Chapter 24
Chapter
Twenty-Four
“ Y ou’re amazing.” Cadence linked her arm with Paisley’s as they stood on the lodge deck, looking out over the festivities.
“I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“You mean without Weston.”
“You and Graham helped a lot, too.”
“We did.” Cadence hip-checked Paisley. “But he was the kingpin, for sure. Without him, it wouldn’t have happened. Without Graham and me, it might have taken him longer but, trust me, he’d have pulled it off.”
Paisley’s heart warmed to hear her roommate’s praise for her boyfriend. This past week had been nothing short of awesome. Crazy, wildly busy, but mostly awesome. Weston had her so organized that it was only a matter of a few more phone calls to navigate last minute twists.
“That chuckwagon cookhouse is possibly my favorite part.” Cadence sniffed the air. “Their burgers and ribs are the best I’ve ever tasted. At least, if they have the same chef as last year. Smells delicious. ”
“Don’t let Weston’s mom hear you say that.”
“Nadine doesn’t have anything to worry about. The chuckwagon is once a year. Except…”
Paisley eyed her friend. “Except what?”
“They’re catering our reception, too.”
“Oh, yum. Is there anything else your best friend and maid of honor should know about the wedding? We’re what, ten weeks out now?” Paisley had been so busy with her own stuff, to say nothing of that quick trip to Arizona, she hadn’t been leaning into her duties lately.
“Hmm. Maybe, but we’ll catch up after this weekend. Right now, there’s kayak races and then the gymkhana.” Cadence held up the camera hanging around her neck. “Work is never done for a social media coordinator.”
“I’ll see you at the stables in a bit.”
“Will you see me? Or will you be too busy staring at Weston?”
“Hey.” Paisley jabbed her arm. “I’m on the clock. I can focus. Besides, this whole day is packed. There’s so much going on, I’ll be lucky to catch a quick smooch once or twice.”
“Smooch.” Cadence giggled. “Now there’s a word I don’t hear every day. But don’t forget the barn dance tonight. Everything will be nearly done by then, and you can relax in your cowboy’s arms.”
“It will be bliss,” Paisley admitted. “Hopefully nothing goes terribly wrong before then. Did I remember everything?”
“Close enough. Didn’t I tell you you’re amazing? I did tell you, because you are. Now, go get ’em. ”
“Thanks.” Paisley gave Cadence an impulsive squeeze. “Have a good day. See you later.”
A shrill whistle came from the lakefront, where Bryce had ten kayakers ready to paddle around a row of buoys out a distance.
“You, too.” Cadence jogged down the steps to snap photos.
Paisley took in the large grassy area beside the chuckwagon. A dozen tables offering local crafts lined one side. Trinity Kennedy, a nearly blind potter, had her wares spread on one, with her sister-in-law, Sage Grant, beside her to handle the cash box. A stained-glass artist displayed an assortment of sun-catchers, while a woodworker’s table was covered with intricately crafted jewelry boxes.
Kids lined up at the face-painting booth run by Kaci and Tina and came away looking like tigers, butterflies, and kittens. A clown on stilts somehow managed the uneven terrain while twisting balloons into animal shapes.
Several Pot of Gold geocachers had hunted for special tokens and now took in the festivities.
Paisley leaned on the railing and waved to Lyssa and Kirk Kennedy, the coordinators for the geocaching event, as they chatted with Pastor Eli and his wife, Harper. They waved back.
Up Pegasus Lane, Weston, Darrell, and their crew were setting up the afternoon’s gymkhana, a low-key amateur rodeo. Some of the tourists were taking part, along with a few local kids. Toby Cavanagh and Gavin Santoro from across the valley at Rockstead Ranch had been strutting around Sweet River all morning as though blue ribbons were already pinned on the chests of their plaid, snap-front shirts.
“It looks great.”
Paisley turned to see Nadine beside her. “Thanks. It’s been a lot, and I couldn’t have done it without Weston.”
“From what my son says, you practically walk on water. He has no doubt you didn’t need his help.”
“Not true. He saved my job, plus he made sure the loose ends were picked up while I was away.”
“How’s your mom doing?”
Paisley sighed. “Better, I think? Kait says she’s talking about going into rehab.”
“That’s great!”
Why couldn’t Paisley have had an awesome, supportive mother like Weston’s? “Yes. I guess I’ll believe it when I see it. But I’ll probably always be holding my breath waiting for her to trip and fall.”
“That’s no way to live, sweetheart.”
Paisley’s heart warmed at the endearment, and tears threatened to spill out. “Faith is hard.”
“It is. I’m praying for her salvation, because I know God is strong enough to sustain her if she leans on Him. I’m not saying it won’t be challenging, regardless. It will be, but it’s also possible.”
“Thank you. I can’t tell you how much that means.”
Nadine gave Paisley a one-armed squeeze. “Our faith isn’t in rehab. It’s in Jesus.”
“Right.”
An unfamiliar car pulled up to the lodge. Paisley frowned. How had the driver bypassed the blockade set by the parking attendants ?
“Oh, there’s my mother now.” Nadine gave a shiver and a smile. “I wasn’t sure my brother could talk her into coming.”
Paisley narrowed her eyes. “Your brother?”
“Yes, my mom married when I was four years old, and they had two boys. My mom lives with Reggie and his wife, Melinda, in Missoula.”
Paisley hadn’t stopped to wonder, though she remembered the stir Eleanor’s arrival had caused when she came here to meet Nadine’s father, Mr. Sullivan, last summer. “Are she and your father an item?”
Nadine shook her head. “Not that I know of. They’ve seen each other a few times, and I know Dad would like more, but my mother is resistant. She’s resistant to a lot of things. Come, let me introduce you.”
“Me?” Paisley pulled back as Nadine tugged her arm.
“You’re Weston’s girlfriend.” Nadine beamed. “His nana will want to meet you.”
Yikes. And Weston was nowhere to be found, and she couldn’t face his grandmother without him. “Maybe later…”
“She won’t bite, I promise. Please?”
“Okay.” Paisley allowed Nadine to lead her across the grass to where a middle-aged man helped a diminutive older woman out of the passenger seat.
“Mom! I’m so glad you made it.” Nadine gave her mother a hug. “Thanks, Reg.” She hugged him, too, before catching Paisley’s eye.
Shoot, she should have made a quick getaway while the woman was distracted.
“Mom, Reg, I’d like you to meet Weston’ s girlfriend, Paisley Teele. Weston is busy at the stables right now — you can catch him in a bit — and Paisley is the mastermind behind this entire day’s festivities.” She swept her arm to indicate the whole area.
But Paisley’s gaze was captured by the elegant woman in front of her. Mrs. Evans wore a navy and white blouse with a red bandana and navy slacks. She looked done up for a day on the town more than a picnic.
Paisley managed to clear her throat. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
“So, you’re the girl who’s captured my Weston.” The woman tilted her head as she looked up at Paisley.
“Yes?” The word came out a squeak. “I mean, we’ve only just begun dating.”
The man stuck out his hand. “Nice to see my nephew has good taste. I’m Reggie Evans.”
“Hi.” Paisley shook his hand, wincing a little at the cool, light touch.
“So.” Reggie stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels as he looked around. “This is what the Sullivans are up to, huh?”
“Yes?”
“It’s a beautiful, busy place,” Nadine said.
If there was a little defensiveness in her tone, who could blame her?
“Well, that’s nice for you, sis.” Reg studied her. “But from what I hear, your old man is working you to a bone.”
“Not so, little brother. I have all the kitchen help I could possibly want, and I love what I do here.”
He grunted, but just then Mr. Sullivan came up behind Nadine, his eyes fixed on Eleanor. He glanced at Reg. “Thank you for bringing your mother.”
“Uh, you’re welcome. Wanted to see the place for myself.”
Paisley was sure he did. Probably trying to figure out if he could get a piece of the Sullivan action. Ugh, did that make her mercenary, too? But it hadn’t been Weston’s connections that had drawn her to him. First, it had been the challenge of making him smile, but long before she’d succeeded, she’d begun to see depth in the surly cowboy. Money was nice, but Weston was so much more than a bank account.
“Feel free to have a look around, Reginald.” Mr. Sullivan took Eleanor’s arm, turning to cut Reg out neatly. “You look lovely today, my dear. Let me escort you. What would you like to see first?”
Reg glowered but said nothing.
Nadine touched her brother’s arm. “Want a coffee? There’s a large urn right over there, and I hear the cinnamon rolls are fabulous.”
“A coffee sounds good.”
Nadine winked at Paisley as she led her brother away.
Paisley took another look around the area. Things seemed under control. Surely, she could sneak off to the stables and make sure everything was in readiness for the gymkhana events coming soon.
And maybe kiss a certain cowboy and warn him his uncle wasn’t completely happy.
Weston channeled his old grumpy self as the day wore on. Paisley had been by earlier, but his focus had to be on keeping kids seated on their mounts while attempting to run barrels. Then she’d disappeared along with her entourage of teens and tweens while others gathered round for the afternoon trail ride.
He could’ve asked Darrell to lead that. Nearly did, but something about knowing there were hundreds of people milling about on the lodge lawn kept him glued to the fringes.
“Hey, need a hand?”
Weston turned at the sound of Graham’s voice and let his eyebrows rise. “You’re offering to ride?” That might make it the fourth time ever. Would the guy even be any help?
“Sure. If I can ride Kennedy or Mirage.” Graham gave a mock shudder… but was it feigned? “So long as it’s not Ranger, but I figure I’m safe there.”
Weston chuckled. The sight of his cousin lifted his spirits in a surprising way. Maybe he was finally getting used to this extended family thing when Graham’s presence made him feel like he was doing something useful instead of being sidelined. He knew his job was important. Maybe not as important as Graham’s as CFO — who wanted to be stuck staring at a computer in an office with columns of numbers for company? Not Weston, that’s who.
“I think both those are assigned, but I can hook you up with Nutmeg. She’s new this spring, and she’s a sweet, gentle ride. ”
“Then why isn’t she already assigned?”
“Waiting for you, I guess, unless you’d rather ride Ranger?” Weston couldn’t keep the smirk off his face as he recalled Graham’s one attempt to stay atop Weston’s restless gelding.
Graham shuddered. “Once was enough. Nutmeg sounds fine.”
Darrell whistled to get the group’s attention to ride out.
“Come on. I’ll have you ready in a jiffy.” Weston strode back into the stable and made short work of tacking up the mare with Graham’s help.
In no time, they were bringing up the rear of the group of twenty riders. Looked like most of these folks had been on a horse a few times before, so Weston settled deeper into his saddle and glanced at his cousin. “Seriously, you had nothing better to do this afternoon, like getting your hair gelled before tonight’s dance?”
Graham snorted. “Is that what you think of me?”
Weston raised his eyebrows.
“Okay, fine, but I’m lower maintenance than I used to be. I promise.”
“Good to know.” They rounded the bend in the trail to where it widened out a little. “So, what’s up?”
“I was wondering — you can totally say no if you want.”
“Uh huh.” Weston waited.
“Would you be willing to stand up with me on my wedding day?”
Of all the things Weston might have expected Graham to say, this was not one of them. “Uh, sure, I guess.” Wasn’t Paisley to be the maid of honor? “Who else? I’m sure you’ll have Tate, and…?” Probably all the cousins. That would make five groomsmen, with Weston likely at the tail end. That would be fine. It was still an honor.
“Just you.”
Ranger zigged when Weston zagged and, for the first time since he was about five years old, his horse nearly unseated him. “Pardon me?” And man, his voice squeaked.
“We don’t want a big wedding, and you know neither Cadence nor I have any siblings at all.”
“Yeah, but me? You’ve known your Sullivan cousins your entire life. Surely?—”
“It’s a serious request. I’m closer to Tate than I ever was growing up, but he’s busy with Stephanie and their family. As it should be,” Graham hurried to add. “And, well, I have a lot of respect for you, especially the way you pitched in to save Paisley’s job and this entire event.”
“Anyone would have?—”
“Would not.”
Graham had a point. Who but the guy who loved her would have put in all that time and effort? But why did that matter to Graham?
“Our girls are good friends, and I hope I’m not overstepping, but I think you and Paisley have got what it takes for the long haul, so I’m sure we’ll be close for the rest of our lives.”
In the blink of an eye, Weston could fully see himself as part of the Sullivan clan. Maybe living next door to Graham and Cadence, sharing Christmases and Easters and birthdays and celebrations. Having kids who knew their second cousins and who’d play together and grow up together.
Paisley said she wanted six kids. He wasn’t so sure about that many, but two or three? With her?
Oh, yeah. He was totally on board.