Free Love Is Elected by Alyssa Howard

observed caustically, pulling out a pedestal chair and sitting down at the table. Then she reached for the butter and a hot muffin. "But I'm not going with you," she declared.
    "And just why not?" he countered, his eyes narrowing.
    "Because after last night, it would be hypocritical if I were to play the dutiful bride to your loving husband."
    "Now get this straight, Kara. No matter what you think of me, you have an obligation to go through with our bargain; and meeting my mother in a civil fashion is part of that." The no-nonsense expression on Matt's hard features was so intimidating that Kara found herself once again avoiding his gaze.
    They sat in silence for some minutes, each concentrating on the breakfast in front of them. Finally, feeling Matt's eyes on her, Kara looked up to find an unreadable expression on his face.
    "Remember, we're supposed to be having a truce," he reminded her. "And here's my first peace offering," he said, with a more friendly expression. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small velvet box and put it on the table in front of Kara's plate. "Go ahead and open it," he urged.
    Tentatively, Kara picked it up and slowly pulled back the lid. Inside a wedding ring set sparkled. The engagement ring was a large marquis diamond flanked by six smaller emeralds. The wedding band was a narrow circle of gold. Involuntarily, Kara drew in her breath.
    "They're beautiful," she murmured.
    "I hope this makes up for yesterday," her husband said softly. Reaching out he took her left hand and slipped the two rings on the proper finger. Just as before, the fit was perfect.
    "This time you don't have to give them back," he chuckled.
    "You mean, even when we get divorced," she blurted.
    His gray eyes became hard as granite. "Just as you wish," he said coolly. "But as long as you're playing the candidate's wife, you'll wear them." Then he pushed back his chair and stood up. "Are you coming?" he asked.
    Kara nodded dumbly.
    "Well then, I hate to rush you through breakfast, but Mother's expecting us at eleven."
    During most of the twenty-minute ride to Windy Willow Farm, Kara purposely kept her eyes averted from Matt, even though she was acutely aware of his magnetic presence, especially when his hand brushed lightly against her leg as he changed gears. She tried to concentrate on the fluffy white clouds scudding across the crystal blue of the sky and the rolling hills divided like patchwork by white rail fences and rows of blooming dogwood. But her thoughts were in turmoil. What would his mother be like? What would she think about Kara and this hasty marriage?
    As they turned onto the gravel entrance road to the estate, she could remain silent no longer.
    "What are we going to tell your mother?" she blurted.
    "We're going to tell her the truth. I'm not going to insult her with the charade we've made up for the public."
    "But what will she think of me?" Kara pressed.
    Matt flashed her a narrowed look. "My mother's very open-minded. I'm sure that will depend on the way you behave yourself today."
    Kara flushed. "I don't have anything against your mother," she protested indignantly.
    "Other than that I'm her son," he added dryly.
    Agreeing with him silently, Kara turned her attention to the scene out the window. The Jordan estate was impressive, she had to admit.
    The winding driveway was flanked by a row of willow trees, feathered with the delicate greenery of their first spring growth. To the right was a large oval pond in which a flock of mallards had made themselves at home. To the left were acres of white fenced paddocks where thoroughbred mares and their new foals grazed peacefully.
    At the end of the long drive was a two story fieldstone house with high white portico stretching across the front expanse. Ancient boxwood hedges lined the flagstone walk. And beds of lemon-tinted daffodils and bright red tulips provided a splash of color in front of the stately structure.
    "When you said Windy Willow Farm, I had no