Page 7 of The Cowboy Takes A Bride

“No, you aren’t a Neanderthal. You’re a wonderful, caring man with a good sense of humor. You deserve to be happy, my friend, and I found the person who can give that to you if you’re willing.”

Jace grunted. This here was the real deal. He’d called her in a moment of weakness, moments after the doctor told them the clinical trial of new meds wasn’t working and had exacerbated the symptoms. What they feared the most, losing time with Pops, had happened.

“Are you sure this is the right thing to do? Can’t she just come out and pretend for a while? Who is this woman? Did you say her name was Meredith? What if she hates it here? What if we don’t connect?” Because if he couldn’t be honest with his friend who was now his matchmaker and who had, ironically, begged him not to date his ex when he’d first floated the idea back in their sophomore year, who could he be honest with?

“Meredith will need a gentle touch and some time. I’m not trying to liken her to an animal, but she needs the same tenderness you’ve shown those skittish horses of yours.”

“Rina, this doesn’t sound like the best—”

“Listen to me, Jace Shepard. You know I’m good at what I do.”

This was, without question, true. He could list the friends she’d set up that were in happy, fulfilling marriages. It was ironic that the person love had betrayed was so good in the matchmaking and marriage department.

“If there were two people in the world who needed each other more than you need Meredith and she needs you, I have yet to meet them. Ever. The minute I talked to her, I knew she was for you. She’s a beautiful person, and her mother and I served on several committees. I considered her mother a friend, a mentor. I’m trusting you with her. I have faith you can give her everything that she needs, and therefore will get everything you need in return.”

Jace didn’t want to think about what that meant. These days, hope seemed to be an expensive commodity. “You used to be a friend of her mother’s?”

“She passed.”

Jace understood. He’d supported Sabrina when she grieved with the passing of her father. He was going through his own process now as he watched his father slowly fade away. The sadness that was bound to live in Meredith’s heart would be something he might not be directly familiar with yet, but he’d soon come to understand.

“How old is she?” Because some girl expecting instant gratification in everything would not do.

“She’s eight years younger than us.”

He did the math in his head and whistled through his teeth. “That’s young.” A twenty-four year old would really have a hard time living this remotely. His sister was only a year younger and constantly complained about that lack of “everything” when she was home.

“She’s not like you’re imagining. This is it, Jace. I know with all that I am she's the one for you. Are you ready for what I’m offering?”

Maybe they could find a common bond to unite them, more than losing a parent, and find a companionship. He thought of his situation in terms of his father’s health and not the “forever”marriage was defined by.

He’d sure like to sit on this fence with someone and share life with them. He’d settle for an easy friendship. Would it be hard to make friends with this woman? Shoot, he had lots of female friends. This would be no different. Ok, maybe a little different, but not much.

“When?” he asked, his gaze reading the line his sister wrote on the paper.

Find a wife and be happy

“Friday, ten o’clock. That cute little church in town. Wear something appropriate. I can’t believe I have to tell you that.”

“What does she look like? Maybe she's not my type. Maybe she could just stay here at the ranch to see if she likes it before—”

“No. That’s not how this works. I've sent you a picture. Check your email. Regardless, you need a wife. Meredith needs a husband. Let’s get down to business and meet each other’s needs. We aren’t playing here. This is for keeps.”

For keeps.

Those two words forced him to sit up straight. He really should confess thatfor keepswasn’t something he thought was attainable. Not that he wouldn’t take it, but he wouldn’t expect it.

Think of Pops.

What harm was one little white lie? “OK,” he said, his voice drifting away with the wind.

“I beg your pardon? What was that?”

He could hear the smile in her voice. “I said I’m in.”

Sabrina laughed. “I’m actually very excited. Not only will this be the first wedding I’ve ever attended for one of my matches, but I’m past ready to see you happy.”

“Do I meet you there? Want me to come to the airport or anything?”

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