Chapter 24
TWENTY-FOUR
Aspen
“What is that?” I ask, wide-eyed over the Ranch Water I’m clutching to my chest as a shirtless cowboy spits whiskey into a woman’s mouth and chases it with a cherry before he presents her with the stem he’s magically tied with his tongue.
“Oh. That’s a cherry popper. Do you want one?” Dakota watches with me, leaning from behind the bar for a better look. Her brow is slightly furrowed at the woman giggling so loudly it echoes even in the raucous noise of the newly opened bar.
Seven Sins Saloon is back open in its new location next to the Avarice, my brother’s casino and resort property.
Tourists are already flooding in the doors tonight, as well as the locals who had called the bar home before the original in the center of town burned down.
Dakota had been worried they wouldn’t show up, but it doesn’t seem like she has to anymore.
A shuttle my brother runs back and forth between the town and the resort certainly helps.
A free designated driver makes people a little more excited about traveling to the outskirts for their cocktails and whiskey.
“Uh, I don’t know about that. She looks like she’s about to expire.” I shake my head and look back at Dakota, the fear of melting into a little puddle like that woman was hitting me hard. “I think that might be too adventurous for me.”
Dakota grins, and her blue-green eyes dance as she searches my face.
“Nonsense. In fact, I could really use you as a test case. I haven’t been able to get anyone’s opinion I really trust since the Stockton boys would never let us be a guinea pig for that. And you’re good at the brutal honesty thing.”
I wince when I remember the way I practically threatened Dakota’s life last summer.
“Sorry about that.”
“Absolutely not. I love you for it. He needs more of that in his life.”
“Well, I’m glad he has you to keep him in line now.” I grin at her.
“I’m excited I’ll be getting you as a sister in the deal.”
“Did you make any progress with the wedding date? I’m still happy to talk to him for you.”
“You know Grant. I’m still working on him.” Dakota rolls her eyes. “I’d be fine just going to the courthouse.”
“Apparently, you just need to sign a piece of paper. No courthouse required.”
“Is that what you wanted this time around?” Dakota gives me a sympathetic look.
“I don’t know exactly. His grandmother was keen for a show and getting to celebrate with my family, so I never thought about alternatives.” I dance around the truth.
“His parents won’t be there?”
“No. His dad died last year, and his mom passed away before Bishop ever left town. She had cancer, twice. When she got better the first time, she ran off with a guy she had fallen in love with. Someone she met when she was getting treatment. Can’t blame her, given how awful his father was.
She wanted Bishop to come with her, but he stayed with his dad, worried about leaving him on his own.
Afraid he’d drink himself to death up on that mountain.
” Bishop had more mercy in his heart for that man than he ever received in return.
I’d almost stabbed his father the one time I met him.
If I had the chance to go back in time, I’d do it.
“And he took it out on him?” Dakota sees where this story is going.
I nod. “Then his mom got sick again. I met her that last Christmas at the hospice in town. She was so sick, but still so sweet to me and everyone around her. The nurses. Her new husband. I never met someone so upbeat despite everything. His dad didn’t deserve her.
Or Bishop.” I realize I’ve taken us down a dark path on what’s supposed to be a happy night for Dakota at this grand reopening, so I change the subject.
“Anyway, all that’s depressing. How is business going?
Did all the soft-opening stuff go well?”
“We’re still working through some of the kinks, but yes.
The soft opening was amazing, and so far so good tonight.
With any luck, it stays that way. We’ve got a few bouncers in case things get too rowdy.
It seems like we’ve got two bachelorettes already, and as soon as Hazel and the girls get here, we have to make some noise ourselves tonight. ”
“It’s hardly a bachelorette.”
“It could be a belated divorce party. That’s even more reason to celebrate.”
“Except I’m getting married again, and what if it just leads to a second?” My nerves are kicking in, and the alcohol has yet to outpace them.
“Aspen! You’re getting married to a gorgeous guy who looks at you like you’re the only woman to ever exist, adores your daughter, and is a literal lifesaver.” Dakota holds me with a look that tells me I’m being anxious for no reason.
“True. I just worry. I’m not the wild, carefree girl I was when I was younger.
I’m a mom and an archaeology professor. I spend most nights at home working, staring at databases and pottery sherds.
He’s a bachelor who’s spent most of his time on the road with a new adventure around every corner.
The one recent friend of his I met implied his life is a little more interesting than I can provide. ”
“Our family keeps things plenty interesting, and he’s a merc, isn’t he? An adrenaline addict like that, no wonder he and your brothers get along. He probably thrives off it. I’m surprised he’s not a Horseman already.”
“Oh, he is. With the brand to prove it,” I mutter. Bishop took the family brand years ago. I’ll have to ask to see it sometime soon. I wonder how it’s aged.
“And you’re a hot, smart-as-hell mom. A Dr. MILF.”
“Dr. MILF?” Hazel’s voice pops up behind me, and I see her wide grin before I hug her.
“Let’s not let that one stick,” I warn.
“Oh, but I think I kind of like it,” Hazel replies.
“Me too.” Zephyrine appears behind her, both of them dressed up for opening night, and pulls me in for a hug as soon as Hazel releases me. Lucky for me, my brothers picked women I already love having as friends, and we’ve already fallen into a regular pattern of girls’ nights and Sunday brunches.
“I hope you’re ready for tonight.” Marlowe appears with Bristol at her side.
“Only time will tell.” I hug Hazel’s best friends.
“I brought your bachelorette gifts.” Bristol holds up a handful of bags for me.
“And I’ve got the cake all ready to go for tomorrow. Sitting safely in the main hotel kitchen ready for its debut tomorrow.” Marlowe grins.
“Thank you!” I take the bags from Bristol. “I’ll have to take these back to the room. I can’t wait to taste the cake. Or see Bishop’s face when he does.”
“We were just talking about plans.” Dakota lets her in on our conversation as they all saddle up to the bar next to me.
“Ah, yes, what are our plans for tonight?” Hazel looks to me for guidance.
“Just a couple of drinks?” I push my empty glass toward Dakota.
“We’re doing more than that. We’re having some fun, and you’re going to let loose if it kills me. Starting with our bride-to-be getting a cherry popper!” Dakota signals for the bartender we watched before to come down to our end of the bar.
“You’re not making her do the ski slope?” Bristol frowns. “I really want to see that one live.”
“The ski slope?” Marlowe asks.
“Do I want to ask?” I furrow my brow.
“You could just experience it.” Dakota grins.
“That sounds too ominous for me.” I hold my hand out.
Dakota looks at Bristol to volunteer.
“I can’t. I’m kind of…” Bristol hunts for the right words.
“In a situationship?” Marlowe offers.
“What?” Hazel turns on her friends, searching for more information.
I’d gotten the impression that Hazel’s brother Anson had a thing for Bristol.
I thought Hazel had even been trying to set them up last summer, but it seems like maybe I misread the situation.
That or it didn’t work out. I’m not sure which.
“No.” Bristol tenses up. “I’m just not doing things like that right now because I’m sort of… I don’t know. It’s complicated, okay?”
“Is complicated in the room with us?” Dakota looks between Bristol and the rest of the room. “I thought we didn’t keep secrets.”
“We don’t. But there’s nothing to tell right now.” Bristol gives her a pointed look that she follows with one to Marlowe. “If there is, you all will be the first to know.”
“Fine.” Dakota narrows her eyes. “For now.” Then she sets her sights on Marlowe. “I need an opinion. Aspen’s taking one for the team on the cherry popper. Think you can handle the ski slope?”
“I don’t know if I can handle all that.” Marlowe looks worried.
“Sure you can.” Dakota grabs a bottle from under the bar and pours a quick shot of tequila. “Steel your nerves. Try new things. That’s what you said your plan for this year was.” Marlowe’s on the receiving end of another pointed look, this one from Dakota.
“Okay. Okay.” Marlowe flashes a look around and then grabs the shot. Throwing it back.
“Can we get a round of those?” Hazel asks.
“Coming right up.” Dakota grins. She sets to work making the shots and whispers something to Mr. Cherry Popping Bartender.
He nods and then disappears, returning a few minutes later with a friend who’s every bit as hot as he is.
They’re both younger than Dakota, and a newfound awareness of my age pricks at the back of my neck.
“Are we sure I should be the test market for this?” I ask Dakota, my eyes darting to either side of her at the bartenders.
“What do you mean?” She gives me a face full of honest confusion.
“Aren’t I a little old?” I grimace.