Read Online Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cowboy Takes a Wife (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Paige Cameron - Free Book Online Page A

around her wet hair and picked up the receiver. “ Jackson ?”
    “Did you have a busy day?”
    “Busy, but good.”
    “Look, something has come up. I’m flying out early tomorrow morning, but I plan to be back by late tomorrow evening. I’m going to have several of my associates and their families join me here for the weekend. I thought you might think about how we could entertain them and their children. My PR person is working on some ideas, but if you have any suggestions I’ll see they get added.”
    “Have any of them been to a ranch before?” Samantha asked.
    “Not the families. Most of my senior associates have been here for a working retreat.”
    “If I think of anything, I’ll give you a call.”
    “Good. I’ve got to go. Oh, by the way, have you given our wedding any thought?”
    “Not really, and with the rest of this week being so busy, we’ll need to put it off for at least another week or two.”
    He laughed. “Not at all. I’ll ask Mrs. Haverty to come here with the rest of the staff. She can help you plan.”
    “That won’t be necessary. I’ll invite Janice. She’s very organized.”
    “All right. Talk with you tomorrow night.” The phone clicked off. Samantha glanced around. Maria had left the kitchen to give her privacy. For some reason, her good mood had evaporated. Surely, she hadn’t been looking forward to their ride tomorrow that much. She was tired. A hot shower and meal and she’d be fine. Afterwards she’d call Janice, and tomorrow she’d work with the ranch hands again. Somehow that didn’t excite her as much as it had this morning.

    * * * *

    Jackson strode into his office early the next morning. He’d missed seeing Samantha yesterday but hoped a few days apart might help her realize she did want to marry him, and not just because of her grandfather’s demands.
    He really did need to be here in the city today. He had papers to sign, and soon he’d have to make a final decision on his replacement. He planned to retire the day before his wedding. He’d still be the major stockholder and president of the board.
    All the necessary decisions and plans were coming together. He’d decided on this move six months ago, when he realized he wanted to be more actively involved with all aspects of ranching and the community. He’d tired of the cutthroat rat race.
    One of the reasons he’d never seriously considered marriage until now was because he didn’t want to raise a family in that environment. He wanted his full-time home and job to be at the ranch. He’d get to see his children grow, to teach them to ride a horse and to work the farm.
    Only a very select few knew about the major changes coming. He’d decided even to wait to tell Samantha. It was vitally important that not even a hint get out until all papers had been signed. His enemies might like to create problems.
    “Hello, Mrs. Haverty. How are you today?” Jackson smiled at his longtime secretary.
    “I’m fine, Mr. Stone. Mr. Terrell is in your office enjoying a cup of coffee.”
    “He’s always said you make the best,” Jackson teased. He strode to his door and stopped. “Mrs. Haverty, I’d like you to come in after he leaves. I have something I want to ask you.”
    She looked puzzled. “Is anything wrong?”
    “Not at all, just the opposite. We’ll talk later.” He waved and went in to join one of his best friends, who also happened to be his attorney.
    Jackson hurried through the day. He’d decided to get back early enough to visit Samantha. His strong desire to see her and touch her continued to surprise him. The big question was, did she miss him as much?
    By five, he was on his helicopter headed home. Mrs. Haverty had agreed to think about his offer to join him at the ranch as his all-around assistant with the business of running the ranch. She’d voiced her preference for the country several times in his presence, so he expected, if her husband agreed, that they’d move to the ranch