Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek, #3) (67)
“It’s probably something cheesy like a hot air balloon ride,” Noah taunts.
Wilder smacks his arm down on the table, causing his fork to go down with it. “Now why not? That sounds romantic as fuck.”
“Because it’s unoriginal!” Magnolia says. “Women want creativity. Put some effort into finding out what the girl is interested in instead of Googling the top five date spots.”
“I don’t do that…” Wilder hesitates and we all laugh at him. “Whatever.”
My phone chimes with a text, and I quickly pull it out of my pocket. I’ve been anticipating the news all day regarding Angela’s parole hearing results.
But then I smile when I see Ellie’s name instead.
Ellie
I fucked up.
Landen
The interview? What happened?
Ellie
We were talking about barrel racing topics and before she ended the interview, she said “So I heard congratulations are in order!” and I was so taken off guard, I just said “Huh?” And then she went on to say how wonderful it is that I’m engaged to Landen Hollis, local cowboy rancher at Sugarland Creek ranch.
Landen
Oh shit. Then what?
Ellie
Well, I wasn’t prepared for her to bring it up and just wanted off the call, so I said “Thanks!”
I laugh because I can hear her panicked voice in my head.
Ellie
Then she went on a little tangent about how awesome it must be to be with someone who I share so much in common with and who must be a great supporter.
Landen
And?
Ellie
At that point, I just had to go along with it and said “Uh-huh.”
She sends a face-palm emoji with a crying one, and I can tell she’s upset with herself.
Landen
Well, it’s not like the rumors hadn’t already spread through town. It’s okay, baby. Not a big deal.
Ellie
It’s one thing for our small town to hear about it, but this is for a nationwide equine website. They interview dozens of pro rodeo members. Everyone in the barrel racing community is going to read it. I’m going to look so stupid now for not correcting her and letting everyone think it’s true. They’re going to mention it now at every press event until there’s a wedding.
Shit.
Landen
Soooo I guess we need to get you an engagement ring now?
I know she’s panicking because it wouldn’t look good if she got caught in a lie or any kind of scandal, but I love the idea of people knowing she’s mine.
Ellie
Oh don’t worry, Gramma Grace said she has me covered for whenever I want hers.
She sends an eye-roll emoji, and I snort.
Landen
Stop freaking out. We can pretend in public if we need to. It’s not like holding your hand and kissing you is a hardship.
Ellie
Until when? We have our fake wedding?
Landen
You wanna get married now? I can book an officiant for our first date.
Ellie
Landen!! That’s not funny.
Landen
You’re right, that’s more appropriate for a third date.
Ellie
This is why past Ellie hated you so much.
Landen
Past Ellie would’ve whacked me with a shovel by now.
Ellie
Good thing I know where the tack room in the barn is…
Landen
I gotta get back to work. See you at six-thirty for our nightly shower and reading session. Clothes optional.
I look forward to our evening routine all day long.
Ellie
Damn you and making me swoon all over again, I can’t even enjoy my imaginary shovel whacking.
Landen
You’d miss me too much.
Ellie
Debatable.
Landen
I know I’d miss you.
Ellie
You’d be dead so how could you?