His Perfect Bride: Hired by the Cowboy / Wedding Bells at Wandering Creek / Coming Home to the Cattleman

“I was too. We had a big talk this afternoon, though, Connor. Your grandmother is an amazing woman. She said she understood I didn’t know much about cooking, and when I told her I’d never gardened she said I could use a helping hand. That she’d missed it, living in her condo the way she does.”

“She did?”

“Uh-huh. And she said she’d help plan the wedding too.”

This was getting out of hand. Weddings and gardens and babies…Connor’s very logical, sensible plan was suddenly spiraling out of control. And all under the hawk-like eye of his grandmother. He agreed that she was wonderful. He also knew she was shrewd. This was her way of keeping a finger in the pie. He knew it and resented it. But he couldn’t send Johanna back to Calgary. Alex was already looking forward to the help. And he was so busy with the ranch he didn’t have time to spend with her except in the evenings. It wasn’t fair for him to expect her to while away her days all alone. If having Johanna here made her happy, he’d keep quiet. And he’d keep his eyes wide open. Helping was one thing. Meddling, however well intentioned, was another.

Besides, the less time he spent with Alex the better. Because sooner or later he’d see her looking at him like she was right now, and he’d be stupid, and kiss her like he wanted to, and complicate everything.

He changed the subject.

“She gave you your first lesson in cooking, I take it?” He looked past her shoulder to the pots bubbling on the stove.

“Yes. But she said she was going into town to have supper with a friend and not to wait up.”

“Probably Millie’s,” he surmised, naming Gram’s oldest and closest friend. And if she revealed what was going on at Windover Ranch, news of his impending marriage would be common knowledge by coffee time tomorrow.

He discovered he didn’t mind as much as he’d thought he would. For a moment he stared at Alex, picturing her in a long white dress, her mass of dark hair falling over her shoulders, and he couldn’t breathe. Alex lifted the basket again, momentarily placing her palm on the slight bubble of her belly, and his heart contracted painfully.

Connor was as hungry for love as Alex…But he could not, would not, seek it from her. She was leaving, and the one thing he knew he could never do was abandon Windover.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“MIKE’S on his way over. He’s going to run things for me today. I’ve gotta go into Red Deer after lunch.”

Connor made the announcement as cheerfully as he could, successfully hiding his dark feeling of despair. It was nice of his friend Mike to lend a hand, but Connor was fighting a losing battle and he knew it. The source of the outbreak was still being investigated. If anything tied it to his herd he’d have to cull the whole lot. Windover would be finished. And no amount of money would save it, trust fund or not.

He picked at his pancakes, not actually eating much. If Windover was finished, he should release Alex from their agreement. Yet he wasn’t ready to let go. He wasn’t giving up on Windover yet, and he wasn’t going to give up on her either. Sure, he could release her, but then what would she do? He’d made her a promise. And he’d deliver on it no matter what.

“We need to go shopping.” Johanna interrupted the silence.

Alex and Connor looked up from their breakfast to stare at Johanna.

“I got groceries yesterday,” Alex explained, her eyes darting between Johanna and Connor with confusion.

“Not that kind of shopping. Clothes shopping. You need a wedding dress, and you’re already squeezing into your jeans.”

Alex flushed. “I can manage,” she said, spinning a piece of pancake in the syrup on her plate.

Connor nodded. “Gram’s right. I’m sorry, Alex, I should have seen to it before now. But things have been…”

“Busy. It’s fine.”

He looked at her, dressed in the same jeans and T-shirt he was growing used to seeing. She’d asked for nothing, nothing at all. She had to have some new things. That was all there was to it. When he’d made this proposition looking after her welfare had become his duty, and he simply should have seen before now how threadbare her wardrobe was.

He looked outside at the rain falling. One of the reasons he’d decided to meet with John, Cal and Rick was that the rainy day meant no haying. He’d called them early, asking them to meet. They were ranchers, like him, who had everything to lose. And they hadn’t hesitated when he’d suggested getting together.

“Why don’t we go this afternoon? I can drop you off on my way, pick you up on the way back.”

Alex put down her fork. “I don’t want to inconvenience you, Connor.”

“It’s no inconvenience. In fact, I insist.” He forced a grin. “Come on, I didn’t think you’d fight me on a shopping trip!”

Johanna interjected. “A bride needs a suitable dress, and maternity clothes will soon be a must. We’re going to need a whole day, dear.”

Connor met his grandmother’s gaze, relieved. He’d been thinking that Alex had no wedding dress. She had no more than what she’d brought in that single bag. Yet he hadn’t known how to go about saying it without hurting Alex’s feelings. Coming from Johanna, it seemed less critical than he’d imagined.

“We can go this morning.”

“Really, you two, this isn’t necessary…” Alex interjected, pushing her plate away.

“Nonsense. Connor, there’s no reason why you can’t join us for the morning, have lunch, and drop us off after at the formal wear store to shop for dresses.” She winked at him. “We will spare you the wedding dress shopping.”

A morning shopping wasn’t normally what he’d call fun, but when he looked at Alex he saw reluctance mingled with a tiny bit of anticipation. When was the last time someone had treated her to a shopping spree? When was the last time he’d taken a day off?

“I’m game if you are, Alex.”

Alex had never had anyone treat her to a day of shopping, and the sheer novelty of it was exciting. Yet she hesitated to agree. She didn’t have any money of her own, and felt like enough of a freeloader already, without Connor and Johanna paying for an entirely new wardrobe.

“I’m sure Connor would like to see you in something other than jeans and T-shirts,” Johanna went on, aiming a pointed glare in Connor’s direction.

Alex met Connor’s eyes. There was nothing in the warm depths that criticized her appearance. In fact they crinkled at the corners a bit, giving her a strange sense of reassurance. She couldn’t read what he was thinking, but his face was relaxed and amiable as he responded, “You deserve it.”

She certainly didn’t feel like she deserved it, and she was so used to looking after herself that she wasn’t comfortable with someone else footing the bill. She certainly didn’t want Connor to feel as if she were taking advantage of his generosity, or his grandmother’s either, for that matter.

“It’s settled, then.” Johanna resumed eating, bringing Alex’s misgivings to a screeching halt. “We can take my car, Connor. It’ll be much easier than the truck.”

Alex got the sneaky feeling she was being railroaded, but knew it would be fruitless to argue. Besides, if she didn’t get some new clothes soon she’d be running around with her pants unbuttoned. Practicality warred with guilt, and practicality won.

“I’ll get ready,” she answered faintly, still not convinced it was a good idea.

The first place they hit was a shopping mall, arriving just as the stores were pushing back their metal and glass doors.

“You need maternity clothes,” Johanna insisted, and led a reluctant Alex inside by the hand. The first customers of the day, they got the saleslady’s undivided attention.

“Only the basics,” Alex insisted, looking at Connor. He hung back, and she wondered why in the world he’d agreed to come along. Surely he didn’t consider this “fun”? As Johanna fluttered around, she wondered what exactly Connor did think constituted fun. She didn’t even know that much about him, yet here she was planning their wedding and shopping for clothes. Clothes he was going to pay for.

She didn’t want to be accused of taking more than she needed. She looked around at the racks of clothing, amazed at how stylish and cute they were. She picked up a black crepe top, with ties to the back and tiny pink flowers dotted over it. In a very few short months her tummy would be rounded and full. She touched the warm area where right now her baby lay. Motherhood. Somehow, shopping for maternity wear drove home the fact that she was going to be a mother more than anything else had—even the crazy deal with Connor. Someday in the near future she was going to have a tiny bundle to love, to nurture, to care for.

“Are you OK?” Connor touched Alex’s shoulder.

Alex half turned, letting out a breathless laugh. “It just hit me. I’m going to be a mother.”

Connor smiled. “You started to turn pale.” He scanned the racks, and shook his head at the sight of his grandmother chatting animatedly with the clerk. “So—excited, or scared to death?”

She couldn’t help it, she laughed, suddenly very glad he’d come along. “A little of both?”

She had an ally in Connor, although she had no idea why she deserved it. Johanna held up a hand, waggling it in the air and rattling hangers.

“I think I’m being summoned.” She aimed a wry smile at him, gratified to see his own mirror hers.

“I predict you’ll be a while, from that gleam in her eye. I’ve seen it before. I’ll go find us some coffee.”

“That sounds good,” she answered, unable to draw her eyes away from his. It was silly to be here, gazing into each other’s eyes, but somehow they’d locked and clung until her heart grew heavy in her chest.

His eyes shifted to over her shoulder.

“Here. Try these on. I thought you’d be happier with casual.” Johanna interrupted the moment and Connor quietly left. In some strange way she felt better when he was by her side, but she certainly didn’t expect him to hang around a maternity shop and comment on fit and style.

Alex was led away, then ensconced in a changing room, handing clothes in and out as she tried on several outfits. In the end she agreed to two pairs of jeans, two pairs of summer shorts, several casual cotton shirts, a sweet pajama set in white with lace trim, and a good outfit for special occasions—a black skirt with a ruffled hem, paired with a scooped-neck floral top.

“It’s too much.” She put a hand over the top of Johanna’s left as the older woman signed the credit card slip.

“Nonsense. Alex, you need these things. It’s a pleasure to provide them for you. I always only ever had a son and grandsons to buy for, and boys are too practical. It’s a treat for me just to be able to buy something pink and feminine. Indulge me.”

Alex took two of the bags in her hands. “And I thank you. But…I’m used to providing for myself.”

“You’re working hard to learn up at Windover. You are trying to be what Connor needs right now. That’s payment enough for me. I know Connor agrees.”

She was what Connor needed? A screw-up in the kitchen? A stranger who knew nothing about ranching? As far as she was concerned, she’d been on the receiving end of all the benefit and hadn’t given much in return. Now Johanna was treating her like a real granddaughter. The girl longing for a home was irresistibly attracted to that, while the practical woman inside knew that it would only hurt more in the end when she had to leave.

Johanna took the remainder of the bags, nudging her out the door. “Come on. You need shoes.”

Connor had been waiting outside and now handed her a paper cup, the tab folded back already and the letters “dec” printed roughly on the top. He’d thought to get her decaf, she realized as Johanna herded them on to the shoe store. His consideration was a constant surprise.

Feeling somewhat helpless, she watched as Connor waited patiently on a bench outside the store while she bought casual shoes, a pair of black patent slingbacks for dressy, and white satin slippers for the wedding.

By lunchtime, their arms were laden with bags. In addition to the footwear and maternity clothes, she’d purchased new socks and underwear at the department store. She’d also taken some of her own money, what little there was of it, and bought Connor a pair of new T-shirts. The one he’d had on first thing this morning was worn around the collar. She couldn’t think of anything else appropriate to buy, but she was determined not to go home with nothing for him. She hadn’t ever bought a man clothing before, and without knowing sizes was a fish out of water. Socks were too impersonal, and underwear…far too intimate. But T-shirts she could manage without too much trouble. Besides, it would be a treat to see his wide chest in them, the way the sleeves outlined the dip in his triceps…

“I’m famished. Let’s have lunch.” Johanna led Alex down the hall to the restaurant housed on the corner.

Alex waited while Connor requested a table, then put a hand on his arm when Johanna excused herself to go to the ladies’ room. “Lunch is on me. Please.”

She’d accepted enough today. She didn’t have much, but she had enough of her own money left after the T-shirts that she could at least buy lunch.

“You don’t have to do that.” He took a seat in the booth opposite her.

“But I want to. I’m not used to…to charity.” Guilt and shame trickled through her simply from saying the word.

“You’re not charity. I’m getting something out of this deal too, remember?” He reached over and put his hand on top of hers. “You’re helping me, Alex. Right now it’s safe to say you’re all the hope I’ve got.”

His thumb was tracing circles over the side of her hand and she didn’t think he was even aware he was doing it. Let alone realizing what the simple touch was doing to her insides.

She swallowed. “Then indulge me. You’ve done so much for me already. Let me buy you lunch.”

He hesitated a moment, but relented. “Deal. But I’ll warn you. Watching you shop works up my appetite.”

Alex laughed as a waitress brought tall glasses of iced water. “Now that the sickness seems to be getting better, I could eat all the time.”

His thumb kept circling. “You know, Alex, I can’t believe I didn’t think of this before now. It’s not right that you have to come to me for every penny. There are things you’re going to need—for yourself, for the house, getting ready for the baby. I’ll make sure I get you a checkbook and a debit card. I’m sorry I didn’t look after it before.”

He was going to trust her with his bank account? Alex tried not to gape and instead grabbed her water and sipped, hiding her shocked face.

His thumb stopped and he squeezed her hand. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No, no, not at all,” she stammered, then cleared her throat as it seemed to suddenly become hoarse. “I’m just surprised, that’s all.”

“Is there a reason I shouldn’t trust you?”

“No!” She finally lifted her eyes and saw he was watching her steadily. Like he already knew the answer. “Of course not. It’s just…”

How could she explain what such a practical, simple act meant to her? That he trusted her to such an extent that she could use his money without asking? That it was one more thing binding her to him and giving her this uncanny sense of normalcy in an otherwise unorthodox arrangement?

“It makes sense, that’s all. I’ve taken you away from your income…I agreed to provide for you. That doesn’t mean you don’t get some say in the matter.”

“It’s more than I expected. You and your grandmother—you’ve been far too generous with me. She paid for everything this morning. I’m not used to that.”

Connor took a sip of his water, pulling his hand away from hers. “Don’t you feel one bit of guilt. Gram is having a ball. She hasn’t done this since…well, in many years. But she and Mom used to do it all the time.”

“They were close?” Alex prodded gently.

Connor nodded. “Yes, they were. Gram always said, ‘Melissa, you’re my best daughter.’ I think she always wanted a little girl of her own, but there was only Dad. She and Mom were peas in a pod. I think she was a little disappointed that one of us wasn’t a girl and she didn’t get a granddaughter to spoil.”

She smiled at the fond tone of remembrance in his voice. It was good he remembered the good times. She wished she could, but somehow all she seemed to feel was regret and a sense of being cheated out of something.

“Mom and Gram used to take little trips like this all the time…sometimes even for something as silly as buying school supplies for Jim and me. But they always had fun. Dad always said it was an excuse for them to get away from the farm for a day and treat themselves.”

“So that’s why you came today?”

He looked up and saw Johanna approaching. “I thought you could both use a little of that.”

She couldn’t believe she hadn’t considered it before. When Connor had lost his parents, Johanna had lost a son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. That pain had to be with her still.

“Have we ordered yet?”

“Just waiting for you.” Connor scooched over and made room for Johanna to sit.

“Whew. I worked up an appetite this morning. Haven’t had this much fun since—”

When she broke off, Alex looked up at Connor and was happy he’d told her what he had.

“Connor was just telling me about his mother. And how you used to sneak off for day trips like this.”

“Oh, we did. We always came back with more than we went for, but we had a ball. You’re a lot like her, you know.”

“I am?” Alex put down her menu and her eyebrows lifted with surprise. “I wouldn’t think so.”

Johanna laughed, the rusty sound that always made Alex smile. “Oh, yes. The dark hair, pretty eyes. But more than that, you’re strong. Stubborn, too, I can tell. And you have a big heart, Alex. I saw that right off. Don’t you think so, Connor?”

Alex dropped her eyes, both at the unexpected praise and the blatant attempt at matchmaking. Did Connor see that in her too? How could he, when she couldn’t see it in herself?

He covered the awkward moment with a laugh. “I certainly agree with the stubborn thing,” he joked, then related the tale of her first cooked meal, and how determined she was to conquer the kitchen. “If supper last night was any indication, your stubborn streak will serve you well. The ham was delicious.”

Alex accepted the compliment graciously, but wondered, as the server took their orders, if he did think she was much like his mother and if that was a good or a bad thing. His long leg bumped hers beneath the table and her stomach twisted. How were they supposed to come through this unscathed and unchanged? She was already feeling like a real part of this family, being included and welcomed…and the wedding hadn’t even happened yet.

Johanna changed the subject, asking about wedding details, and they got so occupied with the topic that Alex quite forgot her misgivings until later.

After lunch they left the mall, and after a few quick turns Connor parked in front of a small strip-mall, gave them his return time, and Alex found herself entering a formal wear store. Mannequins dressed in white gowns stood in one window, one with a tuxedoed man on her arm. Inside were two solid rooms of formal wear. She took off her shoes, gripped her purse nervously, and followed Johanna into the reception area.

“May I help you?” A young woman, dressed in the latest fashion, looked up from the appointment book behind her desk.

“Yes. Johanna Madsen, and this is Alexis Grayson. We’re shopping for a wedding dress today.”

“Congratulations!” The woman smiled. “Come right in.”

Alex was silent as Jennifer, as it stated on her name tag, and Johanna hashed over what sort of style would suit her. Never in her life had she shopped in such a place! All around her were dresses in white and cream satin, some adorned with lace, others with intricate beading and crystals.

A bride.

But not a bride. An impostor. This wasn’t a real marriage, and to pretend it was, was sacrilege. She didn’t deserve a fancy white dress with all the trimmings.

She pulled on Johanna’s arm. Johanna sent Jennifer an apologetic look.

“Excuse us a moment.”

“I can’t do this.” Alex looked at Johanna evenly. “It isn’t right. We both know this isn’t a real marriage. It feels wrong to put on this big show when we both know that in a few months it’ll be over. Let’s just go somewhere else and pick out a nice dress and it’ll do. Please. This is all…too much.”

Johanna must have taken pity on her, because she acquiesced. “All right. But, Alex, people are going to wonder if you show up at your wedding in an everyday dress. You should at least have a proper dress. Connor’s friends…his neighbors…will expect it.”

She was engaged in a losing battle and she knew it. Not only that, but there was a small part of her that wanted to do him proud, to show up on their wedding day looking the way a bride should look. To see that gleam of appreciation in his eyes, even if it wasn’t for real.

“Oh, all right. But nothing over the top.”

Johanna found the sales clerk again, and before Alex could say Here comes the bride she found herself again in a changing room, three separate dresses hanging before her.

The first two didn’t seem quite right, but the third time was the charm. Alex emerged from the change area smiling. “I like this one.”

Standing before the full-length mirror, she fell in love with it.

Strapless, the satin bodice was short, gathered in an empire style just beneath her breasts, with a thin stripe of satin ribbon marking the seam and the top of the bustline above. Beneath, it flowed gracefully to the floor, a filmy overskirt of organza adding romance to the look. It was simple and stunning. She pressed a hand to her belly. Even if she started to show more in the next few weeks, the empire waist and overskirt would camouflage things perfectly.

“I’m going to get your shoes,” Johanna murmured, her voice tinged with emotion. “It’s beautiful, Alex,” she added, before disappearing to the car to retrieve their earlier purchase.

The slippers slid on, and Alex knew that this was the one. “I love it.”

She checked the price tag and almost choked.

“I can’t let you do this,” she protested to Johanna, but it was to no avail.

“You can and you will,” the old lady returned decisively. “I promise you, you will not regret it, Alexis.”

Jennifer spoke up. “It doesn’t need a bit of altering. Amazing, really. We can have one ordered in for you within eight weeks.”

“This wedding is happening a week from Saturday,” Johanna said coolly, while Alex was still stupefied by the eight-week ordering time. “Go get changed,” she ordered Alex. “I’ll look after everything.”

Thirty minutes later they were in the car, heading west, the trunk loaded with maternity clothes and the back seat holding one very new, very extravagant dress, and one very nervous bride-to-be.

Connor was a smart man. And he knew better than to ask what in the world was in the garment bag that Alex had carried from the car and into the house. Alex was looking relaxed and happy, and even seemed a little excited as she scooted up the stairs with her wedding finery, presumably so that he wouldn’t see. It was endearing, really, despite the odd situation they’d put themselves in.

And for some reason Alex and Gram seemed to get on like a house on fire. Mealtimes were fun now, with easy banter and the two of them ganging up on him about wedding details. Honestly, he didn’t care. All he wanted was a small, nice ceremony. Something intimate and simple. The details he was more than happy to leave to the women.

Summer days were long, and it was a good thing, because he was so busy it kept him from thinking too much. Besides haying and the feed crops and looking after livestock, there were many more phone calls and e-mails lately, all dealing with the crisis. The U.S. borders were closed indefinitely to all Canadian beef—and other markets were following suit. Something, something had to happen soon. With every bill paid, the balance in the bank account got lower and lower. After his meeting he was no further ahead. Everything was at a standstill. Everyone was waiting for the verdict on the source of the disease. Everyone he knew was praying that their herd wouldn’t have to be slaughtered. And all the while the money he did receive domestically was a drop in the bucket compared to what he needed.