Small Town, Big Secrets (Trinity River)

by Elsie Davis

  “So what is your dream? Why is this so important to you?” She wanted to know more about Steve, and it wasn’t all because of the marriage arrangement.

  “To be the youngest elected D.A.” He grinned and shrugged as if it was the most natural answer in the world.

  “And why would you have that as a dream? That just doesn’t seem like something a young boy would grow up saying. Like, oh, I want to be the youngest D.A.”

  Steve hesitated and let out a deep breath. “Seeing as you agreed to marry me, I guess it’s safe to tell you. You are right about most boys not having the dream, but then most boys aren’t the Judge’s kid. I bet you didn’t know my dad currently holds the record as the youngest elected D.A.?” He cocked one eyebrow up in question as he waited for her to answer.

  They were getting somewhere, but what she heard was sad. “So this is about beating him?”

  “Absolutely. But I’m not making the sacrifices he made to get there.” He shook his head as if trying to gain her understanding.

  “You mean by giving up his family?” she asked.

  “Yes. I know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of disappointment. The only thing important to that man is winning. And as his son, trust me, his standards were so high, no kid could meet his expectations. To his way of thinking, his sons would never amount to anything. Jack may have proved him right, but I was determined to be different—in every way. It’s why I’ve chosen to never go down the marriage road.”

  And there it was—the full circle. Steve had laid all his cards on the table for her to see, but it didn’t mean she agreed with his choices.

  “Then technically, you’re still making sacrifices,” Becky replied. “You’re preventing yourself from having a real life. So you’re not different in that respect.” She was good at giving advice but apparently not so good at applying it to her own life. Wasn’t that the same thing she was doing?

  “I suppose, but then you’re making the same kind of sacrifices for your own reasons. How does that make us any different?” He was right, but it was unsettling that he’d put the two together the same way she had. It was one thing to put his life under a microscope, quite another hers.

  “You’re right. It doesn’t.”

  Steve took her hand, his thumb caressing her palm as if trying to reassure her.

  Except his touch was having the opposite effect. It was making her more nervous, her heart race, and her brain trip over itself as she tried to think of a way to shift the conversation back on track and away from where it was currently. “But here we are, getting married. Career aspirations just don’t seem to resonate as a good reason to get married.”

  “That’s true if it’s a real marriage, but this is a marriage of convenience. No emotions. Temporary.” Steve seemed so sure of everything, and she tried to feed off his confidence.

  His opinion of marriage as a whole made her want to know more about him. “You have a very sour look on marriage. Why is that?” If they were going to get married, she needed to make it look convincing.

  “Let’s just say my parents weren’t an exemplary example.” That she believed, given his attitude and knowing Judge Parker and his wife.

  “That’s only one marriage. They’re just two people in a sea of many. There are lots of other couples who managed to marry the right person.” Even after all she’d been through, Becky still believed in happily ever after—she just wasn’t sure it was in her cards.

  “Not that I’ve noticed. But then I’m not looking. One of my best friends just got married, but they are still in the honeymoon phase and therefore not a reliable source of what the future will hold for them. But what about you? I don’t see you running to get married—and you already have a son.”

  “That’s just it. I have my son. I don’t need anyone else—or I didn’t until you came up with this ludicrous offer.” She shook her head and laughed, still somewhat overwhelmed with the magnitude of what she’d agreed to.

  “I thought most women wanted happily ever after?” His gaze never left her face, the scrutiny making her uncomfortable. Becky pulled her hand away and turned to watch Byron. She didn’t like anyone looking too closely into what made her tick.

  “Maybe when they start out as little girls reading fairy tales. But then real life happens, and they grow up. Some faster than others.” And it’s not that she didn’t want it. The plain and simple truth was that true love hadn’t come knocking at her door.

  “That’s a very cynical approach.”

  Better to let him believe she was cynical rather than a disappointed little girl who grew up but never let go of her fairy tale ending. “No different than your own.” She shrugged, looking back at him.

  “Well, okay, then. I’ve been thinking this through, and I believe it’s important for us to move fast but to make it look real. It’s a matter of finding the right balance, and that’s what we need to discuss to land on the same page.” Steve lowered his voice as a mother walked by pushing a baby stroller.

  “I’m listening.” Fast worked for her when it came to getting Byron healthcare coverage.

  Steve grabbed her hand again, this time letting his fingers intertwine with her own. She tensed and started to pull away, but he tightened his grip. “You’ve agreed to marry me, and part of making this real is making the world believe we’re a couple. Starting now. Try to relax. We’re just two people enjoying the nice weather at the park with your son. Everyone needs to see us as a couple if they are going to believe we fell in love and decided to get married all of a sudden.”

  Becky relaxed, knowing he was right. The key was to remember what they were doing and why they were doing it. Otherwise, it would be all too easy to fall for his charm. And where would that leave her? She’d been down that road once before with his brother. The trick was guarding her heart so she didn’t fall for any worn-out lines or extra attention he paid her. It was all for show. “So what is this grand plan you’ve devised?”

  “I’m thinking we date for two weeks, get engaged for two weeks, and then get married. That brings us right up to the election, and in the frenzy of the media attention, I’m sure to gain votes. We can use the election as the catalyst expediting the wedding. It also gets the ball rolling to set up Byron’s surgery. I looked into it, and you and Byron can be added to my coverage immediately with no concerns over existing conditions if I get married.” He held her hand tight, his gaze locked with hers. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but it wasn’t this.

  “Most people would use love as an excuse to get married that quickly. Either that or they’re pregnant.” Her history would set the gossips on fire with the possibility of a repeat, something she wasn’t looking forward to dealing with, but for Byron’s sake, she would.

  “Good point. Guess everyone will realize it was love at first sight, then, because we know you won’t turn up pregnant.” He had the audacity to wink.

  What concerned her more, however, was the slight thrill she got from his charming smile, the one he used on her when he teased. Surely, he wasn’t teasing now. They hadn’t exactly discussed that aspect of the relationship. “I’m glad you clarified that. No expectations. Right?”

  “None. As far as I’m concerned, we need to make it look good, holding hands, kisses in public, the things normal couples do, but beyond that, we’re two people doing the right thing and waiting until after we get married. And after the wedding, what happens behind closed doors, or separate bedrooms, is our own business.” Steve managed to keep a straight face as he delivered the last comment but judging by the twitching at the corners of his mouth, it wasn’t easy.

  “I’m glad we agree on that part. But the kissing, do you think that’s necessary? There will be nothing natural about it.” Not to mention the fact she didn’t want to fall for him, and who knew where kissing might lead? It was one thing to be attracted to him, quite another to act on the attr
action and risk falling in love.

  “I’m sure we can make it look good. I do think it’s necessary, if we’re going to sell this as the real deal.” Steve leaned forward and kissed her cheek, catching her off guard. “See what I mean? The more I do that, the more natural it will look. Right now, you look like a blushing bride who’s never been kissed.”

  “I can do it. You just took me by surprise.”

  “Good. Practice makes perfect, and I look forward to practicing with you.” His teasing laugh curled her toes.

  They walked hand in hand, following the sidewalk that looped around the play place. An awkward silence fell between them. For her, the kiss had muddled her brain.

  “So now that you know my life story, what’s yours?” Steve asked out of nowhere. “I’m sure that growing up, it wasn’t your dream to be a single mother and a server at Charlie’s?”

  The conversation was suddenly right back where she didn’t want it to be. The trick was figuring out what and how much to tell. “It wasn’t. But I love Byron, and I wouldn’t change a thing now.” Becky was putting her trust in Steve in a way she hadn’t done with anyone in years.

  “So what was it? Let me guess, a nurse, or better still a doctor?” He grinned, the corners of his mouth crinkling.

  Becky laughed. “No, the doctor thing I’ve got earmarked for Byron. Every mother’s dream. For me, I just always wanted out of Riverbend. I used to dream of owning a coffee house in the city. A place where people came and talked every day, the hustle and bustle adding to the excitement.” She shrugged but was unable to keep the excitement from her voice as she pictured her imaginary coffee shop. “I visited one when my mother had to take me to the city for something. I don’t even remember what we went for, but the unique coffee shop with its nooks and tables and art deco called to me. Along with the fresh aroma of coffee grounds and brewing coffee.” She laughed at her own silly memory.

  Steve stopped walking and pulled her toward him. “What happened to make you give up the dream?”

  Becky pulled away, casting a glance at Byron to make sure he was okay. “Life. Byron. Responsibility.” She let out a sigh. “I wouldn’t change it, though. I love my son more than anything.”

  “Are you going to tell me about Byron’s father?” They were close—couple close—and it made her nervous. At some point, he would kiss her on more than her cheek, and she wanted to be prepared for the rush of emotions.

  “No. It’s complicated. Trust me, it’s best left alone, for everyone concerned.”

  “Just so you know, I have my own suspicions, but I’ll wait for you to tell me the truth. Can we at least talk about what’s going on with Byron? Medically speaking.”

  “He’s got an aggravated hernia and needs an operation. If left unattended, it can rupture and cause complications. In a child his age, it can be quite critical. The insurance deductible and copay were simply more than I could manage. I don’t exactly have the kind of money for the best insurance, only the cheapest. And when something goes wrong like this, it takes a whole lot of cash. Cash I don’t have.” Having carried her burdens single-handedly for so long, she felt the comforting peace from sharing with someone else grow and grow until her heart felt lighter than it had in years.

  Steve took her hand in his again, and she let him. “I’ll take care of everything. You’ll see. You don’t have to worry anymore. I promise.”

  “Thank you.” She meant it. It’d been a long time since someone had really taken care of her. It was a nice change. One that would be altogether too easy to get used to, and she’d have to keep reminding herself it wouldn’t last forever. But for the next year, she’d find a way to make it work. And if Steve was taking care of everything, Becky would have the money from her job to continue helping her mother with the rent. Everything was working out perfectly.

  Her only fear was the fury of Jack when he found out what she’d agreed to. With any luck, he’d stay out of town and never even find out about the wedding. But she wasn’t holding out much hope for that to happen, considering he was family and sure to be invited.

  They rounded up Byron and then stopped to pick up some Red Hot Chili dogs. Her son was in rare form, providing entertainment the whole time. It was a beautiful evening, perfect for a lover’s stroll. Except they weren’t lovers. Instead, they looked like one big happy family. Something else they weren’t.

  Steve walked them to her car when their strange date had come to an end. She managed to get Byron buckled into his car seat in the back without complaint, the poor kid completely exhausted.

  Steve stepped in close, his gaze never leaving her face, the twinkle in his eyes a message she couldn’t ignore.

  “There are some people coming down the sidewalk. Perhaps this is a good time to practice.”

  She knew exactly what he meant. He was going to kiss her.

  Part of her wanted him to, and part of her wanted to jump in the car and race home, especially knowing it was all for show. It was more than a little disappointing to know he was going to kiss her out of obligation and not because he wanted to.

  He lowered his head toward hers, until they were mere inches apart. “Relax,” he said, as if sensing her tension.

  “That’s hard to do. I haven’t been kissed by anyone in ages. And you’re going to kiss me because you have to. It’s not very flattering.” She hated the weakness in her voice and even more that she’d admitted the truth.

  “That’s where you’re wrong. I’m going to kiss you because I want to. It’s something I’ve wanted to do all night.” He reached up to cup her cheek, his thumb sliding over her bottom lip.

  She swallowed hard. “You have?”

  “Yes.”

  “But what about the no-emotion rule?” It would be better if she just shut up and let him kiss her. Instead, the anticipation of the moment only intensified with each second she dragged it out.

  “There’s nothing saying we can’t enjoy being with each other. If not, it’ll be a long year.”

  He made perfect sense. Becky stopped resisting and closed the final distance between their mouths, because the truth was…she wanted it, too.

  Steve’s arms came around her, and he pulled her close, deepening the kiss.

  She let her fingers sift through his thick curls, something she’d wanted to do for a while. The moment was like the stuff of fairy tales and dreams and happily ever afters.

  Not real, but for now—perfect.

  Chapter Seven

  Steve still couldn’t believe Becky had agreed to marry him. Sure, she needed the insurance coverage, but it had still come as a shock. It was real, and he would soon be engaged and married. Him. Steve Parker. The guy who swore to never get married.

  But the bigger surprise was the time spent with Becky and Byron. Time he enjoyed, that he regretted when it had to end. Especially after their first kiss. It was true he’d wanted to, but he hadn’t expected the rush of emotion he felt holding her in his arms. “Protective” and “caring” were the two best words he could find, any other description would be dangerous.

  It was the first time in a long time he could remember talking to a woman about dreams and life in general. Someone he could relax enough around to actually have fun. Becky was easy to talk to and even easier to admire.

  Raising her son single-handedly hadn’t hurt her one iota, her zest for life encouraging after all the challenges she faced. She held down a job, juggled parenting, and all without remorse for the dreams she once believed in. The love for her son far surpassed any emotion in her voice when it came to letting go of her dreams. Her son was her dream, in a way.

  Byron, it turned out, was a sweet and polite kid, which wasn’t easy to accomplish in a society that craved instant gratification. Watching him play, Steve found himself captivated by the young boy’s charm, laughter, and silliness. It was an age he didn’t remember.

 
Steve had two parents, and neither one of them had given either him or his brother an ounce of the love Byron received every day. Not to mention the bonus of having her mother and her sister around to help. The child was surrounded by love…and it showed.

  He glanced at his watch. Before word got out, he needed to let Harry know. His campaign manager would be thrilled, but if he wasn’t given the heads up to capitalize on the information, he’d blow a gasket.

  There was just enough time to text before tonight’s meeting. It would also keep the questions to a limit.

  Steve: Met someone. She’s amazing and sweet and has a five-year-old son. Truly unique woman. Wanted you to know before the media got wind of it.

  The arrangement between him and Becky was personal, and the details shouldn’t matter. Harry should be ecstatic he was getting what he wanted, and he needed to protect Becky from everyone, even his campaign manager. It was a romance. End of story.

  Harry: Seriously? You took my advice? The election will be in the bag. It’s just the twist we needed. Great job. I’ll get someone to cover the budding romance right away. This is going to be great.

  Steve: Nothing to do with your advice. Wonderful woman. Please make sure the media hounds go easy on her.

  Harry: Now this is a surprise. Wonderful news. Leave everything to me.

  He trusted Harry would do his best with the media, but sometimes that wasn’t always possible. Steve’s protective streak had shifted into gear, and he’d make sure to keep an eye on things as well. The last thing he needed was for this to backfire and cause undue stress for Becky and her son. He’d do well to remember and warn her.

  It was still a little early, but he planned to park a good distance away from where the Cattleman’s Association meeting was taking place. People would be less likely to link his name to the group if they didn’t suspect he was in attendance. The last thing he needed to do was have any of his dad’s cronies notice him and report back to the Judge.