Page 8 of Marrying a Cowboy

He folded his arms. “I want my ranch. It’s the only thing I have left. If I don’t get it before my grandmother dies, there may be a chance I’ll never getit.”

“Why?”

“My grandma needs to be the one to sign off on it. If she’s no longer around, it gets auctionedoff.”

“That’s really ridiculous of your grandmother.” She sighed. How could she not help him after she’d been passed over for a job for the exact reason. She narrowed her eyes. How could she be even contemplating this? Was it sad and desperate? After all, it was a wedding. That’s what she’d wanted for so long,right?

“It wouldn’t be a marriage, marriage. Sort of like a contract between two businesses. You’d be able to tell people that you tried marriage and I’d get my grandfather’s ranch turned over to me fully. You come to Montana, meet my grandmother. It’ll take a few days, tops. Once everything settled, we’ll submit for an annulment and go our separate ways.” He took another step closer toher.

A feeling sank into the pit of her stomach. One that said she was settling, but also said, perhaps this was the best. People couldn’t get mad at her if she’d tried the whole marriage thing but it failed. Her job. Her mother. All would get off her back about being single. “But—”

“What has been the most embarrassing thing anyone has said to you because you were single?” He moved closer until he was a few feetaway.

Emma sighed. Where to even begin? “I’d say that happened at my friend Cara’s wedding. Her little sister was the flower girl and I got particularly choked up during one of the toasts. Just as I was dabbing my eyes, her little sister leaned over and asked me if I was crying because I was single and lonely.” She chuckled at the memory. “Oh, and then said if I wanted a man, I should show more of my boobies. Like the little girl’s aunt who had a plunging neckline and all the men fawning overher.”

Austin laughed. It had a comforting and melodious sound to it. It made Emmarelax.

Emma smiled as the memories of all the embarrassing things that people had said to her at every single one of her friend’s weddings came back to her. “There was this time, at Rosalyn’s wedding, where I went with my friend from work. He ended up hitting it off with Rosalyn’s cousin and I left by myself.Alone.”

Austin widened his eyes. “That’s um. . . really sad.” She nodded and then studied him. Could she do this? Would it be soterrible?

“This would be just an arrangement, right? No shenanigans. No jokes. Just one friend helping out another friend?” She needed to make sure the rules were clear before she agreed toanything.

Austin nodded and held up his right hand. “I swear. No shenanigans. I’m not looking for love. I’ve had enough heartbreak to know, I’m not meant forit.”

Emma raised her eyebrows. Was he talking about Georgia? Did he not remember that she knew about her? “What’s that about?” If he didn’t want to talk about it, she couldn’t fault him. But she thought she’dask.

Austin turned and glanced out towards the parking lot. His shoulders tightened, telling her, she’d struck anerve.

“I, um”—he cleared his throat—“I don’t really want to talk about it. Let’s just say, she ruined me from ever wanting to marry for loveagain.”

As she studied his downturned expression, Emma felt sorry for him. Georgia must have done a number on him. Even though Vincent had broken her heart, she still believed in love. Even if it felt like she was waiting forever for it, she just had to believe it existed in the universe. After all, it was the hope that kept her searching. She didn’t want to know what would become of her if she gaveup.

“Well, after this little deal we have going, I’m going to find the one. For the time being though, it’ll just be nice to say that I’ve given it a go. Get everyone off my back.” Saying the words out loud lightened hermood.

A smiled spread across Austin’s lips and for a moment, Emma wondered what it would be like to kiss them. Then she shook her head. She was goingcrazy.

Move on,Emma.

“So, you’re going to dothis?”

Emma tapped her chin with her forefinger and gave him a smile. “Yes. I’ll do this.” He moved closer to her so she raised her finger. “Under onestipulation.”

He nodded. “Anything.”

“That you get down on one knee and askme.”

He glanced down at the ground. “Righthere?”

Emma smiled. “Righthere.”

He studied her and then slowly descended down to one knee. Reaching out, he grasped her hand and held it in his. “Emma. . .” He stared at her as if he hoped she’d fill in thegap.

“George.”

“Right. Emma George, will you help me get all the crazy people in my life who seem to think that the only way to happiness is through marriage off my back and marryme?”

She paused as a nagging feeling tugged at the back of her mind. But then she pushed it out. This was best. After the annulment, she’d face the world. For now, she’d bask in the idea that no senior would be trailing after her, asking her how many eggs she thought she still had. Or crazy relatives trying to set her up with her distant cousins. She’d be married. After all, wasn’t that what shewanted?

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