The Rancher's Cinderella Bride. Sara Orwig

war with her parents and grandparents.

      Gabe drove to a log building with a long front porch. Rocking chairs and pots of blooming flowers created a relaxed, inviting ambience. Inside, lights were low, and ceiling fans turned slowly above dancers circling the floor as a fiddler and a drummer played. Gabe got a table at the edge of the dance floor where couples were already into a lively two-step.

      “This is perfect. Everyone will see us at this table.”

      “Unless someone is blind drunk, you’re probably right,” Gabe remarked drily. “Now order up. And relax, Meg. You’ll get what you want. You look ready to jump out of your skin.”

      She laughed. “I’m so excited and happy. Let’s dance and then more people will see us.”

      Laughing, he shook his head as he stood and took her hand. In seconds, he held her hands while she danced at his side in another fast two-step. He turned her around and when he caught her to stop her from turning again, he pulled her slightly closer. Flashing another smile, she looked up at him. “You adorable man. You’re the best friend possible,” she said, hoping she looked like a woman falling in love.

      “Don’t overdo it,” he said, laughing at her.

      “There’s no way to overdo what I feel, and since I want people to think I’m falling in love with you, I have to look as if I’m having the time of my life. Which I kind of am.”

      “You’re shameless, Meg. I keep telling myself not to be flattered that you asked me to be your pretend fiancé, because any guy would have fit the bill. Except you knew that because of our friendship, I’d do this without any demands on you.”

      “Not so. I wouldn’t trust any other guy. Besides, with another guy no one would believe me. But you fit all the qualifications. I’ve known you forever. You’re handsome, sexy, fun, popular, wealthy—”

      “Stop with all the flattery. You’ve already got what you want. If I were all that you said, the ladies would be lined up at our table waiting to dance with me.”

      “I’m surprised they aren’t, but they’re watching you, which means they’re watching us, which is good. Hey, you’re a good dancer, too.”

      “Don’t sound so surprised. What do you think I’ve been doing on Saturday nights?”

      “Well, you just seem so into planes, motorcycles and bull riding that I didn’t expect you to be so light on your feet.”

      “Maybe you’re in for all kinds of surprises from me,” he said with an exaggerated leer that made her laugh.

      “Bring ’em on, cowboy. I’m ready for some excitement in my life.”

      “I told you before—and you know the old saying—watch what you wish for. That’s a challenge you just gave me, Meg,” he teased.

      “I’m ready for you.” She twirled and came back beside him. “It’s fun to be with you again.” When he was about to protest, she said, “I mean it. You have to admit, it’s different from when we were little kids.”

      “Is it ever, darlin’. And vastly better,” he said, his gaze drifting over her again, making her laugh and feel a surprising tingle.

      The dance ended and he held her hand as they returned to their table. She stopped to say hello to some people on the way. As soon as they had ordered, she stood. “I’ll be back in a minute. I’m going to the ladies’ room.”

      “Yeah, I know. You’re going so more people will see you.”

      She smiled and left, knowing that Gabe would be good-natured about this fake engagement. Excitement bubbled in her and she wondered how much of it was knowing her problem would soon be a thing of the past—and how much was just pure excitement from being with Gabe.

      When she returned to their table, they ordered and shortly had platters with piles of ribs covered in red barbecue sauce, a mound of curly fries and thick, buttered Texas toast. While they ate, she tried to catch up on his current life.

      As they laughed over a recent incident, Gabe took a sip of his beer and when he set it down, he smiled. “You’re right—it’s good to be together again,” Gabe said.

      “I’m surprised there’s no woman in your life right now, but I’m glad there’s not, otherwise you couldn’t have gone out with me. Why don’t you hold my hand,” she suggested. “That would look good.”

      His grin widened. “This is the first time my date has told me how to come on to her.”

      “Well, I just want you to look as if you’re falling in love and really want me. So far, with all the fun we’re having, we look just like what we are—two old buds out together.”

      “Oh, darlin’,” he drawled. “I think I can get beyond just buddies without you having to coach me,” he said in a husky, breathy statement that was barely above a whisper. He stood, drawing her to her feet while he watched her intently. He slipped his arm around her waist, pulled her tightly against his side as they walked to the dance floor.

      “Oh, my,” she said, gazing up at him. “That’s definitely on target.”

      “Just wait, darlin’.” He leaned down to whisper into her ear, his warm breath stirring tingles that surprised her.

      On the dance floor she turned to face him, winding her arms around his neck and gazing into his eyes as they moved in unison. Her satisfaction climbed over how well they fit together.

      “Gabe, this is positively a dream come true,” she said, dancing closer so he could hear her over the music. “Tanya is here, Justin’s ex-girlfriend, and she’s seen me. She can’t stop glancing at me. When this dance ends, try to be near her and we’ll go talk to her. I’ll introduce you.”

      “Dare I hope she’s the one in the skintight jeans and low-cut blue blouse that reveals a lot of her ink? No wonder his parents have focused on you. They’re not the type for tats and blouses with vee necklines to the waist. As adorable as you are, I’m surprised Justin gave in so easily.”

      “I think I should feel insulted, but I don’t. Justin’s dad gave him incentives to give in. If he marries me, he gets a partnership in the firm after the first year of our marriage. If I’m pregnant, he gets an even bigger deal,” she said, shivering.

      “No wonder you want out of that. Damn. My dad gets an F in fatherhood, but he hasn’t pulled anything like picking a wife for any of us.”

      “Until this, my parents have been wonderful. So have my grandparents, and I love them all dearly.”

      “We’ll head Tanya’s way. I won’t protest meeting her,” he said, dancing Meg her way.

      The music stopped and she turned, smiling at Tanya and pulling lightly on Gabe’s hand. Tanya’s straight, waist-length blond hair fell loosely around her face. She wore a tight blue silk top with bling along the neckline that dipped in a deep vee, revealing half of a butterfly tattoo on the curve of her full breast. Curiosity filled her eyes as she watched Meg and Gabe approach. She glanced back and forth at each of them until Meg greeted her.

      “Tanya, meet Gabe Callahan. Gabe, meet Tanya Waters.”

      Smiling, Tanya touched the arm of the man beside her. “Hi. This is Bobby Jack Lawrence.”

      As the men greeted each other, Gabe held Meg’s hand lightly. They talked a moment until the music commenced again and then Gabe pulled her to his side for a two-step.

      “That was absolutely perfect,” Meg said. “I’m so glad we came here. I see Cassie Perkins from Justin’s office. I think she’s interested in Justin, so I’m sure she’ll get the word out around his office.”

      Gabe looked down at her. “I didn’t know you could be so plotting and devious.”

      “Only because I’m desperate,” Meg said. Then she became quiet, enjoying dancing