Page 88 of A Cowboy's Trust

“For fuck’s sake.” Aiden shook his head. “The town fundraiser on Canada Day. We arrived after it happened last summer, but someone has to have told you about it.”

He didn’t have a clue. “What auction? Do I need to sell my truck?”

Another curse rang from his brother before Aiden caught him by the shoulders and forced him to stop pacing. “It’s abachelorauction. You offer a date to the highest bidder. It’s somehow all rated PG, but it’s real.”

“There are far worse things she could have asked for,” Jake muttered.

Aiden raised his hand. “If you want to sign up, you’d have to not be dating Tansy. As in, you’ll have to convince theorganizersthat you’re not dating Tansy, or they won’t let you in.”

Jake’s stomach dropped at the warning in his brother’s eyes. “Who are the organizers?”

Aiden made a face. “Malachi Fields. And I heard Chance Gabrielle say he was involved this year.”

Great. Fucking great. Tansy’s dad and her future brother-in-law.

Jake met Aiden’s gaze. “I know Tansy will be good with telling her father what’s going on, so he at least wouldn’t kill me. But we can’t tell anyone else, like her mom or her sisters, because at some point we risk everyone finding out and Melissa running before we find a solution.”

“Which means you’re about to have at least ninety-five percent of Heart Falls pissed at you.” Aiden nodded. “Yeah, that’s pretty much what I see as well.”

It still really wasn’t a choice. “If there’s even a chance this will work, I have to do it.” He turned back to his phone.

Jake: Fine. I’ll sign up. What then?

Melissa: If I see you get sold off to someone other than her, I’ll consider dropping my problem on you permanently.

Of course she’d have figured to add that twisted demand.

Jake: How do I know you’ll keep your word?

Melissa: Don’t you trust me, sugar bear? Oh, I guess not. Too bad. That’s the deal.

Jake: Take care of Jeffrey. That’s all I ask.

Melissa: Your move. I’ll be in touch?—

Jake and Aiden stood in silence, staring at his phone. Impossible. What a goddamned mess.

Aiden scuffed a foot on the ground. “You know if you do this, chances are she’ll sayfuck youand just keep jerking you around for a long time to come.”

“She might, but she also might decide she’ll be happier not having to care for a child.” Jake breathed out so long and slow his head spun. “I have to take the risk. For Jeffrey’s sake. And for Tansy’s.”

20

Tansy had a decidedly uncomfortable two weeks heading into the Canada Day weekend.

The frustration started with the meetup with her dad. She and Jake joined him out by the firepit at High Water, hoping for less eyes around than if they showed up at the bookstore or her parents’ house.

Her father listened to their entire story without interrupting then shook his head. “This could all end really badly,” he warned.

“It could, but even a slight chance of success means we have to take it.” Jake motioned to her. “I wouldn’t do it if Tansy said this wasn’t what she wanted as well, but we’re both on board. We just hope that you’ll understand and help as much as you can.”

“Oh, I understand, and I approve. To be honest, this is exactly the type of thing I expect from my girls.” His wry smile took them both in. “Courage is knowing something might hurt and doing it anyway.”

“Stupidity is the same thing,” Tansy punted back.

“True.” Malachi patted her hand gently. “And this is why life is hard.”

Jake snorted so violently he choked. “Sorry.”