Page 34 of The Rancher's Fake Fiancée

Cassie grinned. “That was just the thing. Now Peaches will be your friend for life. Come in while I put her in her bed and get my jacket.” She disappeared down the hall and he remained in the foyer, taking in the living room to the right and the dining room to the left. It was very inviting and fitted the home. He took a quick glance in the mirror just inside the living room to make sure he didn’t make a mess of his hair by removing his hat. Cole had never been nervous before in the presence of any girl he took out but then, this wasn’t any girl.

Cassie came back in just a couple of minutes. “Thank you again for rescuing her. I don’t like leaving her too long on the porch. She’s still a baby.”

“No problem. Just don’t let Emmie see her. She’s been begging for a kitten. But she has enough animals to care for as it is.” He opened the door for her to precede him, double-checking it locked.

He placed his hand under her elbow to help navigate the steps as she was wearing very nice high heels and they didn’t need her tripping. Cole had to admit that Cassie was even more beautiful than he remembered, if that was possible. Her hair was fuller and hung below her shoulders. The color was a rich chestnut color. Her dress was a soft muted color of red and suited her figure. She was a knockout as Cassie Parker.

Once they were on their way, he felt himself relax just a bit. But he still couldn’t get past the feeling that at any moment he would do or say something wrong. He was a grown man for Heaven’s sake.

“Don’t you just hate that awkward feeling of first dates? But after all, we were technically engaged once so we should just skip the awkward stage, don’t you think?” She looked at him so earnestly and then he saw the grin coming and they both ended up laughing.

“And you are good at putting people at ease,” he said. “I had forgotten we were indeed engaged.” He cast a look at her hand as it lay in her lap. “Whatever happened to that huge bauble? Did it go back to rent-a-ring?”

“Yes, you might say that. We have a few rings that were confiscated and not claimed in raids. So, we can recycle some of those if needed. But I was glad to get rid of it. It was too big and gaudy for my taste.”

“I see.” That seemed like information he should file away in his brain. He needed to keep his eyes on the road but it was definitely hard to do with Cassie sitting just a foot or so away.

“How is everyone?”

“Well Uncle Joe sends his best to you and any day now I expect him to try to get down on one knee. The problem is his getting back up, but I think Katie will handle that.”

“That’s wonderful! I am so pleased for them. That gives us all hope,” she said. “And Emmie? How did she take all of the business with her mother being on trial?”

“Well, she is tough, and that referral of a good counselor you sent us came in handy. I know it came from you even though Randy phoned with it.”

“I’m glad it helps her. She is a wonderful little girl.”

“And so, what is new with you? Do you regret ‘retiring’?”

“No, at first I might have, but my job is interesting and I love the people and Primrose House and my family being there. It’s better than I hoped.”

“Good, so you will stay a while.”

“I plan to do just that. If I pass the bar as planned, then I will be off and running.”

She looked at him. “Why are you grinning so much?”

“Just thinking about what a wise man named Uncle Joe gave me by way of advice.”

“Dare I ask?”

“I think it’s best left for another day, but I’ll share it then.”

As they were seated at their table, she shook her head. “This is amazing. I had no idea such a lovely place existed out here at the lake. The view of the lake in the moonlight is stunning.”

“And the food I hear is as good as the view. It’s our lucky night.”

It was a lucky night. The food was excellent, and the conversation was even better as far as Cole was concerned. The woman who sat across from him seemed happier and free to laugh and see the lighter side of things. And he marveled at the beauty he saw when she had opened the door earlier that evening. Her hair was a strawberry blonde in color. She said it was her natural color and it suited her. The eyes were even more blue if that were possible. And he knew he was in trouble. For the first time in a very long time…in fact if ever in his life…he was struck by a feeling that it was hard to even know how to describe. Every thought since she left the ranch had been of her. And since they met again in the florist shop, it had even become worse if possible. He was never given to daydreaming in his daily work but there she would appear.

But what if they were in two different places? She had just begun a life that clearly suited her in Destiny’s River. Granted she seemed to take to life on his ranch but that was part of the job. What if it held memories for her that she wanted no part of any longer?

“Why the glum face all of a sudden? Did the food not agree with you?” She looked so concerned.

“The food is great. I just remembered something I need to get the hands to do tomorrow. And by the way, both Uncle Joe and Emmie would love to see you and your dinner invite met with great excitement.”

“Then that is a plan. In fact, I’m sort of having my family over next Sunday afternoon for hamburgers…nothing fancy…but it is lovely in the gardens, and I think Emmie would get along great with my nieces. You already know my brother. And my sister won’t grill you too much,” she laughed. “Think about it and let me know when you check with them.”

All too soon the evening came to an end. Cole walked Cassie to her door. She turned and smiled up at him. “It was nice getting to know you again as the real people we are. Thank you for a very nice evening.”

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