Page 3 of Seaside Cowboy's Marriage of Convenience

“Let’s get you outside so you can get your business done.” He picked up the little one, and she licked his face with enthusiasm.

He chuckled. It was difficult to remain upset around animals, which was why he loved what he did for a living. Then he frowned. Yesterday, a furry patient with an upset stomach had thrown up on him, and then two days ago, there’d been that cat who couldn’t make it because of his age. His rib cage constricted. Well,mostlyloved what he did.

Austin took the puppy outside the small ranch house he’d built close to his spacious childhood home. He breathed in fresh air filled with the scent of grass, grateful for God’s beauty around him. He’d wanted to be right there at the ranch for any sick animals or birthing complications or vaccinations or the myriad of other reasons ranches needed vets handy.

And fine, for his mom’s cooking.

His mouth watered at the memory of today’s bacon-and-scrambled-egg breakfast. Then his stomach growled, missing more of Mom’s cooking because he’d gotten held up at the vet clinic and didn’t make it to the family lunch.

But he missed Kennedy much more.

“Do you think I can find any way to correct my faux pas?” he asked the puppy.

Instead of replying, Caramel tumbled off to explore every bug and plant in proximity, wobbling on paws too large for her little body. Probably because she didn’t know what a faux pas was. Or thought it was afox pawlike he had when he’d been little.

A gorgeous orange-and-black monarch butterfly landed on Caramel’s nose, and the puppy froze. Then she sneezed, and the butterfly flew away. Caramel ran to Austin to complain.

He leaned to her and stroked her smooth latte-hued fur. “That’s life, buddy. We can’t keep someone that beautiful close to us for a long time. Especially if we mess up.”

“Are you talking about the butterfly or Kennedy?” Kai’s voice made Austin look up at his older brother.

Caramel ran up to Kai, sniffed his cowboy boots, remembered Kai was a friend, and ran to chase a much more interesting object. A ladybug.

Austin straightened out. “Both. What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be with Marina?”

As a newlywed, Kai spent nearly all his free time with his wife. They’d postponed the honeymoon because they were renovating his house on the family ranch. His face under a black bandanna radiated so much happiness that envy pinched Austin’s heart, just a pinch, but enough to make its teeny presence known.

Kai jiggled a large paper bag. “I would, but she and Mom sent me your way because you missed lunch. There’s a sandwich with brisket, pickles, and onions inside.”

The bag indeed emanated a mouthwatering aroma.

“Thanks. That’s kind of them.” Austin’s chest expanded as he accepted the gift. He couldn’t begrudge two of his brothers the marital bliss they’d found. “How are Mom’s cooking lessons for Marina going?”

“You don’t want to know.” A line creased Kai’s forehead, the expression typical of his wife. While some owners would eventually resemble their pets, Austin found that some married couples started subconsciously mimicking each other’s gestures and expressions. Though it usually took way more time.

Caramel did her business and moved after a slug. The slug moved in another direction, clearly not keen to make her acquaintance but unable to run away. Or fly away. Caramel barked happily, finding herself a buddy. He’d better take her to visit her sister at Kai’s place.

“But Marina is trying so hard, so I eat everything she cooks and say it’s great.” Kai lowered his voice as if Marina could hear him. “Even if it tastes like cardboard. I love her too much to tell her.”

“Why don’tyoucook?” Mom taught her sons how to cook from a young age. Bake, too, for that matter. Austin had never developed much love for cooking, though he could do it if needed, but Kai was great at it.

“I volunteered!” Kai threw up his arms. “Lots of times. But Marina wants to do this for me.”

Austin rolled his eyes. “Poor baby. His beautiful and successful wife loves him so much she makes an effort to learn things that are challenging for her, and he’s complaining.”

“I’m not complaining! Honest. I’m the happiest man alive. And I mean it. I dreamed of Marina for so long that sometimes I still have difficulty believing she’s my wife now.” The lopsided grin that used to make all the women in his vicinity swoon made its grand appearance. But the family knew Kai had eyes only for one girl. His best friend, Marina.

Ignoring another wistful jolt to his heart, Austin scooped up Caramel. “Sorry, buddy. We gotta get going. I need to return to the clinic so I can help other puppies like you. And kittens. And birds. And turtles. And many other pets.”

Maybe Austin wasn’t meant to have his own family. His siblings and Mom and his furry patients were his family already. One giant rambunctious family he adored.

Thank You, Lord, and please keep them safe and happy.

Kai fell into step with him as they walked back to Austin’s house. “Marina is also suggesting a double date for you with Kennedy.”

Austin stopped, nearly tripping in his surprise, then resumed his pace. “After the dress fiasco at your wedding? I doubt Kennedy would agree. Besides, what’s the point? Our social statuses are too different.”

“Then how about taking her flowers and chocolates as a way of apology?”

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