Aubrey’s foot began tapping involuntarily to the rhythm, her body swaying slightly. She stole a glance at Gunner, noticing the way his eyes had closed, lost in the music.God, he’s beautiful when he’s like this, she thought, a warm flutter in her chest.
His eyes suddenly opened, finding hers locked on him.
He smiled softly, leaned in close, his breath tickling her ear. “She’s got something special, don’t she?” he said, his low drawl sending a shudder down her spine.
“Mmm-hmm,” Aubrey hummed in agreement, trying to ignore the way her skin tingled at his proximity. “Her voice is incredible.”
The song built to a crescendo, Jessie’s voice soaring as the band poured their hearts into the performance. Aubrey found herself holding her breath, completely captivated.
As the final notes faded, Aubrey’s eyes met Gunner’s again. “I think we just found our wedding band,” Aubrey said, a smile playing on her lips.
Gunner nodded. “Couldn’t agree more, darlin’,” he replied, his touch sending heat flaring through her body.
As the music died down, Aubrey and Gunner applauded, and Gunner strode toward the stage. “That was somethin’ else, Jess,” he said.
“Thanks,” she said.
Aubrey agreed, “Totally incredible. We’d love to book you for the wedding, if you’re agreeable.”
“Of course, I’m in,” Jessie said.
“Great,” Aubrey said. She glanced to Gunner. “Why don’t you talk details, and I’ll get back to work.” At Gunner’s nod, Aubrey offered her hand to Jessie. “It’s really great to meet you. I can’t wait to hear you play at the wedding. It’s going to be fab.”
“Lookin’ forward to it,” Jessie said, then got into a conversation with Gunner about the logistics of the evening.
Just as Aubrey strode behind the bar, the door swung open, flooding the dim bar with early morning sunlight. Poppy breezed in, her vibrant red curls bouncing with each step, clutching an envelope to her chest like a prized possession. Her eyes scanned the room, landing on Aubrey behind the bar. A grin spread across Poppy’s freckled face as she made a beeline for her target.
Aubrey felt her heart warm as the whirlwind that was Poppy approached.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the belle of The Naked Moose,” Poppy quipped, sliding onto a barstool. “I see you’ve got quite the view from here.” She winked, nodding toward Gunner, who was helping the band pack up.
Aubrey felt heat rush to her cheeks. “It is a nice view,” she said with a laugh, grabbing the cocktail glass she was mixing earlier. “And what about you?” she deflected. “Any luck in the romance department?”
Poppy dramatically placed a hand over her heart. “Alas, my prince charming seems to be stuck in traffic. But don’t you worry about little ol’ me. I’m just biding my time until Mr. Right comes along…or until I can convince one of these rugged cowboys to sweep me off my feet.”
Aubrey chuckled. “Well, there’s certainly no shortage of those around here.”
As she watched Poppy’s animated gestures, Aubrey couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly this force of nature had wormed her way into their lives the last couple months. When Poppy had noticed that there was a connection between Gunner and Aubrey, she, with her quirky charm, accepted that another Timber Falls heartthrob was off the market and resumed her quest for new prospects. She was a force, and a welcome one at that, which was good because, with the wedding planning in full bloom, she seemed around more often than not.
Poppy’s voice snapped her back to the present. “Speaking of rugged cowboys, how’s our resident country star treating you? If that man isn’t writing a love song about you as we speak, I’ll eat my hat.”
Aubrey rolled her eyes, but couldn’t quite suppress the smile tugging at her lips. “You’re incorrigible, you know that?”
“It’s part of my charm,” Poppy replied with a wink.
Aubrey’s gaze drifted to Gunner. “He’s treating me very well,” she admitted.
Before Poppy could respond, the door swung open again, bringing with it a gust of cool Montana air and the sound of boots on hardwood. Aubrey’s gaze snapped to the entrance, where Charly stood framed in the doorway, her eyes dancing with excitement.
“Mornin’, ladies,” Charly called out, practically bouncing as she made her way to the bar.
“Morning,” Aubrey said, gesturing to Jessie. “You just missed the show. Jessie agreed to do the wedding. You’ll love her.”
“Oh,” Charly said, giving a quick glance to Jessie. “I knew she’d work out. Those YouTube videos were mind-blowing. I’ll go say hi in a second.” She turned her focus to Poppy. “What brings you by this early?”
Poppy grinned. “I’ve got the final invitation to show you.”
Aubrey felt a surge of anticipation. She’d seen how much stress the wedding planning had put on Charly, and the completion of this milestone was clearly a weight off her shoulders.
