Page 9 of Accidentally Kidnapping the Cowboy

And God damn it, but I believe her.

I raise my voice. “I can indeed confirm that she collected me and brought me here forthwith, so we could procure a marriage license.”

“Forthwith?” Her mother’s voice is tight with annoyance. “He’s making fun of this, Sheriff.”

“I’m just a deputy, ma’am.”

“I’m sure he’s not making fun, Mrs. Garrow,” our lawyer says smoothly.

That doesn’t stop the other woman’s voice from tightening to a shrill peak. “They stole our truck. Maybe they planned to steal more than that!”

Our lawyer looks perplexed. “You don’t let your daughter borrow your vehicle, ma’am?”

“I—” Daisy’s mother cuts herself off.

Daisy’s shoulders hunch up, her whole body language giving her away. No, they don’t. They don’t give her any freedom or support, I’m sure.

“We didn’t last night,” the older woman says firmly. “She was disobeying us. We’d fought, because she is a lazy, good-for-nothing brat who?—”

“Mind how you talk about my wife,” I drawl, but there’s violence in my words, and I don’t make any attempt to hide it. “She’s not your problem anymore. That’s what the marriage license means. She’s mine to deal with.”

“He has a point, Mr. and Mrs. Garrow,” the deputy says. “Why not just take your truck and head home? Mr. Lowry will arrange transportation for the happy couple after they are married by the judge.”

An excellent idea.

Daisy’s stepfather refuses to see that, though. “We’ve been up all night looking for her! There has to be some punishment!”

The deputy sighs. “Everyone will have to stay over until tomorrow, then. The judge is currently officiating a wedding at the Fly Ranch Geyser.” He grins. “He’s a sucker for a fancy destination wedding. People fly him all over the state.”

“We aren’t shelling out of pocket to stay in this messed-up little town tonight,” Garrow growls.

I shoot him a withering look. “I’ll cover the cost of accommodation for everyone.”

Daisy gasps and looks up at me.

I tug a lock of her hair. Right now, all I want is to be alone with my new fiancé so we can talk this out without spying ears or upsetting family members.

“But—” she starts to say.

“Don’t worry about it,” I mutter. Then I address the deputy again. “Is the motel the only option?”

“Unless you want to drive back to Idaho, which, of course, you can’t do before you see the judge. So, yes.”

I growl under my breath, frustrated that her parents will be that close to Daisy tonight. But I’ll keep her safe. “I’ll arrange to cover their room, then. Is that it? Can we go?”

“Don’t leave town. Come back tomorrow. And leave me a phone number where you can be reached.”

My phone is still fucking missing, but we leave Daisy’s number, and then my lawyer gives us a ride back to the motel, where I put my credit card down and instruct them to bill the Garrow’s room to me as well.

The lawyer gives me back our marriage license, as well as a bag of basic clothing and toiletries, and advises that she’ll want to meet with us before we see the judge in the morning.

And then we’re finally alone again.

Me and my wife-to-be.

CHAPTER 5

DAISY

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