Page 11 of A Marriage Pact for the Cowboy

“Would you like to go for coffee after the banquet?”

Eryn blinked at Maxwell. “Coffee?”

“I know it’s late.” He grinned. “But that’s what decaf is for. Someplace in town must be open this late.”

Eryn grimaced. “Only the diner, and I’d really rather not go there.” She could just imagine all the questions she’d be faced with by her coworkers if anyone caught sight of her with Maxwell outside of the reunion activities. As it was, some of their former classmates already eyed them speculatively. Joanie probably didn’t think Eryn was good enough for Maxwell, and she’d be correct. Didn’t stop Eryn from enjoying every minute, because it would soon be over.

“I can see that.” Maxwell looked thoughtful. “And then there’s my mother, who insists on staying up to see me safely home as though I were 18 not 28. Whose parent does that?”

Eryn raised her hand a little and chuckled. “My dad, too.” Her grin faded quickly as she recalled the bomb he’d dropped last night after waiting for her.

“You live with him?”

“Yes.” Like a loser. She didn’t need to see the pity or condescension on Maxwell’s face.

“Cool. I bet that works out well for you both.”

Eryn blinked. “Um, yes. So far, it has.” She didn’t need to dump the sordid details of their current situation on this guy. Maxwell had been nothing but a pleasant diversion this weekend, and who wanted to remember that ending with pity? Not her.

“Is your dad doing okay?”

Did she dare answer honestly? Maxwell would probably think she was begging for money, and she would never do that. Besides, Dad said the farm sale to the Groenings was final. Even Maxwell’s wealth couldn’t reverse that.

“I can’t imagine how hard it’s all been for him, losing his wife and his daughter.” Maxwell studied her pensively as he went on. “I’m not sure if that would be worse than losing a mom plus a twin, though.”

Maxwell, like everyone, assumed Eryn and Amelia had been a tight unit. That was so far from reality, but Amelia was having the last laugh from beyond the grave. She’d always hated the farm, and Eryn and Dad were losing it on account of her medical bills.

Eryn shook her head to dislodge the thoughts. She didn’t want to waste them on Amelia when she had Maxwell to herself for a few more minutes. Even now, their classmates’ voices grew louder as men helped women with their wraps and began exiting the auditorium. “I guess it isn’t a contest. It’s been difficult for both of us.” In so many ways.

Maxwell rose and shook hands with Stuart as the Brandts left the table, citing a need to get their babysitter home. Then he sat back down and met her gaze. “I have a question for you.”

Her answer would be yes. Which was ridiculous, since she didn’t know what the question was. “Oh? What is it?”

“I’ve really enjoyed reconnecting with you this weekend, and I’d like to keep in touch. Would you be open to that?”

She stared at him. What, exactly, did he mean? Because he was leaving, and she was staying. He couldn’t possibly mean… no, of course not. There was no way he could possibly be thinking of a long-distance relationship, and no one did pen pals anymore. Were there any other ways to take his question? She couldn’t think of any.

Eryn forced a quick smile. “I’m not sure what the point of that would be. I mean, it’s been nice seeing you again, too, but…”

Maxwell’s pensive smile faded. “Friendship is never wasted, but you’re probably right. There’d be no point.”

Friendship was noble, and one could never have too many friends. Eryn should know, because she had very few. But friendship with a guy — a handsome, attentive, muscular, wealthy guy — would only make her want all the things she couldn’t have.

The thought was so depressing it was all she could do not to burst into tears then and there. She bit her lip and enforced control. “I really appreciate the offer.” More than he could ever know. “But I don’t see our paths crossing again. At least not until the 20-year reunion.”

His dimple showed when he grinned. “I don’t want to contemplate being 38. I feel old enough here at the 10-year, except that some people have a busload of kids already. Maybe I’ve missed the point of life.”

Join the party, buddy.

But she wouldn’t say that. It was just hard to imagine a man like Maxwell having regrets. Eryn felt the same way whenever she saw Joanie Brandt and her kids around town. Stuart hadn’t seemed like a great catch as a teen, but it appeared he was a devoted husband, father, and employee.

Eryn tried for levity. “Are kids the point of life? If so, I guess I’ve missed it, too.”

“I’m sure there’s more.” His warm brown gaze held hers. “I hate that you turned me down.”

She hated it, too. She took a deep breath. “I’m not sure what the end game would be. Friendship is nice, but how would that even work, as far apart as Kansas and Montana are? It’s best not to—” She cut off the word ‘hope.’ He didn’t need to know what he’d stirred up in her in only a day.

“It could lead to more. I can’t promise that, of course. We barely know each other.”

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