Leo dragged his eyes from Kat to Tripp who grinned at Kat then shifted a bored look to his cousin. “I thought they weren’t going to make a big deal about the wedding. Serenity has been married before. Wasn’t this supposed to be small?”
“Technically, it will be. He’s inviting close family friends.”
“But it’s going to be like a week-long thing,” Tripp whined. “I swear, they’re having events every single day. What’s up with that?”
Leo chuckled as he shrugged Tripp from his shoulder. “Why does it matter to you? You’re not part of the wedding party, are you?”
Tripp rolled his shoulders and tilted his head from side to side. “Apparently, Serenity’s work friend from the antique store suddenly became available to be a bride’s maid at the last second. She asked if I could escort her down the aisle for the wedding and be the guy to balance out the pictures.”
“Maybe your brother could—” Leo started, but his eyes were still locked with Kat. There was a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. A glimmer that told Kat everything she needed to know. Leo was responsible for this whole thing. Somehow he’d managed to convince his brother and future sister-in-law to include another bride’s maid. Perhaps he’d even suggested Tripp be her counterpart.
“Nah, my brother’s too busy. He can’t be to every event,” Tripp muttered.
Leo finally turned his attention to his cousin. “Too bad, man.”
“It’ll be fine. Serenity said she’s cool. Pretty, too. There could be worse things.” He winked at Leo then grinned at Kat. “Speaking of weddings, when are the two of you?—”
Leo gave him a shove. “Mind your own business.” He slipped his arm around Kat’s waist and pulled her away. “Come on, Princess. We’ve got a reservation to make. I’d hate to miss.”
Kat leaned into him. “Sounds fun.”
They didn’t, in fact, go to a restaurant.
Leo pulled up in front of a dilapidated building that looked like it could fall apart with a stiff wind, but there were plenty of people coming and going. Kat shot a surprised look at Leo then laughed. “This doesn’t look like a place that accepts reservations.”
He chuckled. “You’re right. This place has the best country music bands and the best steaks that Montana can offer.”
A memory tugged at her mind. Their conversation about first dates.
Kat grinned. “Sounds like my kind of place.”
“That’s what I thought.” Leo grasped her hand and lifted it, kissing her knuckles.
She palmed his cheek. “You know I love you, right?”
“Yeah,” he murmured. “And I love you.”
“I’m going to say something, and I need you to listen.”
His brows dipped and she could sense the tension rolling off him.
Kat bit back a smile. “Do you remember when we got stuck in that cabin?”
“Yes,” he drawled. “I recall telling you that I thought you were a nuisance.” It was his turn to bite back his amusement.
She rolled her eyes with a huff. “Do you recall what you told me love is?”
That had him growing serious immediately. “Yes,” he said huskily.
“What did you call it?”
“Magic.”
Kat nodded. “That’s right.” She inched even closer. “And you know what? You were right. Love—the real stuff—it’s magic.” Kat allowed her lips to graze against his lips. “Leo, you helped me believe in magic—something I never thought would happen.” Her hands drifted toward his jacket pocket, the only place where a ring might be hidden. Thankfully, Leo was far too distracted by their quiet moment.
His exhale came out in a shudder.
“Yes,” she whispered against his lips.
