Always Dakota. Debbie Macomber

or so he’d assumed, one that provided mutual satisfaction. Lately, however, Sheryl had begun to bring up the uncomfortable subject of marriage. Matt didn’t try to argue simply because it was easier to let her talk than to argue.

      “I was thinking we should get married after the first of the year,” she said, taking another deep drag of her cigarette.

      Matt sighed. He didn’t understand what it was with women and marriage. “Yeah, maybe. Whatever.”

      “Don’t sound so enthusiastic,” she said with heavy sarcasm.

      “I can’t figure out why women are always so eager to get married.”

      Sheryl stared at him incredulously. “Do you think I want to wait tables the rest of my life?”

      To be perfectly honest, he’d never thought about it one way or the other.

      “You planning to marry anyone else?” she demanded, then without asking helped herself to a long swallow of his beer.

      “Margaret Clemens,” he said, knowing that was sure to get a reaction.

      “Margaret Clemens,” Sheryl repeated with a harsh laugh. “That’s a joke, right?”

      “Not according to her father.”

      Sheryl twisted around so she could look him in the eye. “You talked to Bernard Clemens about marrying Margaret?”

      “No,” he said, disliking the cold tone of her voice. “He mentioned it to me.”

      “When did he do that?” She brushed the bleached blond curls away from her forehead.

      “A few weeks back. He asked to talk to me and I went over to see him.”

      “And what exactly did he say?”

      “He claimed Margaret’s in love with me.”

      “Is she?”

      Matt lifted both shoulders in a shrug. He hadn’t told anyone about the conversation. He’d never considered Margaret in romantic terms, and it flustered him to think she held any such feelings for him. Not that he was interested. Margaret was, well … Margaret. He didn’t even view her as a woman, like Sheryl, for instance, who was feminine from the top of her head to the tips of her crimson-painted toes. Although if memory served him right, Margaret had been dressed in something pretty the night of Buffalo Bob and Merrily’s wedding.

      “Her dad warned you off, did he?” Sheryl asked, apparently finding the question humorous.

      Matt wasn’t sure how to answer. “As a matter of fact, no. He seemed to think I’d marry her.”

      “For her money?”

      Matt nodded. “According to him, Margaret’s determined to have me.”

      “Really?” Sheryl made a low snickering sound.

      “That’s what he said.” It wasn’t something to brag about. Actually it was more of an embarrassment than anything. Ever since their conversation, Matt had gone out of his way to avoid Margaret Clemens.

      “Are you going to marry her?”

      “No!” His denial was swift and angry. How could Sheryl even suspect him of something like that?

      She didn’t say anything for several moments, then seemed to come to some conclusion that excited her. Tossing aside the blankets, she scrambled to her knees and a slow smile crept over her wide mouth. “Why not marry her?”

      “Well, for one thing, I don’t love her. For another …” He couldn’t think of a second reason fast enough. “Hey, I thought you wanted me to marry you.”

      “You will, make no mistake about it. But you could marry Margaret first.”

      He couldn’t believe his ears. “Why would I want to do that?”

      “Why?” she asked as if that was the most hilarious question anyone had every posed. “Because she’s rich.”

      “So?”

      “You’ve been hoping to buy the Stockert ranch for years.”

      “Yes, but—”

      “You can have it.”

      Matt frowned, beginning to sense what Sheryl was suggesting. “I hope you’re not saying what I think you are.”

      “Sure I am. Marry her. She’s already in love with you—isn’t that what her daddy said? Give her what she wants, and then after a few months file for divorce.”

      Matt had never heard anything more heartless. “That’s cruel.”

      “Matt, she has more money than she knows what to do with. Think of the months you’re married to Margaret as a way to help her through her grieving. She needs someone and she wants you. All you’d be doing is giving her what she needs and what she wants. You’d just be … providing a service.”

      Matt’s frown darkened.

      “Why else do you think her daddy called you in for that little talk?” Sheryl continued persuasively. “He knew that Margaret was going to need you. In his own way, he was asking you to watch over his little girl. And once Margaret understands that, she’ll be grateful. Grateful enough to buy you the Stockert place.”

      Matt didn’t like the sound of this. “Bernard warned me not to hurt her.”

      “You wouldn’t be hurting her, you’d be helping her through a difficult period in her life. Think about it, Matt. Bernard practically ordered you to step in and take care of his little girl. Besides, she’s in love with you, so she’ll do whatever you ask. It’s only fair that you be compensated for what you’re giving her. You’ll just have to convince her that a year of marriage is worth the price of the Stockert place. And then … you’d have your ranch.”

      He wanted Sheryl to shut up; her plan was starting to seem plausible.

      “I could quit my job and then the two of us could get married….”

      Matt shook his head. “Forget it,” he said. “Besides, once I married Margaret, what makes you think I’d want a divorce?”

      Sheryl burst out laughing. “Two things,” she said. “First of all, we’re talking about Margaret Clemens here. She’s got about as much sex appeal as a bag of potatoes.”

      Matt couldn’t really argue with that, especially when he looked at Sheryl, with her lush body, large full breasts and long legs. What he’d seen of Margaret, and that was damn little, was no comparison.

      “You said two things,” he reminded her.

      Sheryl’s sultry smile returned. “I’d make damn sure you wanted to come back to me,” she whispered. As if to prove herself, she showed him exactly what she meant.

       Two

       Minutes for the November 23rd meeting of the Buffalo Valley Town Council

      As recorded by Hassie Knight, Secretary and Treasurer, duly elected.

      The meeting was brought to order by council president Joshua McKenna with the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Council members in attendance were Joshua McKenna, Dennis Urlacher, Heath Quantrill, Robert Carr, Gage Sinclair and Hassie Knight. Reverend Larry Dawson was an invited guest.

      1. In the matter of old business, Joshua McKenna reported that a new siren has been installed by the Volunteer Fire Department. It will be used to alert the community in the event of a fire and to summon volunteers to the station. While the alarm was being tested, there were several complaints regarding the loud, piercing sound. Mrs. Summerhill, an elderly friend visiting Leta Betts, assumed the siren was an early warning of an air attack and was upset to learn there were no bomb shelters in Buffalo Valley. Joshua McKenna