I didn’t even know her name.
Didn’t know why she’d been there by herself, wrapped up in silk and frustration, her zipper stuck and her patience thinner than a fishing line. She was a storm wearing baby blue.
Would I see her again?
Doubtful. I wasn’t part of the wedding. I was just the guy hauling tables, stacking chairs, and making sure the real guests had a picture-perfect evening. Minus the part where I shattered a whole box of dinner plates inside the bridal tent.
Would it be weird to ask Claire for her name? Just a casual,Hey, who was that checking out your flowers the other day?
Yeah, that’d be smooth. Except she’d ask which one.
Oh, I mean the one in the tent yesterday, half-dressed and yelling at me.
Yeah, no way in hell that was coming out of my mouth.
I scrubbed a hand over my face and changed into a clean shirt before heading back to the kitchen. Claire was still there, sipping tea while Dylan snored in her arms.
“Long day?” I asked, settling into the chair across from her.
She gave a tired smile. “The longest.”
Elia walked in, grabbing a beer from the fridge before leaning against the counter. “Tell me about it. You think running a ranch is hard? Try running a wedding.”
Claire rolled her eyes. “You’re not running it. You’re watching people and showing up late to meetings.”
“Exactly,” he said, taking a sip. “Backbreaking work.”
I chuckled, watching the sparky banter only people crazy in love could pull off.
Before I could stop myself, the words were already out. “So…the bridesmaids. How many are there?”
Claire narrowed her eyes slightly. “Why?”
Shit. Abort.
“No reason,” I said, too fast.
Her brow lifted. “You sure about that?”
“Yeah, just—” I cleared my throat, aiming for nonchalance. “Just making conversation. Who’s, uh, the one in the blue dress?”
Claire’s lips curved cunningly.
“Elia, honey,” she said, turning to my brother. “I think Noah has a crush.”
I groaned, pushing away from the table. “Forget I asked.”
But Elia was already grinning, his eyes bright with hope. A rare thing, when it came to me. He muttered, “So that’s what you meant by your horizons being plenty broad?”
I really should’ve kept my mouth shut.
“Huh.” I feigned indifference. Then, as casually as I could, I pivoted. “Well, if there’s nothing else you need me for, I might swing by ex-Buster’s place.”
“That’s such a clumsy name,” Elia said, deadpan.
“Come on, El,” Claire said, stepping in with a laugh. “Give the poor boy time.”
“I’ve got a name already, actually,” I said.
