The man’s dark brows shot up, disappearing under the brim of his cowboy hat. “No how, no way—”
“It’ll be temporary.”
“I’ve got a bride lined up.”
“She’s not coming until the spring.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m not gonna risk it.”
Sterling had suspected Beckett might say that, because the ranch foreman was a man of honor and wouldn’t want to cause problems or disrespect his future bride. “Then you’ll get engaged to Hyacinth.”
“That’s not gonna happen either.”
Behind Beckett, Hyacinth was shaking her head. She didn’t like the plan any more than he did. But it would help keep her safe, and that was really what mattered most.
“You pretend she’s your woman until this blows over.”
“And you think an engagement will stop Claude?”
“If he knows she’s under your protection, you’ll make it clear she’s off-limits.”
Beckett’s mouth stalled around his next response.
“I’m not advocating going over to the Red Cap Saloon and beating up Claude or any of his men.” Sterling needed to emphasize again his position on the violence. “But I trust you’ll find a lawful way to let them know Hyacinth is your fiancée and that they can’t touch her.”
This time Beckett didn’t protest.
Sterling knew he was dangling the proverbial carrot in front of his foreman—a carrot in the form of intimidating a bully who needed to be put in his place. Beckett wouldn’t be able to resist the bait. And how could Sterling oppose Beckett’s doing a little intimidating?
“No,” came Hyacinth’s firm voice from the hallway. “I won’t pretend such a thing.”
“Please, Hyacinth.” Violet crossed to her sister. “It will be better than nothing.”
“I’m not lying about being engaged to someone.” Hyacinth pressed her lips together in that stubborn way she had.
Beckett stepped back into the hallway and was now facing Hyacinth. He was taking her in slowly, probably deciding if she was worth the hassle. Of course, Hyacinth didn’t have Violet’s delicate beauty, but she was definitely a fine-looking woman.
With her more serious outlook on life, Hyacinth was jaded and sarcastic and too much like Beckett. The two would never make a good match in real life. But for a couple of months, until after the new year, they could pretend to have a relationship. What harm could come of that?
“Beckett’s a nice man,” Violet said.
“No, he’s not.” Hyacinth raised her freckled nose at Beckett, her green eyes flashing with disdain.
“Now, hold on.” Sterling needed to steer the conversation in a different direction before Beckett took offense and stalked off without agreeing to the plan.
Before Sterling could formulate something positive to say, Beckett, who was still staring at Hyacinth, leaned against the doorframe, his lips curling up on one side into a crooked grin.
Sterling paused. Why was Beckett smiling?
Hyacinth narrowed her eyes on him, probably wondering the same thing.
“Fine. I’ll do it.” Beckett didn’t take his gaze from Hyacinth. “Reckon it might be fun.”
Hyacinth lifted her chin. “Fun? It will be the furthest thing from fun.”
“Oh, darlin’,” Beckett drawled. “Don’t you worry your pretty little head. I’ll make sure it’s plenty of fun.” Then he winked.
Sterling almost snorted, but then he caught Violet’s gaze, filled with worry.
