by Jaclyn Hardy
Chloe turned on music and flipped through the channels until she found a country station. “He’ll get over it. Besides, once he gets over the initial desire to beat you to a pulp, he’ll realize how thrilled he is to have you for a brother-in-law.”
“Maybe.” Austin made a face. “I thought you hated country.”
“I do. But we’re here surrounded by farms, so I figured it was appropriate.” She grinned. “No? Fine.”
Rock music blared through the stereo system as they drove the last couple of miles to the ranch. Austin needed one of these cars just for the speakers in here. He pulled in next to several trucks and parked. The house was just like he’d picture it for a ranch house. Wraparound porch, at least two stories, flowerbeds full of flowers.
The ranch itself was busy with farmhands working in the fields and feeding the animals. Someone was welding in the shop by the sound of it, and others worked on the equipment. It was like his dream come true had just stepped out into real life.
Laughter came from the back of the house and Mike appeared with several other guys. Austin caught his eye and Mike’s smile got even bigger. He said something to his friends, then jogged over to Austin and Chloe.
“Hey, you made it.” Mike clapped Austin on the back. “When’d you get in?”
“Last night.” Austin frowned. “Where’s your family?”
“Ella had to put the twins down for a nap. We’ll see her later tonight at the dinner. Speaking of which, have you talked to Lacey yet?” Mike kept glancing between Chloe and Austin.
Austin shook his head. “For being the one we’re all here for, she’s sure kept herself hidden.”
Mike wiped his forehead with his arm. “My guess is she’s hiding from our parents. You heard they want to move the wedding, right?”
“Not want to. They are as we speak.” Austin leaned against his car. “How’s she doing?”
“She seems happy. She’s asked about you a few times.” Mike turned to Chloe. “Okay, what’s going on. You haven’t spoken since you got here.”
Chloe paused for a moment before throwing her arms around him. “I just missed you. It’s been too long.”
“It’s not my fault you ran off to France.” Mike pulled her away. “That’s not it, though. You two are hiding something from me.”
Austin hesitated and met Chloe’s eyes. Together they held out their hands to show their rings. “We, uh, we got married.”
Mike’s eyebrows shot up and he took a few steps backward. “What?”
“It was sudden and it was something that was totally not something either of us would do, but it’s just so . . . right.” Austin put an arm around Chloe. None of that was a lie. What they’d told Chloe’s mom had been a lie, but this wasn’t.
“And you didn’t tell me, why?” Mike ran his fingers through his hair.
Austin wouldn’t meet his eyes. “I didn’t think you’d be too thrilled when you found out.”
Mike laughed. “I can’t say I’m surprised. Not thrilled, but not surprised.”
“Wait, what?” Chloe pushed herself off the car and folded her arms.
“Chloe, anyone could see you were head over heels for him. And we were in college when I realized how much he liked you.” Mike slugged Austin’s shoulder. “Dude, I saw your search history. Trying to figure out where she was and when. It was just a matter of time. But seriously. You married my little sister without me? Not cool, man.”
Austin couldn’t blame him for being upset. They’d been friends since they could walk. “I’m sorry. It was spur of the moment. We didn’t really have a chance to call anyone.”
Mike raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? That’s what you’re going with?”
Chloe pushed between them. “Hey, you could push around guys when I was younger, but I’m an adult now. I make my choices. I’m the one who suggested it, not Austin. So lay off.”
Mike blinked and then laughed. “Dude, you let my little sister propose?”
“Well . . . yes. I guess I didn’t get around to asking first.” Austin grinned sheepishly. “So . . . Are you going to bury me alive?”
Mike laughed. “Nah. That’s just what I told her other boyfriends. I have other plans for you for breaking the bro code.”
“What do you mean?” Austin stepped back. Mike’s form of revenge wasn’t something Austin wanted to deal with.
“I don’t know yet.” Mike glanced between them. “But I have a feeling there’s something more going on that you two aren’t telling me. Once I figure out what it is, I’ll decide what I’m going to do with you. For now, I’m not letting you two out of my sight.”
“You coming, Mike?” One of the ranch hands stood behind Mike holding the reins to a horse.
He turned. “Hey, could we saddle two more horses? We have more company.”
“Sure. I’ll be right back.” The ranch hand led the horse back to the barn.
“We’re going on a ride up into the mountains. Come on.” Mike turned and headed for the barn.
Austin raised his eyebrows. “I guess we’re going on a ride. You okay with that?”
“Nothing could be more perfect.” Chloe followed her brother and Austin stayed a bit behind, wondering what Mike meant. There was something more that they were hiding, but how would he know that?
The ranch hand brought two more horses out of the stable and handed the reins to Chloe, Mike, and Austin. “You three know how to ride?”
“I haven’t ridden since I was young, but I know enough.” Austin rubbed the horse’s neck and met his eyes. He’d already been saddled, so Austin checked to make sure everything was tight.
Chloe climbed up on her horse like she’d been doing it all her life. “I’ve been wanting to get back on a horse since I was ten.”
Once everyone was settled, they headed down a trail that took them through a field. Austin let the horse take control so he could enjoy the view. The fruit trees were packed with apples, pears, and cherries, and peaches, the cattle were out grazing in a field, and there were tractors running out in one of the fields. Austin wanted this life for himself. A chance to get away from everyone and have his own ranch. Where the only people he had to talk to were the ranch hands and Chloe—he stopped. She wasn’t going to be part of his dream. Well, besides helping him get the estate from his grandma.
Mike pulled his horse to the side until he was even with Austin. “So, what have you been up to? I haven’t heard from you in weeks.”
“You’re the one who went on vacation to Disney World with the family. I’ve just been plugging away at work.” Austin’s phone rang, but he let it go to voicemail. If it was work, he’d deal when he got home. Anyone else who would have possibly called were within miles of where he was right now and they could talk when he got back.
Mike glanced over at Austin. “So, how’d she ask you?”
“We ran into each other and ended up spending hours talking and it just kinda went from there. We noticed the connection and didn’t want to lose it when we left, so she suggested that we don’t leave and get married instead.” Again, it was mostly the truth. But even the smallest lie was killing him. This was his best friend. They’d been friends since they could walk.
“Uh-huh. Okay. So where did all this happen? You weren’t gone on business trips for long enough to see her there. So was she sneaking home without telling me?” Mike laughed it off, but Austin could sense the hurt.
“We got married last night.” Austin grimaced. He should have okayed it with Chloe first, but if he didn’t say anything, he was going to go crazy.
Mike jerked back like he’d been hit. “You . . . where? When? Why?”
“Look. You know how our parents are, right? We both wanted—needed—them off our backs, and this was the way to do it.” When Mike didn’t stop staring at him, Austin continued. “Also, you know my grandpa died, right? Well, I was told I won’t get the estate until I’m married, and—”
“So you used her.” Mike’s voice was flat now, a
nd his eyebrows were dangerously low. “You used my sister.”
Austin glanced up at Chloe who was shooting them curious looks. “No. I mean yes. But it was an agreement. I really do care for her. Spending the last two days with her has shown me I care more than I thought. But we both agreed. She’s the one who came up with it when we were in Colorado, then gave me time to think about it on the way to Salt Lake. When I got the text from my mom about a date for the wedding . . . I went with it.”
Mike shook his head. “You know, both of you have had some pretty dumb ideas over the years, but this has to be the worst idea ever.”
“Well, so far it’s gone okay. Both moms believe it, and they’re too excited to suspect anything.” Austin smiled at Chloe to let her know everything was okay and she turned back around again. “Don’t say anything. Please. I don’t want Chloe to get hurt.”
“I’m not saying anything. I just don’t want to be there when either of our moms find out what you two did.” He was silent for a moment. “Like I said before, I wasn’t too surprised when you two ended up together. I just wish it was real. I’m going to go catch up to Lance in front of us so you can talk to her. And Austin?”
“You hurt her and I really will bury you alive.” Mike left before Austin could say anything else.
Austin sighed and urged his horse to catch up to Chloe. He’d been too deep in conversation to notice the scenery around him, and he gasped when he looked out at the horizon. They were much higher up than what he thought they were.
“Hey.” Austin was surprised at the nerves he felt talking to her.
“He knows?” she asked, her voice monotone.
Austin nodded. “I couldn’t keep it from him.”
Chloe smiled. “I know. I have to admit, I’m actually relieved that someone else knows what’s going on.”
“Yeah well . . . I’m not sure we want to bring it up with him too often. I don’t think he’s too thrilled about the whole thing.”
The others had stopped ahead, so Austin pulled on the reins to stop his horse and climbed down. He took the reins from Chloe so she could climb down next, then took both of the horses over to graze with the others.
Lance and Mike stood on the ledge, staring down at something. Austin took Chloe by the hand and joined Mike.
“What are we looking at? Wait, is that the inn?” The maze was small from up here, but it was definitely the backyard. The chairs had already been moved outside, and it looked like they were setting up flowers as well. “Wow, Mom moves fast.”
“I’m sure our mom helped as well.” Chloe leaned forward. “Wait, you didn’t tell me there’s a maze.”
Austin shrugged. “I didn’t really have a chance. We went from the fairy garden to talking to our parents and then came here.”
“Yes, but still. A maze.” Her smile widened. “We’re totally doing it when we get back.”
Austin caught Mike’s smirk. “Sure. We can try to get to the middle before Mike and JoAnn. That is if their twins let them.”
“You’re on. But I have to warn you. We’ve gotten pretty good with the strollers lately, so they won’t slow us down.”
Lance left the group and went back to his horse. He opened the saddle bags and pulled out a blanket and a bag. “Lunch time.”
Austin took the blanket from him and laid it out in the middle of the clearing. There were sandwiches, fruits, and cupcakes for all of them, along with water bottles. “Wow, there’s enough for all of us.”
“Let’s just say Angela knows how to prepare a lunch faster than anyone I know. Besides, she already had most of it on hand. She just needed to make the sandwiches.” Lance handed Austin a water bottle. “So, I assume you are Chloe. Mike’s told me a lot about you. Says you’re into fashion?”
Austin wanted to say something about her books, but Chloe shot him a warning glance. He wondered if Chloe would tell Mike about them or if she’d keep that a secret as well.
“I have my own line.” Chloe popped a grape into her mouth. “Most of it is sold in France, but I’m hoping to move it to the US soon.”
“That’s awesome. We have a designer here in town. Just opened up her own shop actually.” Lance pulled out his phone. “She married one of my best friends.”
Chloe leaned forward to look at the pictures. “Hey, I’ve heard of her. I wondered what happened after she quit her job.”
Lance flipped to another picture. “She owns this place. Gave up everything to follow Thomas here. Crazy if you ask me.”
“But . . . you live here.” Austin couldn’t understand why anyone would want to leave here. It was beautiful.
“I do, but someday I plan to leave. Start my own welding business and move to the city.” Lance opened his water bottle. “Okay, so she’s Chloe, but who are you?”
Austin wiped his hands. “Austin Quinn. Chloe’s husband.”
He couldn’t help it. He’d seen the way Lance looked at Chloe, and he didn’t like it. Lance choked on his water and coughed. When he could finally breathe, he gestured between Chloe and Austin.
“You’re married?”
Chloe nodded. “Sorry. I know your mom promised you a date, but we uh, kind of surprised her with the news.”
Austin avoided Mike’s gaze. “You wouldn’t want to go to the wedding anyway. It’s going to be pretty intense.”
“It’s a wedding.” Lance coughed again.
“We know. And our moms are taking over.” Austin had to admit he felt a little bad for the guy. He was supposed to be Chloe’s date. “Maybe you could go with one of the bridesmaids instead.”
Lance held up his hands. “No thanks. I think I’ll stay on the ranch instead. Plenty of work to do.”
Austin’s phone rang again. He pulled it out of his pocket and almost dropped it when he saw the caller ID.
“What’s wrong?” Chloe asked.
“It’s my dad.” Austin hadn’t talked to his dad in years.
Mike pulled the phone out of Austin’s hand. “Why is he calling you now?”
Austin shook his head. “I have no idea.”
“Well, answer it.” Chloe grabbed the phone and clicked button. “Hey, Mr. Quinn. It’s Chloe. What’s up?” Silence for a moment while Chloe listened. “Thanks. We couldn’t be more thrilled.” More silence. “Sure, here he is.”
Austin took the phone she’d shoved in his face and answered it. “Dad? Is everything okay?”
“I could ask the same thing. Mom called me all frantic because she said you got married. Please tell me she’s imagining things.”
“She’s not.” Austin rubbed his forehead. Mom had been upset enough to call Dad. It was that bad. “Chloe and I are happy, Dad. You don’t need to worry.”
Dad breathed into the phone. “It’s not the happiness I’m worried about. I just think you could have been more responsible and told us you were getting married. Eloping? That’s not the way we raised you.”
Austin bit his tongue until he could calm down. There were so many things he could have said right then, but not in front of Mike and Chloe. Especially Chloe. “It was the right time. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
“You owe both of us an apology. But that’s not why I called. Your grandmother explained the rules to me and would like proof that you were actually married. If everything looks right, she’ll send you the money.”
“Why did she have you tell me that?” Grandma was perfectly capable of calling to insult him on her own.
“Something about you offending her to the highest for not inviting her to the wedding.” Dad chuckled. “You think your mom is bad with planning. She’s nothing like my own mother. I do suggest you call her and apologize, though. Before she decides to add another stipulation to the clause. Like a great-grandchild.”
Austin’s eyes widened. “She wouldn’t do that would she?”
“I wouldn’t put it past her. Anyway, you have Grandma’s address. Mail her the copy of the wedding certificate and everything should be set. Love you, s
on.”
Austin stared at his phone and swallowed hard. He had some major apologizing to do and he wasn’t going to be able to do it up here. “I need to get back. You guys can stay here if you want.”
“No, that’s not how it works.” Lance threw everything in the saddle bag. “We all go together.”
Austin climbed up onto his horse and waited for the others. The slow trip on the way down was torture on him. He wanted to get back to the hotel as soon as he could to order flowers, chocolates, and whatever else he could think of to appease his grandma.
When they got back to the barn, Austin helped brush down the horses, then set his saddle up on the shelf. He’d have to try to get back here before he flew home. Maybe look for some land around here . . .
Chloe met him at his car. “Hey, is everything okay? You’ve been really quiet ever since the call from your dad.”
“It was just a shock to hear from him.”
“Maybe. But I think it’s more than that. What did he say?” Chloe took his hand, and her touch helped calm him.
Austin pulled out onto the road. “I have to send a copy of our certificate to her. Although from what my dad said, I have to send the actual copy.”
“Oh.”
He smiled over at her. “It’s okay. It’ll work.”
“And if not?” Chloe stared at him.
Dad’s words echoed in Austin’s head. “Let’s just hope you don’t have to find out.”
Chloe knew something was wrong with Austin, but she couldn’t get him to answer her. He said he only had to turn it in and things would be fine, but the way he’d shut off from everyone told her it was something else.
Wedding plans went on all around her while she stared off at the maze. They were supposed to be going into the maze, but he still hadn’t come back from his room.
“Chloe?” Lacey shrieked.
Chloe jumped up and whipped around. “Lacey. I’ve been wondering where you were.”
She braced herself for Lacey’s hug, but she was almost knocked over anyway. Lacey laughed and backed up. “Sorry. I’ve just been hiding in my room. For reasons. When I found out you were here, I had to come and find you.”
