Or it’s that I haven’t had my own on her since last night when she went to stay at the ranch to get ready.
Damn superstitions.
I’d feel less like ants are crawling under my skin if I could just see her again.
“Easy, Ollie. Jesus, you look like you’re gonna be sick.” Brent’s palm smacks me hard enough on my shoulder to knock me into the present.
“Just excited.” I shrug. “Stressing that everything goes smoothly.”
“It’ll be fine. You got every hand from the Black Gulch here looking like they’re ready to kick ass and take names.” His wide grin splits his freshly shaved cheeks. “Hell, I even saw the sheriff and a couple of his guys. Youknowhe’ll be watching.” Brent winks at me.
I’m tempted to punch him again.
There is a thinly veiled hatred of Wade Rowland that I manage to keep tamped down. Knowing he fucked my ex-wife while I was still married to her is something I won’t soon forget.
Yet, if it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t be standing here dancing from foot to foot awaiting my wedding with Sophia.
“You’re fixin’ to lose your best man status,” I growl, trying to focus on the bullriders under the glaring lights of the arena.
“Nah, you love me and you know it.” Another smack to my back and he turns. “I’m gonna make sure she’s ready. Are you gonna saddle up or just stand there and piss in your pants?”
“I’m not naming my kid after you. Just saying.” I flip him off, but turn to my gelding.
Brent waves with one finger over his head as he walks away, but I can hear him chuckle.
Yea, I do love him. Asshole.
Climbing onto my horse, I can get a better view of the stands, and the last of the bulls being herded out of the main ring.
It’s almost time.
A few helpers rush out a raised stage and microphone as music distracts the audience.
Then a hand grabs my leg, startling me.
When I look down, it’s not who I expected.
“Ready for your big day?” The bright Stetson matches the white teeth flashing under it, but the smile doesn’t reach the dark eyes of the man standing below me.
“Didn’t I tell you to stay away?” I lean over my saddlehorn and wish like hell I was armed. “What’d you say your name was? John?”
His red ring glints in the halogen glare when he tips the brim of his hat. “Pleasure. I heard about thenuptialsthrough the grapevine. I’m hoping to spot a certain uncle of hers in the crowd. It’s been a while.”
“He’s performing the ceremony. If you do anything to fuck this up, I’m tying you to the back of my horse and dragging you until there’s not a speck of flesh left on your hide.” I know that’s a thing with the Black Gulch.
At this point, I’ll be happy to participate in a family tradition.
“I won’t mess up your ceremony, I swear on my sister’s grave.” He solemnly raises his palm. “I just want to have a word with him.” He pats my knee, then his hand stays. “Congrats, son. She’s a pretty girl.”
When he leaves, heading towards the bleachers, I’m tempted to call Mason to have him warn Dixon.
But then I catch sight of my brother giving me the thumb’s up with the microphone at his lips.
Holy fuck, it’s the signal.
Over the intercom, the music changes. “Ladies and gentlemen, you’re in for a special treat today!” Brent’s voice carries over the audience, stirring everyone to watch.
I tap my horse with my heels, heading out into the arena with my rope twirling over my head.
