Just A Little Bit Married

“Wilderness doesn’t count. Somewhere in this town there must be a roof and indoor plumbing,” she warned.

“There is. Trust me.”

“I thought we were clear that I don’t trust you.”

He was going to do his damnedest to change her mind about that.

* * *

Rose was uneasy after Linc bypassed the Blackwater Lake Lodge and kept driving. Finally he turned right and pulled into a long driveway leading to a big house at the top of a rise. The sun was just going down behind the majestic mountains, but there was still enough light to see that the grounds were stunning. A carpet of perfectly manicured green grass was surrounded by flowers and shrubs.

He stopped the SUV by a brick walkway leading to gorgeous double front doors with oval glass insets. “I think this will fit your definition. There’s a roof and indoor plumbing. The rest of it isn’t bad, either.”

“This can’t be your place because you said it’s a condo and currently unlivable.” She left her seat belt buckled. “What’s going on? You said you’d handle expenses and accommodations but—”

“This is my sister’s place. She lives here with her husband and daughter.”

“Why?”

“Because they’re married and need a place to raise their child.” His tone was wry.

“No. Why aren’t we at a hotel?”

“As we established there’s only one in town and I couldn’t get a reservation. Late spring is nice here in the mountains and it’s becoming a popular tourist destination.”

Rose studied him. He was looking awfully darn pleased with himself, but it felt like he’d pulled one over on her and she didn’t like it a bit. “I don’t know what you’re up to, but—”

“And here’s my sister now.” He pointed to the open front door.

Rose saw a little girl run outside, followed immediately by a man and woman. Linc exited the car and came around to her side to open the door. His family didn’t look intimidating but what did she know? These people were related to him.

Rose got out and muttered under her breath, “You should have warned me about this.”

“If I did, would you have taken the job?”

That was a good question. Probably she would have but he hadn’t given her the chance to decide. Again.

“Linc!” His sister threw herself into his arms.

He grabbed her and lifted her off the ground in a big hug. “Hey, baby sister. You look good.”

“You, too.” Then she smiled at Rose. “Hi. I’m Ellie McKnight.”

“Rose Tucker.” She shook the woman’s hand as the two men greeted each other.

“This is her husband, Alex, and this munchkin is their daughter, Leah.”

“Nice to meet you.” Rose smiled at the little girl observing the hectic scene from the safety of her handsome father’s strong arms. “She’s beautiful.”

“Just like her mom,” Alex said proudly.

Ellie took the child and said, “Honey, why don’t you help Linc bring their bags inside.”

“Right.”

“Rose, welcome to our home.”

“Thank you. I appreciate your hospitality, but if it’s too much of an inconvenience I can find something—”

“Absolutely not. It’s been too long since I had a good visit with my brother. We’re happy to have you and I’m glad you agreed to stay with us.”

It would probably be rude to say she hadn’t agreed to anything because he hadn’t shared the trip details with her. So, she kept that to herself. Linc, however, was going to get an earful.

Ellie led her past the living and dining rooms into the huge kitchen–family room combination. There was a river-rock fireplace on one wall with a big flat-screen TV above. Leather sofas and cloth-covered chairs formed a conversation area in front of it and the thick, neutral-colored carpet was littered with pink toys and dolls. When her mom set her down, Leah plopped herself in the middle of it and started playing.

Moments later the men joined them and Alex informed his wife, “Bags are by the stairway. I wasn’t sure where you wanted everyone.”

“Thanks, honey. I think Linc and Rose might want to catch their breath.”

Rose doubted that would happen, at least for her. Since the moment Linc had showed up in her life again she felt as if she’d had the air knocked out of her. Then on the plane he’d confessed that after her he’d never again considered marriage. What did that mean? Had it been awful with her? Resentment pointed her in that direction, but when he’d said it there was a wistful, sad look on his face. And now he’d brought her to stay with his sister. This must be how Dorothy felt when the tornado dropped her in Oz. Rose was definitely not in Texas anymore.

“Can I get you something to drink? Are you hungry?” Ellie asked. “I’ve got some appetizers to put out and we’ll have dinner in a little while.”

“I hope you haven’t gone to any trouble,” Rose protested.

The other woman waved away her concern. “It’s cheese and crackers and Alex is going to grill. Very easy.”

Linc looked at her. “How about a glass of wine?”

“That would be nice. White?”

“Done,” Ellie said. “And Linc will want a beer.”

“I’ll take care of the drinks, sweetie,” her husband offered.

Rose stood beside Linc on the other side of the huge kitchen island and watched the attractive couple work together. A smile here, a touch there. A closeness and intimacy she’d never had the chance to form with Linc. Envy and regret mixed with her lingering anger at what he’d done to them.

When everyone had drinks Ellie held up her wineglass and said, “Let’s drink to me.”

Linc grinned and said, “Now why would we do that?”

“Because I talked you into moving to Blackwater Lake, which makes me pretty awesome. You’re going to thank me for this.”

Alex touched his longneck beer bottle to his wife’s glass. “I thought you were awesome even before your brother bought his condo. And I thank my lucky stars every day that you came into my life.”

Rose wanted to hold on to her envy and dislike of these two, but she was powerless. They were so cute, so friendly. She tapped her glass to theirs. “I think you’re awesome for wanting to put up with your brother as a full-time resident.”

There was a funny look on Linc’s face when he joined the toast. “To my favorite sister.”