Page 54 of Texas Temptation

“Tomorrow,” she replied promptly. “If you’re sure.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” he asked.

“I don’t know.”

She was afraid to ask if he loved her. What if he didn’t? She wasn’t sure she could face that.

“Why do you want to marry me, Cade?” she asked softly.

“Why do people normally marry—to spend time together, to share their lives.”

“I love you, but you’ve never said that back to me. You don’t say it at Amelia, either.”

“I care for my aunt.”

“And me?”

“And you.”

“Love?”

“Let’s not get into some philosophical discussion about love and other emotions,” he said. “We’ll be married. I will pledge my life to yours. You’ll have stability, a home, and a place Caleb can grow up. I’ll do my best by both of you.”

Jordan felt a clutch in her heart. He was offering her more than she ever expected. Couldn’t that be enough? Did he love her and just not want to say the words? Or had he closed himself off so much that the offer of a home was all he had to give?

What should she do? Could she take him on those terms?

“Amelia’s right. We want to do this properly. We’ll invite the town, friends, family and have the wedding in the garden. I’ll get some of the men to expand the grassy area. If we get sod, we can have it ready by the time our wedding date rolls around. How about August first?”

“If you’re sure,” she said, nestled against his chest.

Maybe men just weren’t as vocal about their feelings. He hadn’t had to ask her. Things could turn out for the best.

And she wanted it so much. How could it be wrong?

“A pretty wedding dress for you, and new clothes for Caleb. Not a suit, but western attire. What do you think?”

“He’ll love it. Especially if you suggest it.”

“And I suggest you get a beautiful dress, white if you like,” he said.

“With a four-year-old boy?”

“Off white, if you insist, but feminine and especially made for you.”

“We’ll see.”

“Good, that means yes.”

Jordan tipped back her head to look at him. She moved her hand to his cheek, pressing gently. He leaned forward and kissed her. She wanted something tangible to quell all the doubts that still lingered. She’d have to step out in faith that everything would turn out right.

The next morning, Jordan, Amelia and Rosita gathered in the kitchen early. Jordan and Amelia were taking Caleb in for a follow-up visit to the surgeon at ten. The women were planning on which shops to visit and what to look for now that the date and type of wedding had been decided.

As they drove into Dallas, Jordan wished Cade had come with them. Not that she needed him, but wished he could have shared the moment the surgeon unwrapped Caleb’s eye and both eyes stared at her normally.

There was still therapy to do, corrective lenses to wear until the eyes grew used to tracking together, but Caleb was amenable to it all. His good mood lasted throughout the afternoon when Amelia directed them to shop after shop, to a caterer and to two florists, looking for the perfect items for the wedding.

Jordan wanted to check out some stores in Tumbleweed before making her final decisions, but she enjoyed the glamour of the clothes, the tastes of the proposed tidbits from the caterer. The ranch hands would handle the main barbecue, Amelia said.

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