Montana Cowboy. Jillian Hart
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things safe. That’s how she wanted life these days—safe, predictable and level. But one look at the caring on his perfectly chiseled face, and she knew why he had been so easy to chat with online and why she looked forward to his emails. Luke McKaslin was a caring man. She’d been with him in person for less than ten minutes and it shone through as clear as daylight.
She felt comfortable enough with him to admit the truth. “We had a disagreement over whether or not I should give my boyfriend back his engagement ring.”
“Your b-boyfriend?” He stumbled over the word. “Now that’s something I didn’t know.”
“I didn’t mean to keep it from you. I simply didn’t want to talk about it.” She gave a little shrug. “Too painful. Besides, he’s my ex-boyfriend now, which is the reason my family is disappointed in me.”
“And that’s why you left California?”
“Mrs. Lambert was looking for a tutor, she was moving to their summer home and I thought, perfect timing. Why not?” She’d been substituting and the offer had been the chance for a steady paycheck. “God seemed to be nudging me along, so I packed up and came.”
“I’m glad you did, otherwise we never would have met.”
“Ditto.” She liked his smile, she decided. It was his most impressive feature, and there were many of those to choose from. “I can’t say that I’m glad I’m stuck in Montana, but something good has come out of this.”
“Maybe after you have fun with us and get in your social time, you’ll change your mind about Montana?” He arched one eyebrow in a challenge.
“It’s going to take more than that. I’m not sure it can be done,” she quipped, taking a step backward, moving away from him. “But I’m liking the chance to actually make new friends.”
“Good. I’m going to change your mind.”
“Is that a warning or a threat?”
“Depends on which one will work.”
“Neither.” She tipped back her head and laughed. “I’m not going to change my mind. I’m a California girl. I miss the beach. There’s no beach in Montana. No ocean.”
“True, but we’ve got riverbanks.”
“So not the same.”
They laughed together. He liked Honor as much in real life as he had online. His throat tightened, making it hard to swallow as he watched her walk away. A swirl of her blue dress’s hem, a clip of her fancy shoes and a flip of her sleek honey hair and he was hooked just a little bit more.
It’s never going to happen, he told himself. Did that stop him from liking her more?
Not a chance.
“Honor, there you are!” Brooke popped her head out of the inner door. “Don’t think I’m going to let you out of your offer.”
“Good, because I was beginning to worry you were starting without me.”
“Not a chance.” Brooke shone with happiness. She’d had some tough times, but God had turned those hardships around. He’d brought Liam into her life, and for that Luke would always be grateful. Brooke deserved true love and a happily-ever-after.
“Luke? What are you doing standing there?” Brooke flashed her smile his way. “Guests are arriving!”
“Wow, I guess so.” He glanced over his shoulder at the familiar faces of his cousins coming up the steps. A photographer waved at him from the back, setting up. He had things to do, but he stole one moment longer to take in the sight of Honor Crosby as she hurried up to Brooke. The two women talked low, their voices a ring of merriment. Honor’s gentle alto stood out above the other sounds in the church. His heart gave a little lurch.
She slipped through the doorway and out of his sight. He raked a hand through his hair, wishing he didn’t feel anything at all for her. Just wishing he was in control of his emotions.
“Hey, Luke.” Cousin Spence McKaslin ambled up and clapped him on the shoulder. “We’re glad this day has come for Brooke. No one deserves happiness more.”
“That’s the general consensus. Glad you could make it. Hi, Lucy,” he greeted Spence’s blond-haired, sunny wife. “It’s good to see you again.”
“We wouldn’t miss this wedding for the world. I didn’t see a table set up for gifts anywhere.” She held up a beautifully wrapped box. “Where can I put this?”
“That was on my to-do list. Sorry.” He dug in his pocket for the paper Lil had written out for him. Best get to it. “I’ll take that for you.”
“I’ll seat them.” Mac, Bree’s fiancé, ambled up in his suit and tie. “Spence, I was just in your bookstore the other day…”
As the trio headed up the aisle, Luke’s thoughts turned to Honor. How was she faring being stuck in a room with his sisters? And what exactly were they talking about?
He thought of Lil, dear Lil, and hoped his name didn’t come up because he knew what the subject would be.
Chapter Three
“Poor Luke. He has been single for so long.” Lil held out the gossamer bridal veil. “Ever since Sonya.”
“Sonya.” Brooke shook her head, obviously disapproving of this former girlfriend. “She led him on and then let him down.”
“That’s too bad,” Honor said sympathetically, trying not to sound too interested. It would only prolong the discussion, the one that would extol all of Luke’s virtues as a possible future boyfriend.
A boyfriend she didn’t want. No way, no sir. She was a happily single woman these days and that’s the way it was going to stay. She grabbed the comb off the built-in dresser.
“He’s the sweetest guy.” Brooke ducked, awaiting her veil.
“The sweetest,” Cousin Katherine agreed as she took the veil carefully from Lil.
Brooke nodded. “I never thought he would get over what that woman did to him.”
“Neither did I,” Colbie agreed.
“Us, too,” the twins chimed in.
What did that woman do? Honor wanted to ask, but she was afraid to. The women surrounding her might see it as a sign of interest. Romantic interest. She doubted they understood the friend thing she and Luke had going on. Maybe a change of subject was in order.
“Aren’t you nervous, Brooke?” she said the first thing that popped into her head. “Do you have cold feet? A jittery stomach?”
“No, not a bit. Everything is calm and my feet are warm.” Brooke stopped to check her reflection in the mirror. “I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life, and stop trying to change the subject.”
“Hey, a girl’s gotta try.” She held up her hands in a what-can-I-do gesture. “You look stunning.”
“It’s the dress. Colbie and Lil made it for me.” Brooke brushed at the delicate satin of the princess-cut gown, which showed off her willowy figure adorably. “I never thought I would be the one to marry before you, Bree.”
“You know I want a spring wedding,” the twin in blue answered dreamily. “Now that I’m engaged and Brooke is getting married, I wonder who will be next?”
“Not me,” Colbie announced as she stepped back to check the drape of the wedding dress and gave a single, satisfied nod. “It’s the single life for me.”
“Me, too!” Finally, a comrade in arms! A like-minded ally.
“Oh, you two.” Lil shook her head. “I’m disappointed in you. Love can be the greatest adventure. You have to keep your heart