A Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy: a sudden dad, contemporary marriage of convenience Montana Ranches romance (Sweet River Ranch Romance Book 1) by Valerie Comer

Author:Valerie Comer [Comer, Valerie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: GreenWords Media
Published: 2023-08-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter

Fourteen

Three weeks until the wedding.

Stephanie let Jamie strut into the lodge in front of her at lunchtime. There were half a dozen vehicles parked outside, and the great room teemed with unfamiliar faces. She guided the little boy around the edge of the space, blocked him when he veered toward the stairs, and nudged him toward the staff table with his booster already in place.

“Hi, Stephanie!” Nadine called.

“Hi, can I help?” It was her standard greeting, since it always seemed the older woman had more on her hands than necessary.

“I’ve got help.” Nadine’s eyes crinkled as she gestured at two young women. One ladled chili into bowls while the other cut squares of cornbread.

Everything would be different now. Seemed strange to think that she was one of the old guard and that she probably wouldn’t get to know everyone who was here to work for the summer. Not tucked away with Jamie as she was. She could thank Walter Sullivan for insisting she and the toddler took lunch and dinner at the main lodge. At least, she’d get to see a few other adults from time to time.

Not that she minded hanging out at Tate’s duplex with him, but it was best to minimize the temptation. They could hold out for another three weeks, then Maribel would stay with Jamie while Tate whisked Stephanie off to places unknown for a week. All he would tell her was that it was a good thing she had a passport, thanks to that missions trip to Guatemala a couple of years ago. She also needed a swimsuit and beach clothes. It wasn’t a lot to go on, but it was enough.

“Hi. I’m Tina. Nadine sent this for the little guy. Jamie, right?” The blonde, her hair in a net, set a tray on the table then squished the toddler’s suction-bottomed bowl to his tray. “And here’s for you.” She finished unloading.

“Thanks, Tina. I’m Stephanie, Tate’s fiancée, and currently Jamie’s nanny.” Soon to be his mama for real.

The girl smiled. “I’ve heard. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Tina was pretty, but Stephanie had gotten here first. Of course, Tate had five brothers and cousins for the other women at the lodge to fight over. Tate was all hers.

She searched the group as they coalesced into a line to pass the food counter. Ah, there he was talking to a young woman in jeans and a Sweet River T-shirt. So, she probably worked here. Walter Sullivan had distributed branded clothing among the employees a few days back. Similar items were for sale in the small gift shop, but didn’t have the word ‘staff’ across the back.

Stephanie narrowed her gaze as the woman laughed over her shoulder at something Tate said. He chuckled in reply, his gaze warm.

No way. He was Stephanie’s. He shouldn’t be flirting with the staff.

Tate looked up and his gaze met Stephanie’s across the dining area. His smile widened as he looked at her. Be right there, he mouthed.

She nodded and looked at Jamie as he mashed cornbread across his tray.

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