Let’s see. Mama and Daddy were separated, and Daddy was in the middle of a terrible streak of picking up single women passing through town. And Mama was fit to be tied.
“I think I do,” I say slowly. “But I’m not sure what that has to do with Gigi’s mother.”
Skip’s tone is light, breezy almost, when he says, “I’m sure you can figure it out. You’re a smart woman, and you know people. Just like I do. Remember, bartenders and reporters—we should stick together.”
He’s presenting me with a riddle he already knows the answer to. A puzzle he’s already completed. And I’m…stumped.
“Maybe when you left our state behind for your little trip to Las Vegas, your vow to never marry stayed behind too?”
I stare at him.
“And that’s why you did in Vegas what you never dared to do here. Revealed what’s really in your heart. Think about it, Ms. Henwood.”
Skip tips his cowboy hat and leaves as Daddy walks inside with Evan and Ben. All three of them shake off the rain and then glare at Skip menacingly as he bows and scurries out the door.
Evan escorts Daddy carefully behind the bar so he can lift the encased contract off the wall where it’s been hanging on a sturdy nail for the last ten years.
I look at Ben, who shrugs. “He just pulled me off the living room couch and said we were going on an errand.”
“Kids.” Daddy beckons Ben behind the bar with us. “This is a momentous occasion. I am going to hereby void this contract with my eldest daughter.” Daddy bows his head toward me before turning the frame over in his hands and unhinging the backing. He pulls the contract out from the frame and places it on the bar in front of us. “Are you ready, baby?” he says to me. “Your future will be wide open after this, but it will also be totally uncertain and up to you to figure out. You won’t have this bar to fall back on anymore. Are you sure that’s what you want?”
I don’t expect the tears to start falling from my eyes like waterfalls.
“Happy tears,” I say quickly when my father’s face contorts. “I swear, happy tears. And yes, I’m sure this is what I want.”
He takes the thick paper contract in his hands and tears it in two then two again. “We’ll go to the lawyer next week and make sure he voids it in my will.” He turns to Ben. “We’ll get a new contract made up for you, son, stating that you are to succeed me as the rightful owner of The Cowherd Whiskey Saloon & Chapel. I won’t be able to run this bar any time soon, but Macey will be here to guide you until you graduate from college. She’s the best mentor you could ever ask for.”
“Daddy…” I choke up and can’t continue.
He nods at me. “You kept this place on two feet every time I was on my back, darlin’. And this old bar thanks you for it. I know that ghost does, too.”
I hug him, and then we pull Ben in and put our arms around him, too.
104
Logan
* * *
I’m inside the lobby of the five-star Florida hotel Gigi’s father set us all up at, and I’m so freaking miserable I can barely stand to be around myself.
When my father asks to talk to me, I try to push him off. But he’s insistent and leads me outside for a stroll around the massive hotel grounds.
We wander underneath so many palm trees I forget I’m not used to seeing them. After our third circumference around the same plush green lawn, my dad breaks the silence.
“You’ve been testy.”
I know it can’t be good if my dad’s noticed my mood.
“I’m just nervous,” I lie. “You know, about the big day.”
“Son.” Daddy stops in the middle of the path and blocks me from continuing. “You may be able to lie to Gigi and her entire crew of relatives. But you can’t lie to me. Your mother’s noticed, too. Now stop shutting down and tell me what in the hell is going on with you.”
What’s going on with me is that Macey’s face has been in my head ever since I walked away from her at Brick’s. I’ve barely slept, and when I have, I’ve dreamed about her. The reality of being married to a woman who isn’t her—even if it’s not real—is shattering me.
I look at my father’s gruff but familiar face, and I finally crack.
When I’m done telling him the truth, Dad takes a long breath.
