Page 19 of The Wrangler Takes a Wife

“You didn’t have to wait for me. Go ahead. Your food will get cold.” She gestured to his plates, motioning for him to eat. The discomfort he sensed coming from her before she left, was gone. Chase was grateful for whatever put her at ease.

The food was good, and the conversation flowed easily. Several of the restaurant’s patrons stopped by and greeted Amara. Although the towns were a good distance apart, it showed how close knit they were. Chase even got some insight about his uncle from a couple of folks.

“Willis was one of the sweetest men. You could always count on him to give to a charity. He was so generous.”

His Uncle Willis had not only left him the ranch, but a large sum of cash. So much, Chase wondered if his uncle even spent money. Amara had been in a good mood, and he didn’t wantto halt their progress, but he was curious about his mother’s brother. Amara volunteered the information before Chase could ask.

“Just so you know, she laid it on a little thick. Uncle Willis was a kind man who gave to charity, but the most he ever gave to any cause was ten dollars.”

“You called him Uncle?”

“It was out of respect for him as an elder. Our families have always had a close relationship. It goes back generations.” Unlike before, Amara didn’t frown at the mention of his uncle. She actually smiled as she spoke about him. “I knew him my entire life. He was the ‘cool’ uncle. Not only to me and my brothers, but to all the kids.”

“I’m surprised he didn’t have a family of his own.”

“Well, your uncle was stubborn, and your grandfather was an ass.” Her conviction was evident.

Chase chuckled. “Tell me how you really feel.”

“Mr. Johnson was the controlling sort. The way I heard it. He cut off your mom because she chose your dad and ran her off the ranch. Well, he didn’t approve of your uncle’s choice of partner either. Uncle Willis chose the land but refused to pick anyone other than her. Your grandfather was furious about it until the day he died.”

“Who was she?”

“My aunt, my mom’s eldest sister.” Her answer surprised him.

“What happened to her?”

“When he told Aunt Marina she could keep his mother’s ring, but he couldn’t marry her, she told him to stuff his ring. Eventually, she left Willowridge, then the province, and finally the country. Despite his rejection, she told the family not to hold it against him. She didn’t want him to be lonely.”

“So, our family has had a romantic relationship before.”

“Don’t go there.” She narrowed her eyes at him. Chase couldn’t help but to smile. He enjoyed how they got along during dinner, but Amara, throwing daggers at him, was a tremendous turn on. Maybe something was broken inside him. If it was, it was something new. In the past, he would have run a mile from a woman who constantly challenged him.

“Why not?” he pressed.

“Did you want dessert?” Her change of topic was abrupt and very obvious.

“Are you offering?” Chase wiggled his eyebrows.

Despite her blustering, he saw the hint of a smile she worked to suppress. “You are a grown man.”

“Damn straight.” Chase smirked.

They ended up having tea and freshly made almond cookies, along with orange wedges. The third time Chase caught Amara suppressing a yawn, he reluctantly called for the bill. They had a long drive back. Thirty minutes into the trip, he realized she was asleep, not being quiet. Her breathing was quiet and even.

When he pulled into her yard, he took a moment to look at her. The light from the pole illuminated her ethereal features. Her peaceful expression was a picture of serenity, with her lips slightly parted. An air of gentleness enveloped her entire beingas her long eyelashes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks. She had turned towards the centre console and tucked her feet beneath her while her head rested on her clasped hands. He felt a deep sense of contentment, as if witnessing a rare and beautiful moment that he wanted to hold on to.

Chase wasn’t sure how long he watched her for, but he eventually felt compelled to touch her. He brushed his knuckles against her velvety soft cheek. She stirred, her breathing deepening. While watching her eyes slowly flutter before falling back into slumber, he curved his lips into a soft smile.

They couldn’t stay in his truck all night. Well, he wouldn’t let her. Amara would probably wake up sore. Chase would be perfectly content to watch her sleep. He cupped her face and had to talk himself out of a moment more, when she snuggled into his hold. As he stroked her cheek, her eyelids fluttered open. For a moment, she looked dazed and confused. Suddenly, she frantically looked around the cab of this truck.

“Wrangler?” she questioned. She sounded so sleepy.

“Hey, Sweet Darling,” he soothed gently. Chase was able to give her a last caress before Amara pulled out of his hold and sat up.

“I can’t believe I fell asleep.” She pressed her fingers to her lips as she closed her eyes. They opened, and onyx-coloured orbs stared at him. “Tell me I didn’t sleep the entire way home?”

Chase gave her a toothy grin as he shook his head.

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