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“Listen, you don’t have to say anything about your family. I...understand,” Sylvie said, picking up on Jake’s hesitance. She realized that whatever happened between him and his former wife must have been painful. Oh, boy. She hoped she didn’t open up an old wound.
When she finally showed Jake some photos on her phone’s digital photo album, she could see that he lit up. It was obvious he loved children. That had to be a good thing, right?
Maybe he wouldn’t mind if she stayed with him on the ranch with her son until they figured out their next move and he got what he needed out of the arrangement. A wife on paper. That’s what Sue Mae had mentioned. It would be a win-win situation. It would be the best thing for her.
Her son might be young, but she certainly wouldn’t want him to grow up thinking she’d been living with a man she wasn’t married to. At least it would work out well.
But she needed to get to the next step first.
They needed to find out if they both connected first. Could they live under the same roof for a pre-determined amount of time, faking a relationship for a greater cause?
“I don’t mind talking about my family,” Jake finally said, taking a swig of his drink. He then placed the glass back down on the table. “It’s just a little complicated, that’s all.”
He still didn’t tell her whether he had a child or not with his ex-wife. She assumed it was an ex-wife. Sue Mae didn’t go into much detail. Sue Mae had told her to find out more on the date, that it was important for them to connect and share what they felt comfortable sharing.
“Hey, no worries. You must enjoy staying out on the ranch. I heard so much about the Carsens’ ranch and retreat.”
“It’s a wonderful place. My dad Chet really made it into something special. Would you like to see it? Spend an afternoon? You could bring your son this weekend.”
Her heart galloped in her chest like a racehorse. “I’d love that. We’d love that.”
Maybe they had a chance after all.
“So is this a second date then?” She arched her brow.
He too raised a sexy brow. “Maybe. I just thought you’d like to see the horses.”
She had to take it for what it was. An invitation to the ranch. Nothing more. He still hadn’t brought up the arrangement yet. Maybe he wanted to feel her out some more first. See how well they got along before asking her the question. The question she really wanted to hear. The question she really needed to hear.
Will you marry me? For a short period of time?