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Shep arched an eyebrow. “I see money in my future.”
“The bet is not lost until the end of the day,” Chase countered. Nash was a born fighter. He hated to lose. And he’d never accept defeat.
Nash scowled and slid through the fence, then walked toward them, still not a limp in sight. All good signs for Chase to take home the cash. Ignoring all of them, Nash headed straight for the porch, grabbed Chase’s beer off the table, and drank the whole thing back.
“Calling it a day?” Shep asked, grinning at Chase.
“Not even fucking close.” Nash wiped his mouth, moving toward them then taking a seat on the porch steps, his black suede chaps hanging off his jeans. “That horse plays dirtier than some of the best bulls in the PBR.”
“He’s got fight in him,” Shep agreed.
Nash removed his hat and wiped the sweat off his forehead with his arm. “Emma seriously wants to ride him?”
Shep nodded. “If possible, yes.”
Nash cursed, shaking his head. “She’s batshit crazy if she wants to go anywhere near that fucking horse.”
Even if Chase agreed, he also knew Nash wouldn’t give up until he tamed Bentley. They all owed Emma for coming up with the idea for the guest ranch. That was the sole reason Blackshaw Cattle wasn’t going into bankruptcy and they hadn’t ended up having to sell their land to Irish Creek Ranch.
When Gus trotted up, dropping down by the porch, chewing on a stick, Chase brought Nash up to speed. “Brody’s getting married on Friday,” he said.
“This Friday?” Nash asked, eyes wider than Shep’s had been. “When did you get engaged?”
“Last night,” Brody explained. “With Harper leaving on Saturday, we want her there. It’s going to be small. I guess we’ll need to find a hall or something.”
“You could use my place,” Chase offered. “Ni
ce view for a wedding, and it’s free and available.”
Brody cocked his head, pondering. “Faith might actually go for that. I’ll ask her.” His cell phone beeped inside his pocket. After he looked at the screen, he added, “I’ve got a ton of shit to do. I gotta get going.” To Nash and Shep, he said, “Once I have all the details, I’ll let you know.”
“Great,” Shep said.
Nash nodded agreement.
Brody’s gaze fell to Chase, and he gestured at his Jeep. “Can I have a minute?”
Shep began whistling “Amazing Grace,” a song they had called the death song as children since they heard it played at every funeral they ever went to.
Chase flipped him the bird and followed Brody to his truck, well aware his brothers were chuckling behind him.
When Brody reached the driver’s side door, he turned to Chase. “For the wedding, you’re the best man, right?”
Brody had always been a man of few words, especially when it came to anything emotional. Chase cupped Brody’s shoulder. “Of course, I’d be honored.”
“Cool.” Brody opened the Jeep’s door, jumped in, then leaned his head out the window. “Oh, and Chase?”
“Yeah?”
Brody’s eyes narrowed, and he gave an unamused smile, showing teeth. “If you want your face looking good for the wedding, I suggest you stay out of my house.”
He stepped on the gas, spitting up rocks and dirt, speeding away. Bentley took off galloping around the sand ring. Chase chuckled, striding toward his brothers on the porch. Some people might think what Brody said was not much, but Chase knew better. That would be the only blessing Brody would ever give.
* * *
After hours of watching Faith try on too many wedding dresses to count, Harper had never been happier to be back in Faith’s car and on her way to Chase’s. She loved shopping. She loved weddings. But if she never saw lace again, she would consider that a good day.
On the bright side, just after Faith found a dress that fit right off the rack, Harper spotted a champagne-colored flowy bridesmaid dress. The gown was beautiful, and the two-hundred-dollar price tag was even better, especially since Harper could wear the dress again for any formal event.
