by Amanda Ashby
He wanted more?
She opened her mouth and then shut it again, her pulse pounding in her ears. It was so loud, like a train engine. Could he hear it? And did he just say what I think he said?
“What would that look like?” she finally asked. “How would it even work? You live in England and right now I live here. And I have a business here. Lincoln, I can’t just move for you. The baby and I…we can’t be second fiddle in your life.”
“I absolutely agree,” he said, and her heart plummeted. Okay, so there was a good chance she wasn’t following this conversation. Had he even said he wanted to be with her? Perhaps she’d misheard. After all, she hadn’t exactly gotten much sleep last night. “Which is why I’ve been thinking about something Theo said. Half of his friends commute around the planet. Why can’t I? Why can’t we?”
Bec rubbed her brow. “I still don’t follow. You want to commute. From where?”
“From here to England.” He untangled his hand from hers and pulled out a piece of graph paper. On it he’d written out a series of dates and flight numbers. “Look at this. I could be based here and just fly back every few weeks when the estate needs me. And sometimes you can come with me, or if you have a wedding, you could stay here. Don’t you see? We could have it all. We could be a family. If that’s what you want.”
Bec blinked as the scent of him caught in her throat. Having a family. To belong was all she’d ever wanted. And to have it with Lincoln?
“Would it really work? Don’t you need to be permanently in England?”
“My mother and Howard have always run the day-to-day business, so really nothing would change. I’d still go there when I need to, and I know you don’t think it’s a place you could live, but you could visit from time to time. Don’t forget the abbey and the east wing.”
“You’re trying to sell me on visiting with the rodents?” Bec lifted an eyebrow, though her mind continued to whirl. Her first visit to Snowden Manor had been disastrous. But then again, up to that point, she’d assumed Lincoln was as footloose and fancy free as she was, so part of her reaction had just been the shock.
And while she wasn’t quite sure she’d ever be up to hosting dinner parties or playing the role of a great lady, playing the role of being with Lincoln and their baby was something she could do.
“I can see mentioning the rodents was a mistake. But even if you stay here, we wouldn’t be apart for long periods of time. We could juggle. So, what do you say?”
“Yes.” Her voice came out not much louder than a whisper. “If you think we can make this work, then it’s what I want.”
“It’s what I want, too,” he said as he reached out and dragged her toward him. The air left her lungs, and her feet left the ground. “More than anything.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.” She sighed, and then everything else was forgotten.
Chapter Nine
“No, it’s the November the twenty-first, this year,” Lincoln repeated as he rubbed his brow.
“But that’s almost Thanksgiving,” the potential bride repeated like an audio loop. “It doesn’t make sense.”
“And yet, that’s the date.” Lincoln decided to bring the call to call to a close since he doubted Nina from Brooklyn was going to take up his offer of a free wedding. Sure enough, after repeating the date a few more times, she finally hung up.
He got to his feet and ran his hand through his hair, then he caught sight of one the sketches he’d done of Bec. She’d been smiling as she paraded around with a pillow under her shirt, trying to imagine what she’d look like when her bump grew.
His mood immediately improved. It had been five days since he’d taken the notebook to her and told her what he wanted.
And she wanted it, too.
He smiled. Their time in Italy together had been mind-blowing, but it was nothing compared to now. Now was brain-melting. Skin-burning. Wild
Perfect.
Well, apart from the fact he hadn’t found a bride and groom yet. But, he was getting closer. A lovely couple from Texas had been interested, but then the groom’s father had been hospitalized and they wanted to wait until his health improved. And Theo was still scouting for him.
Again Lincoln toyed with suggesting he and Bec get married, but try as he might, he couldn’t picture Bec standing at the alter in front of the wishing bridge. Plus, they were building a relationship and adjusting to the fact they were going to be parents. It was unfair not to leave some excitement until next year. Once the estate was secure, their new life could begin. Which meant he needed to keep searching.
He picked up his cell and returned several more calls. None of them were successful, and so he pushed the phone to one side and went back to the quarterly accounts Howard had emailed him. After that, he went over all the details of the investment meeting. He was due to fly back in three days and set in motion the things that would change his life. He pushed back his chair and checked the time.
It was almost lunchtime. He grinned.
Yesterday he’d noticed one of the stores sold picnic hampers full of local produce, and so he’d planned a menu to appeal to Bec’s vaguely disgusting eating habits and arranged for Stan to collect it and then drive Lincoln out to the farm.
He grabbed his jacket, said a quick good-bye to Elvis, and bounded down the stairs to where his elderly hostess was wielding a broomstick in the air. He hurried over.
“Need a hand?”
“There’s a cobweb I can’t quite reach.” Miss Dottie frowned as she glanced up at the ceiling.
“Let me.” Lincoln plucked the broom out of her hands and reached for the cobweb in question. It didn’t take long, and when he handed her back the broom, she smiled at him.
“Thank you. You’ve been such a good help.”
“Anyone would’ve done the same,” Lincoln assured her, since during his short stay, it had become apparent Miss Dottie was much beloved by the small township.
“Yes, but if anyone else had helped me they might’ve figured out I was about to sell the place, and then I’d have vultures everywhere.” Miss Dottie put the broom behind the counter then brushed her hands on the electric-blue apron tied around her waist. It perfectly matched the blue hat she was wearing.
“You’re selling?” Lincoln arched his brow as he looked around the orange and pink trimmed room. It was filled with dolls, movie posters, and lampshades covered in glitter, all suiting the current owner rather than a prospective buyer. “I thought you loved it here.”
“I do, but that doesn’t mean I won’t love it somewhere else. Plus, I stayed here for so long because it was the only bed and breakfast in town, but now with all these new-fangled boutique businesses popping up, not to mention Airbnb, there are plenty of other places to stay.”
“Yes, but they don’t have an Elvis room. Or you,” Lincoln said, still not sure what to make of her news.
“You’re a sweet boy, but my mind’s made up. As soon as I can find someone who deserves this place, I’m selling it. Because you know, I’ve still got some adventure in me.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Lincoln grinned, trying to imagine just what kind of adventures his eccentric hostess might get up to. He was sure she could rival Bec. Then he frowned. “Though, that means I might not be able to stay here each time I’m in town.”
“Well, of course not. You’ll be staying with Bec Watson in the cottage at the bottom of the farm. You know, I remember when it was Ivy’s old tractor shed.”
“Good point,” he acknowledged just as he caught sight of Stan’s taxi pulling up outside. “And I’m sorry to go, but I’m off to take Bec on a picnic.”
“A picnic in this weather?”
“What do you mean?” Lincoln’s eyes crinkled. Despite the fact it was the beginning of November, the day was cloudless and birds were darting back and forth like it was spring. “It’s perfect.”
“Looks can be deceiving Lincoln Mathews. Any fool can tell it’s going to rain.”
“We
ll, lucky I’m from England.” He grinned as he walked over to the stand in the reception area where he’d left his umbrella. “Because it means I’m prepared for anything.”
…
“Okay, if I get one more delivery to the house today, I swear I’ll scream,” Pepper muttered, while Bec and Emmy exchanged glances. It had been five days since Lincoln had told Bec how he felt, told her he wanted to make it work. Five days and five long, delicious nights. The flipside was Lincoln had started ordering all the baby things they needed and getting them delivered to the farmhouse.
“What is it this time?” Emmy, always the peacekeeper got to her feet, her brown eyes glittering with excitement. “I wonder if it’s the breast pump he was looking at?”
“Spare me the details.” Pepper shuddered. “Now, I wanted to check whether either of you has replied to that email about a fifties-themed wedding.”
“Oh.” Bec flushed as she turned to Emmy. “I thought you were going to.”
“No, because I have to arrange the photo shoot for the catalogue. Plus, I was finishing off the details of the engagement party in two weeks.” Emmy looked equally guilty before Pepper cut them off.
“Fine. I’ll reply to her and do a blog post for the new website,” their sister snapped, her eyes glittering. “I guess this is how it’s going to be now, anyway.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Bec folded her arms.
“Well, you’re going to be having a baby, and Emmy’s turned into a globetrotter. So, it looks like I’ll be the one stuck running this business on my own.”
“That’s not true,” Bec retorted. She reminded herself Pepper was only lashing out because she was lonely and probably hadn’t had her second cup of coffee for the day. Still, it was difficult. “I told you, Lincoln and I are going to juggle things, and Emmy will do the same. You’re free to go back to Seattle whenever you want.”
“And let more things fall through the cracks? I’m not even the one who wanted to save this farm, yet I’m doing all the work.”
“Pepper, we’re all committed to this. Especially Bec,” Emmy snapped, and both the sisters turned to her in surprise, since Emmy wasn’t known for her temper. But before anyone could reply, Lincoln appeared in the doorway, an old basket by his side. Raindrops glistened from his blond hair, despite the umbrella in his other hand.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” he said.
“Definitely not.” Bec raced over to him. She stood up on her toes and kissed him. His skin was wet against her cheek, but the warmth of his mouth immediately eased the tension of the argument with her sisters, and she paused and savored it before pulling away. “But how did you even get here? Don’t tell me you walked.”
“Stan dropped me off at the bottom of the driveway. Said he had to see Rita about something called Samgate. I was too confused to ask for an explanation. Anyway, it only started to rain once he pulled away.”
Emmy gave a knowing smile. “Rita runs the cattery, and last week a cat called Sammy escaped. He ran through three houses, knocked over a vase, broke a television, and left a calling card in the middle of a Persian rug. And yes, before you comment, that’s life in Sunshine.”
“No judgment from me. In my neck of the woods we have an annual cheese rolling competition. Of which I’m the reigning champion.” He grinned, and while Emmy laughed, Pepper snorted and marched out of the room. Lincoln looked worried. “Is she okay? I didn’t mean for the idea of living between here and England to cause a problem between you and your sister.”
“Don’t worry about her,” Emmy assured him. “Pepper’s bark has always been worse than her bite. She just needs to get used to the idea, and she’ll be fine.”
“Ditto that,” said Bec. “I stopped listening to her the day she convinced me to get a bowl cut so people would take me more seriously. I was fifteen and ended up looking like a hobbit.” She slipped her hand into his. “So, did you really come to take me on a picnic?”
“I did, but I obviously didn’t count on the weather. Not my smartest move.”
“I don’t know.” Bec tugged him toward her. He might be wet now, but there were many ways to get dry. “We could figure something out.”
“And that’s my cue to leave.” Emmy jumped to her feet.
“You don’t need to go on my account. There’s enough food for all of us.” Lincoln flushed, as if guilty he’d managed to clear the kitchen of her sisters. Bec grinned. What an excellent skill to have. Fewer sisters equaled more naked. My kind of math.
“I know, but I promised Christopher I’d run some errands in town.”
“See? She needs to run errands.” Bec snaked her arms around Lincoln’s neck and once again found his mouth. The heat of his body burned her skin. He let out a soft groan as he lifted her up and carried her to the door. Bec wrapped her legs around his waist as the kiss deepened. The rain was still falling, but she hardly noticed as he carried her down the hill to the cottage. Had she mentioned she loved her life?
…
“How did it go?” Lincoln asked when Bec appeared in the doorway of the cottage. The rain, which had begun two days ago, was still evident, as moisture clung to her short, dark hair, but nothing could detract from the way her blue eyes were twinkling. He put down the hammer and crossed the room in three strides, ignoring the baby cot he’d finished assembling.
Old Charlie had offered to help but Lincoln had refused, before discovering that flat packed furniture was the work of the devil. Growing up in a house filled with furniture handed down from generation to generation meant he’d never experienced the torture of trying to screw together two pieces of wood that didn’t want to fit. He’d been tempted to go and hunt down Emmy’s partner for help, before remembering Christopher was busy cooking a big lunch he’d insisted on throwing. Lincoln suspected there might be an engagement announcement so hadn’t wanted to throw a spanner in the works.
“We got the booking.” Bec pirouetted into his arms, her perfume an essence of sunshine and flowers. Her mouth searched for his, and Lincoln dragged her closer, squeezing away the space between them. Space was so overrated.
“Of course you did,” he said as she finally broke the kiss. “Those twins didn’t stand a chance against the three Watson girls.”
“We were pretty sensational.” Bec’s mouth found his once again, her arms wrapping around his waist.
“So, tell me the details.”
“Well…” Bec’s hand trailed away from his cheek, and she threaded her way through to the small kitchen, where she would no doubt find the salted caramels he’d bought for her. “It’s going to be a double wedding in April, with four hundred guests. It will be the biggest thing we’ve done. Even better, Pepper was like a truffle hound and refused to budge on the price, which means the farm will finally be out of trouble. Oh, you bought me caramels and assembled the crib?”
“I thought they’d be a good way to celebrate.”
“Even though you didn’t know if we’d get the gig?” Bec raised an eyebrow as she crammed a caramel into her mouth.
“I knew,” he assured her as she climbed up onto the kitchen bench and crossed her legs. It was pure Bec, and desire flooded through him.
“Yeah, me too!” She grinned. “Oh and if you keep smiling like that, we’ll never get up to the farmhouse in time for this lunch Christopher’s been promising. And then I’ll be forced to tell them it was your fault.”
“I can’t even begin to imagine what Pepper would do to me if I ruined the lunch.” Lincoln shuddered, remembering the conversation he’d overheard. “I know you said she’ll come around, but while I’m in her bad books, I have to take care.”
“Really? You’re scared of Pepper?” Bec asked as she reluctantly climbed down from the kitchen bench and headed to the front door, managing to avoid a bottle of sterilizer as she went. “Because I’ve met your mom, and she can be pretty daunting.”
“You’re right,” he acknowledged as he followed her over, resisting the
urge to tug away her clothing and kiss her entire body. “I guess I just know her pain. I know how difficult her life has been.”
Bec bit into her lower lip, as if considering what he’d said, then nodded. “I know what you mean. Every time Pepper stomps around, something inside my gut reminds me she’s lonely. Of course, it doesn’t stop her from telling everyone off. Oh, and for the record, she did feel bad you overheard it. I think she’s mellowing in her old age.”
“I didn’t mean to cause problems between you.”
“You haven’t. I have to pinch myself to believe we’re doing this.” Bec slowly walked toward him, her hips swaying and a soft smile on her mouth. “It’s really happening.”
“It certainly is,” he said, trying to keep his sanity as she reached him and ran her nails over his bare skin. He ached from her touch. “What about Christopher’s lunch?”
“They can all wait. Because first we need to celebrate.” Bec’s fingers turned their attention to the button on his jeans, then he was lost.
Chapter Ten
“Ah, the case of the missing lord is solved,” Theo said when Lincoln finally returned his brother’s numerous phone calls. “Where have you been?”
Spending time with Bec. Being happy. Drawing. Laughing. Being Lincoln Mathews, not Lord Ashford.
“It’s a long story.” Lincoln walked around his room while Elvis smiled at him from every direction.
“Correction. I’m guessing it’s a very short story. Three letters. First letter is ‘B.’ Am I right?” Theo demanded, sounding very proud of himself. Lincoln sat down on the bed.
“You might be warm. And sorry I haven’t called. I’ve had a lot going on.”
“That makes two of us,” Theo said. “Because I still can’t find a couple who wants to get married. Do you think I need to get a new set of friends?”
“More than likely,” Lincoln said, based on the numerous stories his brother had told him over the last year. Not that he was unduly concerned about his quest for a bride and groom.
