Six Months in Montana (Montana Sweet Western Romance Series, Book 1) (3 page)

"So, it sounds like you've got it all figured out. I hope this works out for you, I really do." Meghan took a sip of wine, then sighed melodramatically and said, "What if you fall in love with this cowboy, have you considered that?" Molly laughed at this and felt the mood lighten.

"Absolutely not. Christian is just an old friend, and a bit of a playboy." She hesitated for a moment, remembering her intense reaction when their legs had accidentally touched. That couldn't have been real, though. It had to be nerves. Feeling surer of it now, she continued, "This whole thing is just his grandfather's attempt to get him to settle down, but it won't work. We've already talked about it, and Christian made it quite clear that he is not the marrying type. Plus, I can't wait to get back here. Are you kidding? I don't ever want to live anywhere but here."

"Alright then, so now that we've got that all settled, let's plan a wedding. I have to admit, I am curious to visit Beauville and meet everyone."

Except for the fact that she was traveling with four giant suitcases, Molly almost felt like she was going on a long vacation, rather than making an actual move clear across the country. Her apartment was sublet without a hitch, and as she left and gave one final last look, everything was in its place and ready for her to return home. That, at least, was reassuring. In six months, she could come back and pick up as if she'd never been gone.

She was planning to rent a slightly larger car than usual when she arrived in Montana. Her mother and aunt had offered to come get her, but both drove small compact vehicles and there wouldn't be room for her and all her suitcases. They offered to drive separately, but she'd told them that was very sweet, but unnecessary, and she'd just rent something quickly and see them soon.

So, Molly was more than surprised to find someone waiting for her when she got off the plane. Christian was at the gate, and waved at her as she made her way through the crowd.

"Hey there, I talked to your mom, and she said you were planning to rent a car because you have so many bags." His dimples flashed as he teased her.

"Well, I am planning to stay a while. I hope your car is big enough," she teased back.

"Come on, see for yourself." He grabbed hold of the shoulder bag she'd been carrying, and they went down to the baggage carousel to get the rest of her luggage.

Once they got the rest of her bags loaded onto a luggage cart, Christian wheeled them out to the parking lot and down a few rows, until they stopped at a large, slightly dusty truck. Molly watched in admiration as he easily tossed each heavy bag that she'd struggled with earlier into the back of the truck, and then opened the passenger side door for her to climb in.

It was only a little past 6pm, so still plenty light out, and during the forty-five minute drive to Beauville Christian pointed things out here and there. The area hadn't changed much since she'd lived there years ago, but Molly had noticed signs of growth on her last trip and Christian filled her in as they rode along.

"That is a smaller version of the mostly organic market they have in Bozeman, the Community Foods Co-op."

"Over there, that's the only motel in the area, The Sleepy Willow. It's always busy."

Molly glanced at the building as they passed. It was a small motel, nothing fancy, but looked serviceable: an inexpensive, generic place to sleep for a night. She could definitely do better.

"What's that smug smile about?" Molly's expressive face had revealed her thoughts.

"I'm getting ahead of myself, but I was thinking that if that's going to be my only competition, I don't have a lot to worry about. Assuming there's enough business to go around, that is."

"You'll be fine. Rose Cottage will be able to have eight guest rooms, I'm thinking, so while you might not sell out every night, I bet you'll be busy enough."

As they drove through town, Molly noticed how small the town was, and yet bigger than it used to be. Christian explained that Beauville's proximity to Bozeman made the town very appealing to those who wanted to live near the city, but not in it. Beauville had also grown over the years as a popular tourist destination, popular with those who enjoyed fly-fishing and kayaking.

"It looks like business is booming for you too," she commented, as they passed another new development with the Ford Builders sign out front. She knew that, in addition to the ranch and farm work, a good percentage of the Ford family business had evolved into real estate development. Christian had earned a dual degree in architecture and agriculture, which had served him well.

"We can't complain. The demand seems to be steady and growing."

"Your houses are pretty." Molly said, as he slowed down to give her a good look at one of his newest spec houses. Pretty was an understatement. The house was solid and yet light and airy-looking, with lots of windows facing majestic mountains in all directions, as well as gorgeous wood details and natural stone along the walkway.

"Thanks. We try." Christian looked pleased, and Molly realized how little she knew this boy that she'd grown up with. They'd been so close back then, but had grown apart over the years and had never kept in touch after she'd moved to Brooklyn. She had a lot to learn about her old friend.

As they neared the opposite edge of town, Molly noticed that they'd gone past the road that led to her mother's place. She was about to ask where they were going, when they came around the bend and she recognized where they were. She caught her breath, as Christian turned onto the next road and immediately into the driveway of a large sprawling old house that was covered in dusty pink roses.

There was another vehicle parked out front, a navy-blue Acura MX SUV. Christian pulled up next to it and started loading Molly's luggage into the back of the Acura.

"You're going to need a car while you're here," He explained, as he added the last suitcase, shut the door and then handed her the keys. "It's a ranch car, and you'll be staying on the ranch, so it seemed like a no-brainer," he added, as he saw the look on Molly's face, debating whether or not to accept the car. "Think of it like a lease if you like; yours to use as long as you are here. Want to see inside the house?"

"Okay. Yes, of course." Molly said, agreeing to both the car and house at the same time. She followed Christian, as he unlocked the front door and stepped inside.

There was a slight musty smell, and Christian explained that the house hadn't been aired out much in the past year.

"That will disappear quickly, especially once we start on the remodeling and have doors and windows open as we work."

As they walked around Rose Cottage, Molly felt like she was stepping back in time. Most of Christian's grandfather's stuff was still here. When he'd moved in with Christian, he'd left everything exactly as it was, in case he wanted to come back at any time, and she guessed it would have been too hard, too much emotionally, to empty out the house after living here for so many years with his wife.

It had been many years ago, but Molly had been here before, with Christian when they were young. She remembered how much fun his grandfather had been, always so full of life, and how madly in love his grandparents had been. His grandmother had been an amazing cook and there had been always something delicious waiting for them on the counter when they visited, cookies or cupcakes usually. Molly admired the kitchen area, as they entered the room. It needed updating, as the counter tops were all covered with a gold-yellow Formica, that had once been so popular, and the appliances looked original.

"I know for sure that stove needs replacing. Gramps used to complain about it not working half the time, yet he never did anything about it. He didn't do a lot of cooking though."

"There's tons of potential here and it doesn't look like any major work needs to be done."

"No, it's simple stuff." Christian agreed. "Update the kitchen and convert either the family room or living room into a suite. There's another den on the third floor that could be turned into a guestroom, and another room over the garage that was never finished which could be a nice, larger suite."

Molly's mind was swimming with possibilities as they walked back outside.

"Do you want to come for dinner?" She asked impulsively. It was nice of him to make the effort to come get her at the airport, and thoughtful to provide her with the perfect vehicle. Her Aunt Betty always made twice as much food as they needed, so she knew there'd be plenty.

"I'd love to, but I have somewhere I need to be. Prior plans." He didn't explain further than that, which of course made Molly wonder what he was up to. She thanked him again for the ride and the car, and then followed him out of the driveway, watching as he headed in the opposite direction before she headed home.

"
S
o
, what exactly are you telling people?" Aunt Betty asked the next morning over coffee at the Morning Muffin, which, because it was the only breakfast place in town, was totally packed.

"What do you mean?" Molly’s aunt often changed topics mid-sentence and it was sometimes hard to keep up, especially today when Molly was still tired from the trip. She was always off-kilter the first day or two home, with the different time zones.

"About this wedding. Are you telling people the truth, or are we supposed to be selling that you're madly in love, even though no one has heard a thing about it until now? Just asking."

Molly took a sip of coffee and considered the question. It was a good one, and she hadn't really thought about it.

"Honestly, I have no idea. I'll have to talk to Christian, I guess. I really hadn't thought beyond actually agreeing to get married and moving here."

"Well, talk to him soon and let us know. People are wondering," Aunt Betty said, as she reached for the carafe of coffee, topped off her cup and then Molly's.

"What people?" Molly asked, as an absolutely gorgeous woman, with long loose dark brown curls and eyes so green they didn't look real, stopped by the table.

"So, this must be Molly," the woman said, looking at Molly's mother and Aunt Betty. "You look just like your mom, and they've said so much about you and your exciting job in the city. I almost feel like I know you."

Molly looked at her mother in surprise. She had no idea who this woman was, yet she seemed to know all about her.

"Honey, this is Isabella Graham. She's a realtor."

"Graham Real Estate is Beauville's top firm. I just had some new cards made up; have one." Isabella fished into her beautiful leather purse, pulled out a gold plated business card case, drew out a card and handed it to Molly, who couldn't help noticing that she also had the most perfectly manicured nails. Molly's were badly neglected and in desperate need of attention.

"We have some beautiful new homes, which just came on the market. Ford Builders did them. Christian does beautiful work."

"I think I know the ones you mean, they are lovely," Molly agreed.

"So what brings you to town?" Isabella asked.  Of course, Molly couldn't explain it, and she had a feeling that the less said the better, for some reason. She was by nature a private person, and Isabella's pushiness was rubbing her the wrong way.

"Personal matters; taking some time off to relax and visit for a while."

"Really? Good for you! That must be nice." The waitress arrived just then to deliver her food, and Isabella took the cue to go. "Ladies, I'll leave you to enjoy your breakfast. Molly, hope to see you again while you're in town." She didn't wait for a response and was already half-way across the room, when Molly said softly, "Is it mean of me to say I don't think I like her?"

Aunt Betty laughed at that. "Doesn't surprise me in the least. Isabella is a good kid, but she's a little overbearing at times. Comes with being a competitive sales person, I suppose. She's very good at what she does."

"Wasn't she dating Christian for a while?" her mom asked Aunt Betty, who apparently knew everything about everyone in town.

"Most people would think she still is. I hope Christian has talked with her and given her the heads-up on what's going on." Betty looked thoughtful for a moment. "Makes me wonder though, because if he has, I don't think she would have been that friendly."

C
hristian had asked
for a corner table at Delancey's. He rarely went out for lunch, but given the circumstances and who he was meeting, he thought that Delancey's was the most appropriate spot, and lunch was a safer bet than dinner. Dinner carried different expectations. He really should have had this meeting last week, but it wasn't a conversation he'd been looking forward to having. He checked his watch and—no surprise—she was late. She was always late. Isabella liked to make an entrance.

She swept in ten minutes later, all apologies, and settled down on the plush leather seat next to him. As usual, she looked like a million bucks. She was wearing a cream colored sweater dress that hugged her curves and flattered her olive complexion. Rich red nails and oversized diamond earrings added further polish. Isabella was a beautiful woman and he had enjoyed spending time with her. But, he had been upfront with her from the beginning, that he was not looking for anything serious, and she had said that was fine and that she felt the same. But, if that were true, why was he feeling this ominous sense of dread about having this conversation?

They ordered beverages and then their meals: a steak sandwich with fries for him, and a chopped chicken salad, dressing on the side, for her.

"So, what is so important, that we're having lunch at Delancey's, of all places. I didn't think you did lunch."

"I don't usually. It's just, well, honestly, I meant to have this conversation with you last week, but it's an unusual situation and I don't think you're going to like what I have to say."

"It can't be that bad," she said lightly, and then frowned as realization dawned. "Unless you're breaking up with me."

"Yes. I'm afraid I can't see you anymore." He paused, waiting to see her initial reaction.

Isabella looked stunned, and just stared at him for a long moment before saying, "Why? I thought things were going well?" Isabella had obviously not been expecting this, and to be fair, he hadn't given her any warning.

"It's not you, I know that sounds like the worst cliché, but it's true. Though I was always clear with you that I didn't want anything serious," he reminded her.

"Is there someone else?" Her voice was low and calm, but Christian knew her well enough to know she was absolutely furious. Isabella did not like surprises. She liked being in control, and was usually the one who did the dumping.

"Sort of; it's complicated. I'm actually getting married in about two weeks." When he saw the look of complete shock and horror on Isabella’s face, Christian felt like an ass, and decided she deserved to know the whole truth, as bizarre as it was. "It's not someone you know, she's not from around here. Well, she used to be, but that was a long time ago."

"I thought you were never going to get married." Isabella accused him. She didn't appear to be too angry, that was good, but she was definitely confused and who could blame her? He was confused too. He was not happy with his grandfather right now; that was for sure.

The waiter arrived with their meals, and while they ate, Christian filled her in on everything.

"I can't believe your grandfather did that to you, to us. I thought he liked me." Isabella’s initial anger was gone, replaced by a sad, vulnerable look as she spoke, and once again Christian cursed his grandfather.

"He did like you. I don't think he really thought this through. It feels like it was an impulsive decision on his part. Though he did know we weren't serious and he definitely didn't approve of that."

"I’ve met her you know," Isabella said softly, and that surprised Christian. He didn't think she and Molly knew each other. Isabella went on to explain, "Just this morning actually. I stopped for my usual coffee at the Muffin, and she was having breakfast there with her mom and aunt. I know both of the older ladies from the local women's group, and when I said hello, they introduced me. She seems nice."

"She is nice, very nice actually to do this. It's just for six months, then we'll probably go our separate ways."

"Probably? Maybe you'll like being married, fall in love and even want to have kids," Isabella teased.

"That's not even funny. You know me better than that," Christian said.

"I thought that I did. I don't know anything anymore."

M
olly made
a mental checklist as she drove out to the ranch to meet Christian for dinner and a tour of the grounds. The only thing left on her list was to decide on a dress and the final menu. After they'd finished breakfast at the Morning Muffin, her mother and aunt had dragged her all over town, and then out to Bozeman to meet with caterers and look at dresses for her and her only bridesmaid, Meghan. When they’d finally got home, there’d been a message from Christian inviting her to a casual dinner at the ranch. She’d been tempted to decline, exhausted from the day of running around, but knew it was useless to even suggest, once Aunt Betty had heard the message and then had gone on and on about what a fabulous idea it was for her to see the ranch and get reacquainted with Christian.

When Molly pulled into the driveway, she saw that Christian was sitting on the front porch reading the paper, with an older looking yellow lab curled up at his feet. As Molly walked up to them, the dog wagged its tail and then shuffled over to greet her.

"It's nice to be welcomed so warmly." Molly said, as she reached down to scratch the dog's head. He responded by sitting down and lifting a paw for her.

"He recognizes you. That's pretty amazing after all these years."

"Is this Toby? Why, he must be, what, sixteen by now? I can't believe he's still here with you. How is he?" Molly sat down on the front steps and pulled the dog in for a hug and he muzzled her neck.

"Probably just about sixteen. He just saw the vet last month and got a good report. He's definitely slowing down some, but is still healthy. The vet said he's likely a lab mix, and they tend to live longer than purebreds. Even so, he's an old man, that's for sure."

Toby wagged his tail and looked back at Christian.

"He knows you're talking about him," Molly laughed.

"He's a smart one." Christian stood. "Come on in, I'll show you around."

Molly and Toby followed Christian inside, and followed him around the main house as he pointed out each room. Molly had never been in this building before. It was newer than Rose Cottage.

"When did you build this?" she asked, as Christian led her up to the second floor.

"About twelve years ago. Gramps moved in just a few years later."

The main house wasn't as large as Rose Cottage; there were only four bedrooms here, three upstairs and one down, which was where his grandfather had stayed. The rooms were large and beautifully decorated. Molly brushed her hand against one of the window treatments and sighed at the softness of the material. She was sure Christian hadn't done this himself, but whoever had, had gorgeous taste.

"I hired someone, a local decorator, to come in. I'll be the first to admit I'm clueless about that stuff. I just told her what colors I like and let her do her thing."

"She did amazing work." Each room flowed into the next, the colors soft and inviting without being overly masculine or feminine.

"Thanks, it's Travis' twin sister, Traci. I was going to suggest maybe using her to help with Rose Cottage, if you like?"

"I’d definitely like." Molly beamed at the thought of having the same decorator work her magic with Rose Cottage.

"She'll be at the wedding. I'll introduce you."

Molly's mood shifted as she thought about the wedding. It was nerve-wracking enough to be planning a wedding, but even more so when you barely knew the groom and had never met most of the people who'd be attending.

"Are you sure about the guest list?" Christian had emailed his list of people just that morning, and Molly's aunt had said it seemed to include most of the town.  "I don't really have a choice. I've known most of these people all my life; they're either my friends, or people my grandfather knew and would have expected to be there. I have to honor that."

"Even though it's not going to be a real marriage?" That was what troubled Molly.

"It will be a real marriage."

"Yes, technically, but how exactly are we presenting this marriage? Are we supposed to be in love?

"I think so. We have to give that appearance. Even though this is all my grandfather's doing, it's still a real marriage, and that is something that has to be treated with respect."

"Okay, so what's our story then? We have to make sure we're on the same page, as you know people will want to know."

"I know, I've been thinking about that," Christian said, as they walked into the master bedroom, which was large and airy, with a spacious walk-in closet and adjoining master bathroom that held a beautifully tiled glassed- in shower stall and an oversized, old-fashioned, claw-foot soaking tub.

"That's quite a bathroom," Molly breathed. Christian looked pleased.

"Thanks. That was mostly Traci too."

Molly followed Christian downstairs, and into a pretty den-office that was a mix of leather, dark wood and light. The room was at the far end and didn't have a floor above it, but did have a soaring cathedral ceiling with natural wood beams and plenty of glass to let in lots of natural light. Bookcases lined the walls and two oversized club chairs sat on either side of a real wood fireplace. A soft dog bed sat in the middle.

"Toby and I spend a good bit of time here." Upon entering the room, Toby had immediately flopped down in his favorite spot. "Have a seat." Christian sat in one of the club chairs and Molly did the same, enjoying the feel of the buttery soft leather.

"So, what I'm thinking is that we keep it simple. Remind people that we knew each other way back when we were kids, and say I ran into you in New York when I was there on a business trip a few months ago. What's the name of your hotel, the Carlyle?"

"Clarendon."

"Right. I can say I stayed there, ran into you. Saw you again when you came home to visit your mom, and that we've been in touch since." He frowned. "At least there's an element of truth there."

"It doesn't sound very romantic though, not if you want people to believe we're madly in love."

"Okay, you're right." He thought for a moment, then said, "I know, how about this: I ran into your mom and aunt, told them I was heading to New York on business and they insisted that I look you up."

Molly smiled. "Now that is believable. Aunt Betty would have demanded it."

Christian grinned, and Molly thought how young he looked when he let loose a little, and how attractive he was when he smiled, and the laugh lines danced around the corners of his mouth and eyes.