you her skills.”
The mortified look on Magnolia’s face nearly matched Lucas’s own shock. He rubbed his neck, a smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah, I don’t think that would work.”
“He’s right,” Magnolia agreed. “It’s freezing outside right now, not the best time to be working on a ranch.” She hugged her arms like she was suppressing a shiver.
Lexi gave Lucas a speculative look. “Think about what it would mean for you to have your own ranch. No more taking orders from Jaxson.”
His sister knew just what buttons to push. “You’re right, I do want my own ranch. But there are limits to what I’m willing to do.”
Magnolia gave him a challenging look. “Would marrying me be so bad?”
His answer was an immediate resounding, “Yes.” He could almost see steam coming out of Magnolia’s ears. “Look, we dated. It didn’t work out.”
“That’s not what happened at all,” Magnolia shot back. “It worked too well. You were scared of committing, so you retreated. That’s the real story.” She gave him a superior look.
“Yep, it was all about me and my lack of commitment. It had nothing to do with you snubbing your nose at my profession or freaking out when your designer shoes got muddy.”
“Okay,” Lexi said with a laugh. “I thought we weren’t going there. Here’s the deal. Magnolia needs a husband. You need a wife. You’ve dated half the countryside and haven’t found anyone, what can it hurt to give Magnolia a chance?”
“Giving her a chance and marrying her are two different things,” Lucas grumbled.
Lexi held up a finger. “So what you’re saying is that you’re willing to give her a chance.”
“Don’t put words in my mouth,” he warned.
Lexi pressed on. “You and Magnolia could go on a few dates … see if you can patch things up. I’m making dinner for Mom and Dad on Thursday. Asher’s coming back into town. It would be the perfect opportunity for you and Magnolia to get together.”
Lucas was taken off guard by the flicker of hope that lit Magnolia’s eyes. She was obviously desperate if she was considering him for marriage. This whole thing was insane. His mind jumped ahead. “What happens if I decide to go through with this charade?” He hated himself for even asking that question, but while they were here, it was good to get everything out in the open.
“I’ll buy you a ranch,” Magnolia blurted, “and whatever else you want. I just need a fiancé to take to North Carolina for Christmas.”
Lucas lifted his eyebrow. “A fiancé or a husband?”
“Both.” Magnolia’s words spilled out. “We would need to get married the day after Christmas. Every detail of the wedding is planned to the letter. I claim my inheritance, and you get your ranch.”
Lucas stroked his chin. “And then we get the marriage annulled.” A tiny ember of excitement kindled in his breast. He could put up with Magnolia for a few weeks if it got him his ranch. A look passed between Lexi and Magnolia. “What?”
Magnolia leaned forward. “Um, it’s not that simple.”
“Of course it’s not,” Lucas grumbled. “It never is. What’s the catch?”
“We have to stay married for five years.”
He ran his mind through the scenario. It would be a dream come true to own a ranch. “Okay, we could do that … if we lived in separate states.”
“And have a child together,” Magnolia inserted.
“W—what?” he blustered, “that’s not gonna happen! I don’t care how beautiful you are. I’m not gonna marry you and have a child together.”
Magnolia rocked back, blinking. “You think I’m beautiful?” she stammered.
He rolled his eyes. “I’m sure you’ve got mirrors tucked away somewhere in one of your fancy mansions. You know how you look.”
“Thanks,” she uttered quietly, taking the sting right out of his jab.
He tried not to notice how her thick lashes fluttered against her soft skin. He had to fight the lure of the siren. What she was asking of him was despicable. Marriage was a sacred institution. And bringing a child into this world. Well, that was something Lucas didn’t take lightly. He was irritated with the part of him that was disappointed because he couldn’t go along with the deal. He might be a lowly ranch-hand, but at least he had his dignity. He could look at himself in the mirror without flinching. He couldn’t be like Esau from the Bible and sell his birthright for a bowl of porridge. When Lucas finally did find the right woman, he wanted to marry for love. A silent prayer