Page 27 of The Christmas Cowboy

“And you didn’t tell us?”

“It wasn’t my place to tell.”

“That’s a mighty poor excuse. I’ll talk to you later, Riley,” Jasper said. Then he turned to Liam and Val.

“Why the hell did you two run off and get married like that? You had to know we wouldn’t object to you, Liam. And Val’s a grown woman.” Jasper rarely cussed so coming from him the question had even more impact.

“That wasn’t it, Dad. We finally admitted our feelings to each other at Logan’s wedding. We just wanted to be married. We didn’t want a big wedding that would take weeks or months to plan. Plus, Mom, you know you’d have invited everyone in the family, and I didn’t want to deal with them. I’ve never been to anything with the whole Rosterman clan invited where someone didn’t start a big fight.”

Lorraine pursed her lips but didn’t argue. From what Liam had heard all his life from Riley, Lorraine’s family were famous for their fights.

“I suppose you’ll be moving in at the McFarland ranch.”

“Well, of course she will, Jasper.”

“How many of our horses are you planning to take?”

“Just Starlight.”

“And who’s going to pick up your slack here?”

“I have someone in mind,” Riley said. “Until then I can take care of most of it.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Lorraine said.

“You could say congratulations,” Val said.

“I don’t understand it but…welcome to the family, Liam.” Jasper put out his hand.

“Thank you, Mr. Fletcher.” Liam shook hands.

“Might as well call us Jasper and Lorraine.”

“We need to tell Liam’s mother. But I’ll come back tomorrow to pick up Starlight and take care of things here. And Riley knows he can call me if he needs me.”

Lorraine stood and hugged both Val and Liam. Val hugged her father. Jasper shook hands with Liam. Riley followed them out.

“You realize I’m up shit creek, right?”

“I owe you one,” Liam said.

“No, you don’t. But Val sure as hell does.”

Val hugged her brother. “Thank you, Riley. I love you.”

“Yeah, yeah. I love you too.”

“So what did you think?” Liam asked Val on the way to his ranch.

“It was better than I expected. But it’s not over. My parents aren’t stupid.”

“Meaning they suspect you’re pregnant.”

“Yes. Although they’ll think you’re the father.”

He reached over to hold her hand. “I will be, Val. We’re married. That makes me the father.”

Chapter Twelve

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