Page 40 of Loving Justice

She jumped up from the bed. “I shouldn’t have asked.” She wrung her hands out at her waist. “I know it sounds so wrong and desperate—”

“I haven’t said no,” he told her.

Some of the tension in her features softened. “No?”

“Please sit back down, Justice.” She did as he asked. “Are you sure you want to marry someone for convenience?”

She brought her gaze up, full of emotion. “I’ve always thought I’d be married by now, unlike my sisters. Not one of convenience, but we enjoy each other’s company. I like Ilene and I can help with her.”

What he realized if he didn’t marry her, she might find another cowboy. He couldn’t even wrap his head around her being with someone, him touching her in all the ways that he’s fantasized. “You would live with Ilene and me?”

With a nod, she said, “We could live here in Sagebrush Pine. Ilene would be close. The local school is great with a lot of opportunities. She could even help on the ranch. She loves horses.”

“Are you sure?”

“I was the one who asked.” A smile played peekaboo at the corners of her lips.

“Will you and I…?” Why couldn’t he form the words?

“We can have separate bedrooms, of course.”

She misunderstood what he wanted, but he wouldn’t put more pressure on the situation. “Is there an expiration date?”

She thought over his question. “At least we’d want to stay married until Ilene graduated. You won’t have to worry about selling the farm. She will be part of the Rose family.”

It almost sounded too good to be true. He’d wanted Justice from the second he saw her, but a marriage of convenience. Then there was the part where he’d taken the pictures of her with Downs. Would she forgive him if she knew? And if he didn’t tell her that Sam had cancer, would she ever speak to him again?

Sam’s illness wasn’t for Jinx to tell.

“We could have a small ceremony. Invite your aunt and Ilene. Of course, Daddy,” her words pulled Jinx back to the present moment.

“On one condition. You promise that when the time comes that you no longer want to be married to me you will always be in Ilene’s life. It wouldn’t be fair for her to lose another person.”

“I promise.”

Chapter Twelve

Jinx pulled on the jacket and checked his reflection. He hadn’t been dressed up in…well ever.

He hoped Justice was okay with what he picked out, with Ilene’s help. Dark denim, a new button-down, and a jacket. And his best Stetson.

The door opened and Sam stuck his head in. “Can I come in, son?”

“Sure.” Jinx wasn’t sure how the conversation would go, but he needed to clear the air with his soon-to-be father-in-law.

Sam appeared awkward, which was unusual for the rough and rugged cowboy. He came in and shook Jinx’s hand. “Looking good.”

“I hope Justice will like it.” Jinx smoothed his hands down the lapel of the jacket.

“I think she’ll be just fine.” Sam gave Jinx a buddy slap. “Do you have a moment?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Let’s have a seat.” Sam jutted his chin toward the chairs.

Once they were seated, Jinx cleared his throat. “I’m glad you stopped in before the ceremony. There’s something I’ve been meaning to speak to you about.”

“Lafferty already told me. That man can’t keep his trap shut if his life depended upon it,” Sam growled. “Can’t a man have some secrets?”

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