“I know. I feel it, too. Like the beginning of something very special.”
“Yeah.”
The ladies ahead of them picked up their books and walked away, leaving only the four of them facing a smiling and somewhat weary Desiree and Andy. As if they’d planned it, they fanned out.
Desiree laughed. “Looks like the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday have arrived.”
“Yay, she thinks like me!” Rio grinned. “I said the same thing a while ago.” He tipped his hat. “I’m Rio. Should we call you Ms. Morrison? I never asked anybody about that.”
“You should call me Desiree. The Bridger Bunch is family, now.”
“Speaking of family.” Luis stepped forward. “I’m Luis, by the way. I don’t know if you remember?—”
“Oh, I remember you, Luis. You’re the horse whisperer. You’ll be showing up in one of my books someday. You’ll be one of the good guys.”
He flushed. “Thank you. That would be an honor.”
“I take it you’d like me to sign your book.”
“Yes, ma’am, but first I have something funny to tell you. There’s a wild rumor going around that?—”
“You and Jordan are getting married. I know. I’ve heard it. Please don’t tell Granny I said this, but she’s an unreliable narrator.”
“You don’t believe her?”
“Sure don’t. Your mom said Jordan’s only been in town since Thursday night. I’ve come to know your character through Mila’s diaries on the H&H website. Jumping into marriage after a couple of days doesn’t fit at all.”
A weight slipped off Jordan’s shoulders. She should have trusted this woman to question Granny’s story. She hadn’t gotten where she was by being gullible.
“No, it doesn’t,” Luis said, “but I guess Rance hasn’t been reading the diaries because he was ready to believe.”
“Rance adores Granny and sometimes he lets that get in the way of his better judgment. That sweet lady’s a born romantic and so is my youngest son, for that matter. Something dramatic like a wedding following a whirlwind courtship would appeal to both of them They’d want it to be true.”
“So they’ll be disappointed.”
“They’ll get over it. That’s the other side of being susceptible to a fantasy. If one doesn’t pan out, another one might.” She shifted her attention to Jordan. “I’m sorry if this caused you grief.”
“I mostly was sad about the book Rance signed for Luis. He wrote that he wished us a happy life together.”
Desiree held her gaze. “But that doesn’t mention an impending wedding.”
“I guess not, but it still implies one will take place.”
“And it won’t? Not ever?”
She said no at the same time Luis said the jury’s still out. She sent him a look.
He shrugged. “That’s my opinion.”
Desiree smiled and glanced over at Andy, who stood with his hands in his pockets. “Does this sound familiar?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He gazed at Luis. “I’ve been where you are, son. Be patient. Sometimes a miracle happens.”
“That would be nice, sir.”
“Call me Andy. I have a feeling we’re going to be good friends.”
“Wait.” Jordan stared at Desiree. “He wanted to marry you and you said no?”
