CHAPTER 3

Inez laid awake in her bed pondering the agreement she had made with Ezra. Truth be told, she was a little unsure. But Ezra was her friend and she would do everything in her power to help.

She had to admit, that even though as a child she imagined a fairy-tale wedding, marrying Ezra wasn't all that frightening. Inez found herself attracted to him, she could admit that. And she had some fantasies about him that made her blush.

She finally fell to sleep with one of those fantasies in her head.

Buck wondered why Inez acted like "the cat that ate the canary" as she served him breakfast the next morning.

He was distracted from his study of the barmaid when JD came bounding in followed by Chris and Josiah.

"Hey Buck," JD greeted as the trio sat down. "What's up?"

Wilmington furrowed his brow. "Ya know I'm not sure."

"What does that mean ?" Chris asked.

"I think Inez is up ta something. She's walking around with a smile bigger than Ezra's when he's been winnin' all night at poker."

"Well," Josiah chuckled. "This could be serious."

Buck frowned, but any comment he was about to make ended when Nathan and Vin entered the saloon.

"'Hey," Vin acknowledged the others as he took a seat.

"Anyone know why Ezra's up so early this morning?" Jackson asked, curious.

Buck's eyebrows shot up. "Ez's up?"

"Well, I'm sure he's just excited about his inheritance," JD explained. "Ez was probably up all night."

"Yeah, tryin' to figure a way ta get that money," Tanner agreed.

Chris nodded.

"Hey, maybe Inez knows!" JD exclaimed.

Josiah shrugged. "That might explain her Cheshire grin."

The woman in question bustled over with Chris' usual breakfast. "Buenos dias, Senor Larabee," she greeted with a bright smile. Larabee's curiosity was piqued.

"Mornin'."

"Would anyone else like some breakfast?"

"I would my dear," Ezra's voice answered from the doorway.

"What has you up so early?" Tanner drawled, as Standish joined the group.

"Just trying to facilitate the reception of my inheritance."

"You still need a wife," Nathan pointed out.

"I am well aware of the terms," Ezra responded smoothly. He brushed some imaginary lint from his jacket sleeves.

"Have ya found someone ta marry?" JD was practically bouncing in his chair.

"Actually, I have."

Nathan snorted. "Who'd be damned-fool enough ta do that?" He realized too late how that sounded. "What I mean is, who'd want to get married to someone that hadn't even courted them?"

Ezra bristled inwardly. "I know what you meant."

Josiah decided to diffuse the situation. "It's good you've got this figured out."

"I assume you're marrying someone you know fairly well and respect each other," Larabee added.

"Of course," Standish answered smoothly. He was becoming rather irritated with Larabee and Jackson's attitudes about his situation. The pair seemed to find fault with everything he did. He glanced over at Inez and felt his spirits lift once more.

There was no doubt in his mind that Inez was a beautiful woman. He noticed it the moment she entered his life. She was also intelligent, kind and witty. They found a mutual respect for each other and from that they became friends. But he never dared consider becoming romantically involved. That was dangerous territory and he wasn't about to risk their friendship.

However, he was enjoying the prospect of marrying her.

Ezra turned a dazzling smile on his companions. "I have found a suitable match. The lady in question is beautiful, charming and has a brilliant mind. She and I have considered this option and found it favorable for the both of us."

"Hell Ez," Buck laughed teasingly. "She can't be that brilliant if she's marrying you."

Ezra watched Inez out of the corner of his eye. "I assure you, she's all I said and more."