Page 11 of Marrying a Cowboy

“Well, I guess we’re going to break that judge’s streak,” Emma said, standing and making her way into theroom.

Austin watched the couple leave and then turned to Emma. For some reason, a sad feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. What was wrong with him? Of course, the judge’s streak was going to end. That’s the plan. They weren’t getting married to get married. Maybe this feeling came because this was not how he’d seen this part of his lifegoing.

He’d always figured he’d meet a nice girl and settle down. Marrying a stranger was never part of that picture. Did it make him a fraud? Completely unlovable? He swallowed down his fears as he stood. At least he’d never have to find out. Emma didn’t love him and after his grandmother signed the ranch over to him, Emma would leave. And he’d be alone with his animalsforever.

As he made his way into the judge’s office, his spirits lifted. That’s why he was here. That’s why he was doing what he was doing. Loneliness was better than being with someone who could hurt him. He could never be hurt when there was no one in his life. And for the first time in a long time, he felthope.

Chapter Five

Emma

Judge Matthews satbehind his desk, tapping his pen on the wood. He was studying their marriage certificate. A nervous feeling rushed over Emma as she slipped her gaze from the judge and over to Austin. He seemed at ease. Why was he socomfortable?

“So, Emma. Austin.” Judge Matthews glanced over at them from above his readers. “How long have you two beendating?”

Emma swallowed. She didn’t realize that there was going to be a test. “Um, On—twoyears?”

“Six months,” Austin said at the sametime.

Judge Matthews studied them. “You don’t know how long you’ve beendating?”

Emma let out a forced laugh. “Dating. I thought you said known each other. Yes, we’ve been dating for six months and have known each other for two years.” Why was she lying to this judge? What did it matter how long they’d been dating? Was it a stipulationnow?

Judge Matthews removed his glasses and set them next to him on the desk. He set the certificate down and folded his hands over it. “Marriage is an important institution. Vital, one could say, to the improvement of society. It is not something to be taken lightly or entered into rashly.” He steadied hisgaze.

Emma swallowed. “Of course.” Her voice had turned raspy. What was wrong with her? What did it matter what some judge thought aboutthem?

“And you, sir?” Judge Matthews looked over at Austin who seemed as cool as could be. Why wasn’t he sweating bullets? Did he not care that this Judge just might not sign off on their certificate if he found out they were faking this wholething?

“I agree completely. A person should not enter into anything rashly.” He reached out and wrapped his hand around Emma’s, just like he’d done in the hall. The feeling of warmth surrounded her and calmed her nerves. If he was relaxed, why couldn’t she be? “But Emma and I are meant to be together. This marriage isn’t about one person, it’s about the two of us and what we can be as a team. That’s why I love her. She’s not only my best friend, she’s the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.” He leaned over and brushed his lips across hercheeks.

A shiver raced down her spine from the feather light touch of his lips against her skin. It made her heart pound so loud, she was sure Judge Matthews could hear it. Her sight turned hazy as she allowed his words to wash overher.

Then he shifted closer to her ear. “Your turn,” he whispered before he pulledaway.

Emma stared at him. For a moment, she had allowed her insides to turn to mush from his words. What a fool she’d been. He was playing the part, that was it. How did he come up with something so good on the spot? She wasn’t thatsuave.

“Ditto,” she breathed out. That was about as much as she was going to be able to get out of her cloudybrain.

She could feel Austin’s stare on her, but kept her gaze focused on the judge’sdesk.

“That’s what made me fall in love with her. She’s a woman of few words,” Austin said, patting her hand with his freeone.

“Well, I have to say, I see a lot of couples come into my room but you two seem genuinely happy. Value and cherish your wedding commitment and you will live a long and happy life together.” The judge uncapped his pen and scribbled on thecertificate.

Austin nodded. “Thank you,sir.”

Judge Matthews returned the pen to the cup holder on his desk. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He gave them a wide smile. “You may kiss thebride.”

“Oh no,” tumbledout.

Austin’s gaze fell to her. Panic surged through her chest. Why did she saythat?

“Emma’s not a fan of the public display of affection,” Austinsaid.

Emma just nodded. Best to keep her lipsshut.

Judge Matthews shook his head. “Every couple must kiss. It’s a Judge Matthews rule.” He lifted the piece of paper but held it away fromthem.

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