Charly shook her head, laughing as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
“He came out of Aubrey’s room this morning,” Willow said.
Charly chuckled. “Oh, is that so?”
“Mmm hmm,” was the only reply Gunner was going to give.
The sizzle of bacon filled the kitchen as Willow flipped the last strips and Gunner had a stack of pancakes made. He inhaled deeply, savoring the smoky aroma, when a soft creak from the hallway caught his attention. His heart skipped a beat as Aubrey appeared in the doorway, her presence instantly transforming the room.
She stood there in an oversized T-shirt and flannel pajama bottoms, her hair an absolute mess from sleep. But it was her eyes, those striking eyes, that captivated him. They sparkled with shyness and warmth that made his chest tighten.
“Mornin’, darlin’,” he drawled, unable to keep the admiration from his voice. The world around him seemed to fade, leaving only Aubrey in sharp focus.
Without a second thought, and letting everyone there know the new development between them, Gunner crossed the room in three long strides. His hands found her waist, pulling her close as his lips met hers in a passionate kiss. Aubrey melted into him, her fingers threading through his hair.
Time stood still as they lost themselves in the embrace. His mind raced with a jumble of emotions—desire, tenderness, and a surprising sense of rightness. When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers, drinking in her closeness.
“Well, good morning to you, too,” Aubrey whispered, a shy smile playing on her lips.
Gunner became acutely aware of the silence that had fallen over the kitchen. He turned, still keeping an arm around Aubrey’s waist, to find their friends staring at them.
“I, uh…” he started, suddenly feeling like a teenager caught necking behind the barn. “The pancakes are ready. Eat up.”
The group settled around the breakfast table, plates piled high with crispy bacon and golden pancakes. Gunner couldn’t help but steal glances at Aubrey, marveling at how natural it felt to have her by his side. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken questions, until Eli cleared his throat.
“So,” Eli said, his eyes twinkling with mischief, “are we gonna address the bull in the room, or do I gotta spell it out?” He gestured between Gunner and Aubrey with his fork. “You two seem awful cozy this mornin’. Anything you’d like to share with the class?”
Gunner felt heat creep up his neck. He opened his mouth to respond, but Aubrey beat him to it.
“Well, Eli,” she said, her voice steady and confident, “if you must know, Gunner and I are…exploring things, as I’m sure you could plainly tell.” She reached for Gunner’s hand under the table, giving it a squeeze. “It’s new.”
Gunner’s heart soared at her words. He’d been worried she might shy away, put up those walls he’d seen her build around herself. But here she was, asserting their connection without hesitation.
“Exploring, huh?” Eli chimed in, a grin spreading across his face. “Is that what we’re calling it these days?”
Laughter erupted around the table, breaking the last of the tension. Gunner felt a surge of gratitude for this found family, their easy acceptance warming him from the inside out.
Charly cleared her throat, drawing attention away from the newly minted couple. “As heartwarming as this is,” she said with a wry smile, “I’m glad we’re all here, because we’ve got some business to discuss.” She turned to Aubrey, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “The bar’s numbers are looking great this month. That new cocktail menu you came up with is really bringing in the crowds, and even with hiring Chef Miguel to take over for you there, we’re doing great.”
Aubrey smiled, chewing her pancake. “That’s fantastic news!”
As the women dove into a spirited discussion about the bar’s future, Gunner found himself marveling at Aubrey’s passion. Her eyes sparkled as she gestured animatedly, describing flavor combinations that made his mouth water.
“Another thing on our plate is entertainment for the wedding,” Charly said, seamlessly shifting gears. “Can you help with that, Aubrey, as well as handle the caterer since that’s right up your alley?”
Aubrey nodded. “Of course.”
Eli added, “Well, we’ve already got one thing sorted. Our very own country superstar can provide the music, right, Gunner?”
All eyes turned to Gunner, and he felt a familiar flutter of nerves in his stomach. It had been a while since he’d performed for more than the regulars at The Naked Moose. But as he looked around at the expectant faces of his friends, he knew he couldn’t say no.
“I’d be honored,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Though I might be a bit rusty. It’s been a while since I played for a larger group.”
Aubrey squeezed his hand under the table, her touch grounding him. “You’ll be amazing,” she whispered, her faith in him shining through her words.
“I do appreciate the offer,” Charly said. “But Jaxon really wants you to enjoy the wedding, not play at it.”
Gunner leaned back in his chair, a crooked smile playing on his lips. “You know, I might be able to do you one better than just me and my guitar,” he said. “We can use the band I’ve been playing with at the bar, but I know someone who would be perfect. Her name is Jessie. She’s on tour right now, but she’ll be done by the time the wedding rolls around.”
