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“If we thought she was skittish about being noticed before, she might turn into a recluse after she finds out.”
“I would never let anything happen to her,” Blake said sternly.
“I know, and that’s why I can go knowing she’ll go on living a happy life here. She loves the ranch, and if you stayed to watch over her–”
“Let me be clear. I wouldn’t be staying to protect her, though I would protect her with my life, if it ever came to that. I’d be staying because I love her, and I want to be with her.”
Ridge narrowed his eyes in the shadow of his cowboy hat. “Took you long enough to say it.”
“It doesn’t matter if I say it or not. It’s been the truth for a while.”
“I figured. Remember what we talked about before she moved in?”
“I haven’t pursued anything. We haven’t even kissed. Do you have any idea how–”
Ridge held up a hand. “Dude, no kiss talk. Not about my sister.”
“It’s the truth. We know we need to keep some distance until she moves out. She looked at some houses earlier this week, but none of them were a good fit. She’s planning to move to the main house after the wedding.”
“That’s another thing we need to talk about. What do you want to do about the house?” Ridge asked.
A group of kids crested the nearest hill, followed closely by Remi. They were close enough to the barn that they could hear the laughter from the playground.
Blake smiled at his friend. “Let’s talk about it on the way home.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Everly
Everly sat behind the mahogany desk in her new office. The walls were bare, and the room didn’t have a door yet. The desk, chair, and filing cabinet took up only a tiny portion of the space, but it was beginning to feel like hers. It took having a nice, new office to realize she actually wanted one.
The forty acres to the south of the main house, cabins, and stables had been cleared and set aside for the event venues, and while Everly had always appreciated the beauty of Wolf Creek Ranch, the picturesque scene outside her office window continued to distract her.
Work. Focus.
Nope, she couldn’t control the urge to glance out the window every other second. The gently rolling hills and the ridge in the distance couldn’t be denied.
Pushing from her seat, she closed the blinds. That should work long enough that she could finish preparing for her next meeting before the couple arrived. The future Mrs. Turner had seemed sweet on the phone, but she’d hardly be impressed with the new venue if Everly flubbed their first planning meeting.
The phone on her desk rang, and she answered quickly. “Wolf Creek Weddings. This is Everly.”
A gruff male voice greeted her. “Hi, Miss Everly. It’s Hank. I have a delivery.”
Hank had made a few deliveries from Fiona’s Flowers in the last few weeks. His rough voice and appearance didn’t match his friendly persona.
Everly glanced at the clock on her computer screen. He was right on time as always. “I’ll be right there.”
Jumping from her seat, she hurried to the front entrance of the reception hall. A dozen crews had been working long hours for months to get the place up and running in time for Jameson and Ava’s wedding. The deadline kept Everly hustling to make sure everything would be ready for her friend’s big day. The chapel wasn’t complete, but Jameson and Ava were happy to say their vows at the arbor overlooking the valley at the base of the Bighorn Mountains.
The tapping of Everly’s heels echoed through the grand room. The tables and chairs had arrived yesterday, and the curtains and draperies were expected before the end of business hours tomorrow.
Everly pulled the sleek key from the pocket of her pencil skirt and opened the double doors. Hank stood near the back of the delivery van with his hands in his pockets.
“Good morning, Miss.”
“Morning, Hank. Having a good day so far?”
Hank reached into the back of the van. “Always. Where am I going with these?”
