“It’s another prize.” The lie rolls off my tongue, but it’s worth it to see her relax.
“Well, we might as well enjoy all the perks of this marriage, right, hubby?”
“I’m surprised there isn’t a bottle of Bodacious Bubbles in here, too.”
“There are four cases being shipped to the ranch as we speak,” I tell her. “I hope it’s okay. I had it all sent there.”
“Absolutely.” She laughs. “No point having it sent to my place. I’ll probably be evicted by the time I get back. And we’re definitely not sending it to Patty’s wedding.”
I’d almost forgotten about her shitty stepsister. “When is the big day?”
“Two weeks?” Maisey shrugs.
“And you’re going to miss it?”
“You know what? I think I am.” She nods and gives me a mischievous little smile. “After all, I have my own marriage to tend to.” She laughs at herself, but I’m not laughing. I like the sound of that. A lot. Definitely more than I should let on.
“What did she say when you told her?” The look on Maisey’s face tells me she hasn’t let Patty know anything yet. “You should at least text her so she doesn’t think I abducted you.”
She blows out a sigh but pulls her phone out and dutifully taps out a text while reading it out to me: “Patty, I’m leaving early with Travis. Sorry I’ll miss your wedding. Thanks for asking, I’m fine. More than fine. My new husband is amazing in bed.” She looks at me and cocks a brow. “Good?”
“Perfect, sweetheart.” I chuckle and pull her in close for a cuddle.
Rex is waiting for us at the airport, so I do a proper introduction this time. He’s only coming back to the ranch for a week or two before heading out to a different rodeo. Unlike me, he prefers to keep moving. As much as I love rodeo, I love ranch life more. And I’m looking forward to staying put for a little while, especially now that I’ll be staying put with Maisey.
When our flight is called, I lead her to the gate and present our tickets. It’s not until we’re actually boarding that she notices we’re sitting in first class. “What is…” I give her a shrug, and she laughs. “The contest, right? Wow, the perks just keep coming.”
She has no idea I upgraded her seat and doesn’t question it when Rex slides into the row across from us. He raises a brow when Maisey’s not looking, but I shut him down with a pointed look.
He’s my brother. It doesn’t matter that we’re not blood-related. Even if he doesn’t understand why I’m keeping my net worth from her, he won’t give me away. He’s got my back.
Truthfully, I do feel a bit like an asshole for not telling her that, despite the fact that I’monlya ranch hand, I’m actually a millionaire thanks to my successful rodeo career combined with some very smart investments along the way.
More and more lately, I’ve been thinking about finding the right time to quit the rodeo circuit, retire, and buy my own little piece of land somewhere to raise a family. Maybe that time is coming along a lot faster than I’d thought.
We spend the flight talking nonstop. I fill her in on the details of ranch life, including the other Thorne brothers, and Kali and Anna, who have both recently married into the family. It’s seeing the two of them and the genuine joy they bring their husbands that has helped me realize what I’ve been missing my whole life by indulging in meaningless flings with women whose names I can never remember in the morning.
I slide my hand onto Maisey’s thigh, letting my fingers slip under the hem of her dress. She sighs and lets her thighs fall open a little with a sexy little smile as I trail my fingers further up.
By the time the plane circles to make its final descent into Calgary, her head is resting on my shoulder, her eyes having just closed for a much-needed nap, and I could swear I’m already falling in love.
Maybe my sweet littlewifemight turn out to be my very own happy ending after all.
Chapter Eight
Maisey
I’m completely exhausted, but there is no way I’m going to close my eyes for even a second of the drive through the mountains. I’m still mad that I fell asleep before we landed and missed seeing the Rockies from above.
Travis promised me he’d make it up to me, but right now all I can focus on are the incredible, towering peaks outside my window.
There wasn’t a limo waiting for us this time, but we are in some kind of luxury SUV that’s navigating the twisty roads with ease.
Like a child, I keep my face glued to the window for the entirety of the drive. Travis tells me we’re getting close when we finally turn off the paved highway and onto a rough gravel road. I’m such a city girl; I don’t think I’ve ever even been on a gravel road.
When I tell the guys, Travis laughs, and Rex just gives us both a wide-eyed look.
Despite my first impression of him at the bar, he’s actually a pretty nice guy. But from what I can gather, he’s a total player and very much into thebuckle bunniesthat Travis told me about. I decide not to hold it against him, though, since it’shisranch we’re headed to. Rex, along with his four brothers, inherited it after their asshole of a father died.
