Charm School for Cowboys

by Meg Maxwell

  Emma, I’ve never been so disappointed...

  Now, as she looked out on the landmarks and shops and restaurants that had been such a huge part of her life for the past twenty-six years, she couldn’t imagine Oak Creek not being part of her world. But how could Oak Creek feel like her hometown once the farm was sold? How could she come back here?

  All this strife and stress couldn’t be good for Baby Violet. She needed to get her head together. Maybe a decaf iced latte with extra whip cream would help. She parked in front of the coffee shop and when she got out of her car, she heard someone call her name.

  Emma turned and there was her friend Olivia Mack with her aunt Sarah Mack. Olivia was a sight for a sore heart. Emma adored Olivia, who’d been so kind to her in her early days in Blue Gulch. Olivia trained her in cooking food for the Hurley’s Homestyle Kitchen food truck. But then Emma realized with a start that Sarah Mack was Jake’s birth mother. And Emma wasn’t wearing her engagement ring.

  Sarah’s eyes beelined right to Emma’s left hand. But clearly, thoman was too polite to say anything because she didn’t ask why she wasn’t wearing her ring or if everything was all right.

  “Emma,” Olivia said, her warm brown eyes thoughtful, “I hope you don’t mind me saying so, but you look very upset. If you’d like to sit down and talk, we’re good listeners.”

  Emma almost burst into tears. All she could do was nod. Sarah put her arm around Emma and led the way inside the coffee shop.

  With their coffee drinks and treats in hand, they found a table in the back, away from eavesdroppers. Oak Creek was a small town and Emma certainly wouldn’t want anything she said to be overheard.

  “I guess you might have noticed that I’m not wearing my engagement ring,” Emma said, squeezing her eyes shut for a second. “I’m just going to tell you the truth.” She launched into the whole story, ending with what just happened at her dad’s house.

  “Oh wow, Emma,” Olivia said. “I’m so sorry.”

  Sarah reached over and squeezed Emma’s hand.

  The support felt so good. She was so lucky she’d run into Olivia and Sarah. “The ring is sitting there on that coffee table in my father’s house. When I want nothing more than for it to be on my finger for real. What a mess this turned out to be. At first, I didn’t want to get married. Then I agreed to a fake engagement to save the farm. Then I fell in love with a fake fiancé who doesn’t love me back. And then I had to be honest with my dad and give back the ring. I’ve lost the farm and I’m going to lose Jake too.”

  “Emma, does Jake know how you feel about him?” Sarah asked.

  For a moment, Emma was struck by how much Jake looked like his birth mother. Though Jake had dark hair and Sarah’s was auburn, they both had the same beautiful green eyes and strong, straight nose.

  “No. How could I tell him? Jake is a stand-up guy. He stepped up to save my mother’s house for me. How could I lay on him that I love him and do want a life with him when that’s not what he signed up for? He was so clear in the beginning that he didn’t want a relationship. And anyway, he said this morning at breakfast that he’d be relieved when the whole fake engagement thing came to an end.”

  Olivia broke off a piece of peanut butter brownie. “Maybe because, as it was for you, that got flipped on its head. Maybe he developed strong feelings for you too. And having to be in a fake relationship with someone you care about is hard on the heart, mind and soul.”

  Hope blossomed and Emma latched on to it. She knew that Olivia was the daughter of a popular fortune-teller who’d passed away last winter. Sometimes, just from listening to Olivia talk or watching the effect her po’boys and cannoli had on her customers at the food truck, Emma got the sense that Olivia had special abilities of her own. The pretty young woman just seemed to know things—and her food seemed to lift spirits and moods. Or maybe Emma was crazy and seeing what wasn’t there. She just knew the conviction in Olivia’s voice came from a place Emma could believe in. That helped.

  But still. “So I just walk up to him and say, ‘Hey Jake, is there any chance that you might love me? Because I love you and if you love me, let’s get that out in the open.’”

  Sarah laughed. “Sounds a little nutty, but yes. Or, since you’re being very brave and honest with yourself and your father, just tell Jake how you feel. And see what happens.”

  Tell Jake how she felt? And have to watch his handsome face as he said the words that would break her heart in a million pieces. Emma, I’m sorry, but I don’t feel that way. I proposed to help you out. I went along with the fake engagement to help you out. But now that you went and told your dad the truth, we’re kind of done here.

  Okay, she knew he wouldn’t say that, exactly. But she knew she’d get exactly what she’d said she always wanted: to be on her own.

  What was that old adage about being careful what you wished for?

  “That goes for your dad too, Emma,” Olivia said. “How can he sell your family home? You said he was talking about your mom earlier. Maybe now that he’s had some time to think about how far you went to try to save the house, he’ll soften a bit.”

  “I don’t know. He was very upset. But I can give it one last try.”

  Sarah nodded. “One thing I’ve learned is that you always have to give it that last try. Sometimes that’s when everything comes together.”

  Emma took a deep breath and another sip of her decaf latte. “Yes. One last try. I’ll plead my case. I’m going to tell my dad I’m sorry for lying to him, but that the house and farm mean so much to me that I thought I had to play this crazy game. I’ll state my case that I’m a strong, self-sufficient woman who can and will be a good mother on my own. And if he still decides to sell, well, I’ll know I tried.”

  “And Jake?” Olivia asked, her brown eyes prodding.

  How could she not try? Was she willing to walk away from the man she loved just like that? No.

  “And Jake. One last try. I’m going to tell him how I feel. If he says, ‘Sorry, it was all for show, all for the fake engagement,’ at least I’ll know I told him, that I put myself out there. That’s what brave, strong self-sufficient women do, right?”

  “Yes,” Sarah said. “It’s the only thing any of us can do. We can just be honest with ourselves and others and put the truth out there.”

  “Thank you both so much for talking this through with me,” Emma said. “I hope Jake won’t be upset that I spilled the beans to you, particularly, Sarah. I know he’d have preferred to tell you himself.”

  “Well, we’re friends, Emma,” Sarah said. “And friends help each other when it’s needed. So no worries. I’m sure Jake will understand.”

  Emma smiled, hugged Olivia and Sarah and then hurried to her car. She wanted to talk to her father as soon as possible.

  As she drove to the house, she wondered if her dad would even listen to her. Or see her. He was angry—clearly. But surely he’d understand why she’d gone to such lengths to keep the house in the family.

  There was no way Reginald Hurley could want to sell his late wife’s homestead and legacy. Especially with a grandchild on the way.

  Of course. Now that her dad had had some time to cool down, they would talk and try to reach some kind of common ground.

  As Emma approached her family home, her heart slowed and the blood drained from her face. She pulled over, her stomach lurching.

  No. No, no, no.

  There was a for-sale sign in the front yard.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Jake had been stalking around the house and pastures for the past two hours waiting for Emma to come home. Had she talked to her dad? What the hell had he said? Had they made up?

  Jake stopped pacing by the front door and looked out the windows at the darkening sky. Still no Emma. She and her father must have had a good talk, then. Otherw
ise, she would have been home in five minutes, a wreck about her dad planning to go through with his threat to sell the farm.

  He heard a car coming down the drive and went outside. Emma. He stood on the porch with Redford at his shin, waiting for her to get out of the car, but she didn’t. She was just sitting there. Not moving.

  Oh hell.

  He went over and opened the door. She was sobbing, her shoulders shaking. He reached in and scooped her into his arms and she let him, wrapping her own arms around his neck. He shut the car door with his foot and carried Emma in the house and upstairs to her room.

  Once inside he lay her down on the bed and she covered her face with her hands.

  “There’s a for-sale sign on the front lawn of my family home,” she said through ragged breaths. “I don’t know what hurts more—that he’d actually sell the place or that he doesn’t care how much it kills me.”

  “Oh hell,” he said for the millionth time that day. “I’m sorry, Emma. I really didn’t think he’d make good on his threat.”

  She closed her eyes and he lay down beside her, lifting her up a bit so that her head rested on his chest. He put his arms around her and just held her.

  The doorbell rang, the clang breaking the stillness in the room.

  “No idea who that could be,” Jake said. “I’d hate to ignore it in case it’s someone needing help.” He got up and went to the window and pushed aside the curtain. “Em—doesn’t your dad have a fancy silver SUV?”

  “Yes,” she said, confusion crossing her features. “Is it my dad?” She walked over to the window. “That’s his car. I guess he’s here to tell me about the house being for sale. A neighbor probably already made him an offer. The Sanders family have wanted the farm for ages.” Her face crumpled but she lifted her chin.

  The doorbell rang again. “Let’s go,” Jake said, taking her hand. “Together.”

  The bell rang again just as Jake opened the door. Reginald Hurley stood there, imposing as usual. He nodded at Jake and turned his attention to Emma.

  Hurley cleared his throat, and then he reached into his jacket pocket for a piece of paper that he unfolded. A flyer of some kind. “Emma, I thought you might be interested in this property for sale. I’ll sell it to you for one dollar.”

  Emma moved closer and looked at the flyer. It was a picture of her family home. Her mother’s farm. All the pertinent information was listed below.

  Emma’s mouth dropped open. “Wait. What?”

  “Reginald, why don’t you come in?” Jake said, opening the door wider. The man stepped in. Jake closed the door behind him, and then they all went into the living room.

  Reginald sat down on the sofa. “I’ve been thinking about what I said when you were over earlier. About the compromises your mother had me make. They were tough on me, I don’t have to tell you that.”

  Emma managed a smile. “I know, Dad.”

  “I had a plan for you, Emma. High school valedictorian. A good college, but close enough to commute. A good job in a dependable industry. Then marriage. Starting a family. Staying at home with your children. A good life.” He leaned back against the sofa.

  “So far, none of that has happened,” she said.

  Reginald almost snorted. “I know. And when you left earlier, I sat there staring at the engagement ring I gave your mother. The one built on compromise. When I told you weeks ago that your mother would turn over in her grave to see you pregnant and alone and working for room and board as a cook on a ranch, I was wrong. Your mother would turn over in her grave to know how I’ve treated you.”

  Jake could see Emma blinking back tears. Hell, even he wanted to rush over to Reginald Hurley and hug the man.

  “Oh, Dad,” Emma said.

  “I don’t like it, Emma. Not one bit. You being pregnant and on your own. But it’s your life and my job as your father is to be there for you. Not turn my back.” His face tightened and now his own eyes glistened with tears. “I will never turn my back on you again, Emma. Never.”

  Emma stood up and rushed over to her father, flinging herelf into his arms. They hugged for a good minute.

  “I love you, Dad.”

  “I love you, Emma. With all my heart. But about the house. It’s just too darn big for me at this point. I want to downsize to a condo in town. The house is your legacy and belongs to you.” He reached into his pocket and pulled something out. Jake peered closer. The ring—her mother’s diamond that Jake had slid on Emma’s finger. His chest tightened. “Emma, I want you to have this. One day, if you want to marry, you’ll have it.”

  That earned Reginald Hurley another hug.

  The man stood, looking very much at peace with himself. “I’d better get going. I’ll have the paperwork drawn up for the sale. Get that dollar ready. See you soon, Emma?”

  She smiled. “Very soon, Dad. Can you come in for lunch at Hurley’s on Saturday? We can have the special after my shift. It’s your favorite that you never let yourself have. Chicken-fried steak and garlic mashed potatoes.”

  “It’s a date,” Reginald said. He glanced at Jake. “I’d like it if you joined us, Jake. I’d love to hear about the ranch and what it takes to start up a place like this. I always liked the idea of investing in therapeutic horses for kids and adults. I had a brother who benefited from that as a kid.”

  Jake extended his hand. “I’d love to talk more about that.”

  Emma was beaming. She hugged her dad goodbye again and they walked Reginald out to his car. Both watched the silver SUV drive away.

  “Wow,” Emma said. “I’m so dumbstruck with happiness I can’t even speak.”

  “I’m very happy for you, Emma. And relieved.” He took her hand and led the way into the living room. They both sat down on the sofa, turned to face each other.

  “I ran into your birth mother and her niece in Oak Creek a few hours ago. I was distraught over the talk with my dad and I ended up telling them everything. I hope that’s okay with you, Jake. I mean, I told Sarah that the engagement wasn’t real.”

  “It’s fine,” he said. “Don’t give that another thought.”

  “I’ll never forget what you did for me,” she said. “Hiring me in the first place. Proposing. The fake engagement. Thank you.”

  “I’d do it all again,” he said. His chest tightened up again. This was it. Where she said she would take it from here, be on her own.

  “Your birth mother gave me some advice.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “She said everything was about trying. That you had to try, put yourself out there. Especially one last time.”

  Jake nodded. “Sarah’s wise. I completely agree with that.” So stand up. Tell her how you feel. If she says, “sorry, I can’t,” at least you put it out there. At least she knows.

  He stood up.

  She stood up.

  “You first,” she said, biting her lip.

  He took both her hands. “Emma. Here’s the thing. I might have proposed to you to help you save your family house. I might have agreed to be fake engaged for that same reason. But the times I kissed you, that was because I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. And because when I look at you, when I think about you, when I talk to you, when I kiss you, I feel like I’m home. I feel like I’ve found forever. I love you so much I can’t breathe around you sometimes.”

  She gasped. “Jake.”

  “I know. You’re flattered. You appreciate all that. You care about me. But you want to be on your own right now. I understand that. I respect your feelings.” He turned away and walked to the window that looked out onto the goat pasture. He could see Goatby, that little devil, trying to butt the fence for another escape.

  He almost smiled at the thought of Goatby escaping the pen that day Emma first arrived, he and CJ chasing after him.
Coming home to dinner on the table.

  His life changed, just like that.

  Love had come. And now it was going.

  He heard her walk over to him, felt her press herself against his back, her arms wrap around his waist.

  He turned around and she looked up at him and kissed him, hard and passionately. “Okay, that wasn’t what I expected.”

  “Jake Morrow, when I realized how deeply in love with you I am, I did get pretty scared. I tried to talk myself out of it. But some truths are just too big.”

  She loved him too. Yes!

  He grinned and pulled her close, careful of her belly. “I know what you mean. I think I tried the same thing.”

  “I love you so much, Emma. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? For real.”

  “For real. Yes,” she said and reached up and kissed him.

  “Tell you what,” he said. “I’m going to make us a very romantic little snack involving chocolate and strawberries. You call your dad—put the man out of his misery.”

  Emma laughed. She pulled her phone from her pocket and pressed in her father’s number. “Dad? I have you on speaker. I thought you should be the first to know that I am really and truly—for real—engaged to marry Jake Morrow. I’m counting on you to walk me down the aisle this summer.”

  “I’m so happy for you, Emma,” Reginald said, his voice breaking. “I knew there was something between you two!”

  “Everybody did. We were the last to know. Well, we knew, but we both tried to hide from it. Turns out you can’t hide from love that big.”

  “No, you can’t. I tried with you and it hit me upside the head, didn’t it?”

  “Love you, Dad,” she said. When she pocketed her phone, her heart was so full she thought it might burst glitter all over the living room floor.