just be sure, Sinclair. It’s a big favor you’d be doing for him.”

  “And the other farmers. They’d have an advocate in the mayor’s office. Something they don’t feel they have now.”

  “Just don’t let him take advantage of you,” my father said. I looked out the window where Alyssa was playing outside and thought, if they only knew.

  The other challenge of this ridiculous scheme was the fact that despite my attempts to remain neutral, I was hopelessly attracted to Wyatt and he seemed to feel the same about me. Every time I saw him, my hormones went on alert. All my girly bits came alive and it was all I could do not to jump him.

  But attraction wasn’t love, and that made this plan very dangerous, not just to me and my heart, but to Alyssa as well. I’d have to walk a tightrope to keep her from being hurt.

  I parked my car and pulled my suitcase from the back seat. I had a couple of other boxes, mostly of books and a few things to make Alyssa feel at home. Since this was temporary, I didn’t feel the need to bring more than a few necessities.

  Wyatt was on the porch before I made it to the steps. He looked at me and then toward the car.

  “Where’s Alyssa?”

  “I left her at my parents’ house. I wanted to get settled first before upending her routine. She’s excited because of the horses, but it’s still a change.”

  He nodded and reached for my bag. “Well, welcome home.” He held the door for me to walk in.

  His mother greeted me with a hug. “Welcome home, Sinclair. You're a saint for helping us.”

  “I’m happy to do it, Mrs. Jones.”

  “Oh, please call me Peggy.” She looked behind me. “Where’s your daughter?” I had a moment to realize that Peggy was technically Alyssa’s grandmother. My deception felt even worse.

  “She’s with my parents. I wanted to get settled first. She’ll be there until after the wedding.”

  “I suppose that makes sense. Newlyweds need a honeymoon and since you won’t be going on one, a little time alone won’t hurt. I’ll be in the apartment, so I won’t be in your way.” Peggy chatted on like this was a real marriage. I thought we agreed that we’d tell our families it was fake. Then again, she thanked me for helping them, so she had to know.

  “With Stark breathing down our necks and a ranch to run, there’s no time for a honeymoon,” Wyatt said. “At least that’s the cover story.”

  “So, she does know this isn’t a real marriage?” I asked, wanting to be sure.

  “Oh yes, but I’m happy and grateful that it’s happening. You’re a mother-in-law’s dream catch for her son!” Peggy beamed at Wyatt. I could see she was happy to have him home and proud of the man he’d become.

  “Don’t you have something to do, Mom?” Wyatt blushed and it was adorable.

  “Yes. The library is having a movie night. Double feature. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to the movies.”

  “Enjoy Mrs…ah…Peggy.”

  “You too, honey.” She gave Wyatt a knowing look and he rolled his eyes.

  When the door shut behind her, he said, “Let me show you your room.” He led the way up the stairs, which creaked like an old farmhouse should. The landing at the top was wide with a little chair and table on which fresh flowers sat. I wonder if that’s just for me or if it’s something Mrs. Jones…ah…Peggy does regularly.

  “My mom insisted on moving to the grandparent unit and giving me the master. That leaves the next largest room for you and Alyssa.” He opened a door at the top of the landing. “It used to be mine.”

  The room didn’t feel masculine which suggested they’d done some work on it. White sheer curtains hung over the window, billowing lightly from a breeze. The rest of the space was clean and bright.

  “I didn’t have time to paint, but there’s new bedding and curtains. The window looks out toward the barn, so Alyssa would be able to see the horses.”

  The twin bed had pastel horses on it and over it there were framed drawings of horses.

  I narrowed my eyes as I studied them. “Are those Alyssa’s drawings?”

  “Yes. I hope she won’t mind that I borrowed a few. Do you think she’ll like it?”

  I looked at Wyatt with new eyes. He’d always been kind and good to me, but I hadn’t remembered him being so thoughtful. I realized that he was eager to make sure Alyssa felt comfortable and welcome in his home.

  “She’ll love it,” I said.

  He opened a small closet. “I hope you don’t have too many clothes. This house was built before walk-in closets were a thing.”

  I looked in and noticed a child-sized western shirt hanging over a pair of red cowboy boots.

  “For when I teach her to ride,” he said when I looked at him. “I promised her I would. I’m looking forward to it.”

  “You’ve done a lot for her.”

  There was a flash of something in his eyes, as if my comment bothered him.

  “I know I’m selfish, but I want her to be comfortable here.” His voice wasn't angry, but I could hear frustration.

  “You’re not selfish,” I said. I had an urge to press my hand to his cheek but I resisted. We were roommates, that was it.

  “Mom left towels and other things she thought you might need on the dresser. The bathroom is next door. There’s a tub and a shower.”

  “Thank you, Wyatt. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous, but you’re making this easier.”

  He smiled. “Good. I’ll leave you to get settled. Supper will be ready in half an hour.”

  He left me then, heading down the stairs. I was grateful for the respite from his overwhelming presence. Having him so close did all sorts of crazy things to me. Not just my hormones, which did go haywire, but also in my chest. My heart longed for him in the same way it had ten years ago. It didn’t seem to know, as my head did, that we weren’t the same people anymore. It wanted to go back to what we had, but that was gone. The torrent of emotions and titillation had to be a desire to recapture the past, but I knew that couldn’t be done.

  I pushed all those crazy feelings away as I unpacked. I looked out the light filmy curtains toward the barn. He was right, Alyssa would like the view. But, what if she liked it here too much? I shook my head, not letting my mind go there. I made a commitment to help Wyatt and the other farmers. I was going to follow through.

  The time here would allow me to see Wyatt with Alyssa and if it went as well as it had at my parents’ house, I’d be able to tell him the truth and feel good that he’d love her and stick by her. Ryder told me that it was wrong to make Wyatt pass some sort of test.
He was right, of course, but when it came to Alyssa, I couldn’t risk her getting hurt. She came first. From the moment I held her in my arms, nothing was more important than her well-being and happiness. Wyatt deserved to know, for sure, but it didn’t trump what Alyssa needed.

  I cleaned up in the bathroom, admiring the old claw foot tub and hoping I’d have a chance to enjoy it. Then I headed downstairs, following the scent of garlic.

  He was in the kitchen with his back to me as he stirred something on the stove.

  “It smells like an Italian restaurant in here,” I said as I went to peek at what he was cooking.

  “You sound surprised,” he said, moving one pot over to the sink to drain water from the pasta.

  “In high school, I always got the feeling you couldn’t microwave pizza snacks.”

  He laughed. “I’ve learned a few new tricks since then.” He winked at me.

  Was he talking about sexual tricks or were my hormones seeing innuendo where there was none? Because that night at the oak tree, he did show a few new tricks, the second orgasm being my favorite. Cripes, again with the naughty thoughts.

  “Hungry?” he asked as he quirked an eyebrow at me.

  “Starving.” And yes, that was innuendo on my part because Wyatt cooking was extremely sexy.

  17

  Wyatt

  I was no gourmet cook, but I could whip up a pretty good batch of spaghetti. I focused on serving the plates to distract me from the fact that the woman of my dreams was in my kitchen, moving into my house. If only she was moving into my bedroom too.

  I turned to put the plates out, seeing her standing by the table. She looked at home. Like she belonged. Because she did. Ten years ago, our plan was that she’d be here. We would fill the house with our love and laughter and kids. I fucked up that dream, but that didn’t mean all was lost. If I played my cards right, maybe we could still have that.