WhiplashWedding

ByLeahRipley

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproduced,scanned,ordistributedinanyform

withoutthewrittenpermissionoftheauthor,exceptwherepermittedbylaw.Thisbookisaworkof

fictionandanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,ispurelycoincidental.

©2017LeahRipleyRomance

WelcometoWayapCounty

TheBaltonname’sfamoushereinMercySprings,Wyoming.Foroverahundredyears,visitorsfrom
aroundthecountryhavetraveledtothisblipofatowntopaytheirrespectstotheclan’slegendary
gunslingingpatriarch.Harrison“Buck”Baltonsettleddownheretobuildarespectablelifewithhis
spitfirebride.Tothisday,hiskinhaveworkedtobuildthefamilyranchintoaWayapCountyinstitution.

EveryoneintownknowstheBaltonsisters:Charlie,thesteadyworkhorse;Meredith,thefreespirit;and
Hope,thebombshellbeauty.They’veworkedhardtowrestleoldBuck’sranchintothetwenty-first
century.Thesethreeindependentwomenareusedtoworkinghard,butthey’llsoonfindthatlove’stheir
hardestchallengeyet.

Forbonuscontentandinformationonupcomingreleases,visitmeat

leahripleyromance.wordpress.com

.

Enjoy!

Leah

TableofContents

ChapterOne

ChapterTwo

ChapterThree

ChapterFour

ChapterFive

ChapterSix

ChapterSeven

ChapterEight

ChapterNine

ChapterTen

ChapterOne

“Yes,itlookslikewe’vegotavailabilityonthethird...oh!”

Great.Thepowerinsidetheranchofficehadgoneout.Herdesktopcomputer,alongwiththeranch’s

reservationprogram,weredead.Charlieturnedoverthenearestpieceofpaperandgrabbedapen.

“Areyoustillthere?Ok,we’vegotavailabilityonthethirdforsix.CanIwriteyouin?Perfect.”

Charliescribbledthereservationnotesinthedark.Hopefullyit’dbelegibleenoughtoreadoncethe

lightscamebackon.

“ThanksagainforchoosingtheBaltonRanch.Seeyousoon.”

Shehunguphercellphoneandplaceditnexttothedustylandlinesittingonthedesk.Sixmonthsago,

Charliesetupthephonesystemtoforwardallcallstoherpersonalphone.Thatwayshecouldhandle
ranchbusinesswhereversheneededtobe-onthetrail,buyingfeed,muckingstalls.Withhersister
Meredithgoneonsomefoolishsoul-searchingpilgrimagetoFrance,Charliehadnochoicebuttoadd
deskdutytoherlonglistofresponsibilities.

Runningtheranchwasa24/7rollercoaster.ProbablyoneofthereasonsHopeandMeredithdidn’t

complainwhenMomandDaddeededtheplaceovertoCharlietwoyearsago.Hersisterslovedthe
ranch,justnottherelentlessworkneededtokeeptheplacealive.Charliedidn’tmind.Herpassionforthe
horseskepthergoing,despitetheslimmargins.Butnowwasnotthetimetolamentthecontentsofher
bankaccount.Shehadtofigureoutthisproblemwiththepower.

“Charlie!”

Heryoungersister’svoiceechoedthroughthehouse.Thesistershadgrownuphere,inthehistoric

homesteadbuiltbyBuckBaltoninthelate1800s.MomandDadhadtriedtospruceuptheplacebefore
theymovedtothatretirementcommunityinFlorida,buttheranchhousealwaysfeltmorehauntedmansion
thanhomey.NowwithonlyHopeandCharlielivinghere,theonce-beautifulpropertyfeltpractically
abandoned.

“Charlie?Whathappenedtothelights?”

Cuetheeyeroll.“Idunno,youpissoffanyaxemurdererslately?”

Hopematerializedintheofficedoorway.“Haha.Veryfunny.”

CharliesuppressedasecondeyerollwhenshesawHope’soutfit.Leaveittoherbabysistertospend

Saturdaymorningloungingaroundthehouseinasilkblouseandstylishleatherboots.

“I’mguessingablownfuse?I’llgooutsideandcheck.”

“Oh,Andycandothat!He’sprobablystillasleep,butIcanwakehimup.”

OhLord.Honestly,shedidn’tknowwhyhersisterdatedtheman.Or,forthatmatter,whyCharlie

allowedhimtoliveandworkontheranch.

“Look,whydon’tyouenjoysomeone-on-onetimewithyourboytoy?Thisshouldn’ttakelong.”

WhatCharliereallywantedtosaywasthatthelasttimeAndyhandledanythingbeyondabalance

sheet,herippedupagoodthirtyfeetoffencing.Charliedidn’tmindhelpingouthersister’sboyfriend
withajob.Shejustwouldn’tlethimdestroyherbusinesswithhiscarelessness.

“Suityourself,”Hopehuffed.“Youdon’thavetodoeverything,youknow.”

Charliegritherteeth,butHopeflouncedoffbeforeshecouldlandontherightsassyretort.She’d

promisedtokeephersistersinvolvedwiththebusiness,butshefoundittoughtoletgoofcontrol.She
knewherrefusaltodelegatehaddrivenMeredithaway.HowlonguntilHopefollowed?

Sheputthatparticularworrytothebackofhermind.Charlieslippedonherworkbootsandcoat.

Eventhoughitwastechnicallyspring,Wyomingweatherstillmanagedtopackapunch.Charlieshoved
herhandsinherpocketsandleanedintothewind,workingherwayaroundthebackofthehousetowards
thefusebox.

Hm.Theswitchwasn’tflipped.Charlieturneditoffandonjustforgoodmeasurebutnothing

happened.Thethoughttakingshapeinhermindmadehersick.HadAndynotpaidtheelectricbill?True,
moneywastightsinceshe’dexpandedintoofferingtrailrides.No,hewouldhavetoldheriftheydidn’t
havethecashon-hand.

Sheslammedherfistagainstthesideofthehouseandcursed.She’dcallthepowercompanyfirst

thing.IfAndyhadforgottentopaythebill,thenthiswasthelaststraw.Thebusinesswasstrugglingtoo
muchtoleaveitinthehandsofsomeonesoirresponsible.

Asuddengustofwindblewopenthestabledoorafewhundredfeetaway.Itwaveredinthebreeze,

periodicallycrashingintothesideofthelargewoodstructure.Oneoftheranchhandsmusthaveleftthe
doorunlocked.Annoying,butnotterriblyodd.She’dhiredsomenewworkersaspartofthebusiness
expansion.Afewmistakeshereandtherewereinevitable.

Charliemarchedovertolatchthedoor.Sheknewherhorsescouldhandlethechill,butitfeltcruelall

thesametoleavetheanimalsexposedtothislevelofcold.

Buttherewerenoanimals.Allfortyhorseshaddisappeared.

***

RichWakefieldgrabbedanextrapacketofsugarfromthesmallsilvercontainersittingonthecounter.

HelovedGinaandherdiner,butthewomannevercouldbrewagoodcupofcoffee.Onlyamountainof
creamandsugarcouldmakethebittersludgepalatable.

“LookslikethoseBaltongirlsgotsomeproblems.”

Ginawasn’tspeakingtohimdirectly,ofcourse.Theolderwomanhadspentthebestyearsofherlife

inthisexactspot,regularlyannouncingthetown’sgoing-onstoherclientele.Likemostpeopleintown,
RichcametotheSlowPokeDinermorefortheentertainmentvaluethanthefood.

“SawCharliewaitingoutsidetheSheriff’sofficethismorning.Wordhasitthere’sbeenatheft.”

Alowmurmurreverberatedthroughoutthebreakfastcrowd.IfRichrememberedcorrectly,thelast

reportedtheftintownhadbeenastringofChristmaslightstakenoffThomasDurkell’sporchlastyear.In
theend,Thomasadmittedtotakingthelightshimselfinordertotesttheresponsivenessofthenewly-
electedSheriff.

Ironically,itwasoldThomashimselfwhopesteredGinaformoreinformation.“What’dtheysteal?

NothingonthatranchexceptmanureandthathunkofjunkCharliecallsatruck.”

Thomas’swifeIrmasmackedhimonthebackofhishead.“Thehorses,youoldcoot!Anyoneofthem

wouldbeworthstealing.”

Richkeptquiet.ItsickenedhimtothinksomeonewouldstealfromCharlieBalton.He’dbeensixteen

whenhecametoMercySpringstolivewithhisaunt.Charliehadbeenhisfirsttruefriendhere.He
blamedhimselffornotkeepingintouchwhilehewasinlawschool.Nowthathe’dmovedbacktoopen
hisownpracticeintown,itseemedlikeCharliedidn’thavetimeforanythingotherthantheranch.

“Look!She’sleavingtheSheriff’srightnow!”

Uhoh.Charliewasstormingacrossthestreet,headingstraightforthediner.Shelookedmadenough

tospit.Aroomfullofnosybusybodieswasprobablythelastthingsheneededrightnow.

“Here,Gina.Keepthechange.”Richlaiddownatwentydollarbillandgrabbedhisbriefcase.He

neededtocatchCharliebeforeshewalkedintoanambush.

Hemadeittothedoorjustbeforeshedid.Charlielookedupathimandfrowned.

“Itfeelslikeit’stenbelow,”shesnapped.“Yougonnastandtherealldayorletmein?”

“Trustme.Youdon’twanttogointhere.”

Charlieleanedtothesideandpeeredthroughthedinerwindow.Hecringedashewatchedthatpretty

roundfaceofhersfall.

“Howdotheyknowalready?IjustbarelytoldSheriffDenver.”

“Idon’tknowwhathappened,butIknowyoudon’twantGinatogrillyou.Whydon’tyoucomesitin

myofficeforafewminutes?Ineedanexcusetotacklemynewcoffeemachineanyways.”

Hecouldseehermouthtighteninresponse.Perhapshe’dgonetoofar.Richhadn’tbeenfriendswith

Charlieforovertenyears.Whywouldshewanttobealonewithhimnow?

“Okay.”

Heblinkedbackhissurprise.“Great,thisway.”

Hisearsburnedastheywalkeddowntheblocktothetidycottageheusedasanoffice.Maybehe

shouldhavethoughtthisthrough.He’dwantedtosaveCharliefromthelocalgossips.Theoldbiddies
wereprobablyhavingafielddaynow,watchingthemwalkofftogether.

Richunlockedthedoorandusheredherinside.“Iorderedawayforoneofthosefancypodmachines.

Blackcoffeeokay?Ihaven’tstockeduponmilkyet.”

Charlieslippedoffherouterwearandbootsintheentryway.Histhroattightened.Anembarrassingbut

naturalreaction.Shemightdresslikearanchhand,butRichhadalwaysfoundherbeautiful.Hecouldn’t
helpbutnoticethewayherjeansclungtothesoftcurvesofherhips.Richswallowedhardandledher
intothekitchen.

“Blackcoffee’sfine.”Charliefloppeddownatthekitchentableandputherheadinherhands.Ifonly

hecouldwipethatperpetualfrownfromherlips!Wasitpossibleforatwenty-eight-year-oldwomanto
strokeoutfromstress?

Hegavehersomeprivacyashefiddledaroundwiththecoffeemachine.MostWyomingnativesdidn’t

exactlylovediscussingtheirfeelings.He’dhavetotreadlightly.

“WhatdidtheSheriffsay?”Richputamugdowninfrontofherandjoinedheratthetable.Charlie

lookedlikeshewasabouttoeitherburstintotearsorpunchhimintheface.

Shelaughedinstead.Thehollowsoundmadehisstomachclench.

“Denversaidhe’dgoouttodayandinvestigate.Don’tknowwhatheexpectstofind.Hell,Idon’t

knowwhyIevenmadethereport.Iknowhemeanswell,butWayapCounty’snotexactlyahotbedof
million-dollarcrime.Whoeverdidthisknewexactlywhattheyweredoing.”

Richstoppedhimselffromreachingouttoholdherhand.

“Well,youhadtoreportitforinsurancepurposes.It’llbeahassle,butIimaginethecompanywill

coverit.”

Atthat,herentirebodysaggedforward.Again,sheburiedherheadinherhands.

“Youhaveinsurance,right?”

Shelookedup,moremiserablethananyyoungwomanhadrighttobe.

Charliespokeslowly,hereyestrainedsteadilyaheadatsomeimaginaryspotonthewall.“Icalled

thismorning.Thebillhasn’tbeenpaidforthelastthreemonths.”

“What?”Toleaveastablethatsizeuninsuredwasn’tjustnegligent-itwasinsanity.Nowayawoman

asrigidandthoroughasCharliewouldlethercoverageslip.

“Andyhelpsoutwiththebooks.Ididn’tthinkpayingthemonthlieswouldbeastretchforhim,butit

lookslikeheforgot.”

“Forgot?Idon’tunderstand.”Amistakelikethiscouldtanktheranch.

“Believeme,Ican’texplainit.ThepunkrushedoffbeforeIcalledtheinsurancecompany.I’vebeen

tryingtogetholdofhimallday,buthe’snotathomeandhe’snotpickinguphisphone.”

RichpracticallyjumpedoutofhisskinwhenCharliegrabbedhishand.

“Rich,please.Ineedyourhelp.”

ChapterTwo

Howhaditcometothis?

Denverwouldtryhisbesttocrackthecase,butsheneededherhorsesbackyesterday.Businesshad

beenhardthiswinter,andshe’dspentmostofthebusiness’cashtolaunchhertrailridingidea.Boarding
andbreedingdemandwasdown.Withallthelocalresortspoppingup,ithadseemedlikeano-brainerto
setupherownadventureoutfit.Shehadtheguidesandthebookings,butnowshedidn’thavethehorses.
Withoutanimals,therewasnowaytoearnenoughmoneytokeepthebusinessafloat.

MeredithwasgoneandHopewastooyoungtoshoulderallthis.No,itwasherjobtosetthisright

andsavetheranch.Still,sheneededtoenlisthelpifshewantedherschemetowork.SheneededRich.

“You’retheonlyonewhoknowsaboutthetrustfund.”HowlonghadshebeenholdingRich’shand?

Oddhownaturaltheintimategesturefelt.

“Theoneyourgrandmotherleftyou?Youhaven’ttoldanyone?”

Herbreathcaughtinherthroat.“No,haveyou?”

Richshookhishead.“Larrypassedonthedetailswhenhesoldmethepractice.Technically,your

grandmother’sestateisaclientofmine.I’dneverdivulgethosedetailswithoutexpresspermission.”

“Soyouknowthenthatmygrandmotherneverupdatedherwillbeforeshediedtoincludemysisters.

MomandDadknowaboutthetrustfund,buttheythoughtitbesttokeepitquietfromHopeandMeredith.”

“Howdoyoukeep$1.5millionasecret?”

Charliebitherlip.She’dhadfifteenyearstofullycometotermswithherinheritance,buttheamount

stillseemedsurreal.

“Itrynottothinkaboutit.”

Heshookhishead.“Whatdoesthishavetodowithanything?Thetrustdoesn’tcomeintoyourcontrol

untilyouturnthirty-five.”

“WhenIturnthirty-fiveor,”shecorrectedhim.“WhenIgetmarried.”

Richpickedupheremptycupandcarriedittothesink.Themanwashavingasuspiciouslydifficult

timelookingherintheeye.Wasitpossiblehealreadyknewwhatshewasabouttoask?

“I’msorry,Charlie.Therearen’tanylegalloopholesIcanhelpyouwith.Thosearethetermsyour

grandmotherwanted.”

Couldheseriouslybethisdense?“I’mnotaskingyoutobreakthelaw.I’maskingyoutomarryme.”

***

“I’msorry.IthinkImisheardyou.”

No,he’dheardherperfectly.Richjustwantedtomakehersaythewordsagain.

“Well,gee.Iprobablyshouldhaveboughtyouaring,butI’msortofcrushedfortime.”

“Youwantmetomarryyousoyoucancollectyourtrustfundmoneyearly.Nooffense,butthatseems

alittledrastic.Haveyoulookedintootheroptions?”

Charlielookeddownagain.Hehatedtoseeherthisway.CharlieBaltonbelongedonthebackofa

horse,barkingordersandbuildinganempire.

“I’vealreadycalledaboutputtingamortgageontheranch.Ishouldbeabletoaccessthefundsina

fewdays.”

“That’s...good,isn’tit?”

“Sure,unlesssomethingelseblowsupandIcan’tmakepayments.I’dlosethewholething.Theranch

hasbeenintheBaltonnameforacenturyandahalf.”

Heturnedbacktowardsthesinksoshecouldn’tseehisface.Richcouldn’tevenparsehisown

thoughtsandemotionsrightnow.NoneedtoletCharlietrytodecipherthemforhim.

“Ithinkyou’resellingyourselfshort.”

Sheslammedherfistsdownonthetable.“Haven’tyoubeenlisteningtome?Mywholedamnstable’s

gonemissing.Mysister’spunkboyfriendscrewedmeoutoftheinsurancemoney.MomandDadtrusted
me.Imessedup.HeavenknowswhatotherproblemsAndy’screatedthatIjusthaven’tfiguredoutyet.
Oh!”Sheclosedhereyesandslappedahandagainstherforehead.

“What’swrong?”

“ThepowerwentoutthismorningandIcouldn’tgetitbackon.Imeanttocallthepowercompany,

butwitheverythingthathappenedIjustforgot.IfAndyforgottopaytheinsurancecompany,Ibetheforgot
topaytheelectricbill,too.”

Richcouldn’twraphisheadaroundthis.EveryoneintownknewexactlyhowseriouslyCharlie

Baltontookherbusiness.

Itwasasifshe’dreadhismind.“Iknow,Iknow.Hope’sjustsodamnhappywiththeguy.Idon’t

wanttochaseheroffthewayIchasedoffMeredith.”

“IthoughtMeredithwasatsomefancyfrenchbakingschool.”

“Sheis,butonlybecauseIrefusedtolethersetupashopontheranch.Iwastoowrappedupinmy

ownideastoletherhaveanysay.”

Herejoinedheratthetable.ThistalkofMeredithwasobviouslyupsettinghermorethanthis

morning’stheft.

“Whatyou’reproposingisadirectviolationofyourgrandmother’swishes.”

Sheleanedforward,hereyesbrightwithanticipation.“Ijusthavetogetmarried.Nothinginthere

aboutwhy.”

Foramoment,heallowedhimselftopicturehimselfasherhusband.Wouldshebeasmuchaspitfire

inbedasshewasinreallife?Heclenchedhisfist,suddenlyshamedthathe’dallowedhimselftoeven
considerthequestion.Shedidn’tseehimasanactualprospect.Shesawhimasameanstoanend.

“Butitwouldn’tbeatruemarriage.”

“Isthatwhatyouwant?”

Wasshemindreadingagain?He’dbarelytalkedtothewomaninoveradecade,andnowhewas

fantasizingaboutwakingupnexttohereverydayfortherestofhislife?

“EvenifIwasthetypeofmantoacceptanofferlikethat,theCharlieBaltonIknowwouldn’t

prostituteherselfforanyamountofmoney.”

Hercheeksflushedbrightred.Good.Hewantedhertofeeluncomfortable.Sheneededtorealizethe

insanityofherrequestbeforesheranoffandaskedthenextsinglemanshemetintown.

“Coolyourjets,Rich.Iwasjustasking,notoffering.”

Oh.“DoIwantatruemarriage?”Hisaunthadbeggedhimtogetmarriedbeforeshe’dpassed,but

he’dnevermetawomanwhoquitefitthebill.“Yes,ofcourse.Withtherightwoman.”

“Haveyoufoundheryet?”

I’mlookingather.Thephrasepoppedupunbiddeninhismind.No,lifewasn’tsomeromantic

comedyfullofpithyone-linersandinstanttruelove.Heneededtogetagrip.

“No,Ihaven’tfoundher.”

“Areyoudatinganyone?”

Briefly,hismindflittedtoMelinda,MayorFinley’snewsecretary.Aquicklunchatthedinerdidn’t

countasdating,right?

“No,I’mnotdatinganyone.Thisisgettingawfullypersonal.”

Charliescoffed.Richdidn’tappreciatetheattitude,buthefeltbetterseeingsomeofhernaturalsass

return.Hedidn’tlikeseeingherthispaleandstressed.

“Rich,I’maskingyoutomarryme.Itdoesn’tgetmorepersonalthatthat.Iknowitprobablywouldn’t

holdupincourt,butmaybewecouldwriteupacontracttocoverallourbases.”

Hepushedbackfromthetable,inadvertentlytippinghischairover.

“Stopit!Juststop!”

Hesoftenedwhenhesawthetearswellingupinhereyes.

“Itmightnotbelegalfraud,butwhatyou’resuggestingiswrong.Iknowyou’rehurtingrightnow,but

thisisn’tfairtoeitherofus.”

Shelaunchedherselfathim,throwingherarmsaroundhisshoulders.“Please,Rich.Ican’triskthe

ranch.”

Hisheartjumped.She’dbeenhisbestandonlyfriendatonepoint.Despitetherecentdistance,hestill

wantedtoprotecther.

“Charlie.You’retooupsettogetbehindthewheel.Letmedriveyouhome.”

Sheleanedintohimevenmore,herentirebodypressedagainsthim.Notknowinghowelseto

respond,Richreacheddownandstrokedthelowofherback.Ithadbeentoolongsincehe’dhelda
womanlikethis.Hetriednottothinkaboutit.Whatheneededtoberightnowwasagoodfriend,not
somesortofsex-starvedopportunist.

“Youcantakemehome,”shefinallyadmitted.“Hopecandrivemeintotownlatertopickupthe

truck.”

Hemaneuveredoutoftheembraceinordertogethercoat.Quitefrankly,hefoundthewholeseriesof

eventsbizarre.TheCharlieheknewwasn’tlikethis-beaten,reserved,weak.Atleastshe’ddroppedthe
wholemarriagething.

Richpausedtowriteanoteandpinittothefrontdoor.“Emergency.Havetoreschedule.Sorry.”His

onlyappointmenttodaywasthegeneralstoremanagerandhelivedtwodoorsdown.Sure,Chuckmight
notlikebeingblownoff,butthemancouldwait.Charlieneededhimmorerightnow.

Heshouldleavethiswholemarriageideaalone,butafinalquestionnaggedathim.

“Whatwereyouplanningontellingeveryoneifwegotmarried?”

Charlielookedhimdeadintheeye.“IwouldhavetoldthemImarriedtheloveofmylife.”

Hisheartstoppedbeforeherealizedthetrueintentionofherwords.Sheonlymeantthatshewould

haveliedtothem,pretendtheirswasahappymarriageandnotmerelyamechanismtoreceivemoney.

Sheflashedhimacrookedgrin.“ThinkIcanfindanewsoulmatebeforesundown?”

ChapterThree

Richtriedtokeephiseyesontheroad,buthecouldn’thelpsneakingafewpeeksatCharlie.Thepoor

kidlookedtooexhaustedtotalk.Hemightfeelthesamewayifhewasinherposition.

NeverinamillionyearsdidhethinkCharliewouldneedasafetynet.Growingup,theBaltons

appearedtohaveeverythingapersoncouldwant.Ahealthybusiness,alovingfamily,strongtiestothe
community.NowCharliewaslookingtosellherselfofflikeapieceofmeat.

“Areyouseriousaboutthisweddingthing?”

Shedidn’trespond.Heturnedofftheradioandshookhershoulder.

“What?Oh,Imusthavefallenasleep.What’swrong?”

“Areyoustillstuckonthismarriagescheme?”

Sheyawnedandwrappedherjacketcloseraroundherself.“Whynot?You’renottheonlymanin

town,youknow.”

Thiswasinsane!Didn’tsheknowhowriskythiswas?Marryinganyoneputherinaprecarious

position.Agooddivorcelawyerwouldeviscerateherincourt.Anytwo-bitbuckwiththemindtodoit
couldeasilyleavewithagoodchunkofthefamilyfortune.

“Whoareyougoingtoask?”

“Well,I’donlythoughtasfarasyou.TheSheriff’ssingle,butIdon’tthinkhe’dbite.IguessIcan

alwaysgotoLaramieandfindsomeone.I’dprobablyhavetoworkoutsomesortofpayment.”

“Andyou’restillsetonfoolingHopeintothinkingthemarriageisreal?Howdoesthatfitintoyour

bigplantopickastrangeroffthesideoftheroad?”

“Whirlwindromance.It’shappenedbefore.”Charlieturneduptheradio.Wasshetryingtoshuthim

out?Hewasonlylookingoutforherinterests,likeanyfriendwoulddo.

Richturnedofftheradio.

“Evenwithaprenup,you’retakingabigrisk.Youcouldendupworseoffthanyouarenow.”

Charliesnorted.“Idon’tseehowthat’spossible.Evenwiththemortgagemoney,I’mthreemonthsout

fromhavingthebankrideupandpadlockthegates.IfIcouldaccessthetrustmoney,atleastwehavea
shot.”

Hepulledrightuptotheranchhouseandcuttheengine.Judgingbythewhiteandblacksedanparked

inthedriveway,theSheriffwasalreadyonthecase.HadshereallysuggestedDenverasapotential
husband?Themanhadbarelyjustmovedhere.

“Thanksfortheride.Youwon’ttellanyoneaboutthetrustthing,right?”

“Don’tworryaboutit.”Hemumbledthewords,caughtupinadangerousthought.

Charlieputherhandonthedoor,nodoubtreadytorunawayfromhimandintothearmsof...who?

Somestrangershelookedupontheinternet?

“Wait.”Hegrabbedherhandbeforeshecouldleave.“Youwin.I’llmarryyou.”

Charlie’sfacelitup,happierthanhe’dseenherinyears.

“Really?Scout’shonor?”

Whatwashedoingagain?Oh,yes.Proposingafakemarriagewithachildhoodfriend.Justanother

dayinMercySprings.

“Yes,really.IcancallinacolleaguefromLaramietowriteuptheprenup.”

Shethrewherselfathim,wrappingherarmsaroundhisneck.Hefroze,caughtoff-balancebythe

gesture.Charliefeltpreciousinhisarms,softandsmallandsweet-smelling.

“Idon’twantaprenup.It’llonlyslowthingsdown.Besides,I’veknowyoumywholelife.I’mpretty

sureyou’renotmarryingmeformymoney.”

“Slowthingsdown?Whenwereyouthinkingofgettingmarried?”

“IsnextSaturdaygoodenough?I’dliketohavethenewmortgagepaidoffassoonaspossible.”

Hisvisionblurred.Shewantedtogetmarriedinaweek?

“I’dsaytoday,butHopewillwanttimetoplanaceremony.”

“Aceremony?Iknowyouwanttokeepyoursisterinthedark,butisn’tthatalittlemuchforapaper

marriage?”

“HopewillbuytheliethatI’vebeenseeingyouonthesly,butshe’snotgoingtoletmeoffthehook

thateasy.Weusedtodaydreamaboutourweddingsallthetimewhenwewerekids.”

Atwingeofsadnessfelloverhim.AwomanlikeCharlieBaltondeservedarealweddingtoaman

wholovedher.Hemournedallthehopesanddreamsofthatlittlegirl.

“Charlie,we’regettingoff-topic.Weneedaprenup.Nooffense,butblindtrustishowwegotinthis

messtobeginwith.”

Oddhoweasyitwastosay“we.”Lessthanaminuteandhe’dadoptedCharlie’sproblemsashis

own.

“Totallydifferentsituation.I’vealwaysknownAndywasaworm.You’rearealman,Rich.”

Sheleftherhandonhischestastheytalked,theheatofitradiatingthroughhisshirt.Didsheknow

whatthatlighttouchwasdoingtohim?Anotherfewsecondsandhe’dbetemptedtoshowherjusthow
realamanhecouldbe.

Gently,hepushedherbackintoherseat.“Okay,wecangetmarriedfirstanddrawupsomethingnext

week.It’snotaslegallybinding,butweshouldgointothisarrangementwithclearexpectations.”

Sherolledhereyes.“Fine,ifyouwant.Readytotellmysisterthegoodnews?”

***

Thesceneinsidewassomethingoutofabadmovie.Hopewascurleduponthecouch,sobbinginto

theSheriff’sshoulder.Thepoormanlookedterrified.

“Hope?What’swrong?”Charlierushedovertohersister,butHoperefusedtolookather.

“I...Ican’t...oh,Charlie!”Thewomandissolvedonceagainintotears,deepsobsrackingherbody.

Denvershifteduncomfortablyinhisseat.“Um,maybewecanleaveHopeforaspellandtalkinthe

kitchen?”

Shedidn’twanttoleavehersisterthisway,butnowaycouldHopetalkinthisstate.Charlieneeded

toknowwhatwasgoingonsoshecouldfixit.

“Hope,sweetheart?Justcryitout.I’llbebackinaminute.”

Safelyontheothersideofthekitchendoor,theSherifftookadeepbreath.Hetwistedhishatinhis

hand.HenoddedpolitelyinRich’sdirection.

“Charlie,I’mhappytohaveyourlawyerpresent,butyouknowyou’renotunderinvestigation,right?”

“Lawyer?Oh,Richisn’thereasmylawyer.He’smy...he’smyfiance.”Thewordfeltheavyonher

tongue.“Whathappened?”

“Wefoundoutwhathappenedtoyourhorses.”

“Really?”RichlookedatCharlie,surprisewrittenacrosshisface.Obviouslyhehadaboutasmuch

faithinthelocalSheriff’sdepartmentasshedid.“That’sprettyquick,isn’tit?”

“Aretheyokay?WhencanIgetthemback?”

“I’msorry,Ishouldclarify.Weknowwhotookyourhorses,butwe’renotsurewherehetookthem.

HaveyoubeenincontactwithAndythismorning?”

“No,Itriedcallinghimbuthedidn’tpickupthe…”Hervoicetrailedoffassheputthepieces

together.Andyhadtakenthehorsesandsplit.“Thatrat!Hedidthis?Thatcavemancouldn’tmowthe
lawnwithoutmessingup.Howcouldhestealtwentytonsofliveanimal?”

“Hecalledyoursisterjustanhourago,”theSheriffexplained.

“What,he’sholdingthemransomorsomething?AndyknowsIbarelyhaveenoughtokeepthelights

on.”Maybelessthanthat,shethoughtprivately.Itlookedlikethepowerwasstillout.

“No,itlookslikehetookthehorseslastnightandfledthestate.Itrackeddownagasstationattendant

whosawfourlargehorsetrailersheadingsouthoutoftownearlythismorning.Andywascallingtoask
yoursistertojoinhim.”

Charlie’sheartfell.Thebastardhadn’tjuststolenherproperty.He’dtriedtotakehersisteraway

fromhertoo.

“Sodoyouknowwhereheis?”Ifshecouldgetherhorsesback,maybeshecouldletRichoffthe

hook.Herdisappointmentsurprisedher.Itwasn’tlikeshewasinlovewiththeguy.No,she’djustgotten
caughtupintheintrigueandexcitementofacrazyscheme.

Denvershookhishead.“Hopeofferedtosetupameetingwithhim.Ifhe’stryingtogethertoskip

townwithhim,thenhemightriskexposinghimselftogether.”

“No,”Charlieblurtedout.“Idon’twantHopeanywhereneartheguy.”

“Don’tworry,Isaidthesamething.I’mnotabigfanofusingcivilianstosetupastingoperation.

Andydidn’tcoverhistracksthatwell.I’llgettheboysonitandwe’lltrackthosehorsesdowntheold-
fashionedway.”

WhenhadRichputhishandonherback?Probablyplayinguptheirconcoctedromanceforthe

Sheriff’sbenefit.Still,sheappreciatedthegesture.Thiswholeordealwasrapidlyspiralingintomore
thanshecouldhandle.

“Thanks,Sheriff.”Sheshookhishandfirmly.Denverhadn’tbeenintownforlong,butshehadagood

feelingabouttheman.“Anythingelseyouneedfromme?”

“No,IwasjustwaitingtomakesureHopewasallright.Nowthatyou’rehere,IguessI’llgetbackto

theofficeandmakesomecalls.Can’tbeeasytohidefortyhorses.”

Charliewalkedhimtothedoor.“Thanks,again.Ireallyappreciatealltheeffortyou’reputtinginto

this.”

Intruecowboystyle,Denvertippedhishattowardsher.“I’llkeepyouupdated.Oh,and

congratulationsagainonthewedding.”

Shegritherteeth.Hopehadalmostdefinitelyheardthatlastpart.Oh,well.Shewasgoingtohaveto

breakthenewssometime.Whynotrightafterhersisterdiscoveredherlong-termboyfriendhadtriedto
destroythefamilyfarm?

Sensingthecomingstorm,Richretreatedtowardsthekitchen.“Coffee?I’llmakeapot.”

Hedisappearedbehindtheswingingdoorbeforeshecouldsayno.Coward!

“Charlie?”Hope’ssniffleshadsubsided,butherfacewasstillblotchyandwetwithtears.“Whatwas

allthataboutawedding?”

Shehatedtolietoherbabysister,butatthispointshe’ddoanythingtosparetheyoungerwoman’s

feelings.Andy’sbetrayalmustbeahardpilltoswallow.

“I’vebeenseeingsomeone,”shelied.“Ididn’tthinkitwouldcometomuch,soItriedtokeepitquiet.

HeproposedandIsaidyes,soguessIdidn’treallycallthatone,huh?”

“Charlie!”Hopejumpedupandhuggedhersisterclose.“Ididn’tevenrealize.I’dbeensowrapped

upwithAndytheselastfewmonths,Ididn’tevenseethesigns.Whoishe?”

“Guessyou’retalkingaboutme.”Richreappearedwithatrayofcoffeecups.

Oh,ifHope’seyeswentanywiderthey’dpoprightoutofherskull!“Rich?You’vebeendating

Rich?”

Hehandedeachsisteramug.“MorelikeI’vebeenchasingher.Yoursister’sahardwomantohold

down.”

Charlieblushed.Truthbetold,beinghelddownbyamanlikeRichdidn’tsoundhalfbad.Andwhen

hadhegottensocreative?Goodthing,too.Hopewasbuyingthebackstoryhook,line,andsinker.

“Oh,Charlie!We’refinallygoingtohaveawedding!IalwaysthoughtI’dbethefirstofustoget

married,butnow…”Shelookedlikeshewasabouttoburstintotearsagain.HopewasaBalton,though.
Shepulledherselftogetherquickenough.“I’mjustsohappyforyoutwo.Didyoupickadate?Sometime
inJuneorJuly,Ihope.WecanputatentupinthefieldoutbackandMeredithcanbakethecake...”

CharlielookedtowardsRich.Howcouldhelooksorelaxedandhappy?Lyingthismuchtohersister

wasgivingherheartpalpitations.

Richcametoherrescue.“Ididn’twanttowait.We’rethinkingofdoingsomethingSaturday.”

“Saturday?AsinthisSaturday?That’snotimeeventobookthechurch.”

Charlietookahalf-stepinfrontofRich,puttingherselfbetweenhersisterandherfaux-fiance.Hope

lookedmadenoughtodosomethingstupid.

“We’llmakedowithsomethingsimpleatthehouse.Wejustwanttobemarried.Right,Rich?”

Hewrappedanarmaroundhersideandpulledhertightagainsthim.“Sorrytodropthisonyou,

Hope.IwanttolockCharliedownbeforeshechangeshermind.”

Hopewouldn’trelent.“Meredithwon’tbeabletoflyoutwithjustaweek’snotice.”

Thethoughtpainedhermorethanshelikedtoadmit.Despitetheirdifferences,Meredithprobably

wouldhavelookedpasttheminordertoattendhersister’swedding.

“It’swhatwewant,Hope.Pleasedon’targueaboutit.You’llhelpmeplansomething,right?”

“I’lltry,butI’mnotmakinganypromises.I’mnotamagician,youknow.”

RichpeckedCharlieonthecheek.Oh,Lord.Allthislovey-doveystuffwasgoingtoherhead.Ithad

beenfartoolongsinceamanlookedatherthewayRichdid.Heshouldhavegottenintoactinginsteadof
thislawyernonsense.

“Ihavetogetbacktotheoffice.Callme?”

“I’llcall.Ipromise.”Charliepushedupontohertiptoesandplantedasoftkissonhisclosedmouth.

Thechastekissputaflutterinherchest.ShesearchedRich’sfaceforahintofareaction,butatthispoint
itwashardtotellwhatwasrealandwhatwaspartoftheact.

AssoonasRichwasoutthedoor,HopegrabbedCharlietogiveheranotherbearhug.

“Charlie,youdog!Can’tIhavethedecencytogetoverAndybeforeyoumarrythatdreamboat?”

“You’renotmad?”

“Mad?I’mgoingtobetoobusytobemad.”

Good.IfHopeboughttheirstory,thenhopefullytherestofthefolksinMercySpringswouldtoo.

“Shametogiveupthatbighousehehas.Orareyougoingtomoveinthereandforcemetogeta

roommate?”

Charlieswallowedhard.“Wehaven’tdiscussedityet.”

Hopecockedherheadtothesideandfrowned.“You’regoingtomarrythemanandyouhaven’ttalked

aboutwhereyou’regoingtolive?Areyousureaboutthis?”

Shechokedoutaforcedlaugh.“I’mnotahotdog.Idon’tneedgrilling.Nowcanwetalkaboutwhat

we’refeedingthesepoorpeopleSaturdayorwhat?”

ChapterFour

“Howaboutthatpotatosaladmywifemakes?Shelikestoaddayamandsomecayenne.”

Richnoddedpolitely.“I’msureCharliewouldappreciateit,Chuck.”

Thelastfourdayshehadn’tbeenabletogooutsidewithoutsomeonecorneringhimwithquestions

aboutthewedding.CharliehadjusttoldhimtoshowupSaturdayinasuit.Shehadn’twarnedhimthatshe
plannedoninvitingthewholetown.

“Potluck’sasweetideaforawedding,don’tyouthink?”Ginarefilledhiscupbeforehecouldrefuse.

Heneededtogetbackhomeassoonaspossible.HisregularFridaymorningboothhadbecomea
revolvingdoor.Atsomepointduringhisbreakfast,everydinerpatronhadsatdowntotalkhisearoff
abouteverythingevenremotelywedding-related.

“HopeandCharliehavebeendoingmostoftheplanning.”Hopefullyhisnosyneighborswouldgetthe

hintandmoveon.

“Littlequickthough,”Ginacontinued.“Noneedtorushthingsnowadays.Youseeallthosesingle

parentsonTVandtheyseemtobedoingokay.Noteasy,ofcourse,butbetteroffthaniftheywere
strappeddowntoamantheydidn’treallylove.”

Richgrithisteeth.“Charlie’snotpregnant.”

“Sure,sweetie.Butifshewas…”

Hepulledacoupleoftwentydollarbillsoutofhiswalletandlaidthemonthetable.“HowaboutI

treateveryoneheretoamuffin,okay?”

Thedozenorsodinerscheered.Richpulledonhiscoldweathergearandmadeabeelineforthe

door.

Safeoutside,helaughed.Ifitwasthisbadnow,whatwoulditbelikeaftertheydivorced?He’d

underestimatedhowmuchthepeopleintowntreatedtheBaltongirlsliketheirown.Charliegetting
marriedwasabigdeal,evenifitwasgoingtobealow-keyaffairintheirlivingroom.

Buthehadmorepressingmattersthanthelocaltowngossips.Outsideofafewtextmessages,Charlie

hadavoidedhimsincethey’ddroppedthebignewsonHope.True,he’denteredthisarrangementwith
zeroexpectationofgettinganythinginreturn.Still,itseemedimprudenttonotdiscussthematteratall.

Richgotinhiscarandstartedtheengineinordertogettheheatgoing.Hewhippedouthisphoneand

dialedCharlie’scell.

Sheansweredonthesecondring.“CharlieBaltonhere.”

Hefrownedattheoddgreeting.Didn’tsheseehisnumberonthecallerid?

“It’sRich.”

“Oh,sorry.Ididn’tlookatthescreen.Ithoughtyouwereabusinesscall.”

“I’myourfuturehusband.I’mprettysureIdeserveatleastacustomizedringtoneinyourphone.”

“Oh,really?Wellwhatringtonedoyouhavesetforme?”

“Whydon’tyoucomeovertonightandfindout?”

Thatcameoutalittlemoresuggestivethanheintended.Richclearedhisthroatandtriedtorecover

theconversation.

“Imean,wouldyouliketohavedinnerwithmetonight?Ifigureyoucanrunmethroughtheschedule

fortomorrow.”

“Sure,Icoulduseabreak.Hope’sbeeninnon-stopweddingmode.I’dbeannoyedifitwasn’ttaking

hermindoffAndy.ThejerkdidmoredamagethanIthought.”

Richclenchedhisfist.AndyhadnorighttodisruptCharlie’slifethisway.Shedeservedsomuch

morethanpastduebillsandapaper-onlymarriage.

“Youmeanhe’smorethanahorserustler?Whatelsedidhedo?”

“Ifinallycalledupthepowercompany.Theysaytheyhaven’tbeenpaidinsixmonths.Istarted

thinking,ifAndydidn’tpaytheinsuranceortheelectricbill,whatelsedidheletslide?”

Uh,oh.AsayoungdistrictattorneybackinLaramie,RichhadseenhisfairshareofcrookslikeAndy.

Embezzlingfromsmallbusinesseswaseasyenoughthatithappenedoften,eventothemostscrupulousof
businessowners.

“Howmuch?”

“Sofar,Icounteightregularaccountsgoneunpaid.Hemusthavesiphonedthemoneyoffintohisown

pocketandhidthelatebillsfromme.I’mworkingoutpaymentplanswithafewofthem,butweoweover
$30,000.”

Purehatemadehisvisiongoblurry.“Ifheevershowshisfaceagain,IswearI’llbeathimtoapulp.”

Thelinewentsilent,buthewastoofurioustocensorhisanger.Onlythelowestofthelowwould

stealfromupstandingwomenliketheBaltonsisters.

“Well,thatdoesn’tsoundverylawyerly.”

“Imighthavemadeitthroughlawschool,butIwasstillraisedonaranch.Ireservemyrighttorough

upno-goodcrookswhotrytocrossmywoman.”

“SoI’myourwomannow?”

“Maybetryandtonedownyourdisdainfortheideabeforeweswapvowstomorrow.We’resupposed

tobemadlyinlove,remember?”

“Well,unlikesomepeopleIcouldmention,myworkweekdoesn’tstoponFridays.Ihavetoget

going.”

“Butyou’llhavedinnerwithme?Ifitwerewarmoutside,I’dgrillsomesteaks.Wouldyoueatchili

instead?”

“Woah,reallytryingtosellmeonthisruggedranchpersona,huh?I’llmeetyouateight,cowboy.”

Hehungupandtossedhisphoneontotheseatnexttohim.Astrangethrillcoursedthroughhisbody.

Bythistimetomorrow,CharlieBaltonwouldbethiscowboy’sbride.

***

CharliepushedthebottleofchampagneintoRich’shandsandsteppedinside.Shelookedsurprisingly

happyforsomeonewhojustfoundoutshe’dbeenrobbedofoveramilliondollarsworthofhorse.

“Sorry,it’sstillwarm.Iforgottotossitinthefridge.”

“Hey,I’mnotcomplaining.”Hefoundasoftpatchofsnowjustofftheporchandburiedthebottleinto

it.Ithadn’tsnowedforweeks,buttheoddbitstillclungtotheground.“Nature-chilledchampagne’sthe
onlywaytogo.”

Charlie’seyestwinkledasshetookoffhercoat.“Aren’tyouworriedabouttheneighborsgettingto

it?”

Richstilllivedinthebighousewherehisaunthadraisedhim.Outoftownandsurroundedbyfields,

thetidyoldranchhousesatfarenoughawaythatyoucouldjustbarelymakeoutthelightsofthenexthome
downtheroad.

“Hey,theyprobablydeserveadrinkforcomingoutthisfarinthefirstplace.Plus,I’mfeeling

magnanimous.I’mgettingmarriedtomorrow.”

Aharmlessquip,butthewordssunkstraighttothepitofhisstomach.WithCharliestandinginhis

livingroom,hecouldn’thelpimaginingherlivingherepermanently,surroundedbyapackofsnot-nosed
kids.

Hisjokemusthavelandedthewrongwayforhertoo.Anervoussmileflittedacrossherlips.“Chili,

right?Youneedanyhelp?”

“Oh,yes.Imean,no.Chili’sjustonthestove.Wantabeerorglassofwinetostartandwe’llhavethe

champagnewithdessert?”

“Dessert!RichardWakefield,Idodeclare.Youwentallout.I’lltakeabeer,thanks.”

Whenhereturnedtothelivingroom,Charliehadhershoeskickedoffandwassittingwithherfeet

tuckedunderheronthecouch.Herheadwasburiedinthethickblackphotoalbumhekeptstashedonthe
endtable.

“Thatbook’sfullofblackmailmaterial.Hopeyou’renotplanningonusingmybabyphotosagainst

me.”

HestilledwhenhesawCharlie’seyes.Theywereshiningwith-what?Happiness?Regret?

“Yourauntwasagreatwoman.Iknowshewassoproudofyouwhenyouwentawayforlawschool.”

Ithadkilledhimtobeawayfromhome,butAuntPearlhadinsistedhegethiseducationandseethe

world.IthadtakenhimtoolongtorealizethattheonlyplacehewantedtobewasbackhomeinMercy
Springs.

HesatdownnexttoCharlie.Perhapscloserthanrequired,butitwouldbeawkwardtoshiftback

now.

“Thinkingaboutyourmom?”

Charlie’slowerlipquivered.Hereachedintoherlapandclosedthebook.

“I’mjustgladshe’snotaroundtoseemenow.”Shewipedatearawayfromthecornerofhereye.

“You’retalkinglikeshe’sdead.YourparentsarejustinFlorida.”

Charlie’smouthfellopeninhorror.“I’msorry.Withyourauntgoneandall...Ishouldjustkeepmy

mouthshut.Lately,Ican’tdoanythingright.”

Hedidn’tlikehearinganytypeofself-criticismcomingoutofhermouth.Onanimpulse,hegrabbed

herhandsandheldtheminhisown.

“Stopthat.YouworkharderthananywomanI’vemetinmyentirelife.Thewholetownlooksupto

you.DoyouknowJoannaRadcliffethreatenedtobreakmylegsifIeverhurtyou?”

“Withwhat?Thewoman’snearlyninety.”

“Shewaswavinghercanearoundinaverymenacingfashion.Ifsomethinghappenstome,tellthe

SheriffthatJoannadidit.”

Charliepulledherhandsawayfromhim.Hetriednottotakeitpersonally.Hehadn’tbeeninherlife

lately;hedidn’tdeservethattypeofintimacy.

Shepickedupherbottleofbeerandraiseditinatoast.“Here’stohopingthegoodMrs.Radcliffecan

keephercanedownbeforetomorrow.”

Tomorrow.Thereasonshewashereinhishomeatall.Heneededtogetagrip.

Hechinkedhisbottleagainsthersandtookaswig.“Sowhatdoyouhaveinstoreformetomorrow?”

“Oh,no.Notme.Hopeistheweddingmastermind.Icaughtheronthephonetryingtoorderadozen

dovestoreleasewhenwehaveourfirstkiss.Luckily,Imanagedtotalkherdownofftheledge.Imadeup
somestoryaboutanestofkillerhawksIsawlurkingnearby.”

“Atleastdoveswouldbeadistraction.I’mnotexactlykeenonhavingtheentiretownwitnessour

firstkiss.”

Hadheevernoticedhowcuteshelookedwhensheblushed?Fortwentyyears,he’dviewedheras

justanothercharacterintheMercySpringscast.Butthingsweredifferentnowthattheyweregoingtobe
married.Hedidn’tcareifitwasjustameanstoanend.Thistimetomorrow,CharlieBalton’slivewould
beofficiallyentwinedwithhis.

Heneededtogetoffthiskissingtopicbeforetheygotthemselvesintotrouble.“Icanfilethe

paperworkonMonday.Outsideofanyhiccupsintheprocess,youshouldhavefullcontrolofthetrustby
theendoftheweek.”

“Good.Themortgagecamethrough,soI’vebeenabletorentsomehorsesoffaranchIknowupnorth.

Ididn’twanttorushintobuyingnewstock,butIstillneededtofulfillmynextfewcontracts.Thesooner
thetrustmoneycomesin,thesoonerIcanpayoffthemortgageandmoveonwithmylife.”

Hedidn’tknowwhyhewassoimpressed.HeshouldhaveknownCharliewouldn’tsitbackandlick

herwounds.

“SoonceIgetcontrolofthetrust,wecangetanannulment?Howdifficultisthat?”

Heignoredhisdisappointment.RichneededtokeephisnewfounddesireforCharlieseparatefrom

theirmarriage.He’dagreedtohelpherasafriend.Shedidn’tneedsomemanchasingafterherwhenshe
hadbiggerfishtofry.

“Ethically,adivorcemightbebest.Althoughtheremightbeaclaimforanannulmentifwerefrain

fromsex.”

“Oh,I’msurethat’llbeachallengeforyou,”shesnorted.“Onceyouseememuckingstallsinmy

coveralls,youwon’tbeabletoresistmyfemininecharms.”

Hedidn’tgetit.Didn’tsheknowhowbeautifulshewas?Hell,eventhethoughtofhercoveredindirt

gothimgoing.Notthedirtpart,ofcourse.No,Richcouldvividlyimaginepullingherintotheshower,
takinghistimetowashhernakedbodyfromheadtotoeandeverywhereinbetween…

“Rich?Wasthatthetimer?”

“Er,yes.Chili’sready.WanttotakeourdrinkstothediningroomandI’llmeetyouthere?”

“Ayeaye,captain!Wecansitonfarendsofthetable.Wouldn’twantyoutoravishmebeforethe

annulmentgoesthrough.”

Hegruntedandrushedofftothekitchentoserveupdinner.Richdidn’tknowhowmuchmoreofher

humorhecouldtake.Hemightcallhimselfagoodguy,buthewasstillacowboyatheart.Another
referencetothemhavingsex,andhewouldn’tbeabletostophimselffromtakingsweetCharlieBalton
rightontopofAuntPearl’santiqueoaktable.

ChapterFive

“Stop,stop!IfIlaughanymoremyfaceisgoingtogetstuckthisway.”

Charliehadn’thadthismuchfuninyears.Asadstatementonhersociallifeifacuteguywithabowl

ofchiliwasenoughtosweepheroffherfeet.

“Well,thenyou’dalwaysbesmiling.What’ssobadaboutthat?”

ShewaggledherfingeratRich.“Uh,uh.Abosslady’sworthnothingifshecan’tlookstern.Don’tyou

daretakethatawayfromme.”

Hereachedacrossthetableandstartedstackinguptheirdishes.Tohersurprise,thedinnerhadbeen

fantastic.Guessitmadesense,consideringRichcookedit.Apparently,themancoulddonowrong.

“I’vegotsomeapplepieandicecreaminthefreezer.Givemeasecondtoheatupthepie?”

“What,youbaketoo?I’mamazeditwassoeasytolockyoudown.”

Hesnatchedheremptybeerbottleoffthetable.“Foryourinformation,Iboughtthepietodayfromthe

diner.Don’tthinkIspentalldayslavingoverahotstoveforyou.”

“Mmm,nowthere’sanideaIcangetbehind!”

Sheogledhisbacksideashewalkedbackintothekitchen.Whatwaswrongwithher?Shedidn’t

drinkmuch.Maybethetwobeershadaffectedhermorethanshethought?No,thatwasn’tit.Rich’stight
jeansshowedoffhisbodytoperfection.Therewasonlysomuchawomancouldtake.

“I’llgrabthechampagne,”sheshoutedbacktowardsthekitchen.Richmightbehumble,buthe’dgone

aboveandbeyondwiththedinner.Theleastshecoulddowaspopthecorkonabottleofwine.

Charlieslippedonherbootswithoutbotheringtotiethelaces.Outside,shecursedherselffornot

turningontheporchlight.Oh,well.Itwouldonlytakeherafewsecondsmoretofindthebottleinthe
dark.

“Gotyou!”Sheworkedthebottleoutofthesnow,carefultopullitbytheneckofthebottleinsteadof

thecork.

Justthen,apairofheadlightsturnedonattheendofRich’sdriveway.Whenshelookedup,thelights

dimmedasifthedriverhadturnedthemoff.Shecouldn’tseethecarfromthisdistance.Probablynothing.
Thevehiclereversedoutofthedrivewayandbackontothemainroadbeforespeedingofftowardstown.
Oddthatthecarhadusedthedrivewaytoturnaround.Thehighwaywasemptythistimeofnight,with
plentyofshoulderroomtopulloverorturnaround.

Rich’svoicewaftedoutfrominsidethehouse.“Charlie?Everythingokayoutthere?”

Shegrippedthechampagnebottleinherhandandranbackuptowardstheporch.“Justaminorbattle

withasnowdrift.I’mcoming!”

***

“Youshouldhaveservedthepieonaplate.It’salittlehardertolickabowlclean.”

Richpushedhisowndessertbowlacrossthecoffeetable.“I’mstuffed.”

Charliedidn’thesitatebeforepickinguphisbowlanddiggingintothelastbitesofpieleftatthe

bottom.“Yourloss.”

Heneverthoughthe’denjoywatchingawomaneatsomuch.Charliehadalwaysbeenpetite,butshe

lookedthinnerthanusual.Hecouldn’timaginehereatingmuchafterAndycleanedherout.Atleasthe’d
beenabletofeedheragoodmeal.

“Westillhaven’ttalkedabouttomorrow.”Heleanedoverandtoppedofftheirglasses.Richdidn’t

ownanychampagneflutes,sothey’dsettledforwaterglassesinstead.

“It’ssimple.Showupatfiveinyoursuit.Whatmoredoyouwanttoknow?”

“Oh,it’sthateasy?Whataboutafter?”Hetriedtomodulatehistone,buthewasstartingtofeel

frustrated.“Youwanteveryonetothinkit’sforreal.Howfardoyouwanttotakeit?Yougoingtotakemy
lastname?ShouldIpackabagandmoveintotheranchwithyou?”

Charlieputthebowldownandwentsilent.Hadshereallynotthoughtaboutthelogisticsoftheir

wholearrangement?Hewaswillingtohelpafriend,butattheveryleastheneededtoknowthe
gameplan.

Shelookedupathimand,foramoment,heforgotwhattheyweretalkingabout.Herbigbrowneyes

werewide,fullofemotion.Theytuggedatsomethingdeepinsidehim.

“OfcourseI’vethoughtaboutit.Ijustdidn’tknowhowtoaskyou.”

“Askmewhat?”Hisbreathcaughtinhisthroat.Whatdidshewant?Wasshebackingout?Didshe

findsomeoneelse?Ordidshewantarealmarriage?Hisheartpoundedatthethoughtofthatlastoption.
Hell,he’ddieahappymanifhecouldspendeverynightlikethis,curleduponthecouchwithawitty,
strong,andbeautifulwomanlikeCharlie.

“NooneknowsaboutthetrustfundandHope’ssotornupoverthisAndybusiness.Iwouldn’twant

hertothinkherpoordatingrecordpushedmeintomarriage.”

“Ithoughtthatwaswhywewerehavingthewedding?Goingthewholesuitandceremonyroute?”

Shenodded,herteethworryingherfulllowerlip.“Yes,butshe’sbeentalkingaboutitnon-stop.

Aboutyouandmeandtruelove.Ifwejustgetanannulmentnextweek,she’llbeheartbroken.”

Hetriedtopiecetogetherwhatshewassaying.“Soyoudon’twantanannulment?”

Charlielookedathimlikehewascrazy.“Well,I’mnotgoingtotieyoudownfortherestofyourlife.

I’mthinkingweholdoutforayear?JustuntilHope’shadsometimetorecoverfromthisall.”

Oh.Ofcourse,hedidn’tknowwhathewasthinking.“Ayear’salongtimetopretendyou’re

somethingyou’renot.Areyousure?”

Shenodded.“Ithought,Imean,”shestumbledoverherwords.“Ifit’salrightwithyou,Icouldmove

inherewithyouafterthewedding.It’sabighouseandyou’renottoofarfromtheranch.Ithinkifwe
stayedattheranch,Hopewouldcatchontothewholethingrightaway.”

HispulsequickenedatthethoughtofCharlielivinghere,sleepingacrossthehallfromhisbedroom

forawholeyear.Injustthecourseofonenight,she’dstimulatedhisdesiremorethanafewtimes.He
doubtedhe’dbeabletoholdoutoneweek,muchlessanentireyear.

“Youcanstilldateotherwomen,”shecontinued.“Idon’texpectyoutoputyourlifeonholdforme.

AndIknowthatmenhave,er,needs.”

Hesnapped.“Iknowyou’reasmartwoman,butyou’retalkingnonsenserightnow.”

Richreachedacrossthesofaandpulledherclose.Herlookofshockandsurprisegavehimpause.

She’daskedforhishelpbecauseshetrustedhim,andthiswasthewayhebehaved?Pawingatherlike
somesexuallyfrustratedteenager?

Heeaseduphisholdonherandtookadeepbreath.“Fakemarriageornot,nowayIhaveawifeand

sleepwithsomeoneelse.”

“BecauseJoannaRadcliffewillhaveyourhide?”

Howcouldshestillnotgetit?“No,becauseIkeepthepromisesImake.You’regoingtobemywife,

Charlie.Idon’tcareifwesleeptogetherornot,butI’msureashellnotsettingupasidepiecewhile
you’rewearingmyring.”

Hesearchedherfaceforsomesortofresponse,aseriousreactioninsteadofdeflectionandhumor.To

hismildsatisfaction,shekepthermouthshut.Whenshefinallylookedupathim,allhecouldseewashis
ownrawneedreflectedinhereyes.

ChapterSix

Shedidn’tquestionherreaction.Isn’tthiswhatshe’dwantedsincethemomentshewalkedinthe

door?Now,withRichriledupjustasmuchasshewas,hernextmoveseemedobvious.

Charlielaunchedherselfathim.

Ithadbeentoolongsinceamanhadtouchedher.Well,ifshecounted“never”astoolongaperiodof

time.Shecouldn’tquitecountneckinginthefrontroomofBobbyCallahan’sparents’housebackinhigh
school.Mostofherdatesovertheyearsnevergotpastthechastegoodnightkissatherfrontdoor.It
hadn’tbotheredherbefore.She’dbeentoobusyrunningtheranchtoworryaboutherlackofsexlife.
Now,shefeltlikeshewouldsuffocateifRichdidn’tkissherrightnow.

Sheplantedherlipsonhis,mewlingwhenhefinallyrespondedinkind.Whathadshebeenmissing?

No,noneoftheothermenshe’ddatedcouldeverholdacandletoRich.Kind,generous,andsexyashell.
Onanimpulse,Charliepushedherselfoutofherseatandstraddledhislap.“It’seasierthisway,”she
explained.

Richwasn’tcomplaining.Hemovedhishandstocupherwaist,gentlycaressingthesoftcurvesofher

backside.Oh,whyhadshewornjeanstonight?Thematerialseemedimpossiblythick.Shewantednothing
morethantofeelRichfully,tosharethehotachethattorturedhernowattheapexofherthighs.She
squirmedagainsthimastheykissed,tryingtowrapherselftightaroundhishard,hotbody.

“Keepthatup,”hewarned.“Andourfirsttimeisgoingtobeonthelivingroomfloor.”

Shekisseddownthesideofhisneck,herhandsplayingacrosshischest.“Thereareworsethingsthat

couldhappen.”

Richgroaned,graspedherbottomfirmlyinhishands,andstoodup.Shemusthavesaidsomething

right.Charliewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaisttokeepfromfalling,butitprovedunnecessary.He
quicklylaidherdowninfrontofthefire.Idly,shenotedthathe’dbeencarefultopositionheronthesoft
ruginsteadofthecoldtilefloor.Agentlemantothebitterend.

“Please,”shebegged,hungryforhimtopickthepacebackup.

“Calmdown,sweetheart.Wehaveallnight.”

Oh!ShemeltedatthethoughtofspendingtherestofthenighthereinRich’sarms.

Hebentdownandkissedher,slowlythistime.Howdidheexpecthertocalmdownwhenhekept

torturingherlikethis?

Shefelthim,pressedfullandwarmagainstherbelly.Charliemoaned,hungrytofeelhimagainsther

bareskin.

Asifhe’dheardherthoughts,hereachedahandunderhertopandstrokedthetautmusclejustabove

thewaistbandofherjeans.Herheartfeltlikeitwasabouttopoundoutofherchest.

Onethingwasforsure:themansurelikedtotakehistime.Maybeshewasn’tthebestjudgeoftiming.

She’dbeentheonetoaskhimtomarryherwithoutsomuchasafirstdate.Hewasjustcatchinguptoher
schedule.

Hishandmovedupherchest,hesitatingjustbelowtheseamofherbra.Washehavingsecond

thoughts?

“Charlie,areyousureyouwantthis?”

Sherolledhereyesalongwithherhips.“Whatdoyouthink?”

Hechuckled,butanylevityprovedtemporary.“It’sbeenabigweek.Hell,we’resupposedtoget

marriedtomorrow.”

Charliedidn’tunderstandwhynowwasthemomentRichwantedtoponderthemeaningofthe

universe.Forherpart,rationalthoughthadflownoutthewindowshortlyaftersheenteredthedoor.With
ahardshove,shemanagedtocatchRichoffguardandrollhimontohisback.Shefollowed,endingwith
herlegsoneithersideofhim,herhandsrestinglightlyonhischest.

“Doalllawyerstalkthismuch?”Shereacheddownandpulledoffhersweaterandtopinonefell

swoop.Amomentlaterandshe’ddivestedherselfofherbraaswell.

Wherewasthewittycomeback?Richlaythere,unmoving.Atleasthiseyesweretrainedontheright

place.She’dbeoffendediftheyweren’t.

Richsatup,bringingherwithhim.Sheleanedback,lettingthestrongpillarsofhisarmskeepher

fromfallingback.Hetookadvantageofherpositioningandloweredhisheadtoherbreasts,kissingthe
creamy-whitetopswithanunexpectedtenderness.

Sheclosedhereyes,absorbingeachnewsensationthatrockedthroughher.Rich’stongueteasedthe

prettypinktipsuntiltheystoodatfullattention,achingformore.Eventheroughbrushofhisfiveo’clock
shadowagainsthersensitivefleshwaserotic.Herbodybristledwithpleasure,demandingmore.

“Ineverknewyouhadsuchbeautifulbreasts,”hemurmured,hismouthstillfullofthem.

Herhandsranupanddownhisback,playingacrossthehardmuscleconcealedunderthethinfabric

ofhisshirt.

“Ineverknewitwouldfeellikethis.”Assoonasthewordswereoutofhermouth,sheknewshe’d

madeamistake.

Hishandsstilledonher.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“I’ve...I’veneverdonethisbefore.”

“Youmeanyou’reavirgin?”

Sheduckedherhead.Whathadjusthappened?Amomentago,she’dfeltlikeasexgoddessreadyto

takeontheworld.Nowallshecoulddowascoverherexposedbreastswithherhands.

Richgroaned.“Baby,thisisinsane.”

“Doyouwanttostop?”

Heshiftedheronhislap.“DoesitfeellikeIwanttostop?”

Charlieblushed,desperateforhimtostoptalkingandpickupthislove-makingbusinessagain.

“We’regettingmarriedtomorrow.Wecan’tmakelove.”Gently,hepushedheroffhislap.The

rejectionstungmorethanshecaredtoadmit.

Shescurriedbackandpulledhersweaterbackonoverherhead.“You’llstillgothroughwithit?Is

thatwhyyoustopped?Becauseit’llmaketheannulmentharder?”

“No,becauseyoudeserveyourfirsttimetobeonyourweddingnight.”

Shedidn’thavetimetoponderthefullmeaningofhiswords.Hespelleditoutforherinstead.

“Charlie,Iwantarealmarriage.”

***

Richranhisfingersthroughhishair.Heshouldn’taskherforthis,notnow.Still,ifshecouldbebold

enoughtopropose,hedeservedtheopportunitytoeditthetermsoftheirarrangement.

“There’ssomethingbetweenus.I’veknownyouallmylifeandI’veneverthoughtofyouthisway

before.”

“Gee,thanks.”

Heignoredthesarcasm.“Butthesepastfewdays,thinkingaboutyouasmywife...don’ttellmeyou

haven’thadthesamethoughts?”

Hesearchedherfaceforevidenceofsomeemotiondeeperthanjustlust.Whathewasproposingwas

morethanjustsex.Itwasacommitmentthatwouldalterboththeirlives.

“I’vethoughtaboutitalittle,Iguess.”

Shelookedsouncomfortable.Hejustwantedtosootheherandputheratease.Hepulledherback

ontohislap,plantingaseriesoflightkissesacrosshercheeks.

“Ithoughtaboutuslivinghere,growingold,chasing,um…”

“Kids?You’vethoughtabouthavingkidswithme?”Heimaginedhimselfasafather,teachinghisson

howtothrowaballinthebigyardoutfront.

“Itwassilly.”

Hegrabbedherhandstokeepherfromrunningawayagain.“Howmanykidsdoyouwant?”

“Three?Itworkedoutformymomanddad.”

He’dneedtoexpandhispractice.Smalltownlawyeringwasagoodbusiness,buthemighthavea

familyoffivetothinkaboutinthenearfuture.No,childrenwithCharliedidn'tsoundbadatall.

"Look,youdon'thavetosayyesrightnow."

Shesnortedatthat."Aren'twesupposedtobegettingmarriedtomorrow?There'snotmuchtimeleft

formetodecide."

"Hey,you’retheonewhosetupthetimelimitinthefirstplace.I'llmarryyoueitherway.Justtellme

beforewewalkdowntheaisle."

"Howexactlyisthatsupposedtowork?"

"Well,ifyoujustwanttosticktotheoriginalplan,I'llmarryyouandsetupthesparebedroom.We'll

beroommatesuntilyou'rereadytofileforanannulment."

Honestly,thatsoundedhorrible.Thegatesofhisdesirehadopenedanditwouldbedifficulttohold

thembacknow.ButRichwasagentleman.He'dkeephisword.

"AndifIdecideIdon'twantittobefake?"

Hisheartfluttered.Basedonherphysicalresponsetohim,heknewthatshewantedhimsexually.

Couldshewantalifewithhimaswell?

"Ifyoudon'twantittobefake,thenwe'llgetmarriedtomorrowbeforeGodandtheentiretown.I'll

doeverythingwithinmypowertomakeyouhappy,tobuildalifetogether.You'dbemyMrs.Wakefield,
andI'llbeyourhusband-inallsensesoftheword."

"Youwantmetotakeyourname?"

Hechuckled."Iwaskindofthinkingyou'dbeshockedbythewholesexandloveandkidsthing.It's

uptoyouwhetherornotyouwanttotakemylastname."

Charliebitherlip.Oh,ifshecontinuedlikethathewasliabletopounceandtakeherrighthere,

marriagevowsornot.

"Sowe'dlivehere?"

"Ifyoulike.Icanmoveintotheranchifthatworksbetterforyou."

"Andchildren?Whenwouldyouwanttohavethem?"

Hiseyesglowed."Assoonaspossible.You'retheonewhowantsthree.Thatmighttakesometime."

"Youdon'texactlylooklikeamanwhogetsthingswrongthefirsttime."

"Hell,I'dgetyoupregnantrightnowifyousaidyes."

Charliestoodupandbackedaway.Sheprobablyhadn’tthoughtofhimthiswaybeforetonight.Ontop

ofitall,shewasavirgin.He’dgonetoofar.

"CanIanswertomorrow?"

Henodded,tryingtoputacaponhiseagerness."Ofcourse."

"I'vegottogo,Rich."Hurriedlyshepulledonhercoldweathergear."Thanksfordinnerand

the...well,thanksforeverything.I'llcallyoutomorrow.Ijustneedthetimetothinkthisover."

Richtriedtothinkofanyexcusetogethertostay.Thesefeelingswerenewtohimtoo.Wewantedas

muchtimeaspossibletosortthemoutbeforetomorrow.

"Please,canyoujusttellmeonething?"Hewalkedovertoherandpulledherintohisarms.Herhead

cametoarestonhisshoulder.Theweightofitfeltbeautiful,natural.

"Yes?"

"Areyouleaningonewayortheother?Canyouatleastgivemeahint?"

Hesearchedhereyesforananswer.Theyweredarkandsoft,fullofyearningandhope.

Hehadhisanswer.

ChapterSeven

Holysmokes!CharliewantedtorunintoHope'sroomandtellhereverythingthathadtranspired

tonight.

No,shecouldn't.Itwashardtokeepthesecretfromhersister,butshedidn'thavemuchofachoice.

HopewasheartbrokenoverAndy'sbetrayal.Nowwasnotthetimetoputherowndramaontoherbaby
sister.AsfarasHopeknew,CharlieandRichwouldbehappilymarriedtomorrow.Funnyhowwhatwas
meanttheacthadendedupbecomingthetruth.

ShepulledintothedrivewayandparkedhercarnexttoHope'ssmallsedan.Itwaslateanyways.

Judgingbythedarkenedwindows,Hopemusthavefallenasleep.Luckyforher.Charliedoubtedshe'dbe
abletogetevenfifteenminutesofshut-eyetonight.

Shefumbledinthedarkforherkeys.OddthatHopehadlockedthedoor.Outhereinthecountry,

lockeddoorsjustweren’tnecessary.Besides,eveniftheylockedit,theyweretoofarawayfromtown.A
determinedthiefcouldbreakdownthedoorandwalkinsidebeforeanyonealertedcouldcometothe
rescue.

Hopewalkedgingerlythroughthehouse.Itwasaftermidnightandshedidn'twanttowakeupHope.

Theybothhadabigdayplannedfortomorrow.

Charliestumbledonthemainstairsandletoutalittlecurse.

ThedoortoHope'sroomcrackedopenandasliveroflightspilledoutintothehallway.

"Hope?Youawake?"Shewhisperedthewordsjustincaseshe'dbeenimaginingthings.

Shewasmetwithascream."Charlie,run!"

Charlieheardamancurse,followedbythedistinctsoundofaheavyblow.Shecouldn'trun,notwhen

Hopewasintroublejusttenfeetaway.

ShepulledouthercellphonetocalltheSheriff,butstoppedwhenalargefigureemergedfromthe

doorwayofHope'sroom.Andy.

Herfearfadedtofury."Whatthehellareyoudoinghere?"

"HiCharlie.Missedme?"

Shetookastepbackwards,lookingnervouslytowardsthedoor.

"Uhuh.Ibroughtafriend."

Onlythendidsheseeasecondfiguresittingintherockingchairbythekitchen.Hemusthavebeen

watchinghereversinceshewalkedthroughthedoor.

"Frank,getupthere.Iknockedheroutbutwhoknowswhenshe'llcometo."

InstincttookoverandCharlierushedforward,fueledbytheimageofhersistersittingunconscious

upstairs.

“Coolit,kid.”Andylifteduphislefthandandwaveditgentlyintheair.Agun.Howcouldshehave

misseditbefore?Charliestilledonthestairsandgrabbedthebanistertight.Thelargemanpickedher
phoneoutofherhandashemovedupstairstoattendtoHope.Charliecouldn’thelpit.Shelaughed.The

ideaofAndyassomesortofcriminalbosswasjusttooabsurd.

Andywalkedrightuptoher,hisfacejustafewinchesawayfromhernow.“Laughatmeagainand

Hope’snotwalkingoutofhere.”

Charliepushedherpanicaside.Sheheldhergroundandnodded.“Iunderstand.”

Hepushedthemuzzleofthegunintoherchest,pushingherdownastep.“Let’stakethispartytothe

kitchen.Youfirst.”

Charlieturnedandwalkedslowlydownthestairs.SheeyedHope’sphone,discardedonthekitchen

table.Therewerenoweaponsinthehouseandshewasoutmannedatleasttwotoone.Callingforhelp
washerbestoption.

Andyshovedthecoldmetalintothelowofherback.“Alright,let’sjustsittightnow."

Charlieloweredherselfintoaseatatthekitchentable,carefultoleaveherhandsflatandvisibleon

thetabletop.

Frankappearedinthedoorway,histaskapparentlycomplete.Andyleanedbackagainstthekitchen

counter,hisweaponlowerednow.

Shelookedbetweenthetwomen."Why'dyoucomeback?Yougotawaywithit."

Aterriblethoughtoccurredtoher.HecalledlastweektoaskHopetojoinhim.Whatifhecouldn't

take"no"forananswer?Whatifhe'dcomebacktokidnapHope,orhurther?Aweekagoshewouldhave
calledAndyaspinelesswuss.Buthe'dstolenherhorsesandhermoney,destroyedherlivelihood,
threatenedherwithaguninherownhome.Whoknewwhatthemanwasreallycapableof?

"IsitHope,"shewhispered."You'regoingtotakeher?"

Acruellaughcutacrosstheroom."Look,Hopewasfunforaspell,butIgotwhatIwantedandI

movedon.Nowoman'sworththismuchtrouble."

"Sotellmewhatis?"

Herhandsrelaxedandstartedtoslipbackintoherlap.Frankleanedoverandslammedthetablehard

enoughthatthesoundreverberatedoffthewalls.

"SheleavesherhandswhereIcansee'em."

"Leavethemuptop,Charlie,"Andyrepeated.

Shegritherteethbutfollowedinstructions.

Andypickeduptheconversationasifnothinghadhappened."Turnsoutit'sabithardertounload

thosehorsesthanIthought.Mybuyerfellthrough,sowe’vebeenforcedtosellthestockpiecemeal.
Fakingthepaperworkiseasyenough,buttherearen'tmanybuyerswhocantakemorethanacouple
horsesatatime.Ineedmoneytotideusover."

Shecouldn'thelpit.Shelaughedagain.

"Soyoucametome?Andy,youcleanedmeout!Ordidyouforgetaboutthe$30,000worthofdebt

youleftmewith?Thatdoesn'teventakeintoaccountthecostofrebuildingmystable.Youdidn'tpaythe
insurance,remember?I'vegotnothinglefttogiveyou."

Hismouthscrewedup.What,wouldhehithertoo?

"Iknowabouttheloan."

Damnit!Nobodywassupposedtoknowaboutthatexceptthebank,Rich,andHope.Ahorrible

realizationwashedoverher.

"Hopetoldyou?"

Heleanedforward,excitedbyherobviousdistress."Hopeblabbedthemomentyoutookouttheloan.

She'salwaysbeenaromantic.Shewoulddoanythingtogetmeback,includingsellingoutherown
sister."

Noneofthismadesense."Thenwhyisshetiedupupstairs?"

Andyturnedandspitonthekitchenfloor."Shedidastupidthing.Shedidn'ttellmethatshewasn’tan

accountholder.Weneedyoutosignoutthemoneyfromthebank."

Thepainofbetrayalwasworsethananyothertragedythathadhappenedthisweek.HopeluredAndy

here,specificallytorobtheranchofit'slastlifeline?Herbloodwentcold.

"Soyouwantmetosignoutthemoney?"

"All$200,000."

Charliedidn’tknowhowshekepthercool.$200,000wasnowhereclosetowhatwasleftinthebank.

Theloanhadbeenformorethanthreetimesthat,andsofarithadremainedlargelyunspent.Something
wasmissinghere,butshewasn'tabouttotellhercaptorsthat.

"Idon'tknowwhatyouexpectmetodo.It'snearlyoneinthemorning."

"Iknow.YouspentmoretimethanIthoughtoveratthatman'shouse.Rich,isn'tit?Funny,never

peggedyouforadirtybird.GuessIcalledthatonewrong."

Howhadheknownwhereshewas?

"Hopetoldyou?"

Henodded."Iwenttheremyselftomakesureshewasn’tlying.Hadtothinktwiceaboutstormingthe

castle,though.ThatRichguylooksalittletoobigandmeanformytastes."

SoithadbeenhimoutsideRich'shousetonight,notsomestrangerturningaround.Oh,ifonlyshe'd

thoughtaboutitsoonershemighthavebeenabletocutthewholeschemeshortinitstracks.

"Theplan'sstraightforward.Tomorrowmorning,yougotothebankandwithdrawthemoney.My

associatewillaccompanyyou,justtomakesureyoudon'tcauseanyfunnybusiness.Ofcourse,I'llstay
herewithHopeascollateral."

"WhatmakesyouthinkIcareaboutHopeanymore?"shelied."ThinkI'dholdontoasisterwho'dsell

meout?"

Andyslippedthegunintoaholsterhiddenunderhisjacket.

Hecalledherbluff."It’ssimple,Charlie.Ifyoudon'tgetmemymoney,I’llkillher."

ChapterEight

Richwhistledtheentirewayfromhishousetothecafe.Itwashisweddingday.Charliestillowed

himananswer,buthehadagoodfeelingthatshewasgoingtosayyestobecominghiswife.Atruewife.

Thecrowdeddinerbrokeoutintoapplausewhenhewalkedinthedoor.

"Nervousyet,sweetpea?"Ginarushedovertowipedownanemptyspaceatthecounter.

Richsmiledandwavedtothefolkscheeringhimon."WhyshouldIbe?I'mabouttomarrytheloveof

mylife."

OldThomasshoutedoverfromtheboothhesharedwithhiswifeandtwosmallgrandchildren."You

comehereforalastmealbeforeyouwalktheplank?"

RichlaughedasIrmasmackedherhusbandhardonthearm.

Ginaswoopedoverandputafullbreakfastplatedowninfrontofhim."Youtworeallykeptthisthing

underwraps,huh?"

Heshruggedandreachedforthesugar."We'reprivatepeople."

"Oh,watchout!CharlieBalton'sontheprowl.”

Richmadetoturnaround,butGinasnappedherfingersinfrontofhisface."Whatareyoudoing?

You'renotsupposedtoseethebridebeforethewedding!"

Adevilishpartofhimwantedtotellthewomanthathe'dalreadyseenCharlielastnight.Andseen

moreofherthananyothermanhadinherentirelife.

"We'renotthattraditional,"hetriedtoexplain.

"Oh,wedidn'tnotice."AcrankyMrs.Radcliffeshoutedfromherstoolhalfwaydownthecounter.

"Welovereceivingweddinginvitationsinemailform."

Ginashrugged."Youdidthistoyourself."

Richlookedaroundatthefamiliarspaceandsmiled.AfterhewasmarriedtoCharlie,he'dprobably

tradehisregulardinervisitsforfamilydinnersandbreakfastsinbed.He'dmissthelocalbusybodies.
Lordknewhewouldn'tmissthecoffee.

"Okay,Rich.Charliedroveoff.You'reintheclear."

He'dbelyingifhesaidhedidn'tlovetheattention.Itfeltnicetohavesomanypeopleinvestedinhis

life,eveniftheydiditmainlyfortheirownentertainment.

Richcutintohiseggs,leavingthebaconandsausageontheside.Afteraweekofpeoplerunningtheir

potluckdishideasbyhim,hewantedtoleavesomeroominhisstomachfortonight’sfeast.

Thebellonthedoorchimed,butthatwasn'tnews.TheSaturdaymorningrushwasinfullswing.He

grinnedwhenhefeltsomeonegrabathisarm.

"Look,Iappreciateallthecongratulationsbutamanneedstoeat!"

ThelookonGeorgeCuttingham'sfacestartledhim.Itwassupposedtobeallsunshineandrainbows

onhisweddingday.Quitefrankly,hefoundtheman'smoroseappearancejarring.

"Somethingwrong,George?"

"Er,yes.It'saprivatematter."

"Look,whydon'tyoucomeintomyofficeonMondayandwe'lltalkitover."Strikethat.OnMonday

he'dbeastill-newlymarriedman.Hedoubtedhe'dbedonewithCharlieinbedbythen."Sorry,I'm
bookedMonday.HowaboutWednesdayafternoon?"

"No,"Georgehissed,lookingaroundlikeacartoonvillain."Ineedtodiscussthismatterwithyou

now.Privately."

Alawyer’sworkwasneverdone.Richfoldedhisnapkin,andplaceditonthetable."Gina,don'tgive

myseataway,alright?I'lljustbeaminute.Outsideokay,George?"

Themannodded."Butthebackofthediner."

Richfollowedtheoldermanoutthebackentranceofthedinerandintothesmallalleyway.

"What'sallthisabout?Youintroublewiththelaw?"

"Youknowmywifeworksasatelleratthebank,right?"

"Marthadidn'tdoanythingillegalnow,didshe?"

JudgingbythestartledlookonGeorge'sface,Richknewimmediatelythathehadcalledthatone

wrong.

"Lookhere,Rich.I'mtryingtodoyouafavorandyoustartthrowinginsinuationsoutatmywife!"

Richhelduphishands."Sorry,sorry.Whatfavor?"

"Marthacalledme.She'snotsupposedtotalkaboutbankbusinessoutsideofwork,youknow?SoI

needyoutokeepthisveryquiet."

Richnoddedslowly,tryingtoguesstheman'sgame."Iwon'ttellanyone,Ipromise."

"CharlieBaltontookout$200,000incashtoday."

Rich’schesttightened.Whywouldshedothat?Anybillsshehadtopaycouldhavebeenpaidwitha

check.Andwhatbillswouldshehavetopaytodayofalldays?

"CharlieaskedmyMarthanottotellyouaboutthemoney,thatyoudidn'tneedtoworry."

"Doyouknowwhysheneededthemoney?"

Georgeshookhishead."Idon'tknowanymorethanthat.Ifitweremywife,I'dwanttoknow.That's

theonlyreasonI'mtellingyou."GeorgepattedRichonthebackandscurriedbackintothediner.

Richcouldn'tunderstandanyofthis.Theonlylogicalexplanationwastheonehefearedthemost.

MaybeCharliehadpanickedwhenhe'dpressedthiswholerealmarriageideaonher.Maybethepressure
ofmaintainingthefamilybusinessandlegacywastoomuch.Maybeshetookthemoneysoshecouldrun.

***

Charliecheckedherrearviewwindow."It'sclear."

Frankslitheredupfromhisspotcrouchingdowninthewellofthepassengerseat.He'dfollowedher

atadistanceintothebankandusedtheATMwhileshesignedforthecash.Sofar,noonehadnoticedthat
hewastrackingher.He'dkeptalowprofileinthecaruntilthey'dlefttown.

"Good.Youreallysupposedtogetmarriedtoday?"

Shegrippedherhandstightonthesteeringwheel."Yep,Iguess."

"That'stoobad."

Achillranthroughher.Hemusthavejustbeentalkingabouttakingthemoney,nothingmore,right?

AndyandFrankwerecrooks,butasfarassheknew,theyweren'tviolent.Well,thewholethreatsat
gunpointthinglastnightmightindicateotherwise.

"Yes,it'stoobad,"shesaid,hopingtomoveonfromthatparticulartopicofconversation.

Shepulledupandparkedinfrontofthehouse.Andywaswaitingforthemontheporch,theguninhis

hand.

"How'dshedo?"

Franknodded."Followedorders.I'vegotthecash."Heheldupthenondescriptpaperbagtheteller

hadgivenCharlie.Thebankdidn'thaveanythingbetterinwhichtostorethatamountofcash.Frankly,she
wasshockedtheyhadthattypeofmoneyon-handatall.

Shelookedbetweenthetwothieves."You'vegotwhatyouwanted.CanIgetbacktomylifealready?"

SheprayedthatHopewasokay.Andyhadn'tletherseenortalktohersisteratalllastnight.

"Whattime'severyoneshowingupforthiswedding?"

"Idon'tknow,"Charliesnapped."Hopeplannedthewholething."

AndynoddedtowardsFrank.TheburlymanpushedCharliehardenoughforhertofalltotheground.

"Idon'tlikebacktalk,Charlie.Itolerateditfromyoulongenough,butnowI'mtheoneincontrol.So

yougivemerealanswersorI'llmakesureyou'llregretit."

Shegrittedherteeth."Guestsshowupatfive."

"Good.We'lltrussyouupandleaveyouforthemtofind."

Theyhadn'tmentionedanythingaboutHope."Andmysister,too?"

Andygrinnedandwaggledhisfingerfromsidetoside."Uhuh.She'dcomingwithus."

ChapterNine

"What?"Charliecouldn'thelpit.Sheslammedherfistintothedirt."Yousaidyoudidn'twantanything

todowithher!"

"Well,Ican'thelpitifshewantssomethingtodowithme.Apparentlyshefindsthewholeoutlaw

thingprettysexy.Shewasbeggingmetotakeherwithuswhileyoutwowereout."

Thiswasinsanity!Hopemusthavehitherheadorhadananeurysm.Nowayhersisterwould

knowinglyshackupwithacriminalandacrook.

Frankgrippedherarmandjerkedherupintoastandingposition.

AndykickedopenthefrontdoorsoFrankcoulddragherinside."Tieherup.I'llgogetHope."

ShelookedupatFrank,searchinghisfaceforsomesortofpity.No,she'dgetnothingoutofthisman.

Andyemergedonthesecondfloorlandingamomentlater,Hopeintow.Charliefrozewhenshesaw

hersister.Whywouldn'tshelookather?Nomatterwhathadhappened,Hopewasstillhersister,damnit!

Hopebrushedherlongblondehairoutofherface."Sorry,Charlie.You'renothurt,areyou?"

Charlieshookherhead,hervoicerichwithoutrage."Howcouldyou?Idon’tunderstand…”

Hopelookedforward."IthinkI'mreadytogo,Andy.Allset?"

Franktiedthefinalknotsonthechair."She’snotgettingoutofthat.I'llgobackandpullthecar

around."

Frankstoodup,thebrownpaperbagfullofmoneyclutchedinhishand.Andyliftedhisgunuphalfan

inch."How'boutIholdontothatwhyyougetthecar?Wouldn'twantyoutopullamusclecarrying
somethingthatheavyaround."

FrankgruntedandtossedAndythebag.Themanmightbebig,butapparentlyhewasusedtogetting

bossedaround.

"You'llnevergetawaywiththis."Charliespokethroughgrittedteeth.

"Ialreadyhave.ByeCharlie.Thanksforthis."Hehoistedthebagofmoneyupintheair."Hope,ready

baby?"

Shenodded,givingCharlieonelastlookasshewalkedoutthedoor.

Charliehungherhead.Itdidn'tmatterifshemarriedRichnow.Thetrustfundwasn'tenoughtopay

backthedebtandrebuildthebusiness.Plus,withbothhersistersgonewhatwasthepointofkeepingthe
familylegacyalive?

Throughthedoor,sheheardHopeandAndytalkinginmuffledtones.

"What'stakinghimsolong?Hope,goaroundandseewhat'supwiththecar."

"Okay,baby."

Hopereenteredthebuilding.ShelookedbehindherthenrushedovertoCharlie.

"Charlie,"shewhispered."I'msosorry.IthoughtifIagreedtomeethim,wecouldtrackdownthe

horses."ShebentdownandfranticallystartedtoloosenCharlie’srestraints.“Hejustshowedupwithno
warning!”

TherewasnotimetoworkoutHope’sgoodintentions.CharliestruggledtopullherselffreeasHope

workedattheknots.AndyorFrankjusthadtostepthroughthedoorandthey'dbecaught.

ShehissedatHope,stillfurious."Whyareyougoingwiththem?"

"Icouldn'tlethimtakethehorsesandthemoney.Ifiguredifhetrustedme,Icouldatleastfindout

wherethehorseswereandcallthepolice."

"You'renotthedamncops,Hope!Icanlosethemoneyandthehorses.Ican'tloseyou!"

Justthen,Andyyelledoutfromthefront.

"Damn!It'stheSheriff."

Heraninside.CharlieandHopelookedateachother,justafewsecondsawayfrombeingheld

hostage.

HopeactedsofastthatCharliecouldbarelypiecetogetherwhathappened.Onesecondhersisterwas

reachingfortheantiquecastironhangingonthewall.Thenext,sheswingingtheheavypanatherpathetic
ex-boyfriend.

Thecastironhithard.Andycrumpledtothefloor.Charlierushedforwardandkickedawaythegun

stillclutchedinhisunconscioushand."Ithoughtyouwerejustgoingtotailhimandrunaway?"

Hopeshrugged,seeminglyunshakenbyherviolentattack."Situationchanged.Iadapted."

Charlieheardthekitchendooropenandpanicked.Frankshouldbepullingthecararound.Whatmade

himturnback?Shegrabbedatthegun.

"It'sme!Calmdown!"

"Rich?"Shedroppedthegunbackdownonthefloorandrushedtoembracehim."Whatareyoudoing

here?Where'sFrank?"

"Alittlebirdtoldmeyoutookoutalargesumofmoney.Iknewsomethingwasn'tright,soIcalledthe

Sheriff.DidyoudothistoAndy?"

"No,Hopedid."

Hopehadslumpeddownagainstthewall,suddenlyexhausted.

Denveryelledoutfromthefrontyard."AndrewForester.ThisistheWayapCountySheriff's

department.Mymenhavegotyousurrounded."

"It'sokay,Sheriff."Charlieyelledoutbeforeopeningthedoor."Hopeheredidyourjobforyou.You

cancomein."

Denverstoodupfromhisspotbehindtheopencardoorandscratchedhishead.Hejoggeduptothe

porch."Youladiesalright?"HefrownedwhenhecaughtsightofRich.“Damnit,Rich.Whatthehellare
youdoinghere?Itoldyoutostay...”DenvertrailedoffwhenhesawAndyunconsciousonthefloor.
Trainingmusthavekickedin,becauseheimmediatelydroppedtohiskneesandbeganfeelingthemanfor
apulse.

Hopesnappedoutofhertrance."WhathappenedtoFrank?"

Denver’sheadsnappedup."There’ssomeoneelsehere?"

Richraisedhishandsheepishly."Imighthavetakencareofthatactually.Idroveuparoundtheback

andfoundhiscarinthestable.Iwastryingtodisablethecar,buthewalkedin.He'stiedupoutback."

Charliegasped."What?YoufoughtFrankallbyyourself?"

Richchuckled."I'mgladyouthinkIcouldtakeonaguylikethat.But,no.IpromisedhimI'dgethima

goodattorney.Consideringalltheevidencewehaveagainsttheguy,he'sprobablyitchingtogetAndyto
taketheblame."

Denverranhisfingersthroughhishairandquicklyradioedforanambulance.“WhatthehellisAndy

doinghereanyways?”

Hopeperkedupalittle.“Icalledhim.Ithoughthe’dfeedmesomemoreinformationifIplayedsweet

onhim,butheshowedupatthehousewithoutwarninginstead.”

“Don’tsellyourselfshort,”Charliesmiled.“Hopetookhimouttoo.Neverknewshecouldhandle

cookwarethatwell.”

Denvermoaned."Well,whyyouthreewereoffplayingRobinhood,Iwasdoingrealpolicework.We

foundyourhorsesatanabandonedranchjustacrosstheStateborder.Lookslikethey'llbebackhomeina
dayorso."

HopestoodupandstaredatthesmallbitofAndy’sbloodsprinkledacrossherhands."Oh,IthinkI'm

gonnabesick."

Sheranoutofthehouse.Denverlookedonwithconcern."Ibettergocheckonher."

FinallyalonewithRich,Charlieresistedthetemptationtothrowherselfintohisarms.

"SoIguessthatmeansyou'reoffthehook,"sheventured."Withmyhorsesandmymoneyback,I

shouldbeabletoscrapebywithoutthetrustfundmoney."

Hegroanedandpulledherclose."Youcan'tjustgetridofme,Charlie.Iloveyou."

Tearswelledupinhereyes.Thingshadbeensohardforsolong.Whathadshedonetodeserveaman

likeRich?

"Iloveyoutoo,”shewhisperedinresponse.

"Soyou'llmarryme?Arealmarriage?"

Shelaughed,wipingawaythetearsfromherface."Well,Hopealreadysentouttheinvites.It'dbea

shamenottoseeitthrough."

ChapterTen

"Oh,Rich!HowamIsupposedtoruntheranchwearingthis?"

Shehelduphernewengagementandweddingringsettothelight,enjoyingtheeffectthelightmadeon

thediamond.

"Myauntworethatringeverydayforfiftyyears.Ithinkit’sreadyforfiftymore."

Charlielookedaroundthehouse,noticingthesmallchangeshe'dmade.Hemusthaveworkedall

morningtogetthisplaceintoshape.Thefloorsandsurfaceswerepolishedandfreshflowersdecorated
nearlyeverysurface.Sheglowed,knowingthathe’daddedthesesmalltouchesinordertowelcomeher
intohernewhome.

"Ilikewhatyou'vedonewiththeplace."

Hechuckled."Ithoughtsincenowthere'sawomanlivinghere,Ineededtostepitupanotch."

Thiswasthemostperfectdayofherlife.Outsideofthewholekidnappingandextortionthing,of

course.Shecriedwhenhermotherwalkedinthedoorafewhoursbeforetheceremony.Charliehadbeen
sosurethattheshortnoticewouldpreventherparentsfrombeingpresentatherwedding.Sheshould
haveknownthatHopewouldn’thavestoodforit.

“Meredithlookedhappytoseeyou.”Richturnedoffafewofthelivingroomlightsandjoinedheron

thesofa.“Didshesayhowlongshe’sstaying?Weshouldhaveyourfamilyoverfordinnersometimethis
week.”

Charliebeamed.Meredithhadbeentherealmiracle.She’dflowninfromFrancewithawedding

dressintow.HopehadfittedCharliewithsomesimpledressearlierthatweek,butitwasclearnowthat
thewholeordealhadbeenarusetogetCharlie’smeasurements.Theantiquelaceonthefrenchdressleft
Charliealittlecold,butitwastoobeautifulagowntopassup.

“IfIhaveitmyway,she’snotgoingback.Iwasstupidtofighther.Shehasasmucharighttothe

ranchasmeorHope.Ifshewantstotakeitinanewdirection,I’lllistenthistime.”

Richleanedovertothrowanotherlogonthefire.Charliestoppedhimbeforehecouldgettoit.

“Don’tyouthinkweshouldbeheadingupstairssoon?”

Whenhadshegottenthisbold?Maybeallthoseglassesofchampagneatthereceptionweretoblame.

No,morelikelyadesiretofinishwhatRichstartedlastnightonhislivingroomfloor.

Hiseyesflashedwithamusement.“You’renottired?Youhadagunpointedatyoulessthantwelve

hoursago.Icanwait,sweetheart.”

Charlieblewaloosestrandofhairawayfromherface.“Morelikesixteenhoursago.I’mfine.”She

lookedpointedlyupstairs.“I’veneverseenyourbedroombefore.Yougonnashowmetheway,oramIon
myownhere?”

Richstoodupandofferedhishand.“I’msureIcanassist,Mrs.Wakefield.”

Theheatofanticipationrolledlowinherbelly.Thiswasherlifenow.Thiswasherhusband.Sheput

herhandinhis.Howcouldasimpletouchfeelthiselectrifying?

Hebenthisheadandpressedhislipstohersinachastekiss.Impatient,shepressedagainsthim,

openinghermouthineagerinvitation.

Shehalf-expectedhimtoresist,slowherdowntothetenderpaceheseemedbentonpursuing.

Instead,hegroanedintohermouth,hishandsgrippingtightagainstherwaist.

“Charlie,you’redrivingmecrazy.”

Shereachedbehindher,searchingfranticallyforthezipperofherdress.“You’renottheonlyone,

mister.”

Beforeshecouldunzipherdress,Richswoopedherupoverhershoulder.Shegiggled,pleasedbythe

suddenrushofpassionfromherotherwisereservedhusband.

Hesmackedherbottom.“Nomoreofthat.Firstweneedtofindthebedroom.”

“Wasn’tthefloorgoodenoughforyoulastnight?”

Richwrappedhisarmaroundherlegs,holdinghertightagainsthim.“Quiet,woman.”

Hemovedquicklyupthestairs.Thesecondfloorwasdark,butRichmadehiswaytothebedroom

withoutflippingonthelights.Hedepositedherroughlyonthelargemasterbed.

Charlietrembledontheedgeofsensoryoverload.Richwasmovingfast,hishandalreadyskimming

upherbarelegswhilehislipsteasedtheexposedtopsofherbreasts.

“Rich,”shegasped.“Please.”

Hemurmuredsomething,butitgotlostagainstherflesh.Itdidn’tmatteranyways.Shewasconsumed

bydesiretogiveherselftohimcompletely.

Foramoment,shelaystill,unsureofhowtoact.Richtracedtheoutlineofhersexthroughthethin

materialofherunderwear.Charliequiveredunderthelighttouch.

Shestruggledupintoasittingpositionandtookhisfaceinherhands,kissinghimwiththefullextent

ofherpassion.Herhandsmadeclumsyworkofthebuttonsonhisshirt.Shesmiledwithsatisfactionwhen
shefinallygotitoffhim.

“Youhavemeatadisadvantage,Ithink.”Hereachedbehindherandunzippedthelacytopofher

weddingdress.

Unhamperedbystraps,thebodicefelltoherwaist.Shesquirmedoutoftheskirt,pushingthemassof

gauzy-whitematerialdowntotheground.Oh,well.Wasn’tthethepointofweddingdresses-tobetaken
off?

Hishandsstilledoverher.Sheclosedhereyes,suddenlyshytobethisexposed.Didhelikewhathe

saw?Washehavingsecondthoughts?Fallinginloveoverthecourseofafewdayswastooinsanetobe
true.Wasthatwhathewasthinkingrightnow?

Charlie’scuriositygotthebestofher.Shepriedopenhereyes.Therewasnodenyingthelookon

Rich’sface.Hewasinawe.

“Charlie,Idon’tunderstandhowsomeothermandidn’tgettoyoufirst.Doyourealizehowbeautiful

youare?”

Shecockedherheadtothesideandsmirked.“Maybeyoushouldshowmeinsteadoftellme.”

Richmovedbetweenherlegs,makingswiftworkofhersilkpanties.Hisfingersplayedagainsther,

exploringherfully.Shegaspedattheintimatetouch.Whyhadshewaitedthislongagain?

Theanswerwasobvious.She’dwaitedforRich.

Hedippedhislipstoherbody,takinghistimekissingthesmoothskinatthetopsofherthighs.Her

legsfellapartinresponse,offeringhimfullaccesstohersensitiveflesh.

Patiently,hecaressedherwithhismouth.God,washethisthoroughwitheverythinghedid?Herskin

prickled,alivewithanticipationandthelowheatofdesire.Herbellytightened,seizingupwiththenew
sensationofdeep,all-consumingpleasure.

Henuzzledintoherflesh,fanningafirethatthreatenedtoconsumeher.Shetwistedup,herhands

balledintofists.

Thepinnaclecamefasterthanshe’danticipated.Histonguelashedagainstheronelasttimeandshe

criedout,grippingthethickmuscleofhisshoulders.Richwastheonlythinggroundingherrightnow.If
sheletgo,shehalf-expectedshe’dfloataway.

“Iloveyou,Charlie.”Hemovedupherbodyandkissedherdeeply,renewingthehungerhe’dslaked

justamomentbefore.Shetuggedathisbelt,eagertofeelhisfullnakedlengthagainsther.

Richstilledherhandsandsatback,deftlypullingofftherestofhisclothes.

“Oh…”Shedidn’tknowwhatelsetosay.Herewasperhapsthemostbeautifulmanshe’devermet,

nakedandreadytotakeher.Andhewashers.

Richleanedbackdownandkissedthesideofherneck.“Ihopeyou’reuptoit,”hewhisperedintoher

ear.“I’mgoingtotakemytimewithyou.”

Shemoaned,totallyincapableofcomingupwitharesponse.He’dtakenherbreathaway.

Shefeltthehard,hottippressagainsther.Therewasnotimefornerves.Shewantedthismanmore

thanshe’dwantedanythingelseinherlife.

Herhipsflexedup,causingthembothtogroanagainsttheother.Richpressedahanddownonher

hips,stillingher.

“Slowdown,baby.Wehaveallnight.”

Charlieforcedherselftorelax.Ifhewoundherupanymore,shewasliabletobounceoffthewalls.

Hekissedheragainashepressedintoher.Shetightenedaroundhim,asimplereflextothisdelicious

newsensation.Richstilled,hisfacecontortedwiththepainofrestraint.Shefeltanimmediatesenseof
frustrationandpride.

“Careful,Charlie,”hewarned.“Oryourfirsttimeisgoingtolastabouttwominutes.”

Shecouldn’thelpit.Shewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaistandflexedagain,eagertowrapastightly

aroundhimasshecouldmanage.

Richansweredinkind.Hesankhisfulllengthintoher,awakeningherentirebodytohim.Charlie

criedoutatthesensationandthrewherheadback.Richnuzzledhisheadnearhershoulder,clampinghis
teethdownonthetenderflesh.

Shewantedhimtolosecontrol,tobringhimtoherlevel.ButRichstayedstill,evenasshesquirmed

helplesslyagainsthim.

“Rich,don’tmakemebeg.”

“Justgiveyourselfasecondtogetusedtoit,”hemurmured.“Idon’twantyoutobetoosore.One

timeisn’tgoingtobeenough.”

Aquickheatrusheduptohercheeksatthethought.HowmanytimesdidRichexpecttotakeher

tonight?

Heshiftedagainsther,slowlythrustingintoherevenmore.Herunrestrainedenthusiasmdroveherto

buckagainsthim.

Richmovedinandoutofher,themeasuredpacedrivingherrapidlyfranticwithdesire.Justwhenshe

thoughhe’dnevergiveherwhatshewanted,hescoopedherupandleanedbackonhisknees,pullingher
withhimsoshelandeduprightandstraddledacrosshisthighs.

“Justdowhatmakesyoufeelgood,baby.”

Sherelaxedintohim,takinghimdeepinsideher.Shehadn’texpectedforhimtogivehercontrol,but

shewasn’tgoingtorejectitnow.No,itsimplyfelttoogood.

Charlietestedthewaters,grindingherhipsagainsthim.Sheleanedbackandhemovedquicklytocup

herbackside,keepingherfirmlyplantedonhim.Thefrictionofhisbellyagainstherawokethatsensitive
nub,drivingheroncemoretowardsrelease.Shedidn’tstoptothinkaboutwhatshewasdoing.Desire
andpleasuredroveher,enticingherbodyintomotion.

“Rich,I’mgoingto...oh…”Shecouldn’tsaythewords.Allrationalthoughthadfledhermind.

Heclampedhisarmsaroundherwaistanddroveupintoher,pushingheronceagainovertheedge.

Shecriedoutoverandoverashethrustintoher,momentsawayfromhisowncataclysmicrelease.

Hecamewithhernameonhislips.Theyshudderedtogether,exhaustedwiththeexertionoftheir

primalexpressionoflove.

Charliewastootiredtothink.Richbegantolayherdown,butsheclungtight,eagertostayascloseto

himaspossible.

Hechuckledandfollowedherdownintothebedsotheycouldresttogether,stillwrappedinone

anothers’arms.

“Ihopeyou'refinewithhavingchildrenrightaway.”

“Oh.”Shehadn’tthoughtaboutusingprotection.She’dbeentooconsumedbyherownsearchfor

pleasure.“Icanlivewiththat.”

ThethoughtofhavingchildrenwithRichwarmedheranew.Howhadshebeenthislucky,tofinda

manwholovedherlikethis.Andtofindhiminherownbackyard,too.

Charlierolledherhips,adevilishsmileplasteredacrossherface.“Maybeweshouldtryagainjustto

makesure.”

Shefelthimtwitchinsideher,hisownevidentdesireawakeningagain.

“Alright,Mrs.Wakefield.Ifyouinsist.”