Page 33 of Chasing Liberty

He blinked. “Your house? That’s not a good idea.”

“The best idea we have. If the men double up there will be plenty of space.”

“Are you sure? They’re good men but they’re a bit rugged.”

She understood his mindset perfectly. "We could stay in the camper for now. We're grown-ups, Wyler. We can manage to sleep near each other for a few nights and not kill each other. It's our duty to take care of the workers. I'll talk to Deborah today about spare rooms at her B&B, but with the Harvest Picnic more than likely there will be no vacancies. Tell the men to move in tonight. That might make you feel better and help you focus on winning the pie contest."

“Nothing gets you more motivated than revenge. Do you really dislike her that much?” Wyler tilted his chin.

“I could lie and say no, but something tells me you’d see straight through me.” She heard laughter and looked around to see some of Sagebrush Pine’s single men practically getting eaten up by a group of women in cutoff jeans shorts and cropped tops. None of them were from around the area.

When had the Harvest Picnic become hookup central?

If out of towners enjoyed themselves and donated to the cause, with all proceeds going to benefit Sagebrush Pine, Liberty didn’t give one hoot.

She turned to find Wyler watching her, sending shivers down her spine. “What is it?” she asked.

“Should I expect an invitation to your family's staff meetings any time soon?" he murmured.

“To be honest, I don’t even enjoy our family gatherings, so I can't imagine why it’s so important to you."

“Maybe I want to be treated like I’m part of the family.” He lifted a brow.

She huffed out a breath. “Fine. I’ll include you.”

His grin reached its full breadth. "Thanks, wife."

She gave a dismissive shake of her head. "Don't overdo it."

Mayor Maggie Day came over the PA system stating that it was time for all pie contest entrants to gather at the booth since the competition was about to start.

"Are you prepared?" he inquired.

"As prepared as I can be," she replied.

He took lead and the crowd respectfully parted to let him pass, making it easy for Liberty to make her way following him. It wasn’t a bad position to be in. The faded jeans fit his saddle-firm bottom. He could have been a Wranglers model. She’d been distracted so she didn’t realize he’d stopped and she ran straight into his back. He didn’t even seem to notice.

She joined him at the table where their pie was ready for judging. Observing the other pies, they all seemed equally presentable. She noticed that Kaitlynn’s sundress complemented her lemon pie. Liberty decided the woman was like a contemporary Betty Crocker.

Liberty pondered if men preferred women who could do all things. Cook, clean, and hold down a career. Kaitlynn seemed to be well-balanced. Liberty valued a hardworking, ambitious man who could also make dinner, cook and clean.

Liberty distinguished herself from her peers early on. While many of her friends were meticulously planning their weddings during their teen years, Liberty was intent on charting a unique path for herself. Racing. Training. Building a career.

Yet, she had never progressed this far in a relationship before.

Marriage. Child. Family.

It made her stomach churn.

The union with Wyler may have lacked authenticity in certain respects, yet the legality of their marriage coupled with expecting a child rendered it undeniably tangible.

"Pleasant pie there," Polly Gaines peered closely at the pie, examining it as carefully as one would a precious antique. Her eyes darted between Wyler and Liberty. "How is Sam doing, Liberty? We didn't see him at church last Sunday."

“He’s a bit preoccupied these days,” Liberty said.

Polly gave a curt nod. “That he is.”

As the subsequent trio of silent judges passed by, Liberty inched towards Wyler and whispered, "Do you believe they enjoyed the pie?"

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