Page 65 of Montana Groom of Convenience
He pushed to his feet. “Let’s see what you have.” He took a step away, stopped and returned to hold out a hand for Carly.
She knew she should refuse. She didn’t need help to get to her feet, but it wasn’t help she wanted, and she took his hand and didn’t pull away when he retained it as they went to see the rock Jill had found.
“I’m sure it’s gold,” she said, pointing to the golden-colored fragments. “Carly, maybe there is gold on your land.”
“It’s likely fool’s gold. See how sharp the edges are, and it shines when the sun hits it. That proves it.”
“Oh.” She quickly swallowed her disappointment. “I ’spect there’s gold around here. I just have to find it.” Jill pocketed the rock and went in search of gold.
Carly shuddered. “I wouldn’t want gold found here. Miners would destroy the land.”
“This is good cattle country. Let’s hope it stays that way.”
They watched Jill examining rock after rock. Tossing away one after another with a grunt of disappointment.
Sawyer laughed. “It doesn’t look like gold is here for the picking.”
Sawyer watchedhis sister and thought what he said was true on so many levels. Most things weren’t as easy as stooping down and plucking them from the ground. Or even as easy as reaching out and pulling Carly into his arms. Though, it had felt so right when he’d held her. He’d ached to kiss her. He had the right as her husband. But their marriage was not real. Their agreement, however, was. And he was a man of his word, though he had to remind himself of such with increasing frequency.
Even so, he wasn’t eager to return to the ranch and Carly seemed happy enough to walk around the lake and look for birds’ nests and watch the geese and ducks on the water. Jill followed them, still looking for gold.
A few hours later, they returned to the horses.There seemed no reason not to go back to the ranch, so they mounted up and rode home.
If only he could change their agreement. But did he really want that? Was he willing to take the risk of opening up his heart? To do so held the allure of love and acceptance but also the possibility of disappointment. Hadn’t he long ago decided to guard his heart against that risk?
Chapter 13
Sunday morning was sunny and bright, a reflection of Carly’s thoughts. She’d enjoyed the Saturday outing far more than she had a right to. But she could no more stop the joy and hope that rushed through her heart than she could stop the rising of the sun.
She sat beside Sawyer on the wagon seat as they drove to church. She noticed a long table set up in the yard behind the church. Was some special event planned? She searched her thoughts for a forgotten announcement but could find nothing. Though, it wouldn’t surprise her if it had slipped her mind. It seemed she was easily distracted of late. How many times had she found herself staring out the window—generally in the direction that would allow her to see Sawyer—the task she’d set out to do completely forgotten?
She let out a little sigh. Whatever the occasion, she’d find out soon enough. She waited for Sawyer to help her down from the wagon, ignoring the knowledgethat not many days past, she would have jumped down on her own and scoffed at needing assistance.
She glanced up at him, tucking away a little joy at the way he smiled at her before he placed her hand in the crook of his arm. They followed Father and Jill inside and settled into a pew.
The service began, and they shared the hymnal. Carly’s heart thrilled to join her voice to his as they sang the familiar songs. Hugh preached a sermon that seemed to hold Sawyer’s attention. Carly struggled to concentrate. When had she ever had so much trouble listening to Hugh? Never, she admitted. From his arrival a year ago, his deep voice had pulled her into his sermons.
Hugh closed the service. Then he said something that had Carly’s complete attention.
“Folks, we haven’t properly welcomed Carly and Sawyer as newlyweds, so several of the ladies have organized a potluck. There’s plenty of food for those who weren’t aware of the plans. Please join us in celebrating the union of these two fine people.”
Sawyer stared straight ahead, as surprised by this turn of events as was Carly. Slowly, he brought his gaze to her, his look inscrutable. She leaned close to whisper, “I didn’t know anything about this.”
His eyes smiled as he whispered back, “I’m not about to turn down a church potluck.”
They laughed a little and then allowed themselves to be escorted to the yard, where the table was now filled with a variety of dishes.
Hugh called everyone to attention. “I’ll ask the blessing but before that, there is someone we’veneglected to introduce. Jill is Sawyer’s sister. Jill, welcome to our community.”
Jill ducked her head, but not before Carly saw both surprise and pleasure in her face.
As the honored guests, Carly, Sawyer, and Jill filled their plates first from the bounty...potato salads, baked beans, hot pots, and fried chicken. Carly knew that Annie, Sadie, and the town ladies had kept the food hot in their ovens.
Makeshift benches had been set up for those who wanted to sit on them. Jill sat on the ground, surrounded by the Marshall children and a host of other youngsters.
“She fits in well,” Annie said, sitting beside Carly.
Dawson sat beside Sawyer. “Guess we managed to surprise the pair of you.”
