Chapter 3
Three
Lily
It was Friday and the end of the month. The clinic was having its open house. Everyone was standing around and laughing. The garage doors of the clinic were open, and the floor had been hosed off. A few tables were set up and filled with food.
Meanwhile, I wanted to cry. Every blink pushed back tears. I was supposed to be moving to another house, apartment, condo, or townhouse. I was not. I didn’t even have a toiletry bag packed.
Instead, I had picked up Cali and Kellan from daycare and came straight here. Kellan had fallen asleep in his car seat. Cali was so excited. She’d talked nonstop after the party last week, jabbering about how fun the Knight and Barron kids were. She’d been understandably disappointed when she learned the open house wouldn’t have all of Sutton’s family.
Fatigue swamped me. Kellan continued to snooze in his car seat stroller. Would he sleep tonight? God, I hoped so. My vision was crossing. He’d been extra fussy the last week, like he’d fed off my stress.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. What was I going to do?
I was so tired.
Where in the world would I take the kids? I’d avoided my aunt and uncle’s calls and texts. They’d show up soon. They’d see I wasn’t moved out. I’d have to call my parents. I should’ve done that right away, or at least as soon as it was apparent there’d be no house to rent within my budget. Now, they’d have to rush to Crocus Valley to save me. Just like before. My brothers and sisters would hear about the trust in a frantic way and that’d stress them. Ugh. I should’ve put more thought into all this.
Part of me hoped Aunt Linda wouldn’t be so stern. She and Uncle Darren wouldn’t kick me out with a kid and a baby? Maybe?
Shit.
I glanced around the clinic and blinked. Pull it together.
Could I sleep here? How long before someone noticed?
Sutton approached me. I blinked and straightened. Did it make me look more awake?
“Are you doing okay?” She rested an arm over her belly. She had an ob-gyn appointment on Monday, and she suspected she’d be put on bed rest for good instead of reduced work hours. We’d all been doing what we could to make things easier around the clinic for her, and she’d backed off to less than a quarter of the clients she used to see. What was she doing standing and talking to me?
“I’m fine. How are you?”
She lifted a shoulder and munched on a celery stick. “Nervous. As long as everything’s okay, I don’t mind being stuck in bed.” Doubt flickered through her expression.
“I’m sure it’s scary. You’re worried about the babies but also about the business you built.”
She smiled. “Yes, it is scary. I have a really good crew, but it’s not that. I used to sit around and watch a lot of TV when I was younger, and I’m afraid it’ll feel like I’m regressing. But I have a light at the end of the tunnel with the babies.” Her grin turned dreamy. “And I won’t be alone this time either.”
“Wilder seems very supportive.” He was a doting spouse. The way he watched Sutton with an eagle eye, his gaze full of adoration, should be sickening. Instead, it was just another Knight showing me how low I had settled with Carter.
“He worked hard on being the spouse I need.” Before I could figure out what she meant by that, she looked over my shoulder and a wide smile spread across her face. “There’s my favorite guy.”
“And your second favorite, right?” Eliot’s voice washed over me like warm caramel sauce.
I didn’t know he was coming to the open house. He’d rushed away from the party a couple of weeks ago, and I thought that’d be the last time I saw him. I was sure I would be quitting my job and leaving town at some point in the next twenty-four hours.
Wilder went right to his wife’s side. He snatched a cookie off the plate, and she adopted a fake scowl until he hand-fed her. She gave him a secretive smile, and he returned it with a smoldering look.
Gah. My bar had been on the damn floor.
Cali ran up to Eliot. Her toothy grin was filling in. “Remember me?”
Eliot dropped to a squat. “Let’s see…Cooper?”
She giggled. “No.”
“Gumball?”
She shook her head, her smile firmly in place.
“You must be the really smart and strong Cali, then.”
She nodded. “Yup.”
“Having fun, boss lady?”
Cali nodded. My day certainly brightened. The only time my tired gaze uncrossed was to admire his wide shoulders. I discretely looked down at my chest. No leakage. Good.
He gave her a fist bump, and she ran off. He straightened and looked right at me with soulful brown eyes I could swim in all day. “Lily. How’s it going?”
“Oh, you know. Living the dream.”
His smile was warm, and I basked in it until he turned his attention to Kellan. “There’s the sleeping champ.”
I could draw a full breath now that his attention was off me. Was this guy for real? He greeted my baby and seemed genuinely delighted to see him. Why couldn’t I have married a guy like him?
I shoved a carrot stick in my mouth.
“Hey, Lily,” Wilder said. “I was out with my brother-in-law the other day to go look at a horse, and I saw your house. That’s a nice place. Well kept up.”
He was making idle conversation. I appreciated it, but also, I’d rather not talk about the house right now. “It’s like a time capsule. Grandma kept the original woodwork.”
Sutton brightened. “You remember Vienne and Austen?”
I nodded. Another devastating brother-in-law of hers with a woman who had all her ducks in a row and not floating off in different directions to get lost in the reeds.
“They redid their house…” Sutton frowned and looked at Wilder. “Was it two years ago?”
“Pretty much,” he answered.
“Now they flip houses—ethically, of course. I’m sure if you need a hand with anything, you only have to ask. They’d be happy to help.”
Wilder nodded. Everyone said they were happy to help. I was like a billboard that screamed, “I’m a mess.”
I stuck with “Thanks” for a reply.
Eliot turned back to Wilder. I gave myself two seconds to ogle the way his butt flexed under the denim. He was the best-looking Knight brother, and it wasn’t just because he was the only single Knight. He seemed the most mellow, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes that called to me.
I was romanticizing him, but I could use a little fantasy. My reality sucked.
“Did you get food yet?” Eliot asked Wilder.
Wilder didn’t look like he wanted to leave his wife’s side.
Eliot pivoted toward me again. “Lily, can I grab anything for you while I’m getting a plate?”
He was so damn polite. His mama had raised him right.
I was trying to think of something just to continue the interaction with him when Sutton’s gaze drifted over my shoulder.
“I’m not sure I know her,” she murmured. “Is she a client here?”
I turned and my stomach slammed to the ground. My aunt was here. Stress lined her face and her frown was sandblasted into her skin.
Linda was outside of the garage, at the edge of the parking lot, talking to River, one of the other techs. River was pointing at me and my aunt nodded.
“I—I do.”
Sutton pinned me with her gray eyes. “You don’t sound thrilled.”
I was not. “She just isn’t the happiest person in the world.” Why did she have to track me down at the open house? “I didn’t realize she was visiting. She’s probably worried about why I’m not at home.” I forced a bright smile, but inside my ribs, my heart hammered until I worried it’d quit and I’d just collapse. The kids would go to my parents. Lily should’ve known better. Lily should’ve told someone. Lily should’ve planned like a grown-up.
Someday, I’d wipe Carter’s voice, and his mother’s, out of my head, but today was not that day.
My aunt spotted me, and her gaze sharpened. Her frown grew impossibly deeper, and she marched in my direction.
“Lily.” Her voice was a whiplash. “A word.”
I smiled at Sutton, panic clawing at my chest. Please spare my dirty laundry from getting aired . “Excuse me, please.”
I put my hand on the stroller to take off the brakes. My throat grew thick, and I wasn’t sure I’d win the battle against my tears.
Eliot waved me off. “I’ll watch over the little guy. If he starts crying, I’ll find you.”
I would brush Eliot off, but the conversation with Aunt Linda would be too serious for interruption if Kellan woke up. “Sure. Thanks.”
I walked into the clinic, not waiting to see if Linda would follow me. She did. Her footsteps even sounded stern.
I turned into the offices. The building was blissfully empty, but the sounds of laughter and talking were strong enough to drift in. Perfect. I could hear exactly what I was missing as I begged for more time.
My aunt entered and walked straight to a desk. It wasn’t mine, I didn’t have one, but she sat primly, regret and disappointment scrawled over her expression.
I faced her, my back to the entrance. The silver lining was that she didn’t bring Uncle Darren. “I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back to you. It’s been busy?—”
“Are you moved out yet?”
It took everything in me not to hang my head. “No,” I whispered.
“Are you married?”
“Aunt Linda, I need more time.”
“Lily.” She sighed and looked every day of her sixty-two years. “I could’ve kicked you out right away. We did give you time.”
“Not enough. I have two small kids.”
Sympathy burned in her eyes. I was almost surprised to see it. “It’s not my choice, but I am the executor.” She clenched her jaw. She glanced away and determination filled her gaze.
No, no, no. She was going to kick me out. I had enough money for one night at a motel, and then I’d have to go back to Billings. There was no place big enough to move the kids and animals too, and I couldn’t stay in a hotel for a couple of months with all that. My parents would take me in. I’d have to quit my new job only six weeks after I started. I’d get a shitty reference if I quit over a weekend. That’d make two vet clinics I’d left under less-than-ideal circumstances. Add in my withdrawal from vet school and I was a less-than-ideal prospect to hire. My career might be over.
“Aunt Linda…”
She shook her head and closed her eyes. “I’m sorry, Lily. The rules are in black and white. I’ve already bent them enough.” She opened her eyes and gave me a direct stare. “I have to continue fulfilling my duties. I gave you time and your siblings need time.”
“I appreciate it,” I said, my throat tight. “I really do.”
Linda rolled her lips in, considering me. “Darren will help you pack tonight until West and Magnolia get here.”
My aunt knew me well enough to know I couldn’t get out of this mess without them. To be fair, I was in a unique situation. But I thought that at thirty, I’d have a good job, money in savings, and a big degree to show for my college debt.
I didn’t want my uncle to help me pack. I’d get the kids settled, and Dad and I could come back for the rest. Unless he and Mom needed to be close to home when the others learned about their absurd inheritance stipulations. At some point, I’d have to call Sutton and tell her I could no longer stay in Crocus Valley.
I could weep.
There had to be something. Panic made me claw at the edges of my brain. There had to be some way.
Grandma laid out exactly how. The only thing that’d save me was a man.
“What if…” The only thing that would buy me time was Linda thinking I’d be getting married real soon. I never told her I didn’t have a boyfriend. I could buy myself some time. Tomorrow, I’d call the same rental properties I’d talked to earlier and accept the first opening. Maybe Mom would let Pebbles and Flakes stay at her place. Maybe my parents would help with hotel expenses.
I needed help with so much. Humiliation dug into my ribs.
“What if what, Lily?” Linda peered at me, a spark of hope in her eyes. She didn’t want to be the bad guy. Yet she would be. I could save us both with a little fib.
“What if I have someone?”
She lifted her chin, interest in her eyes. My hopes rose. Would this work, if only for a weekend? I didn’t know what the time would buy me, but I had to try.
“You have someone?” she asked, dubious.
“Yes.” I drew out the word. “I didn’t want to rush him. I mean, I never thought I’d fall in love again.” I spoke slowly, like I was reading about mammal reproduction for the first time.
“And you’re getting married?”
I nodded and forced myself to hold her gaze. I just needed the weekend. I could secure the animals, get myself and the kids settled in a motel, and put money down for a rental deposit. After I borrowed it from my parents.
Her eyes narrowed. The stench of my lie was rising up. Either that or my deodorant couldn’t stand up to new-mom stress. “What’s his name?”
All she needed was a name. What should I say?
The only name that popped into my head spilled out of my mouth. “Eliot.”
“Eliot who?”
“Eliot…Knight.” Shit. I should’ve made up a last name.
“At your service,” Eliot said from the doorway.
I gasped and spun around. Kellan was throwing his head around on Eliot’s shoulder. He let out a cry. Three seconds ago, he’d been as silent as the man holding him.
“Eliot.” All my dismay poured into that one word. My heart clawed into my throat. I could vomit everything I’d eaten for the last month. If I thought I was humiliated before, this was nothing.
“Oh.” Linda’s voice perked up. “This is him?”
Why didn’t I make up a name? Why did I name him? It was not wishful thinking. It wasn’t . I just didn’t know any other single men.
“Eliot Knight?” Linda prompted again.
“Yes,” I squeaked.
Linda’s brows lifted. Kellan slammed his mouth against Eliot’s stubbled cheek. “Slow down, champ. I don’t have what you want.”
“When’s the wedding?” Linda asked.
Eliot glanced at me like he was waiting for me to answer too, like this was polite conversation that didn’t involve him. It shouldn’t have involved him.
Linda lifted her brows, giving him a pointed look. “Do you have a date? I assume it must be soon.”
Incredulity filled Eliot’s gaze. A chuckle came out nervously. “Did I miss something?”
Was I really going through with this? If I didn’t, I’d be quitting for sure and moving. I’d never see Eliot again, and my humiliation would be just for me, for during the middle of the night when I was alone in bed and reliving all my mistakes.
“The wedding,” I said woodenly. I couldn’t meet his gaze. I kept mine on the teardrop bottom of my baby, whom he was holding. “Remember how I told you”—I squeezed my eyes shut—“shortly after we started dating that I would lose the house if I wasn’t married for a year? And how Aunt Linda was being lenient and letting me stay in it until then?” I peeled my eyes open. If my heart rate climbed higher, I’d pass out.
His disbelieving gaze was on mine. Kellan was getting noisier, but he had nowhere to go in Eliot’s strong hold.
My hope wavered, rose a little, but it was still at the bottom of the world. Eliot wasn’t calling me a liar in front of my aunt, so I forged ahead. “Well, I didn’t want to rush you, but she gave me until today to move. I thought we could have some more time, you know…since our love is so new?”
His eyes narrowed but in that This can’t be real way. “Today?”
“Yep.” I popped the P . Shame was branding itself into my skin. “I had to be moved out by today.”
“Unless you’re married.”
“Mm-hmm.” My cheeks were on fire. I could melt into a puddle and sink into the foundation.
“How long have you been dating?” Linda asked as she scrutinized Eliot.
Might as well dig the hole deeper. “Since I first moved, actually. I met him right after I started here. Eliot is Sutton’s brother-in-law.”
“That’s not long at all,” Aunt Linda said. She exhaled, the sound somehow full of skepticism.
No, it sure wasn’t long at all. “We’re willing to rush to get you the documents you need.”
“And you’re okay with that?” Her gaze was sharp enough to stake Eliot in place.
The heat of Eliot’s gaze lifted off me. “Like she said, we’re willing to rush.”
Oh god. Was he… Was he playing along? Relief almost knocked my knees out from under me, but I forced it back. The fallout was waiting for Linda to leave. Then I’d have to tell Eliot the whole story. He deserved as much. Would he recount this whole situation to Sutton? They’d have a good laugh. I’d be the butt of a ridiculous joke, but I would likely keep my job and a roof over my family’s head. Who needed pride when I had that?
“Well.” She clapped her hands together, then rose. “That is good news.”
Oh my god. It worked. I caught a giggle before I cleared my throat. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my giddiness from showing. I could figure my life out.
Eliot tilted his head, studying me, his expression tightly neutral.
“Perfect.” Linda clasped her hands together again, like she was unsure of what to do. “I’ll need the marriage certificate next week.”
“That soon?” I ignored the scrape of Eliot’s gaze. He’d started bouncing the more Kellan moved. I’d been so nervous through the conversation I’d left him holding the baby. And he’d done it.
Linda squeezed my elbow as she passed. “I already gave you weeks of extra time. Please understand.”
She’d have to tell the others soon. I wanted my situation solid before my family found out. Would Linda go for one more favor? “Can you wait to tell Mom and Dad until after we’re”—I swallowed hard—“married?”
“Yes,” she said quietly. “I imagine they would have a lot to say.”
After my shit show of a marriage, they would not love hearing that I’m running into another one with a stranger. I needed time to call them first and explain. Before that, Eliot needed answers.
“I also need to let you know that both Weston and I have to sign off on the marriage after a year. My mother wanted to make sure there weren’t shenanigans to get the inheritance.”
“Shenanigans?” My voice went high, and a nervous laugh came out. What had Grandma been thinking?
“Sounds like you don’t have to worry even if the nuptials are rushed.” Linda’s smile was relieved. She crossed to Eliot and stuck her hand out. “Nice to meet you.”
He slowly clasped hers and gave her hand a perfunctory pump.
“Welcome to the family,” she said right before sidling around him and out the door.
She took all the air with her.
“What the hell was that about, Lily?” Eliot asked incredulously.
My emotions welled over and tears poured out. I gave in to the relief, sank to the floor, and cried.
Eliot
Goddammit, I broke Lily. Guilt wound its way across my throat. I didn’t mean to swear, but it wasn’t every day a guy tried to help a woman and then was told he was marrying her.
What the hell had I walked in on? I’d heard my name, and suddenly, I was engaged. Not only that, but the lady who was just here wanted to see a marriage certificate, or she’d kick Lily out of her house.
Didn’t she know Lily had two small kids?
Kellan’s cries were growing more powerful. I squatted by his sobbing mom. She’d covered her face with her hands.
“Hey,” I said softly. Her shoulders shook harder. “Hey.”
She continued to cry.
“Lily, I’m sorry.”
For some reason, that made her cry harder, and Kellan’s volume increased.
“Look, the champ’s hungry. I need an explanation, but he’s got to eat first.”
She nodded, sniffling and finally lifted her face out of her hands. “I’m so sorry.”
Holy shit, she looked haggard. The dark circles under her eyes that had been there before were more prominent against her pale skin. Now, the whites of her eyes were bloodshot. Her short curls were a haphazard mess around her head, but it was a style a lot of people probably paid good money for. What did I know? This was the first time I’d made a woman cry. I’d never given them a reason to get emotional about me. The way I’d snapped at her reminded me too much of my father for comfort.
She wiped off her face. “Uh, that was a mess. Such a mess. I should’ve been ready.” A fat tear rolled down her cheek.
“Hey.” I swiped the teardrop off her cheek. “Look, I have no clue what just happened, but it’s clearly distressing you, and I can barely hear you over the champ. Feed him, and I’ll check on Cali.”
“I’m not distressed.” When she caught my look, she shook her head. “Yes, I’m very stressed. But I’m also relieved.” She pressed her fingertips to her temples. “Embarrassed. I need to go.”
No matter what she said, she was distraught and I didn’t want her driving off. “Tell me where your keys are and where you’re parked. I’ll get that stroller monstrosity loaded up. I’m sure Cali can help. Then I’ll drive you home. Come out when you’re ready. Sneak out the side door so no one sees you. Sutton will understand and won’t make a scene.”
“Why are you being so nice?”
“Listen, if my family hears you claim I’m nice, they’re going to have questions, and I can’t have that.”
Her mouth twitched and the panic in her eyes ebbed. She let out a gusty sigh. Kellan only partially calmed down.
I held out my hand and helped her up. Her fingers felt tiny in my grip, but she was strong. I handed the baby over and left the office. I stepped to the side a few feet before I took off my ball cap and ran a hand through my hair. What the hell had I gotten myself into?
Something about marriage and moving and… marriage ?
In the garage, there was laughter and lightness. Wilder hovered over Sutton. I’d been late today thanks to calls with the insurance company and breaking my damn back to make the barn structurally sound again, but I’d decided to come to Crocus Valley anyway. I thought the getaway would be good. Now I had a crying woman and I wasn’t sure what else on my hands.
…you know…since our love is so new?
How about nonexistent? I barely knew the girl. She was a cute single mom who lived three hours away from me. She worked for my sister-in-law. I hadn’t planned to do more than admire the way her ass filled out her jeans at the last company picnic. There was nothing between me and Lily and her cute button nose, but apparently, we were getting married? Next week?
Why had she said my name to her aunt?
I didn’t know the story, but I couldn’t believe an aunt would kick a young family out of a house. I also had no idea why a marriage was pertinent to keeping the place. Wasn’t Lily divorced?
Lily couldn’t have a high opinion of men since she was stuck in a new town with a new job and two small children by herself because of a divorce. I didn’t know why she and her ex split, but he was a fucknut. I didn’t need details.
I’d have to get all the information before I breathed a word to my family. Would they warn me about Lily, or would they warn Lily off me? I was about to turn forty, and I’d never been married. I hadn’t even been in any long-term relationships.
Wilder spotted me. “Everything okay?”
No. Not at all. “Lily’s not feeling well. I’m gonna load up the stroller and Cali and pull around to the side door. She doesn’t want extra attention.”
Worry darkened Sutton’s gaze. “Right. She doesn’t seem like that kind of person. Thank you, and tell her to call me if she needs anything.”
How did I tell Sutton that it sounded like Lily needed to get married? To me?
I couldn’t comprehend being a husband by this time next week. One, I didn’t know the bride. Two, I had more than a job. I managed Knight’s Arabians and Cattle Company. I had employees who counted on me to make their living, and I had siblings who needed the place to thrive enough to pay them the inheritance we’d worked our entire lives for.
No matter how married I was, I couldn’t pull up my roots and leave. If I could, I would’ve done it years ago.