Page 113 of Resisting Isaac

She stares. Several emotions play out across her beautiful face.

Confusion. Contemplation. Hopefulness.

I grab that last one and push forward, heart hammering. “I get that this is crazy and marrying me probably isn’t on your to do list. But we could do this. If we don’t notarize it, don’t get it validated within six months, legally, it’s never binding. No divorce necessary. But optics-wise? The productioncompany backs off. And maybe it softens your mom up a little, gives your dad something to be a part of before…”

Before his kidneys give out.

I can’t bring myself to say it out loud for fear it will cause her pain.

Her throat works on a swallow.

“Nothing will ever soften my mom,” she says on a sigh. “But the other stuff…you’re not wrong.”

I exhale. She’s taking this better than I expected.

At least she’s not laughing hysterically and telling me to get the hell out of here, which is what I expected. She hasn’t even thrown anything at me yet.

Naturally, I push my luck.

“It buys us some time. For you, for the ranch, for the show. And if it makes your family even a little easier on you, it’s worth it to me.” She’s still frowning so I continue in case she’s worried I’m going to trap her here with this. “No commitment beyond what we already have. Just a smokescreen. And if you want to bail the day after filming wraps, I’ll drive you to the airport myself.”

I’ll fucking hate it. But I’d never stand in the way of her dreams.

Her eyes widen, but her chin stays high. “You’re asking me to fake marry you. Seriously?”

Only because asking you to really marry me might terrify you right now.

“Yes,” I say slowly, regarding her like a wild mustang that might bolt if I get too close. “I think I’d make an excellent fake husband.”

That gets a smile. Barely. But it’s there.

“You’re serious about this? You’d go through with this? Because I have to tell you, we really would have to havesome type of ceremony in New Mexico in order for my family to believe this.”

“I’m a Logan,” I say, stepping closer. “I’m always serious about horses and family. And like it or not, spitfire, this baby makes us family.”

She exhales heavily but the tiny tilt of her lips is still there. Giving me hope. “This is crazy, Isaac. Even for you. You get that right? And that we could mess this up and make things a million times worse?”

“Yeah.” I nod. “But I’m good with crazy. And taking risks. I think you secretly like this about me.”

Silence stretches between us, thick and heavy, until finally she says, “I can’t promise you anything. And I don’t want you to be hurt or disappointed when I leave.”

When. She said when instead of if. I work hard not to let her see the impact that has on me.

“I’m not asking for any promises,” I reply evenly. “I’m offering the only solution I can come up with.”

She grins, barely, but it’s there. “A last resort fake marriage. Very romantic.”

“It might not be romantic but it’s more of a plan than we had before.”

She stares intently for a solid minute. When she speaks, her words are music to my ears.

Well, most of them.

“Okay, cowboy. I’ll last resort fake marry you. For now.”

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

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