Thread: Hot Sex on the Range (Prince & LingeringDesire)

Zach was prepared for much of her reaction. The shock, sadness and dismay. What took him by surprise was when she turned to him and placed her hands on his shoulders. The touch was like an electric tingle to him. He had little experience with women, aside from his rough courting of Anna in town and some drunken nights at the whorehouse. Having a pretty woman like Katie touch him and look at him with the expression of longing she had, it was mind blowing. Last hope? The words rang in his head. What did she mean by that? A proper lady like her had to have a home and family back in Richmond to return to. It created a lot of questions in his mind and he wanted to know more, but suddenly the lawyer he had seen earlier was riding into the courtyard. Katie, that's Mr. Barnes, the lawyer in town who is executor for my Pa's estate... said Zach and his expression darkened a bit as he added, I bet he knows something about all that. Mr. Barnes got down and gave a formal hello to Katie as she rose and a friendlier shake of hands with Zach. He was invited inside and soon they were all seated at the table. I see you too have met, he said after a bit, looking uncomfortable. I can't say I agree with what you father did Zach, but I was his lawyer and obeyed his wishes. He wanted you to marry a Southern woman and found Katie himself by a newspaper ad, although I think he thought he knew your family Miss. Zach glanced at Katie as Mr. Barnes shared this story, but she evaded his eyes. In any event, he was alarmed at his health. The Doc said he might live ten more years or die in a month. It looks like the latter was the truth. He commissioned me to rewrite his will and arrange a proxy marriage certificate that he would have you sign last year. I'm sensing he didn't explain it to you at the time, said Mr. Barnes. And then he looked uncomfortable. He also added a clause to his will, which I was to share with you when she arrived. He's made it a requirement that you keep the marriage with her for a period of at least three months. And that you live together here like a lawful husband and wife and consummate the marriage. He cleared his throat and blushed. If you do, full inheritance of his lands passes to you Zach. If you don't,, the lawyer hesitated then finished, I'm to sell the estate and donate the proceeds to charity. Zach was stunned. His house. His lands. All of it were at risk because of his crazy father's idea that he marry this stranger from the South. This woman he knew nothing about, gorgeous as she may be. It was a cunning final move from his Dad to get what he wanted and it left Zach with a bad taste about everything. He made a fist and lowered his head on it, eyes closed as he processed the lawyer's news. Well, I'll leave you two alone, but I'm bound as executor of his state to enforce his will. I sincerely hope you two meet the provision and find happiness, for both of your sakes, he said at last and stood to leave. Zach was still too stunned to do more than wave at him goodbye. He turned at last to Katie when they were alone and looked at her with a dazed expression. My father was a bit of a bastard and liked to get his way. I'm sorry he dragged you into this. I know you can't love me, or at least don't really know me enough to love me. But, I need you as you are the key to everything I own in this world that means something. He hesitated and looked into her eyes searchingly. Will you do this with me? I know you must hate my father and I right now. But, I promise if you don't like me or the ranch life, or anything, I'll set you up money to get home and then some. But, right now, I need your help.