She frowns at me. Her lips are fuller, her nose too, and she’s radiant like she was when she was pregnant with Kacey. “You can go if you need to. I promise not to run a marathon while you’re gone.”
I’m not shirking my responsibility, and I’m definitely not doing it in front of Durban. “I’m fine. I need the reprieve. Stanford and January’s riding lessons start tomorrow.”
“We both know Stanford should not be swinging brides into the saddle or riding off. He doesn’t have the experience. He’s going to hurt himself, her, or Hailstorm.”
“Daddy made him sign all kinds of releases.”
She lets out a disapproving grunt. “Still a dumb move.”
“It keeps me from spiraling. I get to have a nice ride and they think I’m working.”
“So true. I miss it.”
“Soon,” I reassure her.
“Iverson’s looking for a pony for Kacey to start with.”
My heart twists. I’m so happy for Jamison. I’m going to be a proud aunt when Kacey becomes an accomplished rider. It doesn’t change that I thought I’d be at the same point as Jamison by now, or at least close. I’m starting single life all over again, and I haven’t even nailed down a career yet. It’s like Adulting 101, but I’m almost thirty.
“Do you think Bryce is around?” He’s the owner of the rafting and kayaking tour company in town. “I want to ask if he could use my services now that the tourism season is opening.”
“He’s often at his office downtown, and if he’s not, I’m sure he’s at the river location.” She frowns. “But he’s still cranky that you didn’t go to prom with him, and then you turned him down after college.”
My shoulders hunch. I already had a prom date, and then I was strung out after the stress of finishing school. Dating had to take the back burner. I’m home now, but dating is the last thing I want to do. I’m also not interested in Bryce. The drawbacks of trying to make a livingin your hometown. Grudges. “I thought he was dating Winnie.”
“She moved to Idaho with a guy she met on a kayaking run.”
“Ouch.”
The guys’ voices get close to the door. I want to run. I can’t face Durban and act normal. Already, my nipples are hard peaks, and my body’s flushed with heat. For a girl who isn’t a fan of whiskey, I’m craving it in the dark with his voice in my ear.
“Iverson said he could use you at the distillery, though,” she says.
“Me?” My initial inclination is to brush off the help. I need to prove myself, but after this wedding, I might need an easy win.
“Yes. Nothing full-time, but they’re getting asked about office parties for the holidays already. Last year, he said that planning took up more time than expected.”
“But there’s a lot of them.” Three Hennessy brothers and two of the Foster brothers.
“They’re dudes. You think they want to figure out what to do with Edna’s crochet club?”
“Some guys would.”
“Some would enjoy it.Theydo not, and Iverson will be tied up more with two kids. His brothers are already pitching in a ton. Lane and Cruz were even out here to help with calving this last week.”
“You married into a whole family of dudes who’ve got each other’s back.” I rub my hands together and peer out the window while ignoring the twinge of longing.
I was so excited to meet Stanford’s family. I grew up close to my sisters, and while my parents are overbearing and constantly point out where I fall short, I’ve missedthem too. After meeting Stanford’s parents, I appreciate mine more. At least they cared when they asked me about the jobs I left or was fired from. Stanford’s mom and dad always acted like I’m too country, working a pointless job and worthless for conversation because I don’t follow the stock market.
Last night brought all those memories back. All the eye rolls Priscilla didn’t think I saw. Or the way Chester stared at my tits but wrote off my intelligence. Stanford had to get it from somewhere.
Yet they approve of January. My cousin, who sells jewelry and works the same job she got out of college. Perfect, demure January who does what she’s told.
The door opens, and Haven and Durban spill inside. The urge to sprint out the back door surges inside me.
“We brought food!” Haven shouts. “But don’t move. We’ve been ordered to give you lunch in bed.”
“I’m on the couch,” Jamison calls.
