Page 97 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

The words struck fear through her center, mostly because she worried that Lucas was right. “We still have tomorrow. Maybe we should pray for a Christmas miracle.”

He stroked her cheek. “It would take a miracle.” His eyes darkened. “What will you do if he refuses to accept me?”

She lifted her chin. “I’m with you regardless.”

“Ten million dollars is a lot of money.”

Her gut twisted. “Yeah, but it’s not enough for a lifetime spent with the wrong person.”

“What if your grandfather’s right?”

She jerked. “What do you mean?”

He removed his hand from her face as he shrugged. “Roman did come back of his own accord. He didn’t know about the trust fund.”

A sharp anger sliced through her. “Are you trying to weasel out of marrying me?”

“Never,” he fired back, his jaw taut.

“Are you sure? If Grandfather doesn’t approve of you, then there would be no reason for us to rush things.” She ran her tongue over her lips. “We could date like normal people, takeit slow.” Her stomach tightened. She didn’t want to take things slow. She wanted to be Lucas’s wife. She’d marry him today if she could.

He arched an eyebrow. “Are you trying to weasel out of marrying me?”

“Never,” she affirmed.

A shadow passed over his face. “I’m sorry.”

She frowned. “For what?”

“That I’m not more like Roman—someone your grandfather would approve of.”

Laughter sputtered in her throat. “If I wanted Roman, I’d marry him.”

“Maybe you should.” His words were spoken lightly, but she could see the pain in his eyes. “You can get the guy and the inheritance.”

She reached up, cupping his face in her hands. “Would you stop?” Her eyes locked with his. “I love you.”

He blinked in surprise, a smile touching his lips. “A little?”

“A lot!” she fired back. “We’re getting married the day after tomorrow, right here in this very atrium.” She thrust out her chin. “And when you see my dress, you’re gonna cry because it’s so beautiful.” It had cost a blooming fortune. It should be beautiful. Now that she was marrying the right man, her wedding day would have new meaning. The atrium was the perfect venue. Her grandmother had loved to garden, and her grandfather made a point of keeping the gardens in pristine condition.

Lucas chuckled, low and deep. “Is that so?” he drawled.

“Yes.” Her eyes flashed. “Alright, cowboy. It’s Christmas Eve, and we’re starting new traditions. That leaves you with two choices—you can either learn to dance or you can kiss me again.” Her gaze traced the outline of his lips, an eager desire stirring warm ribbons through her stomach.

Amusement lit his eyes, infusing them with a rich blue. He pursed his lips, thoughtfully. “Those are my only two options?”

She giggled. “Yep.”

“Alright, Princess.” His words were a caress that whispered to her heart. “Here’s to tradition,” he quipped, his lips hungrily covering hers.

Later that night, Lucas lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his brain a jumble of thoughts. He wished there was something he could do to win Benjamin over. If only Roman hadn’t shown up, Lucas and Magnolia might’ve had a fighting chance. Was Roman on the level? Had the woman he’d gone to dinner with been merely a friend? If Roman didn’t know about the inheritance, then he must have some feelings for Magnolia.

His thoughts went to Renee. When she ran off with her therapist, Lucas had been devastated. That hurt quickly turned to a smoldering anger that left Lucas vowing to never again open up his heart. Then Magnolia stepped back into his life in such an unexpected way. A smile tipped his lips. An image of her holding out the knife, ready to protect him from the teenagers flashed through his mind. She was such a princess and yet, she was fearless. He still couldn’t believe she was choosing him over the money. It made his heart swell with gratitude. She was giving up so much for him. He’d never forget it. He’d vow to be worthy of her love—to be the man that she, for some wonderful reason unbeknownst to him, believed he was. Their love would make him a better man. They’d stop by Remember on their way back. Lucas would talk to Arthur Vinson, see if they could work out some sort of deal. It would be tough running his own ranch andkeeping it afloat with all the expenses while paying a payment to Arthur, but where there was a will, there was a way.

A knock sounded on the door. Lucas glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It was eleven thirty p.m. His blood quickened. Was Magnolia at the door? Those kisses had been amazing. She’d melted into him. Her lips were so soft and pliable, and yet, she’d kissed him with such fervor. Several times over the past twenty-four hours he’d allowed his mind to drift to the approaching wedding and everything that would come afterwards. The thoughts of holding Magnolia in his arms and making her his wife lit him with a fevered excitement. It occurred to him just now they’d not even talked about where they wanted to spend their honeymoon. He grinned, thinking about that ridiculous heart-shaped bed at the inn. He’d love to see Magnolia’s face if he took her there.

He threw back the covers, turned on the lamp, and padded across the plush carpet to the door. Suppressing a yawn, he opened it. Surprise pinged through him when he saw Oscar. He was dressed in the same clothes he’d had on earlier at dinner.

---