I let out a breath slowly and quietly as soon as the shop door shuts behind the two Lawson men.
Tame a rancher? I’d like to tame a rancher.
McKenna slips right back into the moment, making a show out of looking over each of our dresses. We take turns on the pedestal, turning and allowing her to circle us. I’m standing off to the side of the room while Sydney’s up and Cass is next.
I pull out my cell.
Carli: You two are like bulls in a china shop.
Cody: And you are beautiful. Wouldn’t have missed seeing you for the world.
I smile, pocketing my cell.
McKenna glances over at me and smiles.
We finish showing off our dresses and change back into the clothes we came in. After a little mingling, everyone starts making excuses as to why they need to leave to get on with their days. We thank Maisie and walk out as a group, hugging one another goodbye before scattering to our cars and trucks.
McKenna hugs me last. “Thank you for being here.”
“I’m honored to be here. And that dress is perfection.”
“Thanks,” she says. “I can’t wait for Westley to see it.”
“He’s going to cry or faint,” I say.
“I’m obsessed with guys crying at the altar,” she says. “I have a whole folder on my social media full of reels of guys crying.”
“Does Westley know?”
“No! I don’t want to pressure him to perform. Whatever he does will be perfect—and ours.”
I smile at her and pull her into another hug.
“What was that for?” she asks.
“Just because I love you.”
“Awww. I love you too. You’re the sister of my heart.”
Mrs. Lawson calls out, “Girls, I hate to break this up, but I have to get back to the ranch.”
“Coming, Mom!” McKenna shouts. She reaches out andsqueezes my hand and then she dashes over to her mom. I watch them go before climbing up into my truck and turning the key.
My cell pings, so I put the truck in park and check it before taking off.
Cody: When will I see you again?
Carli: Tonight?
Cody: Absolutely. Yes. I’m all yours.
Carli: Wow. All mine? Promises, promises.
Cody: For tonight, anyway. Tomorrow I belong to the department for twenty-four hours again.
Carli: I’ll take what I can get.
Cody: You’ll get as much as I can give you. More whenever I can.
