Nanny for the Rancher
Page 11
“Who else could it be? You’re the only man I’ve slept with since Wendy’s father abandoned me when I was six months pregnant with her. That’s why I wanted you to come for dinner. I didn’t feel right telling you over the phone.”
“I’m going to be a father?”
“I hope it doesn’t cause too many problems, us not being married, and me already having a kid.”
He pushed his chair back and came around the table. She thought he was going to hug her but he dropped to one knee instead. “Marry me.”
“You don’t have to do this, Gavin. I raised one child alone …”
“And you did a wonderful job. But I don’t just want to be the father; I want to be a dad. I want you and Wendy to come live with me. If that’s all you want that’s fine, but I want to be involved with this baby.”
“What about my job?”
“I’ll hire you. You can be the administrative assistant at Asher Ranch. It was always a family business from the start.”
“What about everyone in town? What will they say if we don’t get married?”
“I don’t give a damn, Lillian I have never cared one bit about what anyone in town thought of me. But I will not stand for them hurting Wendy. If she’ll tell me who hurt her I can promise that those families will not be invited to the wedding, if there is a wedding.”
“I don’t know, I mean I was so worried you’d just walk out that I didn’t even think of what to say if you proposed.”
“I love you Lillian, you’re beautiful, you’re easy to talk to, you fit in my life like you’ve always been there and my mom adores you. Marry me. Let’s be a family, a team …”
“Okay!” she laughed. “Yes, I’ll marry you!”
He pulled her out of her chair. “Which one is your bedroom?”
“Gavin! What about supper?”
“Casserole makes for good leftovers. I want you, Lillian, I’ve missed you. We’ve got the whole evening to ourselves, let’s celebrate.” He kissed her breathless.
“Okay, let’s celebrate. You know, I love you too.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
Epilogue
The wedding was held the weekend of Valentine’s Day. Lillian was just beginning to show her pregnancy but the cut of her white beaded dress hid it beautifully, not that the whole town wasn’t already talking about it. True to his word Gavin had refused to send invitations to the school principal or to the parents of the students who had bullied Wendy. He’d gone so far as to stand at the back of the church and turn people away before the ceremony.
Lillian’s parents came from the city nearly a week before the wedding. It was the first time they’d seen Wendy since she was two weeks old. They spent some time talking and by the day of the wedding they had reconciled whatever it was that had driven them apart years earlier.
Wendy got a beautiful gold dress and new shoes and she and Lillian and Courtney and Lillian’s mom had all gone to the city the day before the wedding to get their nails done. Lillian did Wendy’s make-up and when she was done the ten-year-old looked much older.
Lillian smiled. “You’re going to be beautiful when you grow up.”
The town hall was packed with people, even with a few dozen left off the list. The food was delicious, the music was beautiful, and everyone laughed and talked all through dinner.
When the tinkling glasses started Gavin stood up and pulled Lillian to her feet. He dipped her and kissed her until everyone was whistling and clapping. When he stood her up again he said, “Oh boy, wow,” and everyone in the room laughed. She leaned into his chest, tears of happiness streaming from her eyes and for the first time ever, was home.
THE END.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristina King is the naughty alter ego of a paralegal who wants to keep her kinky side separate from her corporate life.
Along with burritos, Kristina is obsessed with big sexy men. Right now that obsession is manifesting itself in shape-shifting werewolves and stinking rich ranchers! Clearly, she has a soft spot for the rugged outdoorsy type (she's been married to one for 12 years). However, she has no shortage of experience with corporate CEO men and finds a lot of inspiration at the office!
Kristina and her husband love hiking and exploring with their German Shepherd, Homer. When she's not working or hiking Kristina loves weaving plots she hopes her readers will enjoy.
Join her mailing list for an advanced review copy of Marrying the Rancher here. Kristina loves hearing from her readers, feel free to drop her a note at authorkristinaking@gmail.com.
Keeping it classy, but always with a dash of trashy!
Kristina ;-)
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