Chapter 2
Pulling her door open, Skye Alvarez yawned as she said, “No, Mrs. Dahal, I swear I don’t have a pet raccoon.” The bright Sunday sun burned her eyes, making her blink. That’s what she got for hiding in her home for so long.
“Uh…” Her friend, Winnie West tilted her head, a smile forming on her lips. “What?”
Skye rubbed the sleep from her eyes and raked her hand through her hair with a sigh. “Winnie?”
“Uh-huh. Whatcha doing?” Her friend’s cheery voice did nothing to help clear the fog.
“What time is it?” Another yawn poured from Skye.
“Two in the afternoon,” Winnie replied. “But um…what about a pet raccoon?”
With a wave, Skye stepped back so Winnie could enter her small townhome rental in San Antonio. With all the bills from her wedding that didn’t happen, it was all she could afford. “Come on in.”
Winnie shuffled inside as Skye explained the weird greeting. “I’ve got a neighbor who’s convinced I have a pet raccoon because she finds one in the dumpster every morning.”
“Well, you do get points for the most original greeting I’ve ever heard.” Winnie chuckled.
If it were anyone other than Winnie, Skye would be running around her place, trying to pick up the dirty dishes, the mountain of laundry on her couch, and turning on the wax warmer. They’d only known each other roughly a year, and during that time, they’d become the best of friends.
“Sorry for the mess,” Skye said, pushing the mass of laundry that had accumulated on the couch aside so Winnie could sit.
Winne dropped into the seat. “Are you doing okay?”
Okay. If Skye said yes, it’d be a lie and Winnie would know it based solely on the state of her home. Pulling her robe closed as she sat in the recliner she parked herself in day after day, she said, “Not really.”
“I know it has to be hard.” Winnie would know since she was maid of honor at Skye’s…her heart hurt at the thought of the word.
By now, Skye and her then-fiancée, Robert Faulks, would be going on four and half months of marriage. Instead, she was paying caterers for food that was never eaten, flowers, the venue, the DJ…each wanting their piece of her already-eaten pie.
Tears threatened to pour yet again. “I just wish I’d known…” If only it were only the bills, it’d be hard, but possible. Those added to the other thing…
“Skye, you can’t keep living like this. It’s been almost three months. Are you really going to let that jerk live in your head and ruin your life? I know it was terrible what he did. I’m not saying it wasn’t.”
“You don’t understand.” Skye groaned.
“Then explain it to me. I’ve offered to help with the bills. You know how Bear feels about him.”
A snort popped out of Skye. Her friend had married a billionaire, and Bear West was the sweetest man on earth. As soon as he found out what happened, he’d offered to help. Skye just didn’t feel right about that. The bills were just money. They weren’t what was wrecking her heart.
Winnie slipped off the couch and kneeled in front of Skye, pushing back her hair. “Tell me what’s going on. I love you, Skye.”
Lifting tear-filled eyes to Winnie, Skye held her gaze. “I’m pregnant.”
“I kinda suspected,” replied Winnie, smiling.
“You did?” A tiny sliver of relief flowed through Skye.
“Does Robert know?”
“Yeah, I told him the night before. He was a little upset but said we’d get through it. The next day…” Skye sniffed. “Poof. Gone.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” Winnie inhaled through her nose and huffed. “Well, he’s not worth the dirt he walks on then. You and the baby are better off without him.”
Placing her hand on her stomach, Skye let the word baby roll through her mind. It’s not that she didn’t want the baby, she just knew being a single mom wouldn’t be easy. Plus, how was she going to tell her parents? At twenty-eight, they’d most likely say she should have been smarter. Picturing the disappointment in their eyes made her cringe.
“And stop that right there!” her friend practically growled. “A baby is a gift. Maybe not an expected gift sometimes, but a gift nonetheless.” Winnie patted her hand. “And just because you’re a florist doesn’t mean you aren’t doing something important. You make people happy with your flowers. The only way I think you could make it more wonderful is if you moved to Caprock Canyon, but that’s for purely selfish reasons.”
Skye met Winnie when she married Bear. They’d chosen Skye’s shop A Floral Skye in Amarillo as their florist. Skye had like them immediately. Down to earth, sweet, and friendly. From there Skye’s friendship had blossomed—so to speak. Skye’s cousin Ashley Alvarez was managing the shop currently which was a blessing too. If not for her, the Skye couldn’t imagine the mess she’d be in.
If only Skye’s parents felt the way Winnie did. They hadn’t been the most supportive in the world. Her dad owned a construction company and her mom managed it. Together they were a force and because of their business savvy, they’d expanded into Dallas, Houston, and soon Santa Fe. It’d been an unspoken expectation that she’d join the family business since her older sister, Jen, and her older brother, Andy, had joined them.
Taking both of Skye’s hands, Winnie squeezed them. “Okay, the pouting and pining and all that is over. I’ve got a plan.”
Skye’s eyebrows knitted together. “Easier said than done.”
“Well, yeah,” Winnie replied, looking around the room. “You’re living in a cave. You need some sunshine, good food, and…I have a favor I need to ask.”
“What kind of favor?” Skye quirked an eyebrow up.
“The kind that needs some buttering up before I ask.” Winnie shot her a wide, cheesy grin.
Buttering up? “What could you possibly be asking me?”
Her friend shook her head. “Nope. I need a near food coma for this one.”
Skye’s jaw dropped and then her eyes narrowed. “I’m not putting a fork to my mouth without some explanation.”
“Oh yeah? How about filet mignon with a mushroom and red wine infused demi-glace with baby carrots slow cooked in organic honey along with bacon-wrapped asparagus? And for dessert? Crème brûlée pecan pie with chocolate drizzle.”
Using the back of her hand, Skye wiped her mouth, expecting saliva covering it. It wasn’t anything super special, but…Winnie’s cooking. The woman could throw down a mean meal. Plus, Gabby’s pie? She could pull secrets from the CIA with that sort of confection. Totally worth the two-hour drive too. “You’re evil.”
“It’s a big favor.”
“I guess I could, at least, hear you out.” She gave a weak smile.
“Absolutely. You are free to say no, but…” Her friend seemed to decide against the rest of the sentence and shook her head.
“When is this food coma of a meal going to be cooked?”
“Have you got any plans tonight?”
A grunted laugh came from the back of Skye’s throat. “No.”
Winnie stood. “Okay, then get yourself together, and I’ll see you at the restaurant tonight at eight-thirty.”
Skye tilted her head. “It’s Sunday. You close at seven on Sunday’s.”
“This is a special dinner. Just dress like you normally would and I’ll see ya at the restaurant.” Winnie walked to the door. “I’ll see you tonight.” She opened the door and paused. “And keep an open mind. We’re not just talking about you anymore. We’ve got a baby to think of too.”
Just like Winnie West. If there was a problem, it wasn’t faced alone. “I know. I’ll see you tonight.”
***
Skye tapped on the door of Winnie’s restaurant and then ran her hand down the front of her maxi dress. She’d paired it with a light sweater and flats to round out the casual feel of the outfit. If nothing else, she was comfortable and her nearly three-month-along belly wouldn’t be in the spotlight. It was just a pooch at the moment—well…a bigger one since she wasn’t exactly skinny to start with, but comfort was something high on her want-list as of late.
The door opened, and Winnie greeted her with a smile as she waved her inside. “You look so good.”
“I think I killed an entire pack of razors trying to get my legs shaved. With my luck, I’ll need a plumber to fish out the Tribble I put down the drain.”
Winnie cackled. “Oh, my goodness. You are a mess.”
Skye shrugged. “It’s the truth.” Her gaze raked across the restaurant and landed on a table that looked like it was set for two. “Is it just us?”
“No, but first, I need your promise to keep an open mind—”
“NO! I am not interested—” She tried to move to the door and Winnie caught her.
She clapped a hand over Skye’s mouth. “Listen for a second. Will you listen?”
Slowly Skye nodded and Winnie withdrew her hand. “I’ll lick you the next time you do that,” Skye said.
“Then don’t make me do it.” Her friend huffed and ushered Skye to the table, pulling out a chair for her. “Now, open mind and don’t talk until I’m done.”
“Fine.” Skye lowered herself into the seat. “I’ll listen, but I get some of that crème brûlée to take home.”
“Whatever,” Winnie said, taking her seat across from Skye. She took a deep breath. “Okay, I have a good friend. Bear’s best friend, Bandit Ochoa.”
Skye remembered Winnie mentioning the man. He’d been wonderful to Winnie. “Is this the same man who let you use this restaurant space?”
“Yep, same sweet man.” Winnie grinned. “His grandfather found him a little over a year ago now, and he’s been taking care of the man until he passed away a few weeks ago.”
Skye’s shoulders sagged. “That’s awful.” In the back of her mind niggled, and that has what to do with me?
“It hit him pretty hard. His grandpa was a generous man. From what Bandit’s said, his grandpa has several charities here in the states as well as abroad, plus several businesses that employ thousands of people.” Winnie waved her hand around the restaurant. “I mean, if it wasn’t for Bandit, I wouldn’t have this place.”
Skye blew out a big puff of air. “Sounds like the guy was loaded. Also sounds like he tried to give back too.” Nice guy. Still didn’t answer the question buzzing in her brain.
“He was loaded. Like…billionaire loaded.”
Good thing Skye wasn’t drinking. Winnie would be wearing it. “Billionaire?” Then the word duh pranced through her mind. He couldn’t have all those charities and businesses if he didn’t have that kind of money.
“Yeah, and this is the part where you come in.” Winnie hesitated. “The part where you need to have an open mind.”
Narrowing her eyes, Skye braced herself and nodded, she could already tell she wasn’t going to like it.
“His grandfather left a condition that Bandit has to fulfill before he can inherit the money. And it’s a big condition.”
“Okay.”
Winnie chewed her lip. “Now, if you knew Bandit, you’d know he wouldn’t do it if it weren’t for the consequences of not doing it.”
“Oooookay.” If Winnie didn’t get to the point soon, Skye was going to poke her with a fork.
“If he doesn’t do this thing, then the money stops going to all those charities and businesses. It’ll sit in the account and just do nothing.”
“And this thing Bandit has to do is…?” She let the sentence trail off so Winnie could answer.
“He has to get married and stay married for a year.”
Skye opened her mouth to speak, but words failed her. Poor guy. “And that has what…to…do…” Her eyes widened as she realized why she’d been lured to the middle of nowhere with the promise of food. She poked her chest with her index finger, blinking. “You want me to marry him?” The last word hit an octave high enough to make Mariah Carry jealous.
Winnie chewed her lip and nodded, her eyebrows knitting together. “Skye, he’s sweet and kind and loving and wonderful. I also know you don’t want to get married, but you have bills from the wedding and…” Winnie pointed to Skye’s tummy. “And a baby to consider. We could make this mutually beneficial.”
“So he’s wanting to purchase a wife for a year?” Still trying to wrap her mind around the situation.
“Uh, well…” She grimaced. “He may not know about that part yet.”
Skye sucked in a sharp breath, palming her forehead. “Oh, Winnie. What are you doing?”
“I love him, and I love you. And both of you need something the other has. He needs a wife, and you need a college fund. Plus, you’d get to spend Christmas with me.” Her worried look morphed into a smile like this whole thing didn’t sound bizarre. “He’ll be living in Caprock Canyon which means you’d get to eat my cooking, Gabby’s pies, and Bandit’s famous cinnamon rolls.”
Even with the promise of those hip busters, Skye still felt like she was in the middle of a prank gone wrong. “This is a lot to take in. Marriage isn’t something you just do. I just…”
“I know, and I know it’s a lot to think about. That’s kind of why I invited you here. So you could meet him and make an informed decision.”
Skye’s eyes widened. “Tonight? Have you lost your mind?” She looked down at herself. “I look like a bohemian hobo. If you have told me—”
“You look beautiful, and if I told you, you would never have come.”
She opened her mouth to disagree and clamped it shut. Nope, she would have put the kibosh on it the very second Winnie uttered it. “Winnie, I just got out of a relationship. I’m pregnant. The last thing I need is a man making things even messier. He’s not going to want to take care of another man’s child.”
“Just meet him. That’s all I ask. Just give him a chance. Please.” Winnie leveled the most pitiful, sad face Skye had ever witnessed. “Please. I will drive to Amarillo every weekend for six months and cook you whatever you want.”
Her eyes went to her hairline. “Really?” One eyebrow remained lifted. “And all I have to is meet him?”
“Yes, and no you can’t say hello to him and leave.” She gave Skye a menacing look. “Have dinner with him. Talk to him. Then really think about it.”
“Fine, but only because you’re going to be putting miles on that sweet little F-150 you’ve got. And, you better be prepared to cook up a storm cause mama is eating for two.”
Winnie stuck her hand out. “Deal.”
Skye held in a gasp. Winnie was entirely too eager to make this wager. “You think I’m gonna change my mind, don’t you?”
“Yep.” She popped the p at the end of the word.
“You’re a…” Skye didn’t finish the sentence as a knock came from the front door.
Winnie jumped to her feet. “Wonderful person and now I have to answer the door.” She flashed a wide smile and nearly danced to the door.
Groaning, Skye slouched forward. What she should be doing is marching right out of there after giving Winnie a chewing out. Instead, her gut said she needed to think this through. Whether that was from hunger or the promise of a college fund, she wasn’t sure. Maybe a lot of both?
Fine. She’d meet the man, have a fantastic meal, and wish Bandit Ochoa the best of luck in finding a woman to marry as she happily carted herself and the sack of crème brûlée home.
Satisfied with her level-headed response, she pulled her shoulders back and smiled. This was going to be a breeze.
“Uh…” Her friend, Winnie West tilted her head, a smile forming on her lips. “What?”
Skye rubbed the sleep from her eyes and raked her hand through her hair with a sigh. “Winnie?”
“Uh-huh. Whatcha doing?” Her friend’s cheery voice did nothing to help clear the fog.
“What time is it?” Another yawn poured from Skye.
“Two in the afternoon,” Winnie replied. “But um…what about a pet raccoon?”
With a wave, Skye stepped back so Winnie could enter her small townhome rental in San Antonio. With all the bills from her wedding that didn’t happen, it was all she could afford. “Come on in.”
Winnie shuffled inside as Skye explained the weird greeting. “I’ve got a neighbor who’s convinced I have a pet raccoon because she finds one in the dumpster every morning.”
“Well, you do get points for the most original greeting I’ve ever heard.” Winnie chuckled.
If it were anyone other than Winnie, Skye would be running around her place, trying to pick up the dirty dishes, the mountain of laundry on her couch, and turning on the wax warmer. They’d only known each other roughly a year, and during that time, they’d become the best of friends.
“Sorry for the mess,” Skye said, pushing the mass of laundry that had accumulated on the couch aside so Winnie could sit.
Winne dropped into the seat. “Are you doing okay?”
Okay. If Skye said yes, it’d be a lie and Winnie would know it based solely on the state of her home. Pulling her robe closed as she sat in the recliner she parked herself in day after day, she said, “Not really.”
“I know it has to be hard.” Winnie would know since she was maid of honor at Skye’s…her heart hurt at the thought of the word.
By now, Skye and her then-fiancée, Robert Faulks, would be going on four and half months of marriage. Instead, she was paying caterers for food that was never eaten, flowers, the venue, the DJ…each wanting their piece of her already-eaten pie.
Tears threatened to pour yet again. “I just wish I’d known…” If only it were only the bills, it’d be hard, but possible. Those added to the other thing…
“Skye, you can’t keep living like this. It’s been almost three months. Are you really going to let that jerk live in your head and ruin your life? I know it was terrible what he did. I’m not saying it wasn’t.”
“You don’t understand.” Skye groaned.
“Then explain it to me. I’ve offered to help with the bills. You know how Bear feels about him.”
A snort popped out of Skye. Her friend had married a billionaire, and Bear West was the sweetest man on earth. As soon as he found out what happened, he’d offered to help. Skye just didn’t feel right about that. The bills were just money. They weren’t what was wrecking her heart.
Winnie slipped off the couch and kneeled in front of Skye, pushing back her hair. “Tell me what’s going on. I love you, Skye.”
Lifting tear-filled eyes to Winnie, Skye held her gaze. “I’m pregnant.”
“I kinda suspected,” replied Winnie, smiling.
“You did?” A tiny sliver of relief flowed through Skye.
“Does Robert know?”
“Yeah, I told him the night before. He was a little upset but said we’d get through it. The next day…” Skye sniffed. “Poof. Gone.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” Winnie inhaled through her nose and huffed. “Well, he’s not worth the dirt he walks on then. You and the baby are better off without him.”
Placing her hand on her stomach, Skye let the word baby roll through her mind. It’s not that she didn’t want the baby, she just knew being a single mom wouldn’t be easy. Plus, how was she going to tell her parents? At twenty-eight, they’d most likely say she should have been smarter. Picturing the disappointment in their eyes made her cringe.
“And stop that right there!” her friend practically growled. “A baby is a gift. Maybe not an expected gift sometimes, but a gift nonetheless.” Winnie patted her hand. “And just because you’re a florist doesn’t mean you aren’t doing something important. You make people happy with your flowers. The only way I think you could make it more wonderful is if you moved to Caprock Canyon, but that’s for purely selfish reasons.”
Skye met Winnie when she married Bear. They’d chosen Skye’s shop A Floral Skye in Amarillo as their florist. Skye had like them immediately. Down to earth, sweet, and friendly. From there Skye’s friendship had blossomed—so to speak. Skye’s cousin Ashley Alvarez was managing the shop currently which was a blessing too. If not for her, the Skye couldn’t imagine the mess she’d be in.
If only Skye’s parents felt the way Winnie did. They hadn’t been the most supportive in the world. Her dad owned a construction company and her mom managed it. Together they were a force and because of their business savvy, they’d expanded into Dallas, Houston, and soon Santa Fe. It’d been an unspoken expectation that she’d join the family business since her older sister, Jen, and her older brother, Andy, had joined them.
Taking both of Skye’s hands, Winnie squeezed them. “Okay, the pouting and pining and all that is over. I’ve got a plan.”
Skye’s eyebrows knitted together. “Easier said than done.”
“Well, yeah,” Winnie replied, looking around the room. “You’re living in a cave. You need some sunshine, good food, and…I have a favor I need to ask.”
“What kind of favor?” Skye quirked an eyebrow up.
“The kind that needs some buttering up before I ask.” Winnie shot her a wide, cheesy grin.
Buttering up? “What could you possibly be asking me?”
Her friend shook her head. “Nope. I need a near food coma for this one.”
Skye’s jaw dropped and then her eyes narrowed. “I’m not putting a fork to my mouth without some explanation.”
“Oh yeah? How about filet mignon with a mushroom and red wine infused demi-glace with baby carrots slow cooked in organic honey along with bacon-wrapped asparagus? And for dessert? Crème brûlée pecan pie with chocolate drizzle.”
Using the back of her hand, Skye wiped her mouth, expecting saliva covering it. It wasn’t anything super special, but…Winnie’s cooking. The woman could throw down a mean meal. Plus, Gabby’s pie? She could pull secrets from the CIA with that sort of confection. Totally worth the two-hour drive too. “You’re evil.”
“It’s a big favor.”
“I guess I could, at least, hear you out.” She gave a weak smile.
“Absolutely. You are free to say no, but…” Her friend seemed to decide against the rest of the sentence and shook her head.
“When is this food coma of a meal going to be cooked?”
“Have you got any plans tonight?”
A grunted laugh came from the back of Skye’s throat. “No.”
Winnie stood. “Okay, then get yourself together, and I’ll see you at the restaurant tonight at eight-thirty.”
Skye tilted her head. “It’s Sunday. You close at seven on Sunday’s.”
“This is a special dinner. Just dress like you normally would and I’ll see ya at the restaurant.” Winnie walked to the door. “I’ll see you tonight.” She opened the door and paused. “And keep an open mind. We’re not just talking about you anymore. We’ve got a baby to think of too.”
Just like Winnie West. If there was a problem, it wasn’t faced alone. “I know. I’ll see you tonight.”
***
Skye tapped on the door of Winnie’s restaurant and then ran her hand down the front of her maxi dress. She’d paired it with a light sweater and flats to round out the casual feel of the outfit. If nothing else, she was comfortable and her nearly three-month-along belly wouldn’t be in the spotlight. It was just a pooch at the moment—well…a bigger one since she wasn’t exactly skinny to start with, but comfort was something high on her want-list as of late.
The door opened, and Winnie greeted her with a smile as she waved her inside. “You look so good.”
“I think I killed an entire pack of razors trying to get my legs shaved. With my luck, I’ll need a plumber to fish out the Tribble I put down the drain.”
Winnie cackled. “Oh, my goodness. You are a mess.”
Skye shrugged. “It’s the truth.” Her gaze raked across the restaurant and landed on a table that looked like it was set for two. “Is it just us?”
“No, but first, I need your promise to keep an open mind—”
“NO! I am not interested—” She tried to move to the door and Winnie caught her.
She clapped a hand over Skye’s mouth. “Listen for a second. Will you listen?”
Slowly Skye nodded and Winnie withdrew her hand. “I’ll lick you the next time you do that,” Skye said.
“Then don’t make me do it.” Her friend huffed and ushered Skye to the table, pulling out a chair for her. “Now, open mind and don’t talk until I’m done.”
“Fine.” Skye lowered herself into the seat. “I’ll listen, but I get some of that crème brûlée to take home.”
“Whatever,” Winnie said, taking her seat across from Skye. She took a deep breath. “Okay, I have a good friend. Bear’s best friend, Bandit Ochoa.”
Skye remembered Winnie mentioning the man. He’d been wonderful to Winnie. “Is this the same man who let you use this restaurant space?”
“Yep, same sweet man.” Winnie grinned. “His grandfather found him a little over a year ago now, and he’s been taking care of the man until he passed away a few weeks ago.”
Skye’s shoulders sagged. “That’s awful.” In the back of her mind niggled, and that has what to do with me?
“It hit him pretty hard. His grandpa was a generous man. From what Bandit’s said, his grandpa has several charities here in the states as well as abroad, plus several businesses that employ thousands of people.” Winnie waved her hand around the restaurant. “I mean, if it wasn’t for Bandit, I wouldn’t have this place.”
Skye blew out a big puff of air. “Sounds like the guy was loaded. Also sounds like he tried to give back too.” Nice guy. Still didn’t answer the question buzzing in her brain.
“He was loaded. Like…billionaire loaded.”
Good thing Skye wasn’t drinking. Winnie would be wearing it. “Billionaire?” Then the word duh pranced through her mind. He couldn’t have all those charities and businesses if he didn’t have that kind of money.
“Yeah, and this is the part where you come in.” Winnie hesitated. “The part where you need to have an open mind.”
Narrowing her eyes, Skye braced herself and nodded, she could already tell she wasn’t going to like it.
“His grandfather left a condition that Bandit has to fulfill before he can inherit the money. And it’s a big condition.”
“Okay.”
Winnie chewed her lip. “Now, if you knew Bandit, you’d know he wouldn’t do it if it weren’t for the consequences of not doing it.”
“Oooookay.” If Winnie didn’t get to the point soon, Skye was going to poke her with a fork.
“If he doesn’t do this thing, then the money stops going to all those charities and businesses. It’ll sit in the account and just do nothing.”
“And this thing Bandit has to do is…?” She let the sentence trail off so Winnie could answer.
“He has to get married and stay married for a year.”
Skye opened her mouth to speak, but words failed her. Poor guy. “And that has what…to…do…” Her eyes widened as she realized why she’d been lured to the middle of nowhere with the promise of food. She poked her chest with her index finger, blinking. “You want me to marry him?” The last word hit an octave high enough to make Mariah Carry jealous.
Winnie chewed her lip and nodded, her eyebrows knitting together. “Skye, he’s sweet and kind and loving and wonderful. I also know you don’t want to get married, but you have bills from the wedding and…” Winnie pointed to Skye’s tummy. “And a baby to consider. We could make this mutually beneficial.”
“So he’s wanting to purchase a wife for a year?” Still trying to wrap her mind around the situation.
“Uh, well…” She grimaced. “He may not know about that part yet.”
Skye sucked in a sharp breath, palming her forehead. “Oh, Winnie. What are you doing?”
“I love him, and I love you. And both of you need something the other has. He needs a wife, and you need a college fund. Plus, you’d get to spend Christmas with me.” Her worried look morphed into a smile like this whole thing didn’t sound bizarre. “He’ll be living in Caprock Canyon which means you’d get to eat my cooking, Gabby’s pies, and Bandit’s famous cinnamon rolls.”
Even with the promise of those hip busters, Skye still felt like she was in the middle of a prank gone wrong. “This is a lot to take in. Marriage isn’t something you just do. I just…”
“I know, and I know it’s a lot to think about. That’s kind of why I invited you here. So you could meet him and make an informed decision.”
Skye’s eyes widened. “Tonight? Have you lost your mind?” She looked down at herself. “I look like a bohemian hobo. If you have told me—”
“You look beautiful, and if I told you, you would never have come.”
She opened her mouth to disagree and clamped it shut. Nope, she would have put the kibosh on it the very second Winnie uttered it. “Winnie, I just got out of a relationship. I’m pregnant. The last thing I need is a man making things even messier. He’s not going to want to take care of another man’s child.”
“Just meet him. That’s all I ask. Just give him a chance. Please.” Winnie leveled the most pitiful, sad face Skye had ever witnessed. “Please. I will drive to Amarillo every weekend for six months and cook you whatever you want.”
Her eyes went to her hairline. “Really?” One eyebrow remained lifted. “And all I have to is meet him?”
“Yes, and no you can’t say hello to him and leave.” She gave Skye a menacing look. “Have dinner with him. Talk to him. Then really think about it.”
“Fine, but only because you’re going to be putting miles on that sweet little F-150 you’ve got. And, you better be prepared to cook up a storm cause mama is eating for two.”
Winnie stuck her hand out. “Deal.”
Skye held in a gasp. Winnie was entirely too eager to make this wager. “You think I’m gonna change my mind, don’t you?”
“Yep.” She popped the p at the end of the word.
“You’re a…” Skye didn’t finish the sentence as a knock came from the front door.
Winnie jumped to her feet. “Wonderful person and now I have to answer the door.” She flashed a wide smile and nearly danced to the door.
Groaning, Skye slouched forward. What she should be doing is marching right out of there after giving Winnie a chewing out. Instead, her gut said she needed to think this through. Whether that was from hunger or the promise of a college fund, she wasn’t sure. Maybe a lot of both?
Fine. She’d meet the man, have a fantastic meal, and wish Bandit Ochoa the best of luck in finding a woman to marry as she happily carted herself and the sack of crème brûlée home.
Satisfied with her level-headed response, she pulled her shoulders back and smiled. This was going to be a breeze.
