The Wrangler Takes a Wife (Silver Creek Ranch #7)

Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen

A mara

The smell of bison pot pie and rolls filled the house. Amara was snuggled up in the armchair, reading a romance novel. Or as Chase called them ‘porn literature’. He’d been a dog with a bone, wanting to know what she was reading. Finally, she had told him.

“You mean like Fabio’s books?”

“Fabio?” Amara sputtered. “You know that was like in the 80s and 90s, right?”

Despite how intimate they were, Amara was a little shy to have him know about the naughty things she enjoyed reading. Chase hadn’t relented until Amara let him read one of her romance novels.

“A couple of things. I’m surprised there was a pretty decent story line. Also, whenever you are ready to try out pages 47-52, let me know.”

Since then, he would check in and see if there were any parts of the books, she was reading he needed to know about. Amara enjoyed being so open with Chase about the things she liked in romance books. Sharing them with him led to naked and sweaty times.

As Amara read, she marked some sections in the mafia romance where the hero had tied up the heroine. She didn’t know if she was ready to try it out, but she was interested in what Chase’s reaction might be.

Knock, knock. Whoever it was must have used the knocker. The sound was extra loud. Amara wasn’t expecting anyone. On the way to the door, she saw a rental SUV. Who the hell could it be? Chase had gone with Ryan in his rental.

A tall skinny man stood on the porch when she opened the door. She immediately knew he was someone from a big city. He had that air about him. His voice was smooth and assertive, indicating he was used to making decisions and being heard. “Good afternoon, I’m looking for Mr. Harrison.”

“I’m sorry. He isn’t in.”

The stranger on her doorstep looked her up and down. She was sure what he saw. A woman in an oversized t-shirt and baggy joggers.

“And you are?”

“Excuse me?” The man’s tone made her bristle. This was her house.

The man looked taken aback by her tone, like she gave a fuck. “I wanted to leave a message for him and was wondering who I’d be leaving the message with.”

Amara narrowed her eyes at the man. It took everything in her not to slam the door in his damn face. Who the hell did he think he was? “I should ask who you are.”

“I’m Terry Vernon, a developer with Harvest Construction. Can I just leave him some information? Ms.?”

“Mrs. Harrison.”

Terry Vernon’s demeanor changed completely. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Harrison.”

He stretched out his hand, and Amara just looked at it. After a moment, he awkwardly allowed it to drop to his side. “I spoke to your, husband?” He paused while waiting for confirmation.

Amara offered no confirmation. So, he continued. “A few days ago, I spoke to your husband about selling the property. I’m following up with the financials.” Vernon pulled an envelope from his saddlebag. “We have upped the initial offer. Since we have a motivated buyer, we would like to seal the deal.”

There was no reason to let on to Terry Vernon that her husband had kept her in the dark. Amara just held out her hand. Vernon placed the large envelope in it. “I look forward to hearing from Mr. Harrison.”

She closed the door with a heavy heart. The weight of the envelope felt like a ton in her hands. The contents were a blow to what she and Chase had been building. Eventually, she began to feel they were developing something deeper than just an agreement. While it wasn’t a genuine marriage, they were partners, nonetheless. They had a passionate, intimate chemistry that fuelled their desires, and they shared a deep friendship with lots of laughter. She genuinely enjoyed spending time talking with him, finding comfort and delight in their conversations. Despite the unconventional nature of their partnership, they complemented each other perfectly, creating a bond that was both vibrant and fulfilling.

Well, partners didn’t go behind each other’s back.

Fucking stupid developers! Every few years, they set their sight on Willowridge for development. It was right off the highway, and only an hour from a major airport. The key to development hinged on acquiring Sagebrush Hills Ranch. Without it, their plans failed. His grandfather and uncle understood what would happen and refused to entertain the idea of selling. Did Chase realise that Harvest Construction would drive the residents of Willowridge out of their town? Everyone would feel the effects of his betrayal, not just her.

When was he planning to tell her about selling the land? They shared a bed and life together. What was his plan? One day he would just wake up and be like I sold Sagebrush. Bye. It was the thought he was planning to walk away which hurt the most.

Amara picked up the large manila envelope. She only debated reading its contents for a moment. If he could betray her then she didn’t owe him anything. Her hands shook as she read the papers. It contained so much legalese, but as a business owner, she was accustomed to reading contracts. Harvest Construction was not playing around. Their offer was substantial, more than double what the land was worth. It shouldn’t have surprised Amara the land he promised her was a part of the sale. Harvest Construction would need it if they were going to build a new city. It stung in a way that had her furiously swiping at quickly falling hot tears.

She didn’t think it could get much worse. However, when she read:

As discussed, if you make the property available within six months, we will add a signing bonus of ten percent.

It got so much worse. Had Chase requested this clause?

How could she be so stupid as to trust him? It didn’t matter.

I won’t be Chase’s fool anymore! Amara took a steadying breath as she got to her feet.

Such a stupid woman. She smacked her forehead with the heel of her palm.

You fell for some good dick and sweet talk. Looking around, she wanted to find something to throw. This wasn’t her.

“ Sweet Darling!” she mimicked him. “Fuck you, Chase Harrison!!” she hissed. Amara’s heart was broken. Shattered. The sparkle of her wedding rings caught her attention. The rings infuriated her. Her heart felt heavy with a mixture of anger and regret as she tugged at the stubborn pieces of jewelry. Desperate to get them off, she scratched her finger.

Not bothering to put the documents back in the envelope, she left them on the table. She placed the rings on top of the papers.

I have to get the hell out of here!

After taking another deep breath, Amara mentally listed the items she needed to bring with her. Her tears dried up as soon as she held the packed bag in her hands. It was like a switch was flipped. The agreement is over.

There was no need to be hysterical about it. She changed into a pair of jeans and a sweater. Leaving a note was ruled out. It was clear that he hadn’t given any thought to her feelings. So why the hell should she?

Amara made sure the oven and stove were off. The last meal she prepared for him was in the oven. He loved her pot pie, so she’d made it as a surprise. Amara hoped he choked on it. With her purse and truck keys in hand, she was ready to leave her life with Chase behind her.

She took two steps towards the door when it swung open. “Sweet Darling, I’m home,” Chase called. The man was all smiles until his eyes landed on her. “What’s going on?” He didn’t even bother to close the door as he marched towards her.

“Amara?” He reached for her, and she pulled out of reach. “Where are you going?” His eyes darted to her bag.

There was a frog in her throat, preventing her from answering. Hell, she couldn’t look at him. Chase cupped her jaw. Her reaction shocked them both.

“Don’t you dare touch me!” Her voice was shrill as she pulled from his touch and took a few steps back.

His eyes widened in shock. “What’s going on?”

Amara straightened her spine. She had done nothing wrong; this was on him. “I’m leaving you.”

“The hell you are! When I left this morning, we were good, now you’re talking nonsense—” As he spoke, he looked around. His body stiffened when his eyes landed on the stack of papers with the rings lying on top. “Tell me those aren’t fucking divorce papers?”

“What’s the matter? Upset, I beat you to it?”

Chase’s jaw ticked. “You didn’t beat me to anything.” He cocked his head. “Not only wouldn’t I apply for a divorce. You’ve gotta be out of your mind if you think I’m going to sign those papers.” He walked over to the table and placed the rings into the palm of his hands. “You took off your rings?”

“I sure did, Harrison. I will not be made a fool of.”

He picked up the papers, then did the very last thing she expected. The rumble of his laughter filled the room. “You’re leaving because of Harvest Construction?”

“You bet your ass.”

“Mm.” Chase placed the papers back on the table. “What did you make me for dinner?” He took a seat at the table.

“Did you just ask what I made you for dinner?” She was so furious she threw the bag with all her strength towards the door.

Ryan caught it as he stepped in. “You alright Amara?” he asked.

“Yes, sorry. Your friend pissed me off.”

“Oh yeah, he does that. Um, I’m going to wait outside and let you two talk it out. I’ll bring the bag with me.” He stepped out and closed the door.

“Come have a seat, Amara,” Chase instructed.

She crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a withering look. “I don’t want to sit with you.”

“After everything we’ve been through together, I’d like to think you can give me the chance to explain.”

Amara rolled her eyes at him.

“Fine.” Chase stood and walked the few steps to her, but he didn’t touch her. “Let’s start with, I have no plans to sell Sagebrush Hill.”

“So, what are those papers?”

“A sales tactic. Yeah, Vernon came and talked to me about selling, but I never agreed to sell this place. I wouldn’t without talking to you.”

How could Amara have gotten it so wrong? She shuffled her feet.

“Come sit with me,” Chase coaxed, taking a seat.

As she walked by him to sit, he pulled her into his lap. If what he was saying was true, why wasn’t he angry with her?

“I’m so confused. Why did you have a meeting with Vernon and not tell me?”

“I wouldn’t consider it a meeting. He stopped by, talking a big game. The guy pissed me off, so I made him follow me to the east side of the barn. He gave me his pitch, which I barely listened to. Then I turned him down.”

“The east side is all muddy.”

“It was more fun to get him all dirty than to run him off. He was as slick as a used car salesman.”

“So, you never considered selling?”

“No, I didn’t. We are long overdue for a talk. First, I would like you to put back on your rings.” He held them up. “Please.”

His tone was gruff but Amara didn’t miss the vulnerability in his eyes. She felt terrible. Even though he told her to do it, he slid the rings back on her finger himself.

“Don’t take them off again.”

Like ever? “But we aren’t even a real couple.”

“Aren’t we? I think it’s time we stopped lying to ourselves and each other. There is nothing fake about our marriage, or how I feel about you.”

“How do you feel about me?”

“First, there are a couple of things I want to set straight. Even if I wanted to sell Sagebrush Hill, I couldn’t. Well, not yet. My uncle made the stipulation that I can’t sell it before two years.”

Amara did not know about the clause. It wasn’t as if Jo could or would share the terms of a client’s will. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t know. I should have told you. It would have prevented you from getting so upset and trying to leave me. I wouldn’t have allowed it. There is no way I’m letting you go. Which brings me to how I feel about you.”

Her heart rate picked up.

“You mean the world to me. I want us to continue to build a life together because I love you. You’re everything I could want and then some.” His words were like a gentle promise which was wrapped around her heart, making her feel cherished and deeply valued. In that moment, she knew their bond was something truly special and worth nurturing. Somehow, she would make up for the distrust she displayed today.

For now, she just wanted him to know how she felt. “I love you too, Chase.”

He pulled her tight, and she nestled into his lap, feeling the gentle rise and fall of his breath. The soft hum of the refrigerator was the only sound as they let the tension of their earlier misunderstanding melt away. Their declaration of love bonded them. It didn’t matter how they had started, all that mattered was where they would go from here. The mistake didn’t define them, and working through it only strengthened them. They finally were honest with each other.

“If you want, I can eliminate the worry about me selling Sagebrush Hill.” He rubbed her back.

“Yeah, how?”

“I could sign over the land to you and you’ll be sure I’m here to stay.”

“I’ll forget all about this in a year.” Her smile was dismissive.

“Not in a year. I can sign it over to you right now.”

“You said you can’t sell.”

“I can’t, but I can give it to you. Like I did with fields 8 and 9.”

“You said it was being leased to me.” Amara was all kinds of confused.

Chase looked at her ruefully. “I’ll work on being honest. The paperwork was drawn up on our wedding day. The land is in your name. As a sign of commitment, I will sign all the rest of it over to you.”

“No. You don’t have to.” Was she hearing him correctly?

“It’s a formality really. What’s mine is yours and what’s yours is mine.”