Page 29 of A Montana Fake Marriage

There were countless times in college when she’d take his hand and lean into him as they walked through campus. But those had been platonic touches between friends. They hadn’t meant anything.

The way she leaned into Caleb now? It was different. Her heart practically sang when he’d lean down to whisper something near her ear. Goosebumps would rally, and chills would sweep through her. Why hadn’t she ever felt these things before?

It almost didn’t seem fair.

The ceremony was beautiful. Sammie couldn’t take her eyes off of the bride as she stood before her groom and they saidtheir vows. The love in their eyes rivaled anything Sammie had experienced herself. A fresh wave of longing tugged at her erratic heart as she rested her cheek against Caleb’s shoulder, and she sighed.

The brush of his lips in her hair triggered more goosebumps.

It was the wedding. It had to be. Why else would she be feeling such strong emotions around Caleb? They were only getting worse.

After the ceremony, everyone lingered for the reception. Ninety percent of those present were clearly cowboys. Hats were atop nearly every male head. But it was the cowboy boots she saw in spades.

Sammie found herself watching the dance floor as men and women alike moved across it with grace she wouldn’t have expected from those wearing such footwear. Rocky Ridge was like a different world compared to what she’d grown up with in Alabama.

While she adored the whole southern charm and neighborliness, the folks out in Montana had something special, too. It hadn’t taken much time at all for her to decide she’d like to settle down right here—or somewhere nearby—after she’d gotten her inheritance.

Seated at one of the many round tables covered in white linen, she picked up her cup and took a sip of water. Her legs were crossed at the ankles, and she sat nice and tall in her seat—the epitome of grace and beauty that had been ingrained in her as a child. Caleb had gone off somewhere to speak to someone else, leaving her alone for the first time this evening.

She couldn’t shake how alone she suddenly felt, though it wasn’t for lack of company. Katrina sat at her table chatting with her husband. And Tana was close by as well.

It was Caleb.

With him gone, she felt like a piece of her was missing.

A hand came into view, and a low voice purred, “Dance with me.”

Her eyes followed the hand up his arm, shoulders, and to his face. Caleb’s eyes flashed with something familiar. Teasing, perhaps. She’d seen the look before, but she just couldn’t place it.

Smiling, she placed her hand in his and allowed him to pull her onto the dance floor.

Much like the last two times they’d danced, Caleb held her close. He kept his mouth near her ear so he could speak without being overheard. “You look beautiful tonight.”

Those dang goosebumps wouldn’t give her a moment’s rest. “Thank you,” she breathed. “So do you—handsome, I mean.”

She could sense his smile without looking at him.

“I’ve been meaning to thank you… for taking care of me.”

This time, it was her turn to smile. “You said that already.”

“Did I?” He tilted his head, his face coming into view. “Then I suppose I’m really grateful.”

She snickered. “It was nothing.”

Caleb’s eyes grew serious. “No, Sammie. It wasn’t.”

Sammie could feel her muscles growing taut at his statement, wary, even. She swallowed but didn’t dare take her eyes off him.

He grasped her chin with his finger and thumb, as if he expected she’d do just that. The hand he’d been holding slipped to his shoulder so she could steady herself—a wise move considering what he said next. “What you did for me was…” He shook his head. “No one has ever done that for me—except my mother, of course. I need you to know how much I appreciate it.”

Her breath grew heavy at his words. It felt like there was more he wasn’t saying to her—like he was holding something back. She opened her mouth but couldn’t find the words to tell him that she had done it because she cared for him—that he was the only person in her life she could count on.

That she was falling in love with him.

Sammie snapped her mouth shut and blushed as if she’d actually said such a thing out loud. He dropped his hand, and she found she missed the pressure he’d put there. He reached up and grasped her hand once more but pressed a kiss to it before he put it back into position.

They danced without speaking, swirling around the dance platform. A cool breeze eased the warmer temperatures from earlier in the day. Sammie lost track of how many dances she’d spent in his arms.

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