The Bull Rider's Manager

by Lynn Collins

  “After your last encounter with Angel, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” He nodded at Kati. “How’d the lesson go?”

  Barb smiled, her face relaxing. “The kid’s a natural. Get ready, you’ve got years of riding competitions ahead of you.”

  Hunter glanced at her; his look unreadable. “Maybe that wouldn’t be so bad.”

  Barb was just about to ask him what he meant when Angel stood from her table and waved them over. “Here we go.”

  Angel and Fred had come alone. Which was too bad in Barb’s mind since she had decided she would rat off their precious son about his alcohol use. Or maybe the parents already knew and didn’t care? This parenting job seemed harder and harder the more she found out about the requirements. They needed to make people get a license. A test Angel wouldn’t pass. But Barb didn’t know if she would, either.

  “Look at you in your cow girl outfit.” Angel’s gaze dropped to Kati’s boots. “And new boots too. Didn’t you tell that woman your aunt had just bought you boots?”

  “Boots totally inappropriate for riding or a seven-year-old. Her trainer had her in a backup pair at the barn.” Barb smiled sweetly, trying to soften the words for Kati’s sake.

  Anger flashed on Angel’s face, then disappeared. “Well, you should have told me darling, I would have bought you different boots.”

  Kati slipped into her chair. “That’s okay. I didn’t mind.”

  “Kati’s trainer says she’ll be ready to compete by fall,” Barb announced to the table, feeling pride for the little girl.

  “Compete? What on earth are you talking about?” Angel asked.

  “Riding competitions, showing the horse, how you can control its movements. Eventually, she’ll be jumping, but not yet.” Barb smiled at Kati. “We’ll need to get you English riding clothes too.”

  “Maybe you shouldn’t be making plans with the child so close to the court hearing,” Fred Monnet spoke up. “I’m sure Hunter’s lawyer has expressed the likelihood that the child will be in our custody soon. With visitation, of course.”

  “This isn’t the place to talk about the legal stuff,” Hunter growled at Fred. “Angel said you wanted some time with Kati, so here’s your time.”

  “I don’t understand why we had to meet here.” Fred straightened his suit and tie, glancing around the room. “So many children around.”

  “Because it serves ice cream.” Barb shook her head. The man definitely didn’t understand kids. He probably would have been happy meeting in a five star restaurant where Kati had to dress up just to be seen. This was why she had to help Hunter keep Kati. As much as she disliked Angel from first glance, Fred was coming up a close second. The waitress appeared for their order.

  “I’m having a banana split,” Hunter announced.

  “Chocolate peanut surprise,” Barb chimed in. “Kati?”

  “I want the Monster.”

  Barb laughed. The Monster was a taste of every ice cream the place had, topped with whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on top. In addition, they brought out chocolate, caramel, and strawberry topping, just in case.

  Angel frowned, glancing at the menu. “That seems to be a lot of ice cream. Wouldn’t you rather have a small sherbet? You have to watch your calories.”

  “She’s not dieting, Angel,” Hunter stepped in. “Besides, she just rode for two hours. She deserves a treat.”

  “Leave it alone,” Fred warned and a look passed between the couple.

  Great, another incident of bad parenting on our part, Barb thought. Just by letting a kid be a kid, we’ll look like we don’t care about her diet or health. She made plans to have a very healthy dinner to counteract the ice cream calories. Maybe grilled chicken and a salad? Green salad though, not the decadent potato salad she’d planned.

  Fred and Angel ordered coffee and the waitress left. The table grew still. Finally, Angel brightened. “How’s school?”

  Barb groaned silently. Angel took that long to come up with a lame question like that?

  But Kati didn’t seem to mind. She prattled on about her teacher and their science experiment and how they were building a real live volcano and reading a book about a volcano exploding. Barb tuned out, grateful that the waitress had brought their ice cream while Kati talked. She had just taken a bite when she heard Kati’s words.

  “Then Grandma said she’d teach me to knit the next time we visited so I need to go to the craft store.”

  Angel sat back in her chair. “Grandma? Honey, you don’t have any grandmothers. They are both dead.”

  Kati shook her head and took a big bite of what looked like butter pecan ice cream. “No, Barb’s mom is alive. She just has to live with other old people because she forgets things.”

  “Really.”

  Barb could see Angel’s thought whirling, wondering if this new development in the family structure hurt or helped her case.

  “Look, leave my mother out of this,” Barb warned. “She has nothing to do with the court case.”

  Angel’s eyebrows rose. “I’m not sure what you mean.” She smiled at Barb. “Well, this has been lovely, but we have to get back. The babysitter can’t stay late today, she has finals.”

  “We have a babysitter?” Fred asked, confused.

  “Of course, we do. We wouldn’t leave our dear child alone without proper supervision.”

  Right, and you don’t let your ten-year-old drink beer, either. Barb watched the woman kiss Kati on the head, not wanting to touch her face, which by this time was smeared with chocolate syrup.

  “Nice meeting you,” Barb called out to the retreating Fred. He just waved.

  “We’ll see you tomorrow at the reception,” Angel called back.

  Barb shot a glance at Hunter. “You invited the enemy?”

  He shrugged, carving out a spoonful filled with banana, vanilla ice cream, and strawberry syrup, dipping it into the whipped cream before he brought it toward his lips. “Figured they needed to know we were serious about this marriage. Besides, I’m sure they bought us a great gift. Maybe even a fondue pot.”

  Barb shook her head and laughed. “You’re bad. Besides, we already have a fondue pot coming.”

  Kati glanced between them, her face covered with ice cream and syrup. “What’s a fondue pot?”

  12

  “So tell me the truth, did you pick out my wedding dress or did James?”

  Lizzie Hudson Sullivan adjusted the tank straps on the white chiffon wedding dress she’d arrived with Sunday morning. A wedding dress and a box of cinnamon rolls. When Lizzie had zipped the dress, Barb was glad she’d only eaten one of the rolls before they’d started getting ready for the reception.

  Barb glanced at her reflection, thinking back on the day James and Lizzie tied the knot and she’d been the lady in waiting for her friend. “Seriously, James ordered your dress. I don’t know how many times I have to tell you…”

  “The man surprises me at times, that’s all.” Lizzie adjusted the neckline.

  Barb smiled at her friend’s reflection in the mirror. “This is beautiful, Liz. You didn’t have to buy this for me.”

  “When James came home and told me you were planning on wearing a suit? Come on. A girl doesn’t get married every day.” Lizzie hugged Barb. All of a sudden Barb felt a kick in her stomach. “Sorry, the boys are active today.”

  Lizzie was due to deliver her twin boys any day now. Barb just hoped she got through the wedding reception without being rushed to the hospital. Lizzie handed Barb the mimosa she’d poured earlier.

  “You sure this is mine?” Barb sipped the drink quickly, not wanting Lizzie to wind up with the alcoholic version. Yep, the champagne gave the orange juice a nice kick. Just enough for Barb to think this reception wasn’t the horror story she worried it was going to become.

  “I tied a ribbon around mine. Although, I’d kill for a nice glass of wine. With breastfeeding, I’ll be dry for close to two years. James has promised me a trip to Napa, just the two of us, when
the boys are weaned.” Lizzie grinned and patted her stomach. “Of course, by then, one glass will send me over the edge and I’ll wind up like this again.”

  “James isn’t stupid. He knows how to get what he wants.” Barb smoothed her skirt. The dress fit like a dream. It was exactly the dress she’d always wanted. The two friends had taken Mrs. Higgins’s home economics class together as seniors where they’d had to plan a wedding as a class assignment. Barb could swear this was the exact dress she’d found in the bride’s magazine so many years ago. “You did good.”

  “Yeah, I know. Shopping for you is easier than shopping for tents for me. You should have seen all the hideous maternity bridesmaid’s dresses.” Lizzie lowered herself into a chair and took a bite of her third cinnamon roll. “You could have planned this wedding a little better for me. I mean, give me a month or two to slim down and I’d be a hot matron of honor.”

  “The wedding just kind of happened. And this…” Barb glanced down at her dress feeling like a fraud. “This was kind of spur of the moment too.”

  Lizzie studied her friend for a moment before she spoke. “Are you happy?”

  “Yes, I mean…” She pulled a chair up next to Liz. “If I tell you something, you have to promise not to even tell James. He’ll know, eventually, but right now, it has to be a secret.”

  “Oh. My. God. You’re pregnant. I’m so excited. The babies will be so close, this is wonderful news.” Lizzie pulled her friend into a hug. Then pushed her back and glanced at her. “Funny thing, you don’t look it. The first week I knew I was carrying the twins; my boobs grew two cup sizes. James was in heaven.”

  “Liz, I’m not pregnant.” Barb paused, waiting for her words to sink in.

  “Then what’s the secret? Don’t tell me you’re quitting as Jesse’s manager. James can’t take that back on, not yet, not now with the boys coming.” Lizzie’s face paled.

  “Stop making up stories and let me talk, okay?” Barb looked at her friend. For all her tough demeanor and years as a single mom, Lizzie had always believed in love. In happily ever after. How would she take finding out her best friend had been impulsive in getting married and money had kept her in the relationship? Well, money for Mom’s care… and then there was Kati. She’d do anything for that little girl. Almost like she was her own child.

  “I’m waiting.” Lizzie’s voice brought her out of her thoughts.

  “I didn’t tell you everything last week. Hunter and I didn’t plan to get married,” Barb started.

  “Vegas weddings usually aren’t planned.”

  “Well, we were planning an annulment once we got back. It was impulsive and stupid. We hardly knew each other.” Barb could see Lizzie wanted to calm what she thought was just nerves on Barb’s part. She continued talking to hold Lizzie off. “Hunter’s being sued for custody of Kati. Her maternal aunt found out that Kati has a sizable trust and wants control over the money.”

  “He’ll fight it, of course.” Lizzie looked confused.

  “Yes, he’s fighting the suit. But they have a perfect family on the surface. Mom, dad, kid. The judge might choose family over a single guy raising a young girl.”

  “But Hunter’s not single. You’re married.” Lizzie’s voice trailed off. “And that’s why you’re staying married. Why the dog and pony show today. You’re staying married for the court case appearance.”

  “You make it sound wrong.”

  “I don’t know what to think. What are you getting out of this arrangement?” Lizzie took Barb’s hands and squeezed. “You always were too generous. Too willing to help anyone and everyone.”

  “Not this time.” Barb swallowed. “Hunter put up the money so Mom could live at Countryside.”

  Lizzie’s eyes widened. “He paid you?”

  “No, well, yes, kind of.” Barb squeezed her friend’s hands. “I know what I’m doing here. Just be happy for me.”

  “Happy for your secret life or the fake one you’re playing at?” Lizzie lifted herself out of her chair. “The boys are killing my bladder. I’ll be right back. “

  As she walked into the hallway toward the bathroom she stopped and looked back at Barb. “I would have sworn you looked like you were in love. Are you sure there isn’t something else going on here?”

  Lizzie didn’t wait for an answer, which was for the best. Barb didn’t know what to say. She looked at herself in the mirror. Was she falling in love with Hunter Martin? With Kati? She knew the answer to that – Kati was a great kid. She could see a future raising Kati, going to mother daughter teas at school, cheering for her at the riding competitions, and, ultimately, standing by her while she dressed in a white dress, waiting for her life to change.

  As if Barb’s thoughts had called her, Kati ran into the bedroom. She had on a new blue chiffon dress just like Lizzie’s. Her blonde hair hung straight down her back. She was beautiful.

  Barb leaned down and hugged Kati hard, tears filling Barb’s eyes. “You look amazing.”

  “Not as good as you.” Kati pulled out of the hug and made Barb twirl. “I love that dress. You look like a princess.”

  Barb laughed. “I feel like a princess today. What’s going on downstairs, are we ready to start?”

  They had driven over to John Carter’s mini ranch right after Lizzie had arrived and the women had confiscated his master suite.

  “Uncle Hunter says you and Lizzie need to come down, the photographer’s here. He said I get a picture of just me.” Kati twirled in her dress. “We’ll get it framed and everything.”

  Barb smiled. “Let’s wait for Lizzie and then we can go down.” She perched on the bed. “Come sit by me.”

  Kati sat close.

  Barb pulled out a jewelry box with a silver heart locket. In the locket she’d put a picture of Kati’s parents she’d gotten from John Carter. She opened the box and handed it to the little girl. “This is so you’ll always remember me and your parents, even if we aren’t here to hug you or tell you how much we love you.”

  Kati’s eyes glistened. “I love it. Can I wear it today?”

  “That’s why I bought it.” Barb pulled the locket out and latched it around Kati’s neck. She kissed the top of Kati’s head. “I love you, little girl. Don’t ever question that.”

  Kati looked up and smiled. “I love you too.” She grabbed Barb into a tight hug. “Now we make a good family.”

  Barb’s heart sank. This was wrong, on oh, so many levels, the day was wrong. And mostly, Kati would be the one hurt when Barb walked away. Whatever you have to tell yourself. She shook away the thought. Barb wasn’t attached. Wasn’t in love. Lizzie was wrong.

  “Did I hear someone say it’s picture time?” Lizzie put her hand on Barb’s shoulder.

  Pulling away from Kati, Barb dabbed at her eyes. “As long as my mascara has lived up to its waterproof claim, I’m ready.”

  Lizzie lifted Barb’s chin, examining her makeup. Her gaze was thoughtful and Barb knew it had nothing to do with the state of her face. “You’re good.”

  Kati bounced off the bed. “Look what Barb gave me. My first real piece of jewelry. And it has a picture of my parents in it.”

  Lizzie peered at the locket. “It’s beautiful. What a lovely thought.” She looked again at Barb.

  Barb shifted her gaze downward and stood. “We better get down there before they send a search crew for us.”

  Lizzie followed Barb out of the room and Kati chatted happily all the way down the stairs and out onto the lawn. But Barb didn’t hear a word the kid was saying. She felt like she was walking up the steps to an Old West hanging, or that she was one of Henry the Eighth’s unfortunate wives. When her gaze found Hunter on the lawn with his father, James, and another man, she froze.

  He looked amazing. This was the wedding of her dreams. The man she’d always wanted. And a built-in family she could love. Probably already did love if she was being honest. And it was all fake.

  The touch of Lizzie’s hand on her back eased her forward. Bar
b faked a smile and took a deep breath. She could do this. For her mom’s sake, she could do this. She glided forward to the group.

  Hunter came to greet her and kissed her gently on the cheek. “You look amazing.” Then he leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “Thank you for doing this. Kati deserves a real family.”

  Barb’s heart fell for the second time in twenty minutes. She’d forgotten he had an agenda too. An agenda that didn’t include loving her or promising anything outside their original arrangement. He was acting too. She closed her eyes for just a second, to settle, to get her bearings. To get the smell of Hunter’s cologne out of her head.

  “You okay?” Hunter asked, his face so close she could kiss him if she just turned her head. Really kiss him, not just a peck on the cheek. A kiss that might have him questioning their arrangement the same way Barb was doing right now. A kiss that would reveal her to him to be the fraud she felt. Because all she wanted right now was for all this to be real. Not a dog and pony show. She wanted to be Mrs. Hunter Martin for now and eternity.

  She opened her eyes, abandoning the thought of the kiss, and smiled brightly at him. “I’m amazing. It’s a little overwhelming, you know.”

  Hunter’s eyebrows rose. “Believe me, I know. I asked my dad not to go all crazy with this and as usual, he totally ignored my wishes. Welcome to the carnival.”

  “Pictures,” John Carter called out. “You two love birds have the rest of your life to cuddle and talk. Right now, it’s picture time.”

  Barb let Hunter lead her over to the group. She just hoped that the older Martin was right. That they did have the rest of their lives together and this acting job wouldn’t go the way of a bad sitcom series, canceled in the first two weeks.

  Barb was just settling into her role of bride, smiling and nodding, her head resting on Hunter’s shoulder, when laughter broke out from the side of the house. Straining to see who was making the noise, she smiled when Jesse Sullivan rounded the corner with her other three bull riders. The men strutted across the yard in their cowboy finery – black hats, sponsor shirts, and new tight jeans. A hush came over the busy reception, and Barb saw more than one female head turn to follow the men’s path.