36. Summer #2
James shows up not long after, along with Blaine, who beelines straight for the charcuterie board, conveniently avoiding me.
That’s Golden Springs’ reputation: annoyingly punctual and always ready for the latest gossip to discuss over a slice of pie.
There’s an excited murmur right before I hear Rhett call out Jaxon’s name. Everyone turns to look at the man entering the barn as my heart vaults into my throat.
I’ve noticed Jaxon Chance before, dressed in dirty boots and dusty jeans, with sweat on his brow.
But I have never once seen him decked out like this, in a custom suit and hat.
Every cell in my body is devastatingly aware of how good he looks right now, and if he whispered something in my ear, I would melt into a puddle onto this barn floor.
Across the room, his eyes find mine, and he immediately stops as his gaze drags slowly over my silk dress, ending on the long, loose curls hanging over my exposed back.
I turn around to find him smiling like he fully approves.
Then he strides toward me, weaving through the crowd with his eyes on mine, like I’m the only thing in the barn worthy of his attention.
The look on his face makes me feel like the gooey center of a cinnamon roll, hot out of the oven.
I gaze at this stubborn, boot-wearing, kisses-me-in-the-barn-without-apologizing man, and I’ve honestly never been more in love with anyone in my life.
“You look beautiful,” he says, drinking me in.
“I don’t normally wear heels. These things are trying to kill me.”
“You’re trying to kill me in this dress.” His gaze drags over me one more time. “I didn’t know you even owned anything like this.”
“I don’t. Larissa found it online and told me my only job tonight was to make you speechless.”
“Thank God for Larissa.” The corner of his mouth kicks up as he clears his throat. “Good turnout tonight.”
“You’re not even looking at the turnout, Jaxon.”
“You’re right.” His gaze stays pinned on me. “I’m not.”
I glance at my drink. When he stares like that, it whips my heart into a full-blown gallop.
Jaxon pulls me close and runs his hand lightly along my side. He leans in and murmurs, “The back of that dress makes me think dangerous things.” Then he kisses my earlobe until Grady’s not-so-subtle cough reminds him where we are. A look passes between the brothers.
I lift an eyebrow. “What’s gotten into you tonight?”
He reaches for a glass of water. “Apparently, I don’t behave well in a suit.”
“Jaxon Chance. Are you trying to get us both in trouble tonight?”
His grin tips into dangerous territory as he moves his mouth closer to my ear. “I promise it would be worth it.”
“You’re making it hard to host a party right now,” I say with a laugh.
“Then I won’t stop,” he says, brushing his lips over the curve of my neck. One kiss makes me forget the one hundred and fifty things I’m supposed to be doing right now.
“Where were you this morning?” I ask.
“It’s a secret.”
“Always keeping me on my toes, cowboy.” I pat his chest and turn back to the guests before I lose my composure entirely in front of half the town.
Larissa starts singing, and Wyatt’s head snaps toward the stage like he can’t take his eyes off her.
I catch myself glancing toward the doorway, half expecting to see Miriam standing there, watching it all come together with a pleased smile.
I switch into my wedding hostess role, greeting the engaged couples and handing out information on booking details.
Six engaged couples have already put a deposit down for next summer, and I have another dozen who’ve expressed an interest in booking dates.
As I’m handing a business card to another couple, Hank Branford strides in with his polished boots and an enormous silver belt buckle.
“Summer, nice to see you.” He flashes me an even smile.
“Didn’t expect to see you here, Hank,” I say. “Are you in the market for a wedding venue?”
“Wanted to check out the competition.” He plucks an olive off the charcuterie board, surveying the barn the same way he looks over our horses. “In case I ever decide to get into the agritourism business myself.”
I straighten a few of the flower bouquets on the charcuterie table, hoping he takes the hint and leaves soon. The flowers survived the frost scare without getting wiped out. I’m not letting Hank Branford ruin this too.
“You know,” Hank says, going for another olive. “It’s too bad Jaxon didn’t take my offer on Kentucky Gent. Would’ve solved a lot of problems for him, and he wouldn’t have to rely on side gigs like this.”
I square my shoulders. “Jaxon didn’t think selling off his most successful stallion would benefit anyone but you, Hank.”
“I’m willing to wait.” Another olive, another survey of the barn. “When this place fails, you might be coming to me for a job, sweetheart.”
“Not a chance, Hank.” My smile freezes. “You’ve been telling people this farm was going to fail since the day Jaxon came home. Said it at the diner, according to Wanda Roy. And Colleen Cromwell heard you at the farmers market too. I’d bet good money you’ve said it to your own horses at this point.”
A few people around us laugh. “You know what, Hank? I’d love for you to come back next year and see for yourself. Bring your own olives, though. You’ve used up your quota for tonight.”
Hank’s jaw clenches. He looks down at the olive still in his hand, then sets it back on the tray.
“We’ll see if you’re still around next year,” he mutters, then strides out the door.
Larissa hurries over as soon as he’s gone. “That man is insufferable.”
“Well, he won’t be showing up again tonight.” Lucky Chance might not be finished with Hank, but I am. Good riddance to you and your oversized belt buckle.
“By the way,” Larissa says, “it’s time for your welcome speech.
” She hands me the microphone before I head to the stage, trying to push down the nervous churn of my stomach.
When I stand in front of everyone, my heart pounds so hard, I wonder if everyone can hear it.
Then Jaxon smiles at me from the back of the room, and for a moment, I can breathe again.
“Thank you for coming out tonight,” I begin. “Especially those of you who only came for the free appetizers.” A laugh echoes through the room.
I glance around at my beautiful barn, glowing with light and the people I love.
“I just wish Miriam and John could’ve seen this place tonight.
But their sons made sure I got to turn this barn into everything you see tonight.
Thanks to Jaxon, Wyatt, Rhett, and Grady, for giving me a chance when they had every reason not to.
” I pause, then lean in with a smirk. “No pun intended.”
Laughter ripples through the crowd and Jaxon shakes his head, grinning.
“I can’t tell you how much their confidence means. They treat me like I’m part of their family, and I’ll never take that for granted.”
“That’s because you are family!” Wyatt shouts from the crowd, raising his glass.
“That’s right!” the brothers echo, and everyone joins in, holding up their glasses in a group toast.
I blink hard, refusing to let myself get teary-eyed in front of a crowd. My gaze lands on Jaxon, who looks at me like he’s never been prouder. For some reason, I want him up here. He’s the other half of this dream-come-true, my business partner, and the only reason I’m up here now.
“Jaxon?” I say before I can think twice about it. “I’d love for you to come up here with me and say something.”
He points to himself, mouthing, “Me?”
I nod.
He pauses, then sets his glass down and crosses the room toward the stage. I give him a look that says you don’t have to do this, but he holds his hand out for the microphone anyway.