Darren slung an arm over Linc’s shoulders as we walked toward the barn where Noel had asked us to meet him.
“We had a lot on our plate,” he said. “Linc wanted to get through school. I wanted to make sure I didn’t run the auto shop into the ground.”
Linc laughed and slapped his chest. “Please. That shop is thriving.”
“When the Forrester Bros aren’t stealing my business,” he grumbled.
I tilted my head. “Forrester Bros?”
Linc rolled his eyes. “An auto shop in Riverton. They work on motorcycles too, so Laurie took his bike up there. But Darren doesn’tneedmore business. He already has too much work.”
“Wes and Beck broke down over Christmas and letthoseguys fix their pickup. Can you believe that?”
“Such a betrayal,” Linc said, clearly humoring him.
“Like a dagger in my heart,” Darren said, as dramatic as ever.
I laughed. I hadn’t known them well when they met, but the rumors got around. They’d kissed on a dare at a party. Darren had dated only women before that. But he’d fallen head over heels for Linc, and the rest was history.
Noel emerged from the open barn. “There you are! Come on in. I’ve got the tasting menu all laid out for you.”
Darren’s step quickened. Good thing Linc had him locked down because that man sure got excited about food. He’ddevoured the samples Darling Dish Catering had set up for the wedding reception menu.
Noel’s operation wasn’t quite up to catering full receptions just yet, but he was great for a smaller, intimate gathering like a rehearsal dinner.
He led us through a store filled with Christmas kitsch that the family sold during the holiday season. He opened the door to a back room that held a table long enough to seat sixteen.
It was draped in rich red linens and covered in plates. They weren’t place settings. Not today. They were servings of every course he might offer at the dinner.
We’d agreed upon a draft menu already, but Noel was an experimental chef. He loved to get creative, and the guys had given him the green light to surprise them with a couple of extra options.
“Oh my god, there’s so much food here,” Linc said.
Noel gave an embarrassed chuckle. “Sorry. My imagination ran wild, and I wanted to change some things up. But of course I made your original selections, as well. I just couldn’t resist playing.”
“Hell yeah,” Darren said. “I’m game.”
Noel grinned. “Good. Take a seat. Let’s start with the salads.”
He slid a small bowl in front of Darren and Link. It looked like lettuce and…flowers?
“Um.” Linc stared at it. “It’s beautiful, but…”
“We eat this?” Darren asked.
Noel smiled. “They’re edible flowers. Along with blossoming pea shoots. I’ve made a vinaigrette to pair with it. But I realize this might be too far out on a limb for you guys. I just couldn’t resist how gorgeous it looks.”
Linc fingered one of the petals, then cautiously took a bite. “Hmm.” He nodded. “It’s really…flowery.”
Noelclucked his tongue. “All right, how about this then?” He slid another bowl forward. “Rainbow salad. This has a lot of colors and textures. Cabbage, celery, radish, and pops of flavor with the citrus.”
“This is perfect,” Linc said, forking up a bite. “I love the crunch.”
“A little less flowery?” Noel asked with a playful wink. He didn’t seem to mind that they’d shot down his flower mix. He’d probably expected it. But I was filing it away, because I was sure Caitlyn would absolutely adore it—and I needed a replacement rehearsal dinner.
The guys ate their way through delicate appetizers, hearty main course entrees and side items, and two different desserts—letting me be the tie-breaker when they couldn’t agree on what was better.
I was meeting Maverick and Jamie for lunch after this, but I wouldn’t have much room for food. Noel had spoiled us.
