Page 119 of Married With Lies

It stays inside a velvet box in the top drawer of my dresser and I look at it now and then, just for sentimental reasons.

My real wedding ring, a modest band encrusted with diamond chips, suits me better.

Last September, Cale and I exchanged heartfelt vows right here at Bright Hearts Ranch. Since almost everyone thought we were already married, we explained that we wanted to renew our vows. That was true enough.

The ceremony was held in the morning and it was beautiful. Peggy walked me down the aisle. Apollo and Zeus were ring bearers. Gus was my maid of honor, stunning in a black and silver dress that looked like it was made of glittery spiderwebs.

Everyone connected to Bright Hearts was in attendance, no matter the species. There was a slight hiccup when Wylie the horse neighed an objection at a pivotal moment but the show carried on.

Baylor was here. He was the only member of the Wingate family who showed up. Arlena added my father’s name to the espresso machine she sent. I haven’t figured out how it works yet so it just kind of decorates the kitchen counter. Cale was happy that Luca flew out for the ceremony, although he didn’t even stay the night.

Luca was supposed to visit us again at Christmas. He had to cancel at the last minute. Family business, or something. Cale doesn’t hear from his brother as much as he’d like. This weighs on his mind. It’s the only dim spot in our otherwise perfect life. Cale says he’s confident Luca will come around someday. When he does, we’ll be right here waiting.

Baylor will be visiting again in the fall. He’s bringing his new girlfriend, Shayna. The last time I saw Shayna she was a vomit-covered bridesmaid from the Hamptons Horror Wedding. I hope she doesn’t hold a grudge.

My random daydreams are interrupted when a filthy tennis ball is dropped in my lap. The ball is very slimy so I pick it up with two fingers and climb to my feet as a shaggy black dog named Sugar wiggles and jumps in anticipation.

“Here, girl. Catch!” I throw the ball toward the opposite end of the fenced play yard. Since I have a terrible arm, the ball only sails halfway across before dropping into the grass. Three other dogs try to chase it down but Sugar emergence in triumph and runs a victory lap around the fence line.

At the sound of a vehicle, I turn my head and see a bulky red pickup truck sailing through the gate. Cale is back. Some of the paddock fence posts needed to be replaced so Cale took Jasper with him into town to buy the materials.

The recently purchased red truck rolls to a stop beside the barn. Cale has been diligently restoring his vintage Mustang but it’s not even drivable yet and anyway, nothing beats a sturdy pickup on a ranch.

Cale hops out of the truck first. As always, my heart flutters at the sight of him. When I first bought him a durable pair of boots he balked. He’s grown to appreciate the practicality. He’s wearing them now, along with a worn pair of jeans and a plain black tee that stretches to contain his muscles.

He and Jasper begin unloading long planks of wood from the back of the truck. Jasper will be starting college in Denver in the fall. Cale and I have created a scholarship fund for local teens and he’s the first recipient. He’s still determined to be a veterinarian. And he finally stopped referring to Cale as Mr. Wingate.

The wood planks must be heavy. Yet Cale balances four of them on his shoulder with no more effort than I might expend to carry a throw pillow. Jasper struggles under the weight of one plank. Cale doesn’t break stride as he proceeds to the paddock fence. He promptly heaves the planks to the ground and turns to help Jasper with his.

I used to think no one could possibly love the ranch or work harder to sustain it than me. Cale proved me wrong. He’s usually up before dawn and no matter the weather he labors tirelessly on any task that needs attention.

Cale stands in front of the empty paddock, head bent, deep in thought as he formulates the best approach to attacking the chore in front of him. He crosses his arms and studies the gap in the fence with his standard level of intensity. The look is so hot that I’m compelled to pull my phone out and snap a photo so it will be available to drool over for all of eternity.

My phone goes back in my pocket and my eyes stay on my husband. In a move that has quickly become a habit, I press a hand to my lower belly. What started as a barely perceptible little knot is starting to assert itself more every day.

Bright Hearts Ranch will be welcoming yet another new life in January. Cale and I have decided not to learn if the baby is a girl or a boy. After all, surprises are nice.

Peggy has been hard at work crocheting a colorful wardrobe for Baby Connelly. We persuaded her to switch to wax melts in place of candles. As added protection, Cale installed a top tier system of fire alarms and sprinklers.

Cale has just noticed that I’m over here admiring him from the dog playground. He grins, says a few words to Jasper, then trots over at a brisk pace.

Eager for any chance to have some close contact with my husband, I leave the yard and latch the gate behind me so we don’t end up chasing Sugar all over the ranch.

Cale’s kissing technique never wavers. Before he says a word he folds me into his arms and descends on my mouth with unrestrained passion. Because of the pregnancy he’s gentler these days when I’m lifted off my feet. I’m breathless by the time we separate for air.

His green eyes are full of playful mischief. “Were you checking me out?”

“I can’t help it. One of the most delightful pregnancy side effects is a surge in sex hormones. Imagining you naked is out of my control.”

The fun in his eyes switches to heat. “We shouldn’t let that go to waste.”

“We never do.” I kiss him once more and he sets me down with care.

Immediately, Cale’s protective arm curls over my shoulders. I hug his waist. Together, we gaze out at the scenery of Bright Hearts Ranch.

The ranch was always my dream. But I hadn’t yet learned the way dreams multiply when you find someone to share them with.

Cale and I have the same dream now.

---