Page 62 of A Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy

Would she? Tate wasn’t so sure, but Grandfather was right in that she’d never been. Tate had been working on embracing a long future living here on Sweet River Ranch, but wouldn’t he be so much happier back in Chicago? He’d lived there for most of his life. Moved into the penthouse five years ago and loved the view, loved the vibe, loved everything that comprised his life in the Windy City.

But Stephanie was here.

Was Grandfather right? Would she love it as much as he did, once she’d experienced it? “Can’t you send Bryce?”

The older man’s eyes rolled. “Yes, I could, but I actually want the meetings to go well. You’re already known by Justin Casselman, and I know I can trust you to nail things down. And, no, your father can’t do this. You’re far more up to date on the workings of Cassel Hotels.”

Justin Casselman had a daughter who’d been chasing Tate. Dahlia was one of the reasons Tate had stayed in Kansas this past winter. Ugh. Did Grandfather know?

Tate eyed his boss. “You know Justin was trying to set me up with his daughter.”

Grandfather shrugged. “You’re married now, so that should no longer be a problem. Besides, if Stephanie is with you, that will send a clear message.”

“She can’t come into the meetings with me.”

“No, but she can be seen on your arm at the Gala of the Stars. You look completely besotted whenever you look at her. Even Justin Casselman isn’t stupid enough to try to break that up.”

Stephanie had been looking forward to the ranch’s Fourth of July extravaganza, which Nadine had dubbed an old-fashioned Western barn dance, minus the barn. A formal gala wasn’t quite the same thing.

One last try. “Send Graham?”

“I want you to go.” Grandfather looked at Tate over his glasses. “Besides, I sent Graham last time, and he returned with a jilted bride.”

Tate chuckled. “To be fair, he went for his cousin’s wedding, not just for business.”

“Bridget’s sister didn’t raise her son right, getting to within a few days of a wedding and then calling it all off. And then sending Graham to do his dirty work and tell the bride.” Grandfather scowled.

The would-be bride, Cadence, had already moved out of her apartment and given up her job, since she’d planned to start work in Paul’s father’s real estate company after the honeymoon. Cadence had jumped at Graham’s offer of a job with staff housing in Montana, a place where she could regroup. Who could ever have guessed Graham had that knight-in-shining-armor thing down so pat? Tate had had no idea.

“Anyway.” Grandfather cleared his throat. “About Chicago. You’re more up on the Casselman situation than the others.”

Tate sighed. What would Stephanie say to a week in Chicago? Tate would need to find a sitter for Jamie the night of the gala, but he had connections in his church. It shouldn’t be too hard to find someone dependable.

“I need you to leave Friday. There’s an early afternoon flight. Anything else?”

“I’ll discuss it with Stephanie.”

Grandfather steepled his hands and stared at Tate. “Who’s the head of your household, boy? Step up. This is your job.”

A flare of frustration shot through Tate. “That’s not fair, sir, with all due respect. My wife, my family, comes first. Right after God.”

“May I remind you that your family is entwined with your job?” Grandfather thumbed his own chest. “I’m family.”

A man shall leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife.

Tate braced himself and stared the man down. “Stephanie comes first.”

“There’s no need to pit me against her. She’ll love a little trip. Take an extra day, and let her go shopping.”

Was it that easy? Maybe.

All his life, Tate had been taught to leap at Walter Sullivan’s orders. His father certainly jumped, as did Uncle Theodore. Wally had, too, and it had nearly wrecked his marriage to Ashley. For the single guys — the rest of them — it wasn’t a big deal, but Tate wasn’t one of the single guys anymore. He let out a long breath.

“Like I said, I’ll discuss it with my wife, and let you know. I’m certain either Graham or Bryce or even Maxwell could do a fine job.”

Grandfather’s face remained stony. He hadn’t missed the opening words. But Tate had observed enough marriages — his grandparents’, his parents’, Wally and Ashley’s — to know that priorities could get way out of whack. And didn’t Stephanie already think work consumed too many of his hours?

He didn’t want to cave under Grandfather’s pressure, but what were his options? Was there any scenario in which Tate would need to find a different job? That thought put ice in his belly. Did he have marketable skills? Nothing that would pay as well as Grandfather. Nothing else with the promise of an extremely large inheritance.

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