Page 60 of High Water

“True. I just worry. I’m not the wild, carefree girl I was when I was younger. I’m a mom and an archaeology professor. I spend most nights at home working, staring at databases and pottery sherds. He’s a bachelor who’s spent most of his time on the road with a new adventure around every corner. The one recent friend of his I met implied his life is a little more interesting than I can provide.”

“Our family keeps things plenty interesting, and he’s a merc, isn’t he? An adrenaline addict like that, no wonder he and your brothers get along. He probably thrives off it. I’m surprised he’s not a Horseman already.”

“Oh, he is. With the brand to prove it,” I mutter. Bishop took the family brand years ago. I’ll have to ask to see it sometime soon. I wonder how it’s aged.

“And you’re a hot, smart-as-hell mom. A Dr. MILF.”

“Dr. MILF?” Hazel’s voice pops up behind me, and I see her wide grin before I hug her.

“Let’s not let that one stick,” I warn.

“Oh, but I think I kind of like it,” Hazel replies.

“Me too.” Zephyrine appears behind her, both of them dressed up for opening night, and pulls me in for a hug as soon as Hazel releases me. Lucky for me, my brothers picked women I already love having as friends, and we’ve already fallen into a regular pattern of girls’ nights and Sunday brunches.

“I hope you’re ready for tonight.” Marlowe appears with Bristol at her side.

“Only time will tell.” I hug Hazel’s best friends.

“I brought your bachelorette gifts.” Bristol holds up a handful of bags for me.

“And I’ve got the cake all ready to go for tomorrow. Sitting safely in the main hotel kitchen ready for its debut tomorrow.” Marlowe grins.

“Thank you!” I take the bags from Bristol. “I’ll have to take these back to the room. I can’t wait to taste the cake. Or see Bishop’s face when he does.”

“We were just talking about plans.” Dakota lets her in on our conversation as they all saddle up to the bar next to me.

“Ah, yes, what are our plans for tonight?” Hazel looks to me for guidance.

“Just a couple of drinks?” I push my empty glass toward Dakota.

“We’re doing more than that. We’re having some fun, and you’re going to let loose if it kills me. Starting with our bride-to-be getting a cherry popper!” Dakota signals for the bartender we watched before to come down to our end of the bar.

“You’re not making her do the ski slope?” Bristol frowns. “I really want to see that one live.”

“The ski slope?” Marlowe asks.

“Do I want to ask?” I furrow my brow.

“You could just experience it.” Dakota grins.

“That sounds too ominous for me.” I hold my hand out.

Dakota looks at Bristol to volunteer.

“I can’t. I’m kind of…” Bristol hunts for the right words.

“In a situationship?” Marlowe offers.

“What?” Hazel turns on her friends, searching for more information. I’d gotten the impression that Hazel’s brother Anson had a thing for Bristol. I thought Hazel had even been trying to set them up last summer, but it seems like maybe I misread the situation. That or it didn’t work out. I’m not sure which.

“No.” Bristol tenses up. “I’m just not doing things like that right now because I’m sort of… I don’t know. It’s complicated, okay?”

“Is complicated in the room with us?” Dakota looks between Bristol and the rest of the room. “I thought we didn’t keep secrets.”

“We don’t. But there’s nothing to tell right now.” Bristol gives her a pointed look that she follows with one to Marlowe. “If there is, you all will be the first to know.”

“Fine.” Dakota narrows her eyes. “For now.” Then she sets her sights on Marlowe. “I need an opinion. Aspen’s taking one for the team on the cherry popper. Think you can handle the ski slope?”