Out of the Storm (Buckhorn, Montana #1) - B.J. Daniels Page 0,46

Ray raised a brow, making Jon shake his head. “I’m not interested in her money.”

“But you think Collin might be.”

“I’m worried about her. I suspect he’s marrying her for the wrong reasons. Can you find out as soon as possible? I’m not sure how much longer they’re going to be in town.”

Earl Ray nodded. What Jon didn’t say but what he heard was that the man didn’t know how long he would be in town, either. “You told her you weren’t the man she was looking for?”

“I told her.”

“She didn’t believe you,” he guessed and didn’t need confirmation. He saw the answer on Jon’s face. “Still thinking about leaving?”

“I did leave. I had to come back. I couldn’t have her thinking I was that man she married in Texas. I was afraid she would keep looking for me.”

“No, you couldn’t have her believing that,” Earl Ray said.

He either ignored the jab or didn’t hear it. “I’m doing my best to convince her otherwise.”

“I know you are. But I have to ask—”

“No, you don’t,” Jon said as he headed for the door. “You know me. Thanks for doing this for me. I want her to have that happy ending, so I hope this guy is on the up-and-up.”

“Me, too,” Earl Ray agreed. “She seems like a nice young lady who’s had a lot of heartache.”

“Haven’t we all.” Jon hesitated. “If you ever want to talk about what it takes to move on with your own life...”

He got the message. Everyone had their secrets and their weaknesses, some more than others. He stepped closer to cup Jon’s shoulder with his large palm and said, “I wonder what the chances are of this woman showing up here in the middle of winter and just happening on you? Do you believe in divine intervention? How about destiny?”

“That would only be the case if I was Daniel Jackson, now wouldn’t it? Otherwise, it is just one misguided, heartbroken young woman with the rest of her life in front of her—if she can break away from what’s holding her in the past.”

“And how are you going to help her do it?” Earl Ray asked.

He shook his head. “First I have to know if Collin Matthews is the right man for her.”

“And if he’s not?”

Jon swore under his breath. “Let’s hope I’m wrong.”

* * *

BREAKFAST WITH COLLIN was beyond uncomfortable. The entire meal was strained, even though he seemed to be his old self, laughing and joking and telling her how beautiful she looked this morning. If she hadn’t seen that other Collin, she might have bought at least some of it. She wondered why he’d suggested breakfast at all, since he’d barely touched his food and neither had she. He was antsy, although he tried to hide it.

Kate watched him check his phone, something he’d been doing all through the meal. Clearly, he was expecting a call. From his associates, as he called them.

“I have to go,” he announced to her relief. Rising, he said, “I have some business to take care of. I’ll see you back at the motel.” He left her at the café to finish her coffee and pay the bill.

When he’d gone, she realized that he hadn’t asked her what she planned to do for the rest of her day. The days were so short here in the winter. While it had stopped snowing, it was still gray and cold out.

“Tomorrow’s supposed to be pretty,” Bessie told her as she refilled Kate’s cup. “Sun’s going to shine. Bet you’re ready for that.”

Kate nodded and tried to smile. She should be happy. Collin had said during breakfast that if she wasn’t ready to leave by tomorrow, he would go alone. She could stay as long as she needed to, he’d said. He would check back with her after he finished his business.

So, why didn’t she believe him? Because it felt too easy? Because she suspected he was trying too hard to please her? She hated that she was questioning his motives. He had every right to be angry. They were supposed to be on their engagement trip. And here she was in love with another man.

She glanced across the highway toward the old carriage-house woodshop. The light was on and had been since early this morning when she’d walked down here to meet Collin. She no longer asked herself what she was going to do. That was probably the same reason Collin hadn’t bothered to ask. Because like her, he already knew. She