I slung an arm around my brother’s shoulder. “Mayor Cherish said if we can get Ido named the most romantic town in Texas, we’ll be an even more desirable wedding destination.”
Davis nodded. “And?”
“Well”—I pulled my arm back—“if we can snag that title, we’ll have even more weddings coming to town. Mayor Cherish islooking for other complementary businesses, and I thought if we could spruce up the barn?—”
“It would be the perfect place to hold a wedding.” Davis turned to me, his eyes bright. “What did Dad say?”
“He thinks it’s a stupid idea. But if we spend the insurance money fixing up the barn, we can host weddings and trail rides and other events to tide us over until the new trees we plant start producing.”
“That’s genius.” Davis nodded, the wheels in his head probably spinning out of control with the possibilities.
“Would you be on board with an idea like that?” I elbowed my brother.
“Yeah. Hell yeah.” At twenty-four, Davis had already graduated from college but was having a hard time finding a job nearby that would put his engineering degree to good use. It was only a matter of time before he’d make the decision to move away. Maybe if we could build up a big enough business, he wouldn’t have to.
“Does that mean you’re up for helping me?” I asked.
“I’m in.” He motioned for Trent and Mitchell to come closer. “What do we need to do?”
“I’ve got to keep an eye on Delilah and make sure there’s no doubt in her mind that we’re the most romantic town in Texas. Lacey wants me to pull together a big event.”
“Like what?” Davis asked.
“That’s just it, I don’t know. Something that reeks of romance. Like a big Valentine’s party, but in October. Got any ideas?” Colin might be the ladies’ man, but Davis was definitely better at seeing a project through. Suddenly, a light bulb went off in my head. “I think I’ve got something.”
“What?” Davis shot me some side-eye. None of the Taylor brothers were known for being super in touch with their softer side.
“What if we built a trail kind of thing? Then we can have people stop and take pictures in super-romantic spots.”
“Like what? The only place in town that might be considered somewhat romantic is the kissing cove down by the river.” Davis squinted, making his eyes scrunch up, like kissing someone was the worst possible thing that could happen.
“We’d have to make them up. Like a tunnel full of those white lights. You know, the kind they string around town during the holidays. Maybe have an arbor or something. Just lots of little romantic spots around town where people can pause and sneak a kiss.” I executed a neck roll as I tried to think of something romantic.
“I don’t know. If that’s all you’ve got... Christmas lights... we’re going to need some more help.” Mitchell wasn’t on board. I could tell by his scowl.
“I’ll ask Lacey. And maybe I can try to get some info out of Delilah.” I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. “What if we all keep the conversation around romantic stuff during dinner? We’re bound to get some ideas.”
“If you think it will help, I’m game.” Davis lifted a shoulder.
Mitchell and Trent shrugged and nodded as well.
“Good. I’m going to go check on Delilah and make sure Tie Dye hasn’t chewed her up yet.”
“Sounds good.” Davis tapped me on the arm with his fist as I walked by. “You know what would be really cool?”
“What’s that?”
“If Colin was around to pitch in. Out of all of us, he’s probably the one who’d have the best ideas.”
My gut pitched. “Yeah, it’s too bad Colin’s not around.”
“We’ll manage without him though. That’s what family does.” Davis joined the other two while I forced air into my lungs. If Colin were around... He very well might be. But as much as my brothers might think Colin had all the answers, Iwas the only one who knew how dangerous it would be to bring our oldest brother back into the fold.
Before I let myself travel too far down the path of regret, I shook it off. I hadn’t heard another word about Colin being back in town, and if my brother knew what was good for him, he’d stay far, far away.
I heard Delilah before I saw her. Her laugh reached my ears, a high-pitched musical melody that put a smile on my face. It only grew bigger when I stepped around the barn. Tie Dye stood on top of the fence line, nibbling at Delilah’s hair.
“Get down from there.” I rushed toward the goat, who startled and fell off the fence into a pile of hay. “Abby, I thought you were looking out for her.”
