CHAPTER 6
ROOK
“Did that really just happen?”
I ask the question aloud as I continue to stare at the spot where Meadow was until she drove away in her car. Even though I knew it was the right choice, I didn’t want to let her go. I wanted her to stay.
The way she looked up at me, like she was on the edge of panic, is the only reason I let her drive away. She promised that she’s not going to back out of marrying me. Those words echo around me as I stare at the ghost of where she just was.
I’m going to marry Meadow.
It’s almost too good to be true.
After running my fingers through my hair, I sigh and mutter to myself, “This could end really badly.”
Or it could not end at all.
The thought settles around me, and it feels like something inside me slides into place.
I’m not going to allow this marriage to end. This is a chance, slim and shaky as it may be. I’ll only get one shot at this and the woman I’ve been wanting will be my wife. If I can get her to fall for me, I’ll be able to keep her.
I desperately want to keep her.
My gaze moves over the farm. I’d love to give her more than a city hall ceremony. But I don’t want to wait to marry her because there’s no way I’m willing to risk her changing her mind.
No fucking way.
A city hall ceremony might be enough, even if I want to give her more. I already know her best friends will be there. Maybe they’d help me put a party together. Being celebrated is the important part. Isn’t it?
I wonder if they’d know what her dream wedding dress is. She should be able to wear it, no matter where she’s getting married. Even if she thinks all she’s doing is a good deed.
How the hell am I going to get her to fall in love with me?
Then I remember the way she looked at me and the way she blushed. Maybe there’s something already there and I was willing myself to be blind to it because it was easier.
Not that it matters.
“She’s going to be my wife,” I whisper the words.
Hearing them makes it real in a way I’m afraid to allow. I want this and I’m going to make it work. Somehow.
Justas I’m about to stand from where I had sunk down onto the top step of the porch, I notice a slick sports car turn into the drive. The hair on the back of my neck stands on edge.
I have a feeling I know who it is. I would almost place a bet on it.
After standing up, I start down the steps because I’m not letting him closer than I have to. I wouldn’t put it past him to sit his ass somewhere and claim squatter’s rights or some shit.
When the car stops, my father steps out like he’s from on-high and finally arrived down here amongst the mere mortals. I want to deck him. My fist clenches at my side, but when he smirks, I open my hand and shake it out.
Winding up in jail is not on my to-do list. Especially now.
“Good to see you again so soon, Rook,” he says my name like it’s a joke, like he wasn’t the one who named me.
“I can’t say I’m thrilled to see you again. I could have gone the rest of my life,” I sneer the words.
He puts on a hurt expression, but it’s fake. It’s all fake. He’s perfected being a grifter.
There’s no way in hell I’ll allow him to get his hands on this farm.
