by SJ McCoy
“She was asking how long it would take. Jared said that they’d have to wait a while. That he didn’t want it to be as soon as the children came. That they should wait a couple of months, even though he was dreading having to spend all that time married to me and even more so having to put up with a couple of brats.”
Sierra shook her head sadly. “I just stood there trying to wrap my head around it. I couldn’t understand what he meant. Then Lori asked how he could be sure that I’d die in the accident and if he was absolutely sure that he’d get everything when I died. He said that Aiden, that’s his friend who’s a lawyer, had assured him that as long as the children died with me, there’d be nothing standing in the way. He told her that she was amazing for having talked me out of getting a prenup. I feel so stupid. She did talk me out of it. Jared and I had had a fight when I asked him to sign one. Then Lori kept telling me that I didn’t need one and that if a man asked her to sign one, it’d feel like he didn’t love her. She thought Jared was in the right, and I was in the wrong. I thought she was looking out for me, trying to save my relationship. It turned out she was looking out for him – and for herself, since she expected him to be with her after he killed me. I think I’ve been a very weak woman these last few years. I let them manipulate me, and I went against my own instincts because they made me feel bad about myself.”
Wade squeezed her hand. He knew how easily that could happen – and not just to women.
“So, I stood there outside the bathroom, listening to them talk about how long he’d have to put up with me before he could kill me and the children. And then he was praising her for talking me out of a prenup. And then …” Sierra’s lip curled in disgust. “He said he wanted to show her how pleased he was with her.” She shuddered. “I really couldn’t imagine that he was going to do what it sounded like. So, I peeked through the crack in the door. I so wish I hadn’t. He had her bent over the vanity and …” She shuddered again. “Yeah.” She looked at Tyler. “So, that’s how I found out. I wanted to throw up, but I just turned around and ran. I went back down to the concierge desk and told Francis that I needed to get out of there. I called Amelia but I didn’t even stop for her. I panicked. I know logically that there’d be no point in him killing me before we were married, but I had it in my head that if he caught me, he’d do it anyway. I rented the SUV and started driving. I was heading north on I-15 before I knew what I was doing, and that’s when it occurred to me that Cassidy lives up here. I put her address in the navigation and I was heading for her house when I lost a game of chicken with a deer and ended up in a ditch.”
She gave Ford a rueful smile and then looked up into Wade’s eyes. “And you guys know everything that’s happened since then.”
She looked around at them. “So, there you have it. My sorry tale.”
Wade squeezed her hand. “I’d call it your lucky escape.”
She smiled. “Thanks. You’re right. I need to look at it that way. I am lucky. I escaped with my life.”
“And what do you plan to do next?” asked Ford.
Sierra shrugged. “I don’t know. I talked to Barney this morning. He’s angry. He said he’s going to look into it. But he thought it was best if I stay out of the way. And I agree. I don’t want to go home, and no one expects me back in my life for the next two weeks anyway – I’m supposed to be on my honeymoon. My friend Cassidy said she’ll be home tomorrow. I’ll go and see her and then, I don’t know. Knowing Cass, she’ll want to catch up. But after that … I guess I’ll try to get in touch with Dax. I could go and stay at his place. He’s away and Jared doesn’t know where he lives.”
Wade’s heart sank. He didn’t want her to leave. This time he didn’t wait for one of the others to speak first. “You should stay here.”
Her gray eyes glowed from within as they looked into his. “I …”
His heart was pounding as he waited to hear her answer.
“He’s right,” said Ford. “I doubt Jared would come looking for you. At least not to harm you. Since it sounds like he doesn’t know what you heard and saw, he might think he still stands a chance of persuading you to go home and marry him. But I don’t think you’re likely to go for that, are you?”
“Oh, heck no!”
“Then I think this place is your best bet. Jared doesn’t know we exist. You have all of us to look out for you. Plus, it’s a big ranch. He wouldn’t be able to get near you because he won’t be able to get on the property.”
Wade looked down into her eyes and nodded. Everything Ford had said made sense, but none of it was the main reason he wanted her to stay. “Say you’ll stay?”
She ran her tongue over her bottom lip and nodded slowly. “Thank you.”
He was lost in her eyes, mesmerized by her plump pink lips. It’d be all too easy to lean in and kiss her. Her eyelids drifted closed. She felt it too, he could see it.
“Welcome aboard, little sis!” Wade sat back in a hurry and Sierra’s eyes flew open at Tanner’s words. He’d raised his bottle in a toast and was smiling at them.
“Thank you, guys.” She smiled around at them as they all clinked their bottles against her glass.
Ford caught Wade’s gaze and cocked an eyebrow at him. Whatever his question was, Wade didn’t know the answer. All he knew was that he was thrilled that she planned to stay at the ranch – even though he also knew that he shouldn’t be.
Chapter Seven
“I’m glad we’re the same shoe size, but you might want to keep Wade’s clothes on when you see mine.”
Sierra followed Jane up the steps to her cottage and waited while she let them in. “You’re all so kind. I appreciate it more than you can imagine.”
Jane stopped inside the living room and smiled her warm smile. “Honestly, I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. I can’t believe how well you’re holding up. You’re amazing.”
“I’m an idiot, is what I am. While I sat there telling you and your brothers everything that’s happened, I heard it the way it must sound. It’s so easy to see it now. I was just a stupid, stupid woman too caught up in grief to be able to see that I was being set up all along.”
Jane patted her arm. “It might be easy to see from the outside, but it’s not so simple when you’re the one going through it. Don’t be hard on yourself. No one thinks badly of you.”
Sierra rolled her eyes. “Your brothers could see it. And they’re right. I was too trusting. I let Jared and Lori manipulate me. I mean, come on. Who in their right mind would let their friend talk them out of asking for a prenup?”
Jane chuckled. “I’m probably not the right person to ask about that. I don’t have anything that anyone would want to take from me in a divorce – except maybe custody of my fur babies. But then I’m hardly likely to get married anyway so …” She shrugged.
“Why not?” asked Sierra. “You don’t want to?”
Jane laughed. “Have you seen me? No guy’s ever going to fall for me. I’m the frumpy dumpy one. I’m the kind of girl who guys turn to to talk about the girls they are interested in.”
Sierra felt bad. She’d had some uncharitable thoughts about the way Jane looked when she first saw her. But she was an absolute sweetheart. “Any guy would be lucky to get you.”
Jane just laughed again. “It’s okay. I know what I am. I’m okay with me. Achilles! Come down!”
Sierra startled at the sudden change in Jane’s tone. She followed her gaze to see a huge orange cat sitting on top of the curtain rail. “Oh, my goodness!”
Jane laughed and went to the curtain. She held her arm up and the cat stretched before walking nonchalantly down her arm and proceeding to drape itself around her neck, looking for all the world like a fox stole.
“Sierra, meet Achilles. Achilles, Sierra. He’s the main man in my life at the moment.”
Sierra jumped when a low woof came from the kitchen.
“You weren’t supposed to hear that, Boo.” Jane jerked her head toward the kitchen. “He thinks
he’s my main man. Come on. I’ll introduce you.”
Sierra watched in wonder as the cat stayed wound around Jane’s neck as she walked into the kitchen. There, a big old hound dog greeted them. He rubbed against Jane’s leg and then came and sat himself down in front of Sierra. He looked up at her with big soulful eyes and held out his paw.
Sierra looked at Jane, not sure if he was begging for a treat, or what he wanted. She wasn’t used to animals.
Jane laughed. “He wants to shake hands with you. He’s pleased to meet you.”
“Oh! Well, forgive my manners.” Sierra took hold of his paw and shook with him. When she let go, he shuffled his butt across the floor until he was right next to her and then leaned against her leg, still looking up into her eyes.
“You old devil, Boo!” said Jane.
“Is he okay?”
Jane laughed. “He’s happier than a pig in … mud! You have just gotten yourself a new admirer. He’s gone and fallen in love with you.”
Sierra looked down at him. His tongue was hanging out the side of his mouth as he panted, and his big eyes looked back adoringly into hers. “Well, I’m flattered. I think.” She looked at Jane. “Forgive my cynicism, but given my recent experiences, I hope you’ll understand me asking: does he do this to everyone? Is this his way to get me to feed him?”
“No. I can see why you’d ask. But Boo’s not that kind of guy. He ignores most people. Doesn’t have the time for them. And he’s not the type to be motivated by food. It seems that he’s just taken a shine to you. He doesn’t do ulterior motives, so you can relax and enjoy some straightforward adoration.”
Sierra rubbed the dog’s ears, warmth spreading through her chest as he seemed to smile back at her. “Well, thank you, Boo. Straightforward adoration is like a balm to this girl’s heart right now.”
Boo let out another low woof, which seemed to convey that he understood and was happy to help.
When she straightened up, Jane was trying to hide a smile.
“What?”
“I probably shouldn’t say it, but Boo isn’t the only one who adores you.”
Sierra’s heart leaped into her mouth. She’d tried to keep her mind off Wade all day. Tried to not notice the way he made her feel. Shoot. Jane might not even be talking about him – but what else could she mean?
“Sorry. I shouldn’t go there. Should I?” Jane tilted her head to the side in question.
“I … I’m not sure where you’re going. So, I don’t know how to answer.”
Jane laughed. “I think you have an idea. I’m talking about Wade. He’s besotted with you. And that’s not like him.”
“It’s not?” She shouldn’t feel so relieved. But he was a good-looking guy. Maybe he took a shine to a lot of girls.
“No. He doesn’t date much. And I’ve never seen him act the way he is with you.”
Sierra dropped her gaze and looked up at Jane from under her lashes. “I know it’s crazy, given the circumstances, but I may have the teeniest bit of a crush on your brother.”
Jane laughed and clapped her hands together. “I wasn’t sure. I can see how he feels. But I wasn’t sure if you were just grateful to him for helping you out.”
“Oh. I’m definitely grateful. In fact, at first, I tried to convince myself that that’s all it was. But it’s not. There’s something there.” She looked over her shoulder as if there might be someone waiting to hear her confession. “There’s this connection. It’s crazy. I feel more drawn to Wade than I ever did to Jared. I don’t know. Maybe it’s just a reaction to everything that’s happened. Maybe it’s some kind of hero worship because he found me on the side of the road and came to the rescue.”
“Maybe. But Ford was with him. You don’t feel that way about Ford, do you?”
Sierra shook her head a little too rapidly. “No!” And then she remembered that Ford was Jane’s brother, too. “I mean, I’m grateful to him for being there and for helping. And he was so wonderful today, making me an honorary little sister – that was such a kind gesture. But …” She gave Jane a shy smile. “He’s not like Wade.”
“No. He isn’t. And don’t worry. I know what you mean. He’s a good guy, but he’s tougher. We joke that there’s a divide in the family; the dark side and the light side. Ford is undoubtedly darker.”
“That’s what I thought when I first saw him. Not dark in a bad way, just dark and brooding. While Wade, he’s more like … sunshine.”
Jane laughed. “Yep. You’ve got the two of them figured. Anyway. Instead of standing here figuring out the men in the family, we need to find you some clothes. If we take too long, Wade will be over here to check you’re okay. I’m sure.”
Sierra couldn’t hide her smile as she followed Jane to her bedroom. She loved the idea of Wade wanting to check on her. She already missed him, and it had only been a few minutes since it had been decided that Jane could bring her to find some clothes to borrow.
Jane opened her closet and looked back at Sierra. “I wasn’t joking when I said that you might prefer to keep Wade’s things on than wear any of mine, you know.”
“Well, since we’re being so honest with each other, I’ll admit that I do like wearing his things. It feels like just one more way that he’s taking care of me.”
Jane chuckled. “I thought as much. It’s like in high school, wearing your boyfriend’s jacket, right?”
“I suppose so, but I wouldn’t know. I was never allowed to have boyfriends. Is that what you did?”
Jane laughed out loud. “I never had a boyfriend in high school and not because I wasn’t allowed. Just that no one was interested. I’ve always been the frumpy dumpy one.”
“I wish you wouldn’t say that about yourself. You’re pretty.”
“Oh, please! I know how I look. I’m okay with me.”
Sierra sat down on the bed, while Jane rifled through her closet. “Do you mind if I ask why?”
“Why what?”
“Why you don’t … ugh. I don’t want this to come out wrong. You call yourself frumpy dumpy and say you know how you look. Why don’t you do something about it? Gosh! That sounded awful! I don’t mean that you need to or that you should or anything. I’m so sorry. I don’t mean to be rude. I just …”
“It’s okay. I’m not offended. I know what you mean. I could make more of myself if I tried. I know that. But no matter how much I did, it wouldn’t be enough. I tried when I was younger, but it was like fighting a losing battle. So, I gave up.”
Sierra wanted to ask her to explain, but she’d already been rude enough.
Jane smiled. “I wish you were going to stick around. I think we’d become good friends, you and me. We’re comfortable enough with each other to share our secrets already. You told me about Wade, and for some reason, I’m going to tell you what most of my family doesn’t even know.”
“I hope we will become friends. You can come and visit me. I’ll come back and see you.” Sierra reached out and touched Jane’s arm. “I’d love for us to become real friends.”
Jane squeezed her hand. “I hope so. I’d like that. And maybe if I come and see you in San Francisco, I’ll make the effort to look nicer.”
“No! You don’t need to do that. You’re lovely just the way you are. I wasn’t trying to change you. I was only curious.”
“I know. Most people try to give me advice about what I could and should do. Hair, makeup, clothes. As if they think I’m stupid and don’t realize it. You didn’t do that. You asked me why – like you actually want to know.”
“I do.” Sierra smiled. “I want to know what makes my new friend tick.”
Jane blew out a sigh. “I’m a twin. Did you know that?”
“No! One of the boys?”
“No. I have a twin sister, Laney. We’re not identical.”
“Oh, she lives in Kentucky? Is that right?”
“Yeah. She works with horses.”
“Are the two of you close?”
“We are …”
“But?”
“I love her dearly. She loves me, too. But our personalities are as different as our looks. She’s beautiful. And she’s outgoing and feisty and …” Jane shrugged. “Laney got the personality and the looks.”
Sierra frowned but didn’t dare interrupt.
“I know you want to speak up in my defense and I love you for it. But it is what it is. When we were born, my mom named us Laney and Janey. But it was obvious even when we were small that Laney was the pretty one and I was plain. My dad stopped calling me Janey. He used to tell people that I was plain Jane. And it stuck.”
“Oh. That’s awful. I’m so sorry.”
“I’m used to it. I went through a stage in my early teens when I thought I’d be like the ugly duckling and turn out to be a swan. I tried makeup and saved up to buy nice clothes. But no one noticed me. The boys were all after Laney. And I got along with animals better than I got along with boys anyway.” She reached up and scratched Achilles’ ears. He rewarded her by rubbing his head against her cheek and purring loudly.
“But Laney moved away?”
“Yeah. She had some stuff of her own going on. But I think she might have stayed if it weren’t for me. See, I got friendly with a boy up in town. I really thought he liked me for me. But then he started asking about her. I was just a way for him to get close to her. One night, I saw him drop her off back here and watched from my bedroom window when he kissed her in his truck. I was so jealous. I yelled at her when she came up to our room. It wasn’t fair. I hadn’t told her that I liked him or that I thought he liked me. She didn’t know. But I told her she was selfish. Told her that my life was miserable because of her and I was sick of living in her shadow.” She blew out a sigh. “A few weeks after that she had a job lined up in Kentucky. I begged her not to go. Told her I didn’t mean any of what I said. She told me that wasn’t the reason she was leaving, and like I said, she did have some stuff of her own going on. But I know it was part of the reason she went. She never meant to hurt me. She can’t help it that she’s the pretty, outgoing one. I miss her.” Jane blew out a sigh. “So, there you go. That’s my sad story. I chased my own sister away.”
