Chapter 22
Although Brit had driven to the ranch house at night before, she gratefully accepted Angie’s offer to give her directions. Tall trees and zero streetlights created deep shadows. Combine that with a severe case of nerves, and she’d be lost without Angie as her co-pilot.
“I appreciate you setting this up.” She slowed when her headlights revealed a deep rut. “I wish I’d thought about talking to your mom a long time ago.”
“At least you’re doing it now.”
“Yeah, but I’ve approached this concept ass backwards. I’m seeking her advice after the fact.”
“Blame it on your birthday. She’ll understand. I’ve had my share of birthday snafus.”
“I’d love to say that was the reason, except shouldn’t I have wigged out at thirty instead of thirty-one?”
“No, because I’ll bet you were prepared for thirty. Everybody says that’s the biggie. Then you let down your guard and thirty-one grabbed you by the short hairs.”
“There’s some truth to that. Plus Ella’s pregnancy affected my state of mind.”
“And Trent. Don’t forget you were unexpectedly presented with a tasty option. Those Armstrong brothers have it going on.”
“Don’t I know it. How soon is the turnoff?”
“Not far, but take it slow and watch for critters. This time of year they act like daredevils flirting with death. It’s like they think it’s a contest.”
“I’ll go super slow. Also, before we get there, I need to know what’s appropriate to ask and what isn’t.”
“That’s easy. You can ask her about anything that happened in the past, including how she handled her affairs with the dads. But her sexual relationship with Andy is off-limits.”
“I should hope so! Good grief. I would never?—”
“I didn’t think you’d go there. No reason to. He’s not one of the dads. I think of him as Super Dad, the only man who got Mom to say yes. That puts him in a whole other category.”
“It’s impressive that he accomplished that.”
“No kidding. And she adores him. As far as she’s concerned, Andy Hartmann hung the moon and put every star in its place. She protects their privacy with breathtaking ferocity. And I love that she does.”
“I’m assuming he won’t take part in the discussion.” She put on the brakes as something small and furry ran across the road.
“Not a chance. He’ll be tucked away in their suite with a good book. But they don’t keep secrets from each other. He’ll have access to anything you tell her, but chances are he won’t ask. He’s good that way. Respectful of delicate situations.”
“You think a lot of him.”
“Yes, ma’am. We all love him to bits. We didn’t know what we were missing until Andy became a part of our lives. Now we can’t imagine not having him around. Although I’m thrilled they’re taking this fabulous honeymoon, it’ll feel very strange having them gone for two weeks.”
“Are you sure I’m not interrupting? They must have packing to do. Two weeks is a long time.”
“They did that last weekend. Two medium-sized duffels is all they’ll take. And backpacks.”
“Duffels and backpacks? Where are they going?”
“Kenya.”
“Wow! I didn’t hear that. A safari?”
“Not exactly. They’ll be out in the African bush visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. It rescues orphaned elephants and eventually reintroduces them into the wild.”
“Sounds amazing.”
“They’re both so excited. Okay, slow down. It’s the next road on your left.”
Brit’s headlights flashed on a small wooden sign that read D. McLintock. “I never noticed that sign before. It’d be easy to miss.”
“That’s fine with her. She doesn’t encourage looky-loos.”
“But won’t most of the town be out here on Saturday for the reception?”
“Wagon Trainers are fine. People in town are respectful of her privacy. It’s the tourists she doesn’t want wandering around out here.”
“Makes sense. It is a beautiful spot, and…whoa! Did you guys add a bunch of lights to the house and the trees?” She stopped the truck and stared at the fairyland that had appeared as she’d rounded a curve in the road.
Angie laughed. “A whole lotta lights. And we lit the bandstand and dance floor, too.”
“I see that. Gorgeous.” The trees surrounding the house always had some fairy lights, but that number had tripled.
The bandstand sitting in the front yard had its share of fairy lights. It was also festooned with at least a dozen strands of multicolored lanterns of the same design as the white ones she’d strung on her fourposter. The front porch had some, too.
Brit eased up on the brake and drove toward a large parking space currently occupied only by Desiree’s purple F-350 and Andy’s modest white truck with Wagon Train Sentinel stenciled on the door panel. “Congrats to the construction crew. The place looks like a Hollywood set.”
“I know, right? I actually meant to turn off a few of the lights before we left, but the sun was still up and I forgot. I like seeing the effect, though. And at least they’re LEDs.”
“I was at the Buffalo today and saw the sign that they’re closing on Saturday. Seeing this display, I get it. Who wants to be at the Buffalo when they could be here? There’s no reason to stay open for a few stray tourists.”
“There won’t be many of those, either. The hotel blocked out Saturday night and so did Mrs. J so she didn’t have to host anybody at the BB. This is the event of the year, maybe the decade.”
“Maybe the century! I can’t believe your mother is taking time for me right now. That’s crazy.”
“Like I said, we let her draw up the plans, but we’re executing them. We might even be more excited than she is. It’s a big deal for all of us.”
“I’m happy for you guys. And for them.”
Weddings had become commonplace for the McLintocks recently, and they were always fun. Brit had enjoyed herself at each one, and this celebration would be the granddaddy of them all.
Did she get a twinge of longing when she was surrounded by such an abundance of light and color? Sure. This was what her ten-year-old self had dreamed her wedding day would be like.
Then she’d grown up.