Page 22 of Ethan

“Have you had a chance to explore much?”

“Serena took me into Clifton my first weekend. I fell in love with every shop on Main Street.”

Ryan’s face lit up. “Have you been to Festive Finds yet?”

“That was my favorite stop.”

“Mallory and I are good friends. Best fudge in the state.” Ryan smiled. “Are you from Montana originally?”

“Kalispell. What about you?”

“California.” Ryan’s expression went a little soft as she talked about something that had changed their life. “I came out here on assignment for Western Living magazine. I was doing a piece on Beckett Feed, needed photos of Seth’s barley fields.” She shrugged, smiling. “We fell in love.”

“That’s a wonderful story.” Naomi meant it.

“I think so. My best friend Skylar moved here too and found the love of her life.” Ryan shook her head, smiling. “Clifton has a way of doing that to people.”

“Someone else mentioned that.” Naomi glanced at Ethan. “Are you the best man?”

“I am.”

“You’re not the oldest, though.”

“Seth stood up for Cole when he got married. I’ll be there for Seth.” Ethan shrugged. “And Cole will stand up for me, if I ever get around to it.”

“Some lucky woman is going to snatch you up sooner than you think,” Ryan said, then turned to him with a pointed look. “Which reminds me. Pick up your suit, Ethan. The shop called Seth yesterday.”

Ethan groaned making Naomi and Ryan both laughed.

“I hate suits.”

“Every man I’ve ever met hates suits. Pick it up anyway.” Ryan kissed him on the cheek, then gave Naomi a warm smile. “It was so nice to meet you. I’m sure I’ll be seeing a lot of you.”

“You too. Congratulations again.”

“I’d love for you to come to the reception,” Ryan said, turning to Naomi like it was the most natural thing in the world. “It’s atDewey’s, the cowboy bar in town. The whole town will be there practically.”

“Oh, I don’t want to intrude—”

“You’re not intruding. Serena and Johnny are both coming.” Ryan waved a hand. “The more the merrier. Say you’ll come.”

Naomi glanced at Ethan. He was looking at the fence.

“Alright,” she said. “I’d love to. Thank you, Ryan.”

“Perfect.” Ryan looked genuinely pleased. “It’ll give you a chance to meet everyone properly. Fair warning though, this town loves a party and Dewey’s has the best band in the area.”

Ryan waved and headed for the door, and just like that the arena felt bigger and quieter than it had a minute ago.

Naomi looked at Ethan.

He was already looking at her.

They both looked away at the same time.

“I should get Vader cooled down,” she said.

“Right.” He pushed off the rail. “Good session this morning.”