Page 36 of The Rancher's Fake Fiancée

“I’m sorry about the problem at the ranch. It seems to worry you a bit.”

“It is a problem, but that is not why I look like this. I hate leaving such a good party.”

She smiled. “Thanks for that. I’m glad it was a hit with you.”

“I hate leaving because ofyou. You know that or you should. I enjoy being around you. And if you don’t mind the audience watching us from the driveway, I don’t.”

She shook her head. “I don’t mind at all.” He dipped his head and the kiss was worth the wait. Even though it came with an audience.

Cole gave a deep sigh as he stepped away. “I know when I need to be on my way. I’ll call you.”

She waved as the truck pulled out of the drive.

“Yep, I think she’s got it bad.” Her brother made the comment as he brought in the platters of empty dishes.

“I told you so. We might get another wedding before the end of the year here in the garden.”

She threw a shrewd look at her sister. “You both need hobbies other than my personal life.

And that is what each of you have said to me over the years so turnabout is fair play.”

“Want to make a wager to make it interesting?” he asked his eldest sister.

“On a date?” she asked.

“Winner gets breakfast for a week at Miz Sue’s Café.”

“You got it. Shake.” They did.

“You both are childish. I am ignoring you.” She left them to the dishes, but a small smile creased her mouth as the thought was both amusing and oddly pleasant. Cole liked her. And she had a feeling that it might be more than just a little. She hoped so because she had only fallen harder than before being with him again…as their real selves.

*

Emmie had goneup to bed. Uncle Joe was headed to the door to go home. Cole walked him out to the porch.

“I’m proud of you, nephew.” The words came as a surprise.

“What brought that up?”

“You took my advice about romance and the words, opening that relationship again. And it does my heart good to see how you both laugh and look at each other when you think no one else is looking. I remember those days with your aunt. And I am thankful I have them again with Katie. You don’t let her get away from you. She’s a keeper. Good night.”

Cole watched the taillights until they disappeared from view. Seemed everyone was so sure that the future saw them together. Granted he did, too. Sometimes. He remembered the things she had said. How she had done her job. How driven she had been in doing the right thing to help people. And now all of that came to a halt. She enjoyed being in her new job, she said. And she enjoyed being around her family. But what happened when that became complacent…the norm? When things got boring? Would he be enough? Would Emmie or Uncle Joe or any of them when it came to the adventure and the adrenaline rush? To see different parts of the country, different people? How would they measure up? That was the dark cloud he felt building on their horizon. How could he bring her into their lives…into Emmie’s life…after all the child had lost already? The night darkened.

Chapter Sixteen

It had beenalmost two weeks since she heard from Cole. She had run into Marcella at the local produce market on the weekend. But she had shared with Cassie that Cole and Emmie were doing okay and they had been doing the usual things in working the ranch but also had been enjoying some fishing at Uncle Joe’s.Nothing out of the ordinary.

She drove home on Friday and did not find the usual flower delivery. That said a lot. He had rethought things? Had decided that there had been too many bad things in their combined past?

Maybe Emmie had become upset about them continuing? Maybe Cole had simply found someone with a lot less baggage. At any rate, he was letting her know loud and clear that whatever might have been between them was not enough to surmount their common memories. Lesson learned.

On the next Friday, she had accepted an invitation to the movies from a new deputy in the department. He was a sweet man, but she knew that there wouldn’t be anything but friendship resulting. It was nice to simply go out and have something resembling fun to take her mind off other things.

The movie was a sci-fi new release. It wasn’t exactly her cup of tea but the critics raved about it. Unfortunately, they had not asked her opinion. They were standing in the valet line to retrieve their car when she heard her name called. She turned and found Emmie waving at her from the ticket line. And Cole was standing beside her. She waved at Emmie. He nodded. She simply smiled and turned back to her date, interested in what he was saying. The car arrived and he held the door open. She slid inside and kept her gaze ahead. But her eyes caught sight in the side mirror of Cole and Emmie as they moved up in the line. And the last thing she noted was that Cole watched them pull away. At least he would know she wasn’t pining away at home.

The next time should be easier, she told herself. But then the next time came sooner than expected. She raced to meet her brother across the street at the café for lunch. It was crowded as usual. She greeted people as she headed towards her brother. When she approached the table, he wasn’t alone. Cole was there and saw her hesitant approach. He was on his feet when she arrived at the table.

“I’ve been saving your chair for you.” He looked at Matthew. “I’ve got to get going. But it was good seeing you and getting your input, Matt. Thanks. And nice to see you also, Cassie.

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