“That was the ride of your life,” I say.
Logan leans down to whisper in my ear. “No, that will be tonight.”
My face is so hot when I turn away that Ginny starts laughing.
And Daddy says, “Looks like the romance of the Wild Darcy Derby has already begun, folks. So we know Logan will be marrying my beautiful daughter, Austen Macey Henwood, in a symbolic ceremony. Let’s pair off the rest of you for the reception. Reid, Sal? Which of these lovely contestants would you gentlemen like to dine with?”
“Reid, over here!” Patrick calls out.
“Sal, pick me!” Monica LaVue shouts.
Sal and Reid look at each other like they didn’t think past the idea of crossing the finish line first, and now they have no fucking clue how to get out of the awkward end to the Derby.
As I watch the bedlam unfold, I’m thankful my parents relieved me of this part of the drama.
My date is chosen.
My evening is set.
Yes, I’m dreading the whole fake nuptials part of the night. But the truth is…
I can’t freaking wait to spend tonight with Logan.
I hurry away to the liquor room. I need a minute to steady my pulse. Tonight is going to be…intense. I can already tell. Logan’s eyes were volcanic when they clashed with mine, and what he said to me?
I’m so turned on I don’t know how I’ll make it through this fake wedding without jumping him first.
9
Logan
* * *
“You okay about getting fake hitched?” Blake asks from behind me on the altar.
We’re in The Cowherd Whiskey Chapel next door to the saloon, and the room is filled to the brim with other Derby riders and their partners. My suit looks nothing like the Regency era, but it’s the best I could do.
“I’m doing good. It’s not like it’s a real wedding,” I say.
My muscles are sore from that damn race, which was too fucking close. I exhale as I remember my desperate final surge on Dexter to pass Reid.
The Wild Darcy Derby is probably the first time in my life I’ve been grateful to my father. For all those early morning wake-up calls where I was expected to get on a horse and ride for as long as it took to round up the cattle.
“Here she comes.”
Blake’s words fade as I stare down the aisle at the woman walking toward me. The crowded room of Darcy residents disappears. All I see is Macey as she comes closer and closer to the altar. She’s holding onto her father’s arm, and her eyes flash with humor as she reaches me.
Her Regency dress, which I know she’s frustrated about wearing, looks perfect on her. It shows off all her curves, and as she tilts her head to look up at me, I smile at her.
“You make a beautiful bride.”
The words pop out without my meaning them to.
Macey blushes. “Thank you. You clean up nice yourself.”
Mr. Henwood steps around us and clears his throat. “Are you two all set?” He shoots me a teasing glance. “I’m going to go quick before my daughter runs off.”
I wink at Macey. “If that happens, I’ll be sure to run off with her.”
