Page 62 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“Giving her a chance and marrying her are two different things,” Lucas grumbled.

Lexi held up a finger. “So what you’re saying is that you’re willing to give her a chance.”

“Don’t put words in my mouth,” he warned.

Lexi pressed on. “You and Magnolia could go on a few dates … see if you can patch things up. I’m making dinner for Mom and Dad on Thursday. Asher’s coming back into town. It would be the perfect opportunity for you and Magnolia to get together.”

Lucas was taken off guard by the flicker of hope that lit Magnolia’s eyes. She was obviously desperate if she was considering him for marriage. This whole thing was insane. Hismind jumped ahead. “What happens if I decide to go through with this charade?” He hated himself for even asking that question, but while they were here, it was good to get everything out in the open.

“I’ll buy you a ranch,” Magnolia blurted, “and whatever else you want. I just need a fiancé to take to North Carolina for Christmas.”

Lucas lifted his eyebrow. “A fiancé or a husband?”

“Both.” Magnolia’s words spilled out. “We would need to get married the day after Christmas. Every detail of the wedding is planned to the letter. I claim my inheritance, and you get your ranch.”

Lucas stroked his chin. “And then we get the marriage annulled.” A tiny ember of excitement kindled in his breast. He could put up with Magnolia for a few weeks if it got him his ranch. A look passed between Lexi and Magnolia. “What?”

Magnolia leaned forward. “Um, it’s not that simple.”

“Of course it’s not,” Lucas grumbled. “It never is. What’s the catch?”

“We have to stay married for five years.”

He ran his mind through the scenario. It would be a dream come true to own a ranch. “Okay, we could do that … if we lived in separate states.”

“And have a child together,” Magnolia inserted.

“W—what?” he blustered, “that’s not gonna happen! I don’t care how beautiful you are. I’m not gonna marry you and have a child together.”

Magnolia rocked back, blinking. “You think I’m beautiful?” she stammered.

He rolled his eyes. “I’m sure you’ve got mirrors tucked away somewhere in one of your fancy mansions. You know how you look.”

“Thanks,” she uttered quietly, taking the sting right out of his jab.

He tried not to notice how her thick lashes fluttered against her soft skin. He had to fight the lure of the siren. What she was asking of him was despicable. Marriage was a sacred institution. And bringing a child into this world. Well, that was something Lucas didn’t take lightly. He was irritated with the part of him that was disappointed because he couldn’t go along with the deal. He might be a lowly ranch-hand, but at least he had his dignity. He could look at himself in the mirror without flinching. He couldn’t be like Esau from the Bible and sell his birthright for a bowl of porridge. When Lucas finally did find the right woman, he wanted to marry for love. A silent prayer flitted through his mind.Please, Lord, help me to walk away from this temptation. Yes, I want a ranch, but I don’t want to lose my soul in the process.Irritation crawled down his spine. He couldn’t believe that Lexi, of all people, was trying to put him in this situation. She knew the turmoil he’d been through when Renee left. Hadn’t she just been talking about how foolish it was for her to go on that reality TV show and mix love up with her career? She had Asher now, so everything had turned out hunky-dory for her. She should realize that Lucas wanted to find his significant other also.

“So, what do you think? Will you consider Magnolia’s offer?” Lexi asked, a cautious hope simmering in her eyes. She shrugged, a wistful smile touching her lips. “Who knows? The two of you could actually fall in love. Stranger things have happened.” Her hand went to her chest. “Trust me, I know. I found love in the most unlikely place.”

Lucas’s brows bunched. “Have you lost your mind? This isn’t some sickly sweet Hallmark show. No, I’m not considering the offer,” he thundered. “I was, up until the kid part. Do you reallythink I would get married and have a child just so I could have my own ranch?”

Lexi’s cheeks turned red. “When you put it like that, it sounds kind of slimy.”

“The whole thing’s slimy.” Lucas’s head swung back and forth. “I can’t believe I’m even sitting here listening to this.” He stood, weary of the whole conversation.

Lexi rose to her feet, catching hold of his arm. “You could at least come to dinner on Thursday at Mom and Dad’s.” She looked at Magnolia. “You should come too.”

Magnolia nodded.

Lucas homed in on Magnolia. “I can’t believe you’re actually considering marrying me.” His voice rose. “Me? The Podunk, hick cowboy! Isn’t that what you called me?”

Lexi’s face fell as her head snapped to Magnolia. “Did you really call him that?”

“Sure did,” Lucas fired back.

Magnolia shifted. “I was angry. He dumped me. I wanted to hurt him like he hurt me.”

“I didn’t dump you. We only went out a handful of times.”

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