One Fake Fiance - Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,43
Send you running back to your cave?”
“The only cave I’m going into is one that you’re in,” he countered. “We’re in this together.”
Tears rose in her eyes as she bit down on her lower lip. “Thank you,” she breathed.
“For what?”
“For being you. For believing in me. For taking this crazy journey with me.” She rushed on. “For showing me the possibility of a beautiful future where in the words of Lillian, I can be blessed enough to learn what it is like to truly love and to be loved.” Her voice trembled. “I’ve never had that before.” She sucked in a quick breath. “So, to answer your question. I’m crazy about you …” she gave him a tentative look “… and I might love you a little. Say something,” she laughed nervously when he remained silent.
A lopsided grin tugged at his lips. “That’s good to hear,” he drawled “because I might love you a little too.” He couldn’t believe he’d just said that. It was staggering the difference twenty-four hours could make.
Her voice took on a new, cheery lilt as she placed a hand on his arm. “Well, I suggest that for both of our sakes, you turn on the charm and act like you love me a lot because we’re here.”
Lucas’s breath froze as he pulled through the open gates onto an intricately laid brick driveway, which curved in a graceful entrance to the front of the home. The front porch was covered in a row of slender round columns. Above the columns sat an impressive balcony with a detailed handrail. The roof was steeply pitched with two stout chimneys flanking either side of the house like proud soldiers. Lucas had always considered the ranch house at Thousand Acres Ranch to be impressive, but this mansion was the cream of the crop. It spoke of elegance and old money. Everything about it was dang intimidating. The sun had broken through the clouds and was beaming down proudly on the home, as if to showcase its grandeur. The siding gleamed almost as white as the thick blanket of glistening snow covering the ground and trees.
“Are you okay?”
He swallowed, forcing a smile. “Yeah.”
“It’s just a house.”
A short laugh tickled his throat. “A very impressive house.” If Lexi were here right now, she’d remind him that his worth wasn’t contingent on the size of his bank account. He could almost hear Lexi’s words. You are enough!
She nodded. “I used to pretend it was a castle when I was a kid.”
“I can see why.” The mansion was a stark reminder that he and Magnolia were from two very different worlds. In Remember, they’d managed to find that wonderful space where they could simply be themselves. Their pasts and backgrounds didn’t matter. But here … He swallowed the tightness in his throat.
“Just remember,” Magnolia cautioned. “Stick to our story. Don’t let my grandfather goad you into giving away any more information than necessary.”
“Got it.”
Magnolia reached for her door handle as she sucked in a heavy breath, offering a tight smile. “We’ve got this.”
A wry grin touched his lips. “Are you trying to convince me or you?”
She laughed. “Both.”
“Hold it,” he ordered. “I’ll get your door.” He went around to help her out of the truck. “Careful,” he warned, “the driveway is slick. Should we bring our luggage in now?”
“No, let’s go in first and talk to Grandfather and my father.” Her voice swung up. “On a good note, I think you’ll really like my father.”
He smiled. “That’s good to know.”
When they reached the door, Magnolia pushed the doorbell, her expression was so strained that she might’ve been facing a firing squad rather than visiting her family.
The door opened. Lucas was surprised to see a middle-aged woman dressed in a maid uniform. Her dark curly hair was threaded with silver. “Hello,” she began cordially.
“Hello, I’m Magnolia Bentley.” She motioned. “This is Lucas Romeo, my fiancé.”
The woman’s face lit with recognition as she smiled. “Hello. I’m Kathleen. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She stepped back and motioned, “Come in.”
They stepped into a cavernous foyer where several large oriental rugs were spread over the white floor tiles. A grand circular staircase was the focal point of the foyer. Lucas’s gaze moved up to the chandelier, drenched in jewels. It was the size of a small car. “Mr. Bentley is in his study. Right this way,” Kathleen directed as she shuffled across the tile, her rubber soles hardly making a sound.
“How about my father?” Magnolia asked. “Where