Page 64 of Fall Fake-Out

“Of course it worked.” Ari unwraps her sandwich. “You should’ve seen your face. You were basically putty in my hands.”

The embarrassing part?

I was.

And when it comes to women, that never happens.

I glance at her again. She’s focused on her lunch now like nothing is wrong. But there’s color high in her cheeks. A tiny smile she keeps trying to hide.

After what I just experienced, I start to think Ari could win our bet.

Which is good for the Ashtyn Ellis situation.

But dangerous for my non-committal heart.

Ari

“It smells like animals.” Landrie’s nose scrunches up as we step inside the stables at Horseshoe Holler.

“As it should.” I grin back at her. “Horses live inside here.”

“I know.” She gives me an eye roll. “I just don’t know if I want to have my wedding reception inside here.”

“The structure is beautiful, but I don’t think it’s big enough for the reception.” Mom gives a small snicker meant for Landrie. “Your and Jaxon’s wedding is the event of the year, maybe the wedding of the century.”

The wedding of the century? I highly doubt that.

“Everyone in Autumn Ridge will be there.” My mom takes two steps back outside, surveying the front of the stable. “But this part is gorgeous. What if you had your ceremony out in front of these barn doors? All the guests’ chairs could be on these beautiful stone pavers leading up to it.”

For once, I actually agree with my mom. The Horseshoe Holler stable somehow manages to look rustic and expensive at the same time. Like Archer Kade woke up one day and decided to build the physical embodiment of a Pinterest wedding board. It’s all white, weathered wood, cedar planks, wide barn doors with black iron hinges, and a little cupola perched on top like a church steeple for horses. And let’s not forget about the wide paver courtyard in front of the stable that looks more wedding venue than working ranch.

I second my mom’s idea. “I think that would be awesome.”

Landrie slowly looks around as if she’s analyzing every detail. “But what about the horses? What if one of them neighs during the ceremony in the middle of our vows? Plus, there’s the smell.”

It’s rare that Landrie disappoints my mom, but in this instance, she’s losing a battle she really wants to win. “Let me just go check with Archer and see if he can remove the horses for the ceremony and do something about the smell.”

Landrie shifts her weight. “Mom, there are plenty of other places on the property to have the ceremony. Let’s just keep walking around.”

“I’m just going to check. It never hurts to ask.” She gives me a pointed look. “Ari, you should come with me so you can see Archer again.”

“I’m with Wade, remember?” I don’t mean for my tone to sound so annoyed…actually, maybe I do.

Her lips push downward. “Yes, but Wade seems to only care about himself. I’d hate to see you completely dismiss Archer.”

“I wish you’d stop saying things like that about Wade. You clearly don’t know him.”

Her voice softens, like maybe there’s more behind her meddling than I think. “Well, I know you, and that’s enough to make me worried that Wade’s not a good fit for you. I’m just concerned that you’ll get attached, and then he’ll end things in a month. So maybe you could at least come say hi to Archer.”

“I think I’ll stay here with Landrie.”

“Suit yourself.” She huffs out a sigh and sulks off to find Archer.

I look at my sister. “If I strangle Mom, this would be the perfect place to hide her body.”

“She means well, but she isn’t wrong. You know what Wade’s like. It probably will be over in a week or two.” Landrie turns from the stables, heading toward the wooded area. “Let’s check the cleared path. That might be a good spot for the ceremony. Imagine how beautiful the fall colors will be that week.”

I follow behind her, but I’m still stuck on what she said about Wade. I don’t know why I feel defensive on his behalf, but I do. Could be that I understand what it’s like to be judged on your past choices instead of who you really are.