Her Billionaire in Hiding (Texas Ranch Romance Book 3)

by Sophia Summers

  “It sounds beautiful! And what a good idea. That way she can feel more at home, even if the climate is different.” Jessie wondered if cypress trees grew in Australia.

  “I’m in the process of building a house for myself next to her gardens. I’ve got landscapers putting together something similar on my property.”

  Jessie loved the sound of that. “If you stay put, you can watch the trees fill in over the years, and if you plant fruit trees, you can reap their fruit as well.” Jessie could just imagine his mother’s garden. She wondered if she dared even imagine being there with Coop.

  Coop was paddling at the front, but they weren’t getting anywhere very fast. Jessie showed him how to steer from the back of the canoe, and they switched places.

  “Now we’re moving.” Coop seemed to be favoring his side, so Jessie headed back up to the ranch house.

  When they got back, Jessie gave the piglet to Carson and went up to shower. She wanted to head into town early and find a dress for dinner. If she got back early enough, she could use the spa and have her hair done. Everything about her day was looking up.

  Chapter 15

  Henry stopped by Coop’s room. “The jeweler will be here at three thirty. They’ll meet us at the bunkhouse.”

  “Great, thanks so much Henry.” Everything was working out perfectly. He had never been so happy. Except maybe when his parents took him to Disneyland when he was eight years old. He had to laugh; his life was going to be amazing if she said yes.

  He knew there would be challenges. But he loved her desperately, and he knew that the two of them together could overcome anything. He was worried she wouldn’t want to leave the country and move to the Australian bush. She’d said it was the opposite of what she was used to.

  It was a hard and sometimes lonely life out in the middle of two million acres. She couldn’t just walk over to the neighbors to visit. Would everyone accept her? They had all loved Clara so much, and this was a whirlwind relationship. And Clara’s family, of course, were all nearby. He didn’t even want to think about what their reaction would be, let alone the news frenzy it would stir up.

  Jessie drove into town and did some shopping before her appointment with the lawyer. She found a lacy, white sundress that would be perfect with her colorful, cropped jacket. She checked all her paperwork as she waited in the lawyer’s office. Finally, she was shown into a room with two lawyers. She explained her situation. They listened politely, but in the end they told her that going up against a big business like that was not easy. Anyone with money would purposefully drag it out for years, hoping she would give up. And she had no proof that they had generated the articles defaming her reputation. The lawyers did recommend she join a class-action suit against the conglomerate that owned the record company. Respect for women was growing in the public eye, and there was less acceptance of the kind of proposition Mr. Becket had made.

  Jessie said she would think about it. She was depressed as she drove back to the ranch. She tried to shake herself out of it so she could at least enjoy the dinner with Coop.

  When she arrived back, she didn’t see Coop anywhere, so she headed to the spa. Growing up, she hadn’t had the option to go to a spa. It was pure luxury. Her hair was done elegantly; half up, with soft curls draping down her back. She carefully put on light makeup and a little Chanel No. 5. A couple hours in the spa and a beautiful dress helped Jessie feel ready for a fun evening. She walked down the stairs.

  Henry, dressed up in a dark suit, was smiling ear to ear and held the porch door open for her as she walked out. It was beautiful. Candles flickered everywhere. Coop was stunning in a black western suit and Stetson, which he removed as she approached.

  Coop walked over to her and took her hand. “You look beautiful, Jessie.” He held her chair out for her, and Henry filled their glasses with ice water.

  “Wow, this is fancy. What’s the occasion?” Just then, Juanita, Mary’s right-hand cook, and her daughters came out onto the porch, singing “The Way You Look Tonight” in Spanish.

  Jessie loved it; she could see Coop had worked hard, along with everyone else, to make this a special evening.

  “This is beautiful, everyone. Thank you, Coop. I’m impressed.”

  Juanita, Henry, and Mary served the dishes. They had filet mignon, fresh green salad, and baked potatoes. For dessert, Mary made éclairs, which were wonderful.

  After dinner, Coop led her to the porch swing. The table was cleared quickly, and they were left alone on the porch. Soft music flowed out the screen doors from the lounge.

  Jessie looked over at Cooper and started. “Coop, are you okay? You look kinda pale.”

  He smiled weakly. She looked into his eyes, and there was that same questioning look he gave her at the bus station. Her heart swelled with love for this charming man.

  Coop took a deep breath and fell to his knee. “Jessie, will you marry me?” His voice was quiet and husky.

  Jessie started to cry. Things in her life were difficult, but this was right. “Yes! Yes, I will marry you.”

  He stood up and took her into his arms. “I have loved you from the first moment I saw you.”

  “Me too. I felt so lonely when you walked away that day.” She remembered all those weeks of thinking about him and wondering who he was. She stepped closer, his warm eyes smiling back at her.

  He pulled her close and pressed his lips to hers. The lips that would be hers as long as they both would live, and a great thrill rose up inside her. She responded with love, and he wrapped her in his arms in such a tender way she wanted to never leave his embrace.

  At length, they both sat down on the swing. The dogs rushed out of the house and came over to put their heads on their laps.

  “Puppies, we are going to be a family!” Jessie was near tears again. She was so happy.

  He looked concerned. “Listen, Jessie, I need to let you know. I have a problem with the paparazzi.”

  Jessie was surprised—why would a rancher have problems with the paparazzi? But she was relieved that he’d brought it up. “That’s something I need to talk to you about as well. I am not getting along with the news media myself these days.”

  He traced his fingers down her arm. “For now, can we have a nice, private wedding here and then deal with the media after?”

  “Quiet and private is good for me. But we really need to talk about this at some point, Coop.”

  Coop knew this was not the time to bring up Clara, as much as Jessie seemed to want to talk about the media problems they were facing.

  From a young age, he had seen what the paparazzi had done to other members of his family. He was afraid that this joy he was feeling would be stolen from him. He knew he was rushing things, but he didn’t want to end up like his aunt Krissy. She had fallen in love with an American while on a trip in Europe. They became engaged and planned a spring wedding in the States. She returned to Australia and began making wedding plans. She was out one evening with friends, and a rather drunk gentleman fell on her table at the restaurant. Pictures were snapped of him falling on top of her, and when her fiancé saw them, he called to break it off. She never really recovered from the disappointment.

  He was not going to let that happen to him. He knew marrying Jessie was right, he felt it in the depths of his soul and the sooner he sealed the deal without the press involved, the better. Coop stood up and walked over to the porch railing.

  Jessie looked worried. “Would our families not be invited? It will break my mother’s heart not to see me married.”

  Coop walked back over and sat down, taking her hand. “What if we eloped now and then had a big wedding later, where everyone we know can come?” Coop asked.

  Jessie smiled up into his eyes. “Well, what if we just had our parents come, and we could have a big reception later?”

  Cooper stood back up, excited to get moving on their plans. “Okay, that’s a great idea. I’ll make arrangements to get everyone here. Wait here a minute—let me call my
parents.”

  Coop stepped into the lounge and called his mother. “She said yes! I am so happy. But, Mom, if the media gets ahold of this, they are going to turn it into a three-ring circus.”

  “Don’t worry, I have a plan.” His mother paused. “Does she know about Clara? You really need to tell her, Cooper.”

  Coop sighed. That was the one thing he was worried to tell Jessie. But he was determined to broach the subject with her.

  He went back out to the porch and settled onto the bench next to Jessie. She settled her hand on his.

  He met her eyes and cleared his throat. “Jessie, I need to tell you something.”

  She squeezed his hand in response.

  “I grew up with a girl named Clara. Everyone, including me, assumed we would marry and combine our ranches into one. We got engaged. Then one day, a short time ago, she was killed in a plane crash. That’s why I came here—to mourn her and avoid all the vicious press about it.”

  Jessie kissed him on the cheek and rested her head on his shoulder. Talking about Clara was still hard, but Jessie’s warmth strengthened him.

  He continued. “I want you to be assured that I love you. I love you to the depths of my soul, with a love I never knew existed before now. You have already won my mother’s love. I’m just afraid of what the press would say to tarnish what we have together.”

  “I love you, too. And I’m sorry—I can’t imagine how hard that must be. I want to hear all about you growing up with Clara.”

  Coop put his arms around her and loved her more than he could express.

  “Thank you, Jessie. My mother, who is a master at avoiding the media, suggested we get married here at the ranch. There won’t be anyone to leak it to the press, and we could have time to ourselves.” Before the world weighed in. “That’s why this is so important to me.”

  Jessie took a deep breath and said, “Coop, I know how unfair the media can be. That is why I’m here at the ranch. They’re after me too.”

  He smiled. “Must be rough being a singer. They talk about you all the time, I bet.” Cooper put his arm around Jessie and pulled her close. “Jess, can we just decide to get married without worrying about the media. I am so tired of having to adjust my life around what the press might or might not say.” He toyed with her fingers. “Would you be okay with getting married in two days?” he asked.

  “Two days? I can’t find a wedding dress in two days.”

  “I’m doing my best here. I can’t think of another way to keep the press out of this.”

  She fiddled with her fingers for a moment. “Would what I’m wearing work? And you could wear that black suit. You look great.”

  “And you look beautiful!” Coop smiled. He was so happy he could hardly contain himself. He stood up and pulled Jessie into his arms. “Thank you. I know this isn’t ideal, but I think it’s the best we can do. Just know I love you. You can count on that forever.”

  “I love you too. Okay, it’s a deal!”

  Coop waved, and Henry and Mary came out onto the porch and congratulated them.

  “Don’t you worry, we have done many weddings here. We know how to do it right.” Mary patted Jessie’s hand. “You’ll be such a beautiful bride. Can we spend time tomorrow with the planning?”

  “Sure, I’ll be available all day.” Jessie hugged her again. She loved this woman.

  Coop said he needed to be gone most of the day to make travel arrangements for their parents.

  Jessie kissed Coop goodnight and headed up to bed. She went to her room, worried that he was in such a rush. He seemed to think her problems were nothing to worry about, but he had no idea how serious they were. Granted, she was innocent, and it was all lies. But the public believed a lot of this trash, and that made it serious. She needed to tell Coop about her situation before the wedding. But every time she’d tried, he stopped her. He was so worried about his own paparazzi that he had no idea the baggage her life carried.

  She stopped thinking and softly sang “The Question in Your Eyes.” His song. She wanted to sing it for him one day.

  Her worries calmed as she focused on his face and thought about their time together. She knew this was right. Anyone hearing their story would admit they were meant to be together. Jessie took a deep breath and sighed, hoping all would turn out okay.

  The day of the wedding arrived. Jessie went out to greet her parents when they arrived that morning. “Mom, Dad, I’m so happy you’re here.”

  Her mother looked a little worried. “This seems very fast, Jessie. How long have you known this man?”

  “Mom, remember the song I sang to you and Dad? This is that guy. It’s an amazing story.”

  Coop’s mother arrived an hour later. When Jessie saw the warmth of her smile, her worries calmed. Her almost mother-in-law came over and embraced Jessie. “I hoped that this would happen! Let me introduce Coop’s uncle, Jared Smith.”

  He was a big, kind-looking man. He wrapped her up in his arms and gave her a big kiss on the forehead.

  Jessie felt her tight shoulders relax. She knew she could love these people. “I’m so pleased to meet you.”

  The pastor came from town. He stood in front of the fireplace in the lounge, next to Coop. Jessie looked down the aisle at the man she loved. The love she saw in his eyes took her breath away. As she waited for the music to begin, she took in the magnificence of the room with flowers floor to ceiling. White roses and gardenias. The room smelled heavenly. Her father was shaking he was so nervous. It made her smile but did nothing to help her nerves. He took her hand to lead her down the aisle as the music began. She looked over to her father. “Dad, I love you. Thank you for everything.”

  “I love you too, Jessie. I always will.”

  When her father gave her hand to Coop, she shed a tear as the realization of the moment hit her. He was actually giving her to Coop. She was officially leaving the protection of her home to live with another. For a moment, she felt fear, but as she looked into Coop’s misty eyes, her heart and soul filled with love so powerful she knew her life with him would be good.

  When the ceremony was over and she and Coop had received congratulations from everyone, she went upstairs to change. When she returned, her parents were talking seriously with Cooper’s family, the Smiths. They all looked up and smiled, wishing them a wonderful honeymoon. Coop had the suitcase. They went down the stairs as everyone cheered and Henry threw rice.

  Cooper had rented a car with tinted glass all around. For now, they would have a one-night honeymoon in Galveston. But later they planned to take an extensive trip abroad.

  On the drive to Galveston, Coop took her hand. “Thanks for doing this, Jessie. I know you may have wanted a big wedding, but I have appreciated so much this time we have had together, alone, without publicity.” Jessie wanted to finally tell him the issue that hounded her thoughts but decided to enjoy the honeymoon before burdening him with her problem. It would be a hard fight to clear her name, but she was determined to do so.

  The honeymoon was wonderful. They returned to the ranch the next night. Henry told them he had never seen such happiness in a couple in all his years of playing matchmaker. They were both exhausted and went to bed early after Mary’s cookies and milk. Jessie knew she was going to have to figure out how to make them before they left.

  The next morning, Cooper woke up early. He leaned over to kiss her forehead and then quietly got out of bed and dressed. He was so happy. Life could not be better. He went downstairs and out onto the porch to call Jerry and share the news with him. “Hey, Jerry, I have good news. I found the love of my life.” Jerry didn’t congratulate Coop as he’d expected. “What’s up, mate?”

  Jerry told him to get on the internet and check the news from down under. “Sorry, mate,” he said as he hung up.

  Cooper went back in and quietly got his laptop, then headed back outside. What he saw when he opened the page shocked him. There were pictures of Jessie with headlines calling her a gold digger and showing
her with other men in compromising poses. And then the caption over his picture: “She finally gets her pot of gold.”

  He felt like he had been punched in the stomach. Curly could have run into him from the front and he wouldn’t feel any worse. Was she a gold digger? Had all these coincidences been planned? What are the chances she would show up at the very ranch he was staying? He was so stupid. He had been vulnerable after losing Clara. And Jessie had taken advantage of that. He raced upstairs and packed his bags.

  He stood by the bed, watching Jess sleep. How could things have turned so sour in such a short time?

  Jessie woke up and smiled. “Good morning, darling. Are we leaving?”

  “No, I’m leaving.” He threw the laptop on the bed.

  Jessie turned white as she saw what he’d been reading. “Coop!”

  He threw the last bit of his clothing into his bag and headed for the door.

  Coop ran down the stairs and called for Chase, but the dog wouldn’t come. So he stomped back upstairs with the leash. Chase backed up and stuck out his legs, refusing to move. Coop tried pulling him, but he wouldn’t budge. He put his luggage down and pulled with both arms.

  Jessie ran out the door of their room, tying a robe about her middle, her tear-stained face in agony. “Coop, would you just listen?”

  “Your music is good but acting is where you really shine. Try Hollywood, you’ll fit right in.” Coop shook his head in disgust and tried harder to bring Chase with him.

  “For someone who hates the paparazzi, you’re quick to follow their lead,” Jessie yelled in return.

  Coop ignored her, and Chase gave a low growl and continued to resist. Jessie rested a hand on his head. “It’s okay, Chase.” He whined and followed Coop down the stairs.