Free The Rancher's Marriage Pact by Kristi Gold Page A

didn’t return the sentiment. Again.
    Not this time. Not if she approached the proposal as strictly business. She married for love the first time, why not marry for financial gain the second? A lot of people did it. Unfortunately she’d never imagined herself fitting into that mercenary mold. But she’d never dreamed she would be caught in this dire position.
    Damn her bad luck. Damn Peter Smith for his criminal acts and betrayal and leaving her to take the fall. Damn Dallas Calloway for putting her on the verge of accepting his offer.
    Knowing she needed advice had her reaching for the cell phone, although she would have to be very, very careful.
    On that thought, Paris dropped down onto the sofa and pounded out her parents’ number. After two rings, “Reynolds residence” filtered through the line in Sheila’s usual sing-song voice.
    â€œHey, Mom. It’s Paris.”
    â€œWell I’ll be, it’s the prodigal daughter checking in and it’s not even a holiday.”
    Her mom did have a tendency to make her kids feel guilty at times. “I know, Mother. It’s been a while since I called, but I’ve been rather busy.”
    â€œDo you have a job?”
    That depended on whether she took a husband. “Actually, I have a good prospect.” Now for adding that other little tidbit of information. “I also have a new man in my life.”
    â€œOh, Paris, are you sure that’s a good idea? The ink has barely dried on your divorce decree.”
    â€œIt’s been twenty-two months, Mom.” And four days.
    â€œOh. Time does fly, doesn’t it?”
    â€œYes, it does. Anyway, I think you and Dad would like him.”
    â€œDoes he have a job?”
    â€œYes, he does. He’s a rancher. An honest to goodness cowboy.”
    â€œInteresting. Does he have a nice butt?”
    Heavens, leave it to her matriarch to bring that up. “What difference does it make?”
    â€œBelieve me, it does. I married your father for his butt and we’re approaching forty years of marital bliss.”
    Definitely too much information. “Yes, he has a nice butt and a nice house and a lucrative ranching operation. Are you happy now?”
    â€œI’m happy if you’re happy, dear.”
    Now for the moment of truth. A prelude to what possibly could be in the offing. “Good, because the M word has been mentioned.”
    â€œMeatloaf? Manners? Mistake ?”
    â€œVery funny, Mom. Marriage.”
    â€œDarn, I’d hoped that wasn’t it.”
    â€œNothing is set in stone yet, but I didn’t want you to be blindsided if it does happen.”
    â€œI certainly hope we get to meet this one before you take that step.”
    Not likely that would occur in two days. “I’m sure you’ll have the opportunity in the near future.”
    â€œParis, if this man treats you well, then you’ll have our blessing. Just make certain this time you’re doing the right thing.”
    An obvious slam on her lack of judgment when it came to her former relationship. “Believe me, I’m going to be very certain before I end up at the altar. A part of me says I should go for it. Another part tells me maybe I’m not cut out for matrimony.”
    â€œI don’t want to ever hear you say that again,” her mother said in a no nonsense tone. “You have the capacity to make a marriage work, as long as you can trust and love your mate for life.”
    Therein lay the problem—love didn’t figure into the deal. “How do you ever really know that, Mother? Marriage doesn’t come with guarantees.”
    â€œTrue, but it does come with certain risks if it’s not right. If you happen to be lucky enough to find your soul mate, then don’t be afraid to take the chance. One bad apple named Peter shouldn’t spoil the whole bunch. By the way, what is this man’s name?”
    â€œDallas.” And