Page 37 of The Wrangler Takes a Wife

Chase

Time was flying by faster than Chase would like. Today was already their seventh month anniversary. He’d marked the milestone of their wedding each month. It was a little over the top, but their circumstances weren’t typical of the average couple. Their wedding day was special in more ways than one. He genuinely felt like the luckiest man alive. Amara was the most beautiful bride.

The celebration left Chase conflicted. Part of him wanted to whisk her away so they could be alone. While the other part wanted to stay and enjoy the vibrant and joyful atmosphere of the wedding celebration filled with laughter and music echoing through the air. In the end, it was Amara’s smile which made the decision for him. They stayed all night as their guests mingled under twinkling fairy lights, creating a magical setting that seemed right out of a storybook. The scent of fresh flowers and delicious food wafted through the barn, adding to the festive mood. The camaraderie was its own reward. Spending themajority of the night with her dancing in his arms and her eyes sparkling was the other.

The monthly celebrations were his way of reminding her how special that night was. How it was so much more than their agreement. Amara loved taking care of her feet. After a long shift, he massaged her them. This month, his gift was a basket of foot care products from a company she liked.

“Seriously? You are going to give your wife that jacked up looking gift basket?” Ryan asked.

Chase looked at his handy work. He had to admit his assembly could use some work. The bow he ordered would have made it look better. “I’d like to see you do better,” he said knowing Ryan would take him up on it.

“Give it here.” Ryan reached for the basket. “I’m only helping you because I like Amara.”

Not surprisingly, his friend emptied the basket and had it looking professional in no time. He learned the skill from his mom, who owned a craft shop. “There. All done.” Ryan pushed the basket towards him.

“Thanks.”

“It’s the least I can do. I appreciate Amara letting me use her cottage when I visit.”

Since the wedding, Ryan had visited often. It was nice having him around. Most of the time. Beneath his playful demeanor was an extremely perceptive person.

Ryan didn’t share his insights with everyone. Chase was one of the few people who was privy to it, whether he wanted to be or not. Which had been the case during his visit for the wedding.

“So, you’ve put aside the idea of leaving ranching behind you?”

“No.”

“You’re still going off to join Bolton’s security company?”

“That’s the plan.”One of their fellow Rangers, Bolton, had been putting a security firm together, and Chase had planned to leave the ranching life behind to join the company. He’d already invested a substantial amount.

“But you just got married.”

“I can make it work.”

“Pfft.” Ryan looked skeptical. “How? The headquarters are in another country, not to mention the amount of travelling that comes with the gig.”

“Thank you for looking out for me, but I'll figure it out.”

“Look at you doing romantic gestures and shit. It’s good seeing you settled,” Ryan teased, pointing to the basket.

Chase immediately came to alert. His friend wasn’t being subtle. He had a good idea where this conversation was heading.

“What do you want to get off your chest?”

“Have you told Amara about your plans to join Bolton?”

“Fuck not this again.” Chase stroked his beard.

“Yes, this again.”

Back at Silver Creek, they agreed to hold each other accountable. Ryan took that shit seriously.

“I just wanted to remind you it was ranching that saved you. Brought you back from losing who you were. Maybe walking away from it and the woman you love is the wrong fucking move.”

“I didn’t say anything about walking away from Amara!” Chase snapped.

“Aren’t you? Taking the job will affect what you are building here.”

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