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Everything seemed to go perfect today, Jake thought to himself after the wedding ceremony and the reception at the renovated barn hall on the ranch. He stood out on the porch late in the evening, looking up at the blanket of stars twinkling in the night sky. The sound of crickets nearby.
Even the weather held up today. It had been a beautiful day filled with a calm wind and cloudless sky. Yet inside, there was a storm brewing. He felt as if he was letting his late family down. But he had to do this. He didn’t want to let his brothers down too, just as he’d let his late wife and daughter down.
Zack had been his best man. And his brother Luke walked Sylvie down the aisle. Little Jackson had his part to play in the wedding too as the ring bearer.
A part of Jake wished it was real, for Jackson’s sake, especially.
What would happen when Jake and Sylvie parted? How would this affect Jackson? He hadn’t thought about that before. Everything happened so fast. He wanted to help Sylvie out and she wanted to help him out with the marriage on paper for the sake of saving the ranch with his brothers.
Of course, they’d always be friends. He’d keep in touch with Sylvie. And Sylvie and Jackson would be able to visit the ranch any time they wanted.
But would that be enough?
They’d shared a beautiful dance at the wedding and enjoyed the feast prepared by their caterers at the ranch. He felt something special inside for Sylvie, but he couldn’t admit it to himself. But deep down inside he knew he felt something so strong.
And those lips of hers. Wow! That kiss was so magical and so breathtaking. She almost stole his breath away—literally. He didn’t think he could control himself around her if he got too close afterwards.
“I just got off the phone with my sister,” Sylvie’s sweet voice sounded behind him. “Jackson’s fast asleep. I’m so glad she offered to take him for the next few days while we have our...honeymoon.” She made air quotes around the word honeymoon with her fingers.
“That’s very nice of her,” he said. He loved the way she and her sister got along to help each other out. They were good people. It reminded him of how his adoptive dad raised him and his adopted brothers to be. There for one another.
And speaking of there for one another.
“You were amazing today,” he said.
“Thanks, so were you.”
There was an awkward pause between them. He wondered if she wanted him to kiss her again. But he couldn’t. He just couldn’t do it. Oh, his body wanted to. He wanted to deep down inside, but that would just throw off their arrangement. And his mind couldn’t let him do it. He felt as if he would be betraying his late wife and their daughter.
She leaned into him and his body came alive with sparks.
“No,” he said, softly.
“No?” The disappointment on her face left him feeling pain for her. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he didn’t want to mislead her either. He couldn’t give into his feelings.
“This is just a fake marriage, remember? No sense falling for each other.”
She looked stunned.
“I don’t believe this. We’re married now.”
“But we agreed, it would only be platonic. Marriage in name only.”
“But what about that kiss we shared at the altar and on the dance-floor earlier at the reception? I felt something. I know you did too.”
“Yes, it was...it was beautiful, just like you, Sylvie.” His voice trailed off, but he had to focus. “But...”
“But what, Jake?”
“I can’t do this again, Sylvie.”
“Do what again, Jake? I want to help you.”
“Help me do what? Get over my late wife and child?”
She looked aghast as if he’d insulted her.
“No, I don’t want you to get over them. You don’t get over the loss of loved ones, Jake. But over time, you learn to get used to it. I’m not talking about replacing them. I’m talking about forgiving yourself and moving forward. Jackson loves you like a dad and I see the way you are with him. And the way we feel...why can’t we just give this a chance? Who knows? Look what happened to your brothers. They fell in love with their...”
“That’s not going to happen here, Sylvie. Sorry.” With those words he walked back towards the cabin door to go inside. He opened the door for her to step inside first.
She did. She walked right past him and up the stairs.
“Want me to walk you to your room?”
“No, thanks. I’ll get by and don’t worry; I won’t get in your way.”
“Sylvie...”
She held up her hand to silence him.
“I get the message loud and clear, Jake. You got what you needed, a marriage certificate so you can keep the ranch. And I have a place to stay for a while. When I get back up on my feet, I’ll be out of your hair and out of your life for good.” Her voice was filled with sorrow.