Page 49 of A Montana Fake Marriage

“Caleb? What are you still doing up?”

Caleb turned to find his mother standing a few feet away. The only light offered to him was that of the dying embers in the fireplace. She was dressed in her pajamas, a glass of water in her hand. Her eyes took him in and then swept over Sammie before her features softened.

“How is she doing?”

He wasn’t sure how much his mother knew of Sammie’s father. He’d told her only a couple things, and it appeared that no one in his family really liked the man—but that was understandable with how he treated his own blood. Caleb let his attention drift to Sammie. “I don’t know,” he whispered.

His mother moved farther into the room and took a seat near him. She frowned as she watched Sammie sleep. She didn’t know the full truth about the inheritance. And there was no way he’d ever admit to her that they’d gotten married without the intention of staying together. All she would ever know was that they were in love.

Finally, she glanced up at him. “What did he want?”

Caleb shrugged.

At her look of disbelief, he sighed.

“He wasn’t happy that we’re married.”

Her brows lifted with surprise, but she didn’t make another comment, making it clear she wanted him to continue.

He sighed again, this time raking a hand through his hair before he whispered, “He never approved of me. He thinks that she deserves better—someone who can give her everything. You know how rich people can be.”

She offered him a sympathetic look, but he didn’t let her try to make him feel better.

“And he said he’s not going to release her trust to her.”

At that, his mother’s expression went blank. “How could he keep something like that from her?”

He blew out a long breath. How was he going to make this sound like they hadn’t been aware of the rules? “I guess… there were some conditions put in place for the money to be released to her. She was supposed to get it after she was married or after she’d worked for him. There are a couple other things.” He waved a dismissive hand. “I’m not one hundred percent sure on how it all works. We hadn’t expected to see him show up, so it’s all news to me.” Caleb refused to maintain eye-contact with his mother. She was a master at reading him, and this blatant lie would most definitely get him in trouble.

“I don’t mean to butt into your business, but have you spoken to a lawyer? I know it’s a bit uncomfortable for Sammie to go after her father through the legal system, but he does have a history of dishonesty with her. That might be the best plan.” His mom nodded as she stated what was obvious to both of them.

He peeked at her. “As hard as it was to do it, we’ve started a suit. I’m sure Mr. Michaels will hit the roof when he finds out.”

She nodded. “Well, I know it was a hard decision. If you need any help just let me know.”

“Thanks, Mom, but I don’t…” His voice trailed off as his thoughts shifted to his grandfather. “I don’t want you to worry about us. You have so much on your plate as it is.”

Another small smile touched her lips, and she stood. In a few steps, she reached him and cupped his chin in her fingers. “You’re my son. I will always be here for you no matter what.” She dipped lower and pressed a kiss to the crown of his head. “You should get to sleep. It’s late.”

He nodded. The problem he was dealing with was that he didn’t want to rouse Sammie. She’d cried more than he’d expectedher to. Chances were high she’d wake up with a different kind of hangover. As he watched his mother leave the room, he considered the temptation to just try to get comfortable and sleep sitting upright on the couch.

His plans were changed when Sammie got restless about a half hour later. She peered up at him in the darkness and placed both hands on her face. “I’m so sorry,” she murmured.

Caleb didn’t hesitate to pull her hands from her face. He wanted her to make sure she was looking at him when he said, “You have nothing to be sorry about. Do you hear me?”

She blinked at him, fresh tears pooling in her eyes. Then she nodded.

“Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

They wandered through the sleeping house. It was a little past one in the morning, and he was going to be feeling the exhaustion when he had to be up in five hours. Sammie removed her pants but not her shirt and climbed beneath the comforter. When he took a step toward his cot, she snatched his hand.

He couldn’t see her face when he turned toward her in the dark. Her soft voice sent a shiver down his spine. “Stay with me,” she whispered.

Caleb wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly. Since confessing their love for one another, they’d only ever kissed. He could tell she wasn’t asking him for anything more—physically—but this quiet request was something new. He swallowed hard, hesitating, wondering exactly what she wanted from him.

Sammie tugged on his hand. “I don’t want to sleep alone.”

“You won’t be alone,” he murmured. “I’ll be right over?—”

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