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The bar was fairly busy for a Thursday night. It was full of people our age, some getting a drink after a long day at work and some friends meeting for a night out on the town. Music was playing in the background, but thankfully not too loud that we couldn’t hear ourselves talk. We found a table and sat down.
“Is Chip here yet?” Dani looked around. I couldn’t help but look around as well, trying to spot the best man. My heart was pounding a little and my stomach fluttering but I had no idea why. He was just another guy; I’d met hundreds of them. No big deal. I told myself it was just wedding excitement.
Parker glanced down at his phone. “Not yet.” His fingers moved over his phone screen as he sent him a text. “I’ll go to the bar and get us some drinks. The usual, ladies?”
We both nodded and smiled. Dani and I liked the same drink and I’d hung out with the two of them enough in the short time they’d been dating for him to know what I liked.
“Okay, I’ll be right back.” He kissed Dani’s temple before heading to the bar.
“He really loves you, doesn't he?” I said with a sigh.
Her eyes filled with tears as she smiled. “He does. And I love him. I know people are saying we’re moving fast and all that, but when you know, you just know. We don’t want to waste another minute.”
I reached out and squeezed her hand. “I’m so happy for the two of you. I really am. And thank you for asking me to be your maid of honor and such a big part of your day.” Now my eyes were filling up with tears.
“Of course!” She squeezed my hand in return. “We’ve both been talking about our weddings since we were thirteen. I wouldn’t have anyone else standing next to me up there.”
We laughed and wiped the corners of our eyes with the napkins on the table as Parker walked back up. “What is going on here, ladies? Why the tears?” He set our drinks down and wrapped an arm around Dani’s waist. “This is a happy occasion.”
“We’re just being sentimental. I’m so happy for you guys.” I narrowed my eyes and pointed at him. “But if you ever hurt my best friend, I’ll kill you.” I was lightening the mood, but I had a feeling the whole weekend would be full of emotional moments like that. Why not when your best friend is marrying the love of her life?
Parker pulled Dani to him. “Not a chance.” She turned to look up at him and they enhanced a soft kiss. I watched with a grin when there was someone behind me, clearing their throat.
“Excuse me. Could you please get a room?” They broke apart and I turned around to see who the asshole was making a comment about my friend when I saw a tall drink of water wearing a worn out baseball cap. He looked different than the picture Dani showed me, but close enough for me to know who it was.
“Hey there, asshole, about time you get here!” Parker pulled away from Dani and greeted his brother with a handshake and hug.
Dani jumped off of her chair and hugged Chip as well. “It’s so good to see you.” She turned to me. “This is my best friend and maid of honor, Vivian.”
He grinned and I was thankful I was sitting, because I think my knees went weak. His dark hair peeked out from the edge of the cap. He was wearing a long maroon henley, jeans, and boots. I could tell from the way the jeans fit him, farm work suited him. It was his smile and the way his green eyes twinkled that made my stomach do flip flops.
“Hi there, Vivian,” he said, taking my hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
Maybe farm boys weren’t so bad.
Chapter Two ~ Chip
Wow.
From the pictures I’d seen, I knew Vivian was a pretty girl, but I had no idea how beautiful until I met her in person. Her chocolate brown hair was past her shoulders and even in the dimly lit bar, I could detect hints of an almost caramel like color throughout it. Her brown eyes danced as she smiled at me.
To be honest, the other night I had been stalking Vivian a bit on social media. She was a smart girl and had her Facebook and Instagram locked tight so strangers couldn’t see much, but I was able to look at some pictures Dani and her were tagged in together. Her smile was electric and I knew from Dani she was a runner and also loved hiking outside, so her body was amazing as well.
Vivian wasn’t like the girls back home. She was classy and refined and probably thought she was too good for a farm boy like me. Being from a small town, there weren’t a whole lot of choices for dating. I’d had a few girlfriends, but nothing too serious. Truth be told, most of the girls in Mineral Point didn’t excite me. They lacked fire and passion - the kind of passion I saw in Vivian’s eyes when I looked at her.
I hadn’t given much thought to standing up with her at my brother’s wedding until then. Running a farm was hard work and there were little to no days off, but I wouldn’t miss my brother’s wedding for the world.
“It’s nice to meet you too,” Vivian replied, letting go of my hand.
“How about a drink?” Parker grabbed my arm and we headed to the bar. I found myself glancing back at Vivian, but she was already leaned over, talking to Dani about something.
“So what do you think of Vivian?” he asked as we waited for my beer.
I turned and grinned at my brother, resting an elbow on the bar. “Seriously, I just met her. Are you two so in love you have to match make everyone around you? Besides she’s a city girl. We have zero in common.”
He smiled sheepishly and shrugged his shoulders. “It’s Dani’s idea. I think if she’s married, she wants her best friend married or at least with someone as well. And you might have more in common than you realize. Remember, I was once a country boy as well, but that didn’t scare Dani away.”
“You’re not a country boy anymore. You’ve been living in this awful city too long. I don’t know how you do it.” I shook my head. The traffic and all the people were driving me nuts and I was thankful I could leave on Sunday and get back to the peace and quiet of farm life. “And you guys are hilarious.” My beer arrived and I took a long swig. “Vivian’s cute and I’m sure she’s fun but it would never work.”
