My stomach tightens, but I put a firm hand on it. “Like what?”
“Well, for starters, you both have sheriff dads.”
“You already said that.”
She leans against the bar, crossing her arms. “You both have moms who are serious-minded career women. Your mom’s a lawyer, and didn’t Owen say his mom’s a forensic photographer?”
“I think his mom died.” My voice is quiet. “A lot like his late wife.”
“It sounded to me like that was a long time ago.”
“Can’t be more than seven years.”
“Which is a long time.” Haddy’s eyebrow arches.
I can’t get over my conspiratorial cousin. “I’m not rushing in on a man with a dead wife and a seven-year-old daughter!”
“And an adorable bloodhound!”
“Who destroyed Spanky’s chance at Best in Show this year.”
Haddy’s nose wrinkles. “Did you really have your heart set on it? I mean, I know it’s a big deal, but there are sooo many competitions all the time.”
Leaning against the bar, I hug Lucy closer. “I don’t know. I guess I thought it would be nice for Spanky to be top dog for once.”
Haddy rubs my arm. “I’m pretty sure Spanky thinks he’s top dog all the time. He can’t help it. We raised him that way, the stinker.”
My nose wrinkles, and I put my head on her shoulder. “We did spoil him pretty rotten as a puppy.” Then with a flick of my wrist, I redirect us back to the topic at hand. “Do you like this place for your wedding? If you do, I’ll try my best to get you on their schedule this month.”
“I love it. Let’s do it!”
A smile breaks across my face, and I give the baby a squeeze. “I’ll call them. It’s probably going to take a little bribery, but I’ll do what I can.”
“Do you think it’ll make a difference that Gavin’s a Champion?”
“It might… I’ll definitely mention it. And Mav’s his best man.”
“I think his brother’s his best man.” She wrinkles her nose.
“I’ll pretend I made a mistake. If we even get that far. They might laugh me off the phone.”
We’re hovering over my iPad when the front door opens, and Owen walks in looking dejected.
He’s so tall, and the way his dark brow lowers over his blue eyes makes my throat dry. I want to rush over and put my hand on his shoulder, ask him what’s wrong, and offer to help.
Silly response.
“Hey, Owen!” Haddy straightens, frowning. “You okay?”
He seems to snap out of it when he sees us. “Oh, yeah. All good.” He clears his throat, and I’m pretty sure he’s not. “Just finished up with the realtor. It’s a lot.”
She walks over to him. “You should try to find something in this neighborhood. We’d love to have you close by. At least I know Spanky would.”
My cousin laughs, but I do my best to find a way to leave the room. I don’t like these jittery feelings he puts in my stomach, and I’m not getting involved in his house hunt. I’vegot a wedding to plan, and a calendar to fill with hounds in addition to my regular job.
That’s enough for one person.
“Come look.” Haddy grabs his hand.
