Page 14 of Marrying a Cowboy

Austin’s phone chimed so he stood, pulling it from his back pocket. “I get it. You have a past. I have a past. Probably not a big deal if we don’t delve into any ofit.”

Emma nodded as Austin studied his phone. Good. That’s what she wanted to hear. Right now, heading to Montana seemed like a better idea than staying here, facing her issues. Yes, she wanted to get married to shove it in her mom’s face. And her work’s face. But for some reason, she couldn’t push out this feeling of dread that had settled in her stomach. Maybe it had to do with seeingVincent.

Ugh. Why did he have to look so good? And put together? For his pressed suit and healthy physique, there was no way he was hiding a fake wife somewhere. He was everything she wasn’t and that botheredher.

“Got our tickets,” Austin said, holding up hisphone.

“Planetickets?”

He nodded and shoved his phone back into his pocket. “Yeah. I set up an alert to my phone to tell me when there was two available.” He walked over and grabbed her suitcase before she could. “Just got the last two.” He paused and looked down ather.

He was inches from her face. The feeling of his body so close to hers cascaded across her skin. How could she have so many conflicting feelings running through her body? She thought she just might burst. Maybe heading to Montana with the wide-open spaces was for the best. Then, she could get as far away from Austin aspossible.

“Ready?” he asked. His voice was low as he studiedher.

All she could do was pinch her lips together andnod.

He started making his way down the stairs but then paused. “Do you have the certificate? Grans not going to believe it unless she sees thedocumentation.”

Emma patted her purse. “I’ve got it righthere.”

He smiled up at her. “Great. Come on. What’s the worst that could happen?” He turned and made his way down to the sidewalk where he hailed acab.

Chapter Six

Emma

Emma shiftedagainst Austin’s shoulder as the plane taxied into the airport. The attendant was mumbling something over the intercom, but Emma was so groggy that she couldn’t make out any of the words. After a four-hour flight to Minneapolis, followed by a two-hour layover, they were finally in Great Falls, three hourslater.

Emma set up and glanced over at Austin. He was studying her with an amused expression. Heat raced to her cheeks as she wiped at her mouth. Had she drooled all over him? Did she snore? Why had he allowed her to fallasleep?

"You're cute when you sleep," he said, shooting her his half-smile.

Relief filled her chest. "That's all? I was certain you were going to say that I snored or something infinitely moreembarrassing.”

"Well, you did that too," hesaid.

Embarrassment raced through her as she pulled away. “Oh my gosh. I’m sosorry.”

Austin shrugged. "I decided to do it as well to hide the noises coming fromyou."

Emma leaned forward and rested her for head against her hands. "How much longer until the plane isparked?"

Austin’s hand resting on her back. “I’m just joking. You were so quiet that sometimes I had to make sure you were stillbreathing.”

Emma glanced over at him. Once his words registered, she reached up and whacked his shoulder. "You're somean."

Austin laughed. “Just consider it an early wedding present fromme."

Luckily the plane had come to a stop and all the other passengers were unbuckling and standing. Emma just shot Austin one more exasperated look and then nodded toward the aisle. "You just wait. I'm a pretty vengeful person." She gave him a wicked smile. "I am like an elephant. I neverforget."

"Hey now, I did let you sleep on my shoulder." He opened the overhead bin and pulled out theirluggage.

"And I marriedyou."

"Aren’t you two so adorable,” the elderly woman who had been seated next to them said. “I can tell you two love each other and are going to stay marriedforever.”

Emma glanced over at her. She wasn't quite sure what to say to that. Thanking her seemed the best option. "You're so sweet.” She glanced down at the ring on the woman's wrinkled finger. "How long have you beenmarried?"

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