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Instead of risking the gelding depositing unmentionables during the vows, I lead him directly to the stables and gift him a few sugar cubes for his good behavior.

Once he’s settled, I quietly return to my seat across the aisle and back from Juliet, who’s sitting behind the Walkers. Her dad was obviously invited, but he had some prior engagement that prevented him from coming to the wedding.

Too bad.

Things are still uncertain with him, but I didn’t expect any change on that front. She told me he’ll be coming to Sleepy Holler on Saturday. A lot will be riding on how he finds the event, but I can’t expend any energy on that right now.

Juliet looks stunning in her flowy, green dress and long, wavy hair. She glances back at me with a twinkling smile, then focuses again on the bride and groom.

My attention remains on her. I’m ready to sit back and relax after the ceremony, but unfortunately, my time becomes everyone else’s even more.

First, I have to figure out the extra generator due to catering needs, then I have to stop a group of teens from overfeeding the horses with the apples they snuck in. There are issues next with the parking, garbage control, and flies—despite all of our best efforts—but I keep them all under control as best as I can.

By the end of the evening, I’m still checking pathways to ensure they’re smooth enough for heels and wheelchairs when Juliet finds me with the news that she’s heading home.

“I’d stay, but Dad’s got a whole day planned for me and him tomorrow.”

“I’m sorry I’ve been so busy,” I say, regretting every minute I had to spend away from her. “Maybe we can make up for it on Saturday. We could go on a ride if you come over early.”

“So long as you help me onto the horse, I’m down.”

“Deal.”

She takes a few steps back toward the parking area. I want to walk her to her car, but a few of the horses stomp nervously nearby. Are the teenagers back again with those dang apples?

“Goodnight, Archer,” Juliet says before I can choose which way to go.

She turns away and disappears into the darkness.

Saturday can’t come soon enough.

Archer

After taking down the wedding, my work still isn’t complete, as I spend the rest of Friday whipping Horseshoe Holler into shape for Sleepy Holler the next day, decorating every inch of the space near the stables, ensuring my costume is ready, and—above all else—making sure the entire property is free of anything remotely resembling danger, if only for Mr. Monroe’s sake.

My hand’s been itching to message Juliet all day, but I told her I wouldn’t text her until she messaged me—only because I don’t think a hundred messages from me would go over well with the mayor, and we both need him in a good mood for tomorrow.

Finally, well after dark, I receive her text, the light of my phone glowing against me as I sit upright in bed.

Juliet

Finally finished. I think Dad was doing everything in his power to stretch out the hours.

Archer

I’ve been thinking about you.

Did you have fun?

Juliet

I did. We went to the movies, bowled, played mini golf, ate out three times, then finished off with ice cream.

Archer

Wow. You weren’t kidding about stretching the hours.

Juliet