Emily’s eyes flashed him a look of disdain. If it wasn’t for him and his veiled threats, neither she nor Chase would be in this predicament. “I’m not married. Or at least I wasn’t until a few minutes ago.”

The judge checked the book again. “Okay, forget that. Are either of you underage?” The judge had directed the question to her.

“I’m twenty-two,” Emily said.

“Twenty-six,” Chase said.

The judge’s finger moved down the page again. “Are either of you related to the other?”

Chase shook his head. “Absolutely not.”

The judge peered at them over the frame of his spectacles. “Are either of you”—he cleared his throat—“unable to consummate the marriage?”

Emily’s face flared, and Chase threw up his hands. “This is getting us nowhere.”

The judge held up the palm of a hand. “Now hold on. There’s more.” He glanced at the uncle’s shotgun. “Were either of you coerced into the marriage?”

Emily felt a flicker of hope, but before she had a chance to answer in the affirmative, the door flew open. A man stormed into the chambers with a bride in tow, and he looked fit to be tied.

The uncle stepped in front of the new arrivals, his shotgun raised in a threatening pose. The newly arrived bride gasped and fell back.

“Sorry, Royce,” the uncle said. “You’re too late. The will said the first one married will have full ownership of the ranch.” He tossed a nod at Emily. “Meet Mrs. Chase McKnight, your new sister-in-law.”

3

Chase guided the horse and wagon slowly through town. Though the cattle had been somewhat contained, thick clouds of dust still hung in the air like heavy fog. The dust blocked what little daylight was left and stung the eyes.

He felt bad, real bad. Felt bad for the widow, Mrs. Decker, and her three children. He’d never meant to let them down. But he also felt bad for Garvey, who had arrived at the courthouse expecting to wed. Chase felt especially sorry for the stoic figure by his side, his accidental bride.

Had Royce not arrived with his own bride-to-be, Chase’s unfortunate marriage would have been nullified. But when things got ugly, the judge ordered all parties out of his chambers. That left his marriage intact, Royce still single, and the future of the ranch secure. At least for the time being.

Chase studied the stranger who was now his wife. Still in her wedding gown, she’d discarded her veil, allowing him an unhindered view of her face. Hair the color of corn silk was pulled to the top of her head and cascaded down her back in lush, shiny curls. Lashes as thick as Spanish lace framed her expressive blue eyes. Skin yet untouched by the Texas sun or wind stretched over the delicate bones of her face as white and smooth as fine porcelain.

Though she held a handkerchief over her mouth to keep out the dust, she somehow managed to look like a force to be reckoned with. Shoulders back, body rigid, she never passed on an opportunity to shoot visual daggers at him.