Description

He needs a wife. She needs his money. Together, they find forever.

After years of service, Ellis Lowery came home to Cypress Ridge to build his life after the military. But there's a catch: his waiting inheritance comes with one infuriating stipulation. He needs a wife. Soon.

There's only one woman his heart answers to—the curvy, bright-smiled café owner who serves half the town and has no idea he's been half in love with her since he laid eyes on her upon his return.

Kara Thornton runs the Magnolia Café with more grit than anyone knows. Her pastries are famous, her laugh is contagious, and her family is a nightmare she's ready to escape. The business may run on her blood, sweat and tears, but her controlling relatives still own half of it…and they're threatening to take the rest.

She needs an exit. He needs a wife.

And when Ellis makes the offer—quiet, earnest, protective—Kara struggles to believe it's not yet another joke to be played on her.

Their marriage of convenience puts all eyes on them, especially Kara's angry family determined to keep her under their thumb. But Ellis doesn't bend, doesn't back down, and doesn't hesitate to put himself between her and anyone who's ever hurt her.

As fake kisses blur into real ones and a paper marriage turns into something fierce, Kara realizes she might have just found the safest place she's ever been…right in Wyatt's arms.

In a small town overflowing with gossip, trouble, and second chances, their convenient marriage may turn out to be the most real thing either of them has ever known.

This short read is MF with a guaranteed HEA.