Sarah knew from social media that there were many creative—and often outlandish—ways to ask someone to be in a wedding party, but she appreciated the sweet, informal approach her future sister-in-law took. It wasn’t a big production, just a simple invitation to share her most important day. It was perfect.
“Laney and I would love to be there for you both. Thank you so much for thinking of us.”
Just the thought of her daughter all dolled up in a frilly dress made Sarah grin ear to ear.
“I’m so glad. And I’m relieved, too, because dress shopping isn’t for the faint of heart. I’ve only scrolled online, but there are so many options at so many different price points. I don’t even know where to begin.”
Their TV program hadn’t started yet, so Sarah took the time to help Rachel brainstorm. “When you close your eyes and envision your wedding day, what do you see?”
“Holden.”
“That’s good. Important that he’s there.” Sarah chuckled. “What about you? When you picture yourself, what does that look like?”
Rachel played along, shutting her eyes while she conjured up the image. “My hair is in an updo with a few loose face-framing curls. Natural makeup with a pink lip. And an off-the-shoulder white gown that’s fitted at the waist and hips and then twirls out at the bottom with a modest train.”
“Well, there you have it. I think we knowexactlywhat to look for.”
Rachel’s eyes popped open. “I’ve never done that before. Never took the time to picture the details of my perfect day.”
“It’s something I like to do,” Sarah admitted. “Visualize the big moments in my life. I did it with my current job before they hired me. Pictured myself standing behind the check-out counter at the library. I could see exactly what I was wearing, how my hair was styled. I could even picture the tote that I used to store some snacks and my water bottle. I guess maybe it’s a way of manifesting, but I think it’s fun to picture yourself right in the very center of your biggest dreams. I did it with my wedding with Darren, too.”
Rachel smiled. “I love that.” She paused a moment before asking, “This might not be my place to ask, but do you ever picture yourself getting married again?”
Sarah hadn’t anticipated that question, but it was a fair one. “I don’t know. I mean, I would love to find someone to share my life with. And I would love for Laney to grow up with a father figure. But that’s the thing; it’s not just me that someone has to fall in love with. They have to fall in love with my entire life, and that means my daughter, too.”
“And you don’t think Lance is that guy?”
Even if she had tried, Sarah wouldn’t have been able to disguise her surprise. The question was a bold one. “Lance?”
“I mean, I know it’s been over a year, but you two seemed to have something going on the Christmas before last.”
“We did. But then I moved back to Sacramento, and things never really went anywhere after that.”
“But you’re home now.” Rachel pointed out the obvious. “And you’re both single.”
“Sure, but like I said, I’ve got Laney. Lance has a whole big, adventurous life. I don’t think he’s in any place to settle down.”
“For the right woman, he would.” Rachel wasn’t at all sly with the wink she paired with her statement. “I know he’s always had a thing for you.”
Sarah’s attention snapped up. “What?”
“That’s what Holden says. That Lance always used to talk about you back when you guys were teenagers. That no guy you ever dated was good enough, and that he never understood why you ended up with someone like Darren when you deserved so much better.”
Sarah knew Lance had been protective, but she’d never understood that depth. “I sometimes ask myself the same thing. But I got my little Laney out of it, so I can’t regret it.”
Just as the conversation began to delve into even more personal territory, the opening credits of the dating show provided a timely distraction.
Sarah didn’t know what to think of her feelings for Lance, or how to process the possibility that he might feel the same. For now, she decided to just sit back and enjoy the television show. She could temporarily live vicariously through the quest for love onscreen, while also clinging to the hope that it might become a reality of her own. If she only let it.
CHAPTER 8
The morning was nothing short of spectacular, the sky a watercolor of pinks, purples, and oranges paired with the soundtrack of the mountain coming to life. Birds chirped from their perches in the dense evergreens. Wind whirled over the Summit’s sawtooth ridges. And crisp mountain air filled Lance’s chest as he pulled in a big breath.
He loved living in Snowdrift. There was nothing like it; he wouldn’t trade it for any other location in the world.
And now that Sarah was back, the place felt even more alive.
He knew what his grandmother had been trying to do the other day. Nana Jo had coordinated their arrival at the ranch, making sure their paths would cross. But that was the thing. Lance’s path always seemed to cross with Sarah’s naturally, almost as if they didn’t need any help being pushed into one another’s arms.
