Falling For Fortune

“But you cared enough to try. Isn’t that a good sign?”

“My misplaced jealousy is beside the point. It’s better if we end things now. There’s a reason I don’t let women get too close. If I were to allow myself to fall in love with you and then I lost you, the pain would be devastating. And it might never go away. I can’t risk it. I won’t risk it.”

She wanted to object, to argue. But she wasn’t about to grovel. Not when he’d already convinced himself that things were over between them.

No, there was nothing Amber could do or say that would change his mind. And while she should be thankful that she could evoke that kind of emotion in him, it only made her pain and her sadness worse.

“Have a safe trip,” she murmured before heading back to her truck.

He’d made it sound so simple—and, in a way, so had she. But letting him go without a fight was the hardest thing she’d ever had to do.

She would forever grieve for him and for what they could have had—if they hadn’t been so different.

Chapter Twelve

Two days later, Amber couldn’t stand it any longer. She needed some answers—and she needed them now.

Had Jensen gone home to London?

Had he stayed?

Her curiosity was eating her from the inside out, and she was dying to talk to him. But she didn’t want him to think she was stalking him—or that she’d resorted to begging like a lovesick puppy.

So who should she quiz? Jeanne Marie? That seemed like a more logical choice than Lady Josephine because Amber couldn’t very well discuss that sort of thing with his mother.

There was also Amelia. Hadn’t his sister said that she thought Amber was good for Jensen and implied they’d make a perfect couple? Well, maybe not perfect. But she’d spotted something between them, just by looking at the photo of them kissing that had been plastered on the front page of the tabloid.

You’re just what Jensen needs, Amelia had said at the hospital. The camera caught a spark. And I’ve seen the banter between you. My brother hasn’t lit up like that since before my father passed away. And even then...well, I think there’s something going on.

Right now, it seemed Amber’s only ally was Amelia, so she whipped her cell phone out from her pocket and called the Drummond ranch. She told herself that if by chance Jensen answered, she’d hang up.

But she was in luck—Amelia said hello after several rings.

“Do you have a minute to chat?” Amber asked.

“Clemmie just went down for a nap, so, yes. This is a perfect time.”

Amber filled her in—not about everything, of course. But she admitted that her attraction for Jensen had led to...well, there’d been no need to deny or hide her feelings at this point. She’d clearly fallen for the stuffy Brit who’d set her world on end, then jerked the rug right out from under her. And she told his sister as much.

“No wonder,” Amelia said. “My brother is clearly confused. He hasn’t been himself at all. I’m sure that’s why he left.”

“So he did go, then.” He’d said he would, but she’d somehow hoped that he wouldn’t, that he’d reconsider. He had, after all, admitted to having feelings for her.

“He’ll return soon. I’m sure of it. And not just because of the weddings in February.”

Amber wasn’t so sure about that. Even Jensen had said he didn’t know if he’d come back to see his cousins married. That would mean turning around and flying back across the pond again when the weddings were only a couple of weeks away.

“Thanks for taking time to talk to me.”

“Call me anytime. And try not to be discouraged. Jensen will come around. We can always count on him doing the right thing, even if he doesn’t know how right that thing is.”

Amber didn’t feel the least bit hopeful, but she tried not to let his sister sense her discouragement.

In truth, she was better off cutting her losses—no matter how badly her heart ached.

She and Jensen were too ill suited to make a match anyway. He was an uptight aristocrat. And she was going to star in the Wild West Show. She’d have to give up her dreams to live a life with him—although, she suspected that her competitive, cowgirl nature is what drew him to her in the first place. And while she might like to travel and see more of the world, she also loved Texas—and Horseback Hollow especially.

Yet, even if they could work out the geographical issues, there were still so many more differences. He hid from the paparazzi—at least, whenever he was with her. And she would make him front-page news.

No, it would never work out.

She’d be miserable. And so would he.

She deserved to fall in love with an American prince of a man, a real live Texan, a cowboy with roots in Horseback Hollow and not some faraway land where they butchered the English language and didn’t appreciate sweet tea drunk from an ice-filled mason jar.

* * *

The next couple of days passed slowly. And in spite of Amber’s resolve to put on her big-girl panties and get on with life, her cherished Horseback Hollow became a difficult place to be.

She’d avoided going into town whenever she could, but because Gram was often away from the house, spending more and more time with her new beau, running the household fell on Amber’s shoulders. And today, they needed some groceries.

So she snatched her purse and the keys to the ranch pickup, then headed out the back door. She’d no more than crossed the yard when Gram and Elmer drove up, big band music blaring from the open window of his Dodge Charger and both of them grinning like teenagers.

“I’ll see you later tonight,” the retired marine said, as he dropped off her grandmother.

Gram blew him a kiss. “I’ll have dinner ready when you get here.”

Amber let out a sigh. She supposed she’d have to get used to having Elmer around. He was becoming a fixture, it seemed.

The green muscle car had no more than turned around and sped off, when Gram approached Amber with a big ol’ smile plastered across her sweet, prim face.

“What’s got you in such a happy mood?” Amber asked.

Gram lifted her left hand, which sported a sparkling diamond ring.

Seriously?

“You’re engaged?” Amber asked. “To be married?”

“Yes, isn’t it exciting? Elmer proposed this morning in front of everyone at The Grill, and I accepted.”

Amber’s shoulders slumped—and not just because she thought Gram had tarnished Pop’s memory by hooking up with Elmer Murdock. In truth, the sweet old coot had begun to grow on her. But that meant Gram would become a bride before Amber would—not that she’d ever been the kind to get all girly and dreamy over white lace, bouquets and promises.

Still, there was always a first time, she supposed.

“What’s the matter?” Gram asked. “Aren’t you the least bit happy for me?”

“I’m just a little surprised, that’s all. I never expected you to get married again. And, if you did, I thought it would be to someone more like Pop.”

“I loved your grandfather dearly,” Gram said. “So don’t get me wrong when I say this, but I gave up a lot when I married him.”

Amber furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”

“Come inside. I’ll put on a pot of coffee, and we can talk.”

Ten minutes later, as Amber and Gram sat at the antique oak table in the kitchen, their chat continued over two cups of fresh-brewed decaf.

“Your grandfather was a wonderful man and a good provider, but he was a quiet sort. And marriage to him meant that I had to give up my friends and the life I had in town when I moved to the ranch.”

“I thought you liked the Broken R.”

“I did—I do. And I never had any real complaints. But I used to have an active social life—something your grandfather didn’t appreciate. He was never one for dancing or parties or even attending church socials.”

“And so in waltzed Elmer Murdock.”

Gram chuckled. “Jitterbugged was more like it. Elmer is always game to try something new or exciting. I know you probably think he’s a little...wacky at times. But he’s so funny, and he makes me laugh.”

“I’m sorry, Gram. I hadn’t realized how much he’s added to your life. Or that you’d downplayed your own personality when you married Pop.”

“It’s not just that. On top of everything else, Elmer loves me, honey. And he tells me, which is something your grandfather had a difficult time voicing. What’s more, I love him, too. I never expected to feel that zing again. And it’s nice.” Gram smiled, a spark lighting her eyes in a way Amber hadn’t noticed before.

And it made her appreciate the man in a way she hadn’t anticipated.

“Will you please give Elmer a chance?” Gram asked. “He’d do anything in the world for me. And for you, too.”

Something told Amber that Gram was right about that. So how could she deny them her blessing? “Of course I will.”

Gram wrapped her arms around Amber in a warm, loving embrace, which might have triggered an instant healing process if her heart wasn’t so badly broken from her own lost chance at love. But Gram’s happiness served as temporary balm.

Amber was beginning to realize soul mates came in all shapes and sizes. And one size didn’t have to fit all.

At that moment, the telephone rang, interrupting their embrace.

“I’ll get it,” Amber said, before answering. “Hello?”

“It’s Jeanne Marie, sweetie.” By the chipper tone in her voice, she obviously didn’t know that Amber had been left heartbroken by her British nephew. “How are you?”

“I’m fine.” Amber used her brave voice—the one she took on right after she’d had a bad qualifying round. “How about you?”

“Busy with the big Valentine’s Day weddings, of course. I was wondering if you’d be available to help us assemble the favors tomorrow.”

Was there anyone in town not getting married? Amber didn’t feel like celebrating the romances of four happy couples, but she couldn’t very well say no. Besides, she’d be attending those weddings anyway. And maybe it would give her the opportunity to find out more about what was going on with Jensen. “Sure, I can help. Where are you doing it? And what time?”

“At my house tomorrow—about two o’clock.”

“I’ll be there.” She just hoped she could keep a cheerful front while she worked.

“Wonderful. We haven’t seen much of you, Amber. What are you up to?”

“Right this second? I’m heading to the Superette.”

“And then what? Are you going back home?”

“That’s the plan? Why?”

“Just wondered.”

The woman certainly sounded upbeat. And inquisitive. Amber supposed organizing and maintaining strict schedules for four upcoming weddings would do that to a person.

Or maybe Amber was just being overly sensitive. A failed romance certainly sent a woman spiraling into the dumps.

They made small talk for a moment, then ended the call.

Amber continued on with her one errand of the day, but even a quick stop at the local market, where folks often got the scoop on what all the other locals were doing, nearly tore the broken heart right out of her.

Everyone she knew seemed to be having babies or getting married, and she couldn’t wait to escape the local gathering place fast enough.

Then, to make matters worse, while she was standing in the checkout line, Mrs. Tierney, the owner of the market, put out the latest issue of the Global Trotter, the tabloid that had plastered the photo of her kissing Jensen on the front page several weeks ago.

“Congratulations,” Mrs. Tierney said. “You must be over the moon. And I’ll bet your grandmother is beside herself.”

Amber glanced up from the cart she’d been emptying. “Excuse me?”

“On your engagement.” Mrs. Tierney handed her the newspaper, with a bold headline that announced Sir Jensen to Wed His Cowgirl!

Amber would laugh if it wasn’t so sad. She finally realized what Jensen had been talking about and how hard it was for people to live their lives—and their heartaches—in front of the paparazzi lenses.

She always thought rodeo girls had tough skin, but hers was newspaper-thin right now. Jensen had to be a robot to not let tabloid lies and rumors get to him.

Mrs. Tierney pointed to a photograph of a sparkling diamond ring—a huge rock, actually—that Jensen supposedly purchased for her and presented while on bended knee.

“I’m afraid there’s no truth to that at all,” Amber said, lifting her left hand, which was as bare as it could be. “See? No ring, no fiancé. No royal wedding for this cowgirl.”

“That’s a shame. I wonder who he bought the ring for?”

Amber didn’t bother to even answer. Instead, she choked back the emotion and blinked backed her tears until her groceries had been tallied. Was that the business he’d rushed home to London to handle?

Had he been pulling one over on her with that whole never-want-to-risk-falling-in-love-and-losing-someone line? Because as much as the news rags embellished their articles, the picture didn’t lie. The man on the front was definitely Jensen, and he was walking out of the Jewelry Shoppe carrying a small white bag.

Of course, he might have gotten his watch repaired.

The store telephone rang, and Mrs. Tierney put the caller on hold while Amber paid the bill. Then as Amber picked up her grocery bags and headed for the door, she refused to give into her sorrow or her suspicion about Jensen leading her on.

The new year had gotten off to one heck of a bad start, but she wasn’t going to let it get the best of her. It didn’t matter what Sir Jensen was doing back in England or who he was doing it with. Amber had so many new opportunities lined up and so much to look forward to. She lifted her head as she walked to the truck, determined to get right back up on the horse that had thrown her and to embrace a new attitude.

So instead of heading home, she drove to the Hollows Cantina, where she would have her very own belated “Auld Lang Syne”—and a mock toast to the new life she was determined to create for herself.

* * *

When Amber entered the Hollows Cantina, she was greeted by the hostess, Rachel. “Are you meeting someone for a late lunch?”

“Not this time. I’ll just have a seat in the lounge. Thanks.”

As Amber made her way toward the nearly empty bar, she thought she saw Rachel pick up the telephone and make a call, but she couldn’t be sure. And what did it matter anyway? So she continued on, pulled out a stool and took a seat.

“What’ll it be?” the bartender asked.

“I’d like a split of champagne, please.”

“You got it.”

She really wasn’t a drinker—and the bubbly stuff tickled her nose—but she was determined to find something to celebrate, something positive to look forward to, something that would ease the ache in her heart or at least lighten her mood. And she didn’t want another one of those dang Jose Cuervo–shot margaritas that Elmer and Jensen had always ordered for her.

She tapped the tips of her fingers against the top of the bar. First of all, there was her agreement to star in the Wild West Show. And since she no longer had to worry about what attention that might draw to the Fortune Chesterfield family, she could announce it from the rooftops.

Secondly, she’d played hardball with their corporate attorney, Max Dunstan, yesterday and had insisted that they drop the saloon-girl getup if they wanted to use her photograph in the Cowboy Country USA ad campaign, and he’d finally agreed.

“Well, I’ll be,” a male voice slurred from behind her. “Amber Sue Rogers. I haven’t seen you since high school.”

She glanced over her shoulder to see Brady Wilkins, the former Horseback Hollow running back who’d gone on to play a season at Oklahoma State University until a knee injury sidelined him for good.

“Hey,” she said. “How’s it going, Brady?”

“Not bad.” He held a glass of amber liquid in his hand—no ice.

Whiskey, she guessed. Maybe bourbon. And from the smell on his too-close breath, it wasn’t his first.

“Can I buy you a drink?” he asked.

“No, thanks. I just ordered.”

“Want some company?”

Not really. She’d rather be alone.

And then do what? Mope and feel sorry for herself?

Before she could answer either way, he drew up the barstool next to hers and took a seat.

About that time, Marcos Mendoza walked in. He’d no more than glanced at Brady before speaking quietly to the bartender, who nodded. Then Marcos picked up his cell phone and sent out a text.

Brady slipped his arm around the back of Amber’s barstool. “So how’s it goin’? I heard you gave up the rodeo to come home after your grandpa passed. That’s gotta be tough. I know what it’s like to give up a dream, especially when you’re good—like you and me were.”

The bartender brought Amber’s champagne, along with a chilled flute, and opened the split. “You okay, ma’am? Is this guy botherin’ you?”

“Hell, no, I ain’t botherin’ her, Lester. Me an’ her go way back.”

The bartender eyed Amber carefully, letting her know all she had to do was say the word and he’d make sure Brady gave her some space. But she could take care of herself. “I’m okay.”

“See?” Brady’s hand slipped to her shoulder, and he drew her closer, as though she’d agreed to be on more friendly terms when, in truth, they’d hardly said a word when passing each other in the hall during high school because they’d run in different crowds.

Funny how a drink and shared heartbreak made barroom buddies out of near strangers.

Footsteps sounded, and a camera flashed. Amber turned to the doorway, wondering who’d entered the bar. Her breath caught, and she nearly fell off her seat when she spotted Jensen stroll in wearing a black suit, a trail of paparazzi following behind him. And he was heading straight for her.

What the heck?

The cameras—at least four of them—continued to flash, but Jensen didn’t blink. He bellied right up to the bar as if he was John Wayne himself, and snatched the only other empty seat next to hers.

Before the reporters could jot down Sir Jensen in a Love Triangle on their notepads, Jensen took her hand in his. “Unless you’re caught up in a conversation with this cowboy, I’d like to have a word with you.”

She’d been dying to talk to him since he’d flown home to London, but his surprise arrival had thrown her so off step, that she wasn’t sure if she could wrap her mind around the words she’d been wanting to say. Yet she might not have another opportunity, so she’d better take him up on it. “Let’s go into the back room where it’s private.”

“That won’t be necessary.” He glanced around the room. “Besides, I’m expecting an audience this time.”

She followed his gaze, her jaw dropping when she spotted the people who’d begun to gather around—Gram and Elmer, their arms linked around each other and grinning from ear to ear. Jeanne Marie and Deke, along with Lady Josephine, her hands clasped together, as though waiting on bated breath for something...

Even Mrs. Tierney was here, but who was minding the Superette?

Rachel had wandered into the bar, too, along with Marcos and Wendy.

“What’s this about?” Amber asked.

“I needed to talk to you, and I wanted it to be a surprise. So I asked Jeanne Marie to call your house and find out if you were home. She said you were heading to the Superette. I went looking for you there, but arrived too late. Mrs. Tierney said you went home, so I started back to the ranch, then Rachel called Amelia, and she told me you were here.”

“How did Rachel know you were looking for me?” Amber asked.

“I suspect Wendy told her since news travels fast in the Fortune family. So I sent Marcos a text and asked him to hold you here, even if he had to hog-tie you.”

Amber turned to the drunken former football player, then looked back at Jensen. “I don’t suppose you asked Brady to waylay me.”

“Not on a bet. Your cowboy friend might be harmless when inebriated, but I wouldn’t trust my lady with a man who’s not related to me.”

“Your lady?”

“It’s taken me a while to admit it—and a while longer to decide what to do about it. But you’ve become very special to me, Amber. And I want—no, I need you in my life.”

“I didn’t think you were coming back.”

“The first thing I did when I arrived home was to spend a little time at the cemetery so I could talk to my father. Just sitting there in the family plot, it became clear to me that I wasn’t sparing myself any pain by walking away from you. I missed you so much in those few days I was gone that I couldn’t stand it. Like I told you before I left, I was confused. And I had some things to think about.”

“Did you?” she asked. “Get things worked out in your mind?”

“Almost. There’s just one little bothersome question, but you can settle it for me.” He reached into his lapel pocket, withdrew a small, black velvet box and dropped to one knee.

Then he flipped open the lid, revealing a stunning, sparkling diamond ring that looking amazingly similar to the one she’d seen in the most recent issue of the Globe Trotter. “I love you, Amber Rogers. Will you marry me?”

Cameras flashed from both sides of them, as people began to crowd around.

“Cat got your tongue?” he asked, a smile sliding across his face, as he used the same phrase on her that she’d once used on him.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Absolutely, positively certain.”

She merely gaped at him, unable to believe what he was saying—what he was doing. And in front of an audience, no less.

His words and his sweet romantic gesture were being recorded for all the world to see—or read about in the tabloids.

“My old polo injury is starting to flare up. Are you going to keep me down on my knees?” he asked. “Or do I have to grovel?”

“Oh, my gosh. I’m sorry, Jensen. I was just so taken aback. And speechless, I...Oh, for Pete’s sake.” Amber dropped to her own knees. Then she wrapped her arms around his neck. “I love you, too. And yes! I’ll marry you. I have no idea what our life will be like together, but it will be a thousand times better than living apart.”

Then she kissed him for all she was worth.

When they came up for air, the entire bar hooted and howled and whistled and clapped. Lady Josephine was the first to congratulate them, tears welling in her eyes. “I’m so happy for you two. I knew Jensen would eventually find true love—when the right woman came around.”

Jensen stood and drew Amber to her feet. “It seems that I’ve found my soul mate, too, Mum. She isn’t at all like you, but she’s every bit as sweet and loving. She’s not soft-spoken—and she can raise quite a ruckus when she wants to. But that’s fine with me. I’ve come to enjoy, as my good friend Elmer Murdock would say, a little spit and vinegar.”

Amber gave him a gentle punch in the arm. “Did you know that Gram and Elmer are going to be married?”

“Yes, he told me.”

“Goodness, Jensen. Did everyone know you were coming back to town but me?”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“Even the tabloids knew. But I didn’t believe them!”

“I saw that. The jeweler must have leaked a photograph of the ring. Apparently, that’s one story they actually got right!”

“By the way,” Lady Josephine said, “I have so much to celebrate. Oliver is going to visit soon. He’d told me he was too busy to come, but apparently he’s had second thoughts and wants to meet little Clemmie. So if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to order some champagne for everyone here!”

“That’s nice that Oliver is coming,” Amber said. “I’ll look forward to meeting him.”

“I’d like to introduce you,” Jensen said. “But something doesn’t quite add up.”

“What do you mean?”

“There might be more to the story than what he’s told Mum. But I suppose we’ll find out when he gets here.”

Gram and Elmer were the next to congratulate them.

“I’m so happy for you, dear.” Her grandmother leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I know that your young man will make you just as happy as Elmer has made me.”