Page 39 of A Montana Fake Marriage

“See? That right there. You give too much away.” Mack pointed to his face. “You can’t just keep her in the dark. Give her a chance.” Mack moved past him to whatever it was he planned on doing this morning.

Caleb turned to watch him and sighed. Mack was wiser than he’d wanted to give him credit for. As terrified as he was about losing Sammie, it was harder to imagine a life without her in it.

Caleb satwith Sammie curled into his side on the couch. His mother and father were situated on the other side of the sectional. They’d all just finished movie night, and his brothers had turned in. Caleb’s fingertips trailed up and down Sammie’s arm. She hadn’t moved in a while, and he wouldn’t be surprised if she’d fallen asleep.

He’d had every intention of talking to her this evening about his feelings. That was before his parents insisted a family movie night was in order.

His thoughts bounced back to before the movie when his mother had commented on how happy she was that he’d found love. Caleb’s heart still ached somewhat from feeling Sammie stiffen beside him. He hadn’t known what to make of it.

Lately, his parents were pushing them to start the planning for their home. Sammie had been putting it off, and Caleb couldn’t blame her. She probably had zero interest in picking out fixture finishes and styles of trim for a house where she wouldn’t live.

Caleb sighed and rested his cheek against the top of her head. In that moment, he’d nearly given up his plans for telling her. But then his brother’s words came back to him. She needed to know if only so they could figure out where they stood.

His mother caught his eye and smiled. “I meant what I said earlier,” she murmured, leaning against his father. “Nothing makes me happier than knowing you found someone who completes you.”

He swallowed the snort at her comment. While he agreed with the sentiment, it went deeper than feeling as though he was complete when he was with her. Whatever this was, this connection, it was something he didn’t want to live without—didn’t know if he could live without it.

Caleb tightened his gentle hold on Sammie. “Me, too,” he whispered.

His father motioned to Sammie with a chuckle. “Looks like you’re going to have to carry her to bed. I don’t think I’ve seen her move an inch since that last battle scene. Maybe we ought to tell Bo that he’s working her too hard.”

“Somehow, I don’t think she’d approve of you doing any such thing,” Caleb smiled. Sammie was nothing if not independent. “I think we’ve created a monster.” He exchanged a look with his mother. She knew what he’d meant by the statement. She’d known Sammie before she was cut off from her trust fund. This Sammie was different.

“She’s strong,” his mother agreed. There was something in the way she said the compliment that helped him see just how much she adored Sammie. It was a love greater than Sammie’s own father gave her.

If his love for her wasn’t enough, then that feeling of belonging his family could offer her should tip the scales. He watched his parents rise to their feet and leave the room. The fire still crackled and popped in the hearth. The room was dark except for the light cast by the dancing flames. A gentle sort of silence fell around both of them.

Sammie might be asleep, but she was here. She was within reach. All he had to do was step out of his own way and tell her everything.

He took in a deep, shuddering breath, then he let it out through his lips. “Sammie,” he whispered.

When she didn’t stir, he sighed again. His heart ached from all the thumping it was doing. His hands had gone clammy. Even while she slept, he nearly couldn’t bring himself to tell her how much she meant to him.

“I love you, Sammie,” he whispered again. “I think I always have.”

Still, she didn’t move. He wouldn’t have been surprised if his thundering heart was all it would take to rouse her from her sleep. He traced idle circles on her arm. She wore a sweater, but he could feel the warmth coming off her body.

Caleb lost track of how long they sat there with only the fire to keep them company. Eventually, his heart slowed along with his pulse. He could tell her of his feelings. It might have been terrifying tonight, but he’d done it. He’d do it again.

When she was awake to hear him.

He carefully disentangled himself from beside her and gently slipped his arms around her. When he got to their room, he nudged the door open then carried her across the threshold and over to her bed.

Sammie was a heavier sleeper than he’d expected. He stared down at her, his finger itching to trace the lines of her face. Instead, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her brow. Herbreathing remained steady even as she shifted and let out a sleepy moan.

If he didn’t tell her tomorrow, then he’d find a time when the moment was right. The only promise he made himself was that he’d tell her within the next week. That was the deadline he’d set for himself.

As long as the time was right.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Sammie staredout at the fields surrounding Sagebrush Ranch but didn’t see any of its beauty. The rolling hills didn’t call to her like they used to—something different was drawing her in. She could still hear Caleb’s whispered confession.

He loved her.

Sammie shook her head even as a smile overtook her face. She hadn’t thought it would be this difficult to accept him saying such a thing to her. And yet they’d been alone. He hadn’t been putting on a show for anyone.

She glanced toward where the cousins’ place had been built. That’s what everyone called it—wranglers and family members alike. She couldn’t see much of the buildings with the main house in the way, but she could imagine she did.

---