“What’s up?” I ask cautiously. “Is everything okay?”
Joy flashes a reassuring smile and adjusts her thick mass of curls. She isn’t working in the stables, so she has her hair down for a change. Morgan is fully trained, so Joy is finally able to take it easy, not that she’ll ever stay away from this place.
“Tate and I decided we want to get married here at the ranch. We want to do a small ceremony before it gets too hot.”
“Holy shit, congratulations! I’mso happy for you!”
“Nothing like a shotgun wedding,” Joy says before pausing to laugh. “I’m kidding. It’s really not like that. I would have been happy to get married down at the courthouse even before I found out I was pregnant, but Tate insists on a ceremony with family. Anyway, will you be a bridesmaid? That’s what I wanted to ask you.”
Once the surprise wears off, I find myself nodding enthusiastically. I’ve never been a bridesmaid and feel honored that she would even ask me. Especially since we haven’t always been close.
“Really? Me?”
She laughs. “Yeah, you. You’ve been a huge help around here, and I’m glad I can consider you a friend now. What do you say?”
I practically squeal in delight. “Yes! I would love to! When is it?”
“We’re thinking about two weeks from Saturday. That way, it isn’t a rodeo weekend, and it shouldn’t be super hot. We figured the groomsmen could wear nice jeans, boots, and matching jackets, and we could head to one of the boutiques in town for something for the bridesmaids. The dresses don’t have to be the same, so long as they look nice together. I have my dress already.”
I clap my hands in excitement before pulling Joy into a hug. “I’m too excited for this. It’s been a long time since I’ve had anexcuse to get dressed up, and you’re going to make the most gorgeous bride!”
When I step back, Joy swipes tears from her cheeks and sniffles. “Damn hormones.”
“I feel like I’m missing something good over here,” Sierra says as she joins us.
“Joy is getting married in two weeks!”
Sierra smiles, but after a moment, her face falls a bit. “That’s exciting. I’ll have to see if I can find something to wear. Wait, am I invited?”
Joy laughs, all signs of tears gone. She nods and pulls a surprised Sierra into a celebratory hug. I laugh at the exchange, because I do not know Joy to be much of a hugger. Those pregnancy hormones must really be doing a number on her. They haven’t formally announced the pregnancy because it’s still early, but now that I know, I can’t stop noticing little changes in her and also in the way Tate looks at her. It’s pretty damn cute.
“Of course, and we’re going shopping!” I say, still brimming with excitement. “Please tell me you’ll let me dress you up.”
Sierra smiles nervously but nods her head. I can’t remember the last wedding I attended. I’m genuinely excited to have a reason to get all dressed up, and to get Sierra dressed up. I know she isn’t my niece, and I’m not technically with Hayden, but I’m excited at the chance to get her all dolled up.
“When are we going shopping, anyway?” I ask Joy.
Laughing, she shrugs her shoulders. “I was hoping for Friday afternoon. Rayna is off, you all typically have an early day, and I can do what I want since I’m sleeping with the owner. Oh, and River is going to try to meet us there, too.”
I snort out a laugh. Her statement is hilarious, considering she was so worried about that aspect of their relationship when she and Tate first got together. The only thing keeping them apart was the fact that Tate owned Boulder Ranch. Now, they are engaged, expecting their first child, and planning a wedding. My mind drifts to the current situation I’m in with Hayden. The only thing keeping us apart is also the fear of what people may think. Specifically, my parents.
“Have Hayden drop you off at my place Friday, Sierra. I’ll bring you home once we finish.”
I practically bounce with excitement when I see Hayden’s truck head up my driveway. Even though I know he’d do anything to make sure Sierra’s happy, I still worried she wouldn’tbe able to come along on this shopping spree. She was my first thought as soon as Joy brought up the wedding.
“Thanks for dropping her off,” I say through the open window once he parks his truck and waits for Sierra to step out.
“Of course. Do I need to pick her up, or will you be bringing her home?”
“I can drop her off, no problem. I’m not sure if we’ll be shopping and coming right back, or if we’re going to eat or something…”
Hayden waves me off. “Have fun. If you need me to pick her up, just shoot me a text. I gave her plenty of cash.”
He pulls off, and as soon as he’s out of sight, Sierra races to my truck and excitedly waits for me to meet her there. I shake off the feeling that we’ve been doing this forever. This feels an awful lot like coparenting. I make the short drive to Aspen’s Boutique and find Joy and Rayna’s vehicles already parked in front.
We’re greeted by the jingle of bells from above the door, and it’s Joy who rushes over and pulls us into a hug one at a time. I’ve driven past this place countless times, but never made it inside before now. There are racks of clothing, mostly vintage-style dresses, but along the back wall is a section of classic sundresses. A yellow one with cream and blue flowers immediately catches my eye, but I don’t say anything. I’d rather just go with whatever everyone else likes.
“What do you think?” Joy asks, holding up the exact dress I’d been eyeing.
