Page 29 of The Cowboy Takes A Bride

“Anything I can do to help?”

“Can you teach cows to move away when a bear comes close? 'Cause that's the problem I'm having.” He grinned, happy that she offered to pitch in.

“I would think they'd be scared. I know I'd be scared.” She shuddered.

“Sometimes.” He shrugged with indifference. “Sometimes they fight back, but mostly they're used to a variety of wildlife and can be slow to clue in.”

They turned a bend, and behind some trees sat the house. It was a two-story with a wrap porch that his great-granddaddy had built, and he shared a bit of his family history with Meredith.

“That’s it. That’s home.” Jace smiled.

“I love it. It reminds me of Sabrina's house. I've always wanted to sit on a porch like that and drink coffee––”

“Watch the sun rise or set.”

Meredith nodded eagerly. “Exactly. Have you always lived here?”

“Yeah, I couldn’t live anywhere else but here.”

She faced him, her eyes wide. “Four generations?”

He nodded. “It means a lot to me.”

“I can see why. It would to me as well.” She looked from the house to across the yard at the large barn and the three corrals next to it.

He pulled up to the detached garage. A covered walkway led the way to the backside of the house, but this family had traditions and, pretend marriage or not, he was going to adhere to them.

He jumped from the truck with every intention to go around and get her door, but Meredith was already sliding out of the truck from his side, and the sight filled him with longing. What if Meredith were really his girl? Yes, she technically was. But that was in name and not in years. Jace forced the thoughts back. He would not get attached to the idea of Meredith always being around. She liked the house; she didn’t seem put off by the remoteness. Chances of her sticking around until Pops passed were getting better. He wouldn’t ask for more.

Tuck pulled in behind him and got out. He took off his hat and extended his hand to Meredith. “Welcome to Three Peaks Ranch, Mrs. Shepard. It’s a pleasure to have you here.”

“Thank you—”

“Tuck. You can call me Tuck.”

Jace took Meredith by the elbow and steered her toward the front door. “I hate to leave you here to fend for yourself. I’m not sure how long we’ll be.” He led her around to the front and up the stairs, then stopped to faced her. “Listen, I know this mightseem weird, but it’s a Shepard tradition to carry the bride over the threshold.” He lowered his voice. “I know our circumstances are different, but would you mind?”

Meredith shook her head. “I believe it’s a tradition for many people in our nation.”

“Yeah, but not like this.” He bent and tossed her over his shoulder fireman-style. Her fabulous fanny in the air, his hands holding her sexy legs at the calf.

“Jace,” she called out laughing.

“Get the bags, will ya, Tuck?” he called over his shoulder as he kicked the door open and stepped across the threshold.

13

Jace gave her a quick tour of the house, and following an awkward where-do-I-put-these moment with her bags, deposited them in what looked like a guest room. He then disappeared into the room next to hers, she assumed his, because he stepped out minutes later dressed in well-worn jeans that fit snugly over his back assets, a flannel shirt, a wool jacket in navy blue, and his grey Stetson. She’d nearly drooled openly. Instead, she leaned against the wall to steady her knees lest she jump him like the licentious woman she really was. Their time in the truck proved that.

He guided her to the kitchen. “Make yourself at home. Unpack, get settled, and eat anything. I’ll be back as soon as I can. The house is heated, but if it gets too cold, build a fire.” He hesitated. “Sound good?”

She turned away, embarrassed she didn’t know the first thing about making a fire, much less how to cook. “What about you eating? We left the food they gave us at the diner.”

Taking from the pantry a container of what looked to be beefjerky and some energy drinks, Jace held them up. “Don’t hold dinner for me. I’m real sorry about this.”

She moved behind the island and forced a smile. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

He arched a brow. “You sure?”

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