Page 11 of Rancher's Strength

“Fuck that,” Lexie whispered as she leaned over Sam’s desk. “Do we have to be married before we leave Wyoming?”

“No, you can do it in Montana. It has to look real to everyone. If anyone was questioned, they have to be able to say you’re in love with one another.” Sam had lowered her voice, and I glanced over at the kids. They were so engrossed in their devices that I doubted they would have heard anything.

“Shouldn’t be difficult, we’ve done it once,” I said, side-eyeing Lexie, who glared at me.

Our first wedding was an event. We had a very selective guest list for the ceremony, as we’d gone to the lake. It was almost a secret where it was, and we’d always wanted to keep it that way. Marrying the love of my life in such a tranquil spot led me to believe we’d have a wonderful life. But like everything else I touch, it crumbled to dust.

“I’m assuming we’ll have to send you a copy of the marriage license?” Lexie said flatly, pulling me from the lake, and I was firmly back in the office.

“Yes, the sooner the better.” Sam frowned at her friend. “Lexie, you have to know this wasn’t planned.” I’d never figured out how Sam could be a lawyer; her face was so expressive, and her eyes had been like a window to her soul, but she masked it all when she was in court or dealing with clients.

“Of course, I know it wasn’t planned, but that doesn’t make me any happier. Christ, you can’t even take them. You don’t even have a boyfriend.” I watched Sam’s face fall. Lexie wasn’t a bitch, but right now, you’d never know it. Throwing the fact that Sam was single in her face wasn’t helpful.

“Well at least I’m not divorced, and still in love with my ex-husband,” Sam spat back at Lexie. My ex-wife froze, and ifshooting daggers from her eyes was possible, we’d be having a funeral for Sam, too. So, my ex-wife—soon to be my wife again—was still in love with me. That wasn’t a shock. I’d suspected as much over the years, but it was interesting to hear.

“Girls, this isn’t helpful,” I said as I stood and moved to stand between them. “We’ll get the paperwork to you as soon as we’re married. We’ve got a long drive, Lex, so we should probably get going.”

“Don’t call me Lex,” she said through gritted teeth as she turned her hateful glare to me. All I could do was smile, I knew from experience it would irritate her more. Looking deeper than the anger, I saw heat and passion. I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in her brain.

“We’ll let you know about the service,” I said to Sam before rounding her desk and hugging her. She clung to me for a moment before pulling away.

“Thanks, Ryder. See you, Lexie.” She smiled tightly at her friend but didn’t approach her.

“I’m sorry,” Lexie said as she moved quickly to hug Sam. “I’m such a bitch.”

“You are, but I forgive you. I can’t lose another best friend so soon.” Sam’s voice cracked, and the women hugged each other tighter.

Quietly, I took the kids outside and got them settled in the car while I waited for Lexie. “Uncle Ryder, are you getting married to Auntie Lexie again?” Ruby asked, and I glanced at her through the rearview mirror, so much for being occupied with her tablet.

“Kind of looks that way, kid.” I nodded and waited for another question, but none came. She just slid on her headphones and turned on her tablet.

The longest week of my life was over. Being away from the ranch had its benefits, but being stuck in a city for that long usually made me itch. Adding on the fact that it took two hours longer to get home than it should have because the kids needed to stop would take some getting used to.

There had been fewer tears today, but they flowed as we tucked them into bed. Taking them away from their home might not be the benefit I had hoped for. Should Lexie and I consider a move to Wyoming for a little while? The thoughts rolled around in my head as I flopped onto the couch in my little house.

We’d organized everything in Wyoming, arranged for people to pack Hank and Anita’s house, and bring it here to store everything for the kids. Letting my head fall back, I heard soft footsteps behind me. “Why do you have a picture of me beside your bed?” Lexie asked as she walked around the opposite end of the couch and handed me a beer.

“You weren’t supposed to notice,” I said as I twisted the top off my bottle and took a swig.

“Oh, I noticed.” She laughed, keeping her eyes locked on me. I tried to avoid her stare but I couldn’t help looking over, and when I did, I saw mischief in her gaze.

“Well just forget about it,” I grumbled as I lifted my beer to my lips and reached for the remote, but my fingers grazed her knee. I froze, leaving my hand there, and she picked it up, placing it on the remote for me.

“When do you think we can move into Mom and Dad’s place?” Lexie asked as she picked at the label on the beer bottle. “I love this place, and I’m glad you decided to build it. But it’sjust so small for the four of us.” She wasn’t wrong. The two-room, timber-framed A-frame home had been our dream when it was just going to be the two of us. Now, with an instant family, we needed more space.

“The guys and I’ll go over there tomorrow and make sure everything is good. It’s been a while since anyone lived there, and I haven’t been back since your mom moved out.” I wanted to kick myself for bringing up her parents. We’d managed to avoid that topic all week.

“Is it true you helped her move to Everton?”

“It is, yes.”

“Why?”

“I know you didn’t want me anymore, but your parents were the first people besides Wes and Gwen, who really welcomed me into their home. So, while you and I didn’t last, I couldn’t totally cut your mom and dad out. They are my family.” We were just ripping all the bandages off tonight, apparently. If I turned off the television and the lights, would she get the hint and go to her room? The answer was no… She was like a dog with a bone, and no matter what I wanted to avoid, she wouldn’t let it happen.

“It’s not that I didn’t want you,” she whispered. Tears welled in her eyes, and while someday we actually need to have this conversation, I didn’t feel like I could pile one more thing on my brain right now.

“Lexie, I can’t deal with this right now. Let’s just not talk about it.”

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