“You’re kidding?” Nell looked at him, her heart flipping, then at Roxie, who looked clueless, but happy, then back at Ryder. She held her hand out for the letter. “Let me see.”
Ryder had skimmed over it a second time. He held it out with a shrug. “It’s says to call and the funds will be transferred immediately.”
Nell skimmed over the letter. It said exactly what Ryder had said. “We have to show them our marriage certificate ‘sometime soon.’” She laughed. “Sometime soon? That doesn’t even sound legit.”
Ryder shrugged. “I guess there’s one way to find out. I’ll call.”
“I’ve heard of this happening,” Roxie said as Ryder got his phone out and dialed the number on the letter. “There have been rumor. Clay, I think, was the one who mentioned it.”
Nell shook her head. The idea was unbelievable. She couldn’t wrap her head around that much money. She lifted the tea and poured some in the glasses Roxie had set on the table.
Less than five minutes later, Ryder was off the phone.
“I think it’s for real.” His brows rose almost to his hairline and his smile took up his whole face. “You know what? It doesn’t even matter.” He laughed, and grabbed Nell, who went easily into his arms. “If it’s real, we’ll find something good to do with it, and if it’s not, hey, my happiness doesn’t depend on money.”
They looked into each other’s eyes again.
“Mine either,” Nell whispered.
They kissed, and Nell didn’t get to ask about the other letter that she’d forgotten about. The one enclosed in an envelope made out of pretty pink paper watermarked with blue roses, that she had tucked in her purse. The letter Vinton said he’d found on the floor of the Sweet Water Ranch SUV while Roxie had been watching them when Ryder and Nell were on their week-long honeymoon.
She could ask him tomorrow. Ryder wasn’t going anywhere, and Vinton wasn’t either. That was all the proof she needed to know that fairy tales really did come true.
CONTENTS OF THE LETTER that was sitting, unopened and unmailed, in Nell’s purse:
Dear Angela
I still close my eyes and dream of your sweet blue eyes and charming pink cheeks. Your kind voice, tenderly soothing the small bumps and hurts of the children in your classroom. Your willing hands, working faithfully to ease the many burdens of others. Your delicate personality, bringing rays of sunshine to everyone you meet.
It hurts my heart to know that your mother still does not approve of me. I would never ask you to go against her wishes. Not for anything. I understand, and even agree with her, that I am not your spiritual equal. I will never be as good as you. I can only hope to work hard and attain to some level of financial and personal success, hoping and praying that it will be enough to convince her that her darling daughter will be safe and well-cared for in my home, should I one day have the glorious privilege of making you my wife.
Regarding my daughter, Gina, her mother is soon to have completed her schooling. I will discuss with her what her intentions are involving her offspring. She has a valid reason to perhaps not want the child.
I know this is a sticking point with you and your mother, but I implore you to not judge too harshly. I am not at liberty to give details, but all is not what it seems. Gina’s mother is a brave woman who has been through horrors that a gentle woman like yourself could barely even imagine. I’ve made promises and I must keep them.
Would it be counted some small measure of good that I am a man of my word?
Gina is a happy, well-mannered little girl and a pleasure to be with. You may not fall instantly in love with her, but I know you will come to adore her in time.
My plans are the same as every year. My crew and I should be harvesting in the area around your father’s church for the entire month of July.
Gina will be with me this year. I can’t wait for the two of you to meet. I know you will love each other.
Like I said earlier, I may have some business to deal with regarding her mother. Nothing that will affect us, other than if she decides to take Gina, I have to let her go. Although it would take most of my heart, maybe it would be for the best. It would remove that small obstacle between us, leaving only the chore of me securing your mother’s approval.
I’m counting down the days until I may see you again. Maybe this year I can walk you home after Sunday evening church. I hope with all my heart that pleasure will be mine.
Your humble servant,
Clay Stryker
Thank you so much for reading! To order the next book in the series, Cowboys Don’t Have a Secret Romance, click HERE.
Acknowledgements:
I want to give a special shout-out to my Early Review Team. Some of them have been with me from my very first book. (You know who you are!!) Normally they read and review, many of them marking their calendars and leaving reviews on release day. Sometimes they send me a few typos that my editor missed. Often they send notes of encouragement or thanks. They all have busy lives of their own – some of them live on the other side of the world. They have personal problems, health issues, or financial stress, yet they’ve been a huge blessing and help to me over the time I’ve been publishing. With this book especially, they’ve gently nudged me to make a few changes to try to improve the story and make sure the characters are coming across they way I had intended. They’re beautiful people. I love and appreciate each of you. Thank you so very much for all your time and help!
Cowboys Don't Believe in Fairy Tales Page 19
