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Chapter 1
Marley
“Eek! OMG Marley you’re here!” My older sister squeals and throws her arms around my neck as soon as I see her standing by the baggage claim door. “I’m so glad you could make it! Welcome to Montana!”
Giving my sister a tight hug, I can’t help but smile from ear to ear at how happy she looks. I flew in for a quick visit since the school where I teach Kindergarten has a long weekend break.
I had to come visit her and her famous bull-riding boyfriend. I couldn’t believe it when she told me she was moving here to be with him after knowing Nash for such a short time, but they say when you know, you know. And judging from how happy she seems, I’d say it was the right decision.
“I’m so glad I could make it.” Maddie links her arm with mine as we walk out of the Bozeman airport and head toward the parking lot. I immediately start shivering from the cold, even though I’m wearing my new long wool coat.
My mouth gapes open when we stop in front of a huge white truck.My sister drives a truck?!
“Maddie, is this yours? Since when do you even know how to drive something like this?” I chuckle as I put my bag in the back seat and climb up into the passenger’s seat.
“Oh, it belongs to the ranch. You’d be surprised how quickly you can adapt to life out here. I love driving this thing!”
I shake my head at my sister’s wide smile. I love seeing her like this.
“Nash is sorry he couldn’t come with me to pick you up, he and Rhett had to work on some ranch business today that couldn’t wait. But you’ll see him later.”
“No worries,” I reply as she starts up the truck and pulls out of the parking spot. “So tell me all about…well, everything.”
Maddie winks at me as she turns on the heat. It doesn’t take long before we get on the main road and I see a sign signaling the way to Heart River. “I’ve already told you everything over the phone I’m sure.”
“Don’t care. It’s different in person. Start talking.”
I’m admiring the view of the snow-covered mountains in the distance as Maddie tells me all about how she and her friends came for a visit right before Christmas and immediately met amazing guys that they each fell for instantly. And how Nash literally knocked her off her feet the first time they met.
And my favorite part is how she didn’t know he was kind of a celebrity, and he didn’t say anything. I can tell from what she says about him that Nash and his brother are good people. And that Nash is great for her.
“So, I hope you don’t mind, but today is actually our one-month anniversary.” My sister grins at me as we turn off the interstate.
“Why would I mind?”
“Well, we kinda have a date planned tonight. I’m sorry, I know you just got here, but is that okay with you?”
I wave my hand at her dismissively. “Please. Of COURSE it’s fine. I’m just happy to be here. You have four whole days to get sick of me being here. And to show me around this town that you claim has more hot guys than a girl could shake a stick at.”
“Well it does! You’ll see. And I could never get sick of you!” She feigns a gasp before we both start to cackle. I’m really lucky to have a sister like her. We always got along so well, and I’ve really missed her lately.
“I’m surprised you came at such short notice. My sweet little sister, the one who never gets into trouble and is always home and in bed by 8:00. I can’t believe you hopped on a plane without planning it six months in advance!”
“Hey! I’m in bed by 8:00 because I have to be at school before seven in the morning! I’m not boring, I’m just tired!”
Maddie laughs at me again. “I’m just kidding, sis. I mean, I’m not, I do think you need to get out more. The odds of some hot guy sweeping you off your feet at elementary school are pretty low I’m guessing.” She winks at me.
“I know. I just don’t have time, that’s all.” I’ve told her this so many times before.
“Well, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Heart River, it’s not short on hot rugged men to meet. We’ll see what we can do while you’re here.”
“I won’t hold my breath.” I shake my head at her. As if.
???
“Marley, will you get the door? I think Nash said something about a delivery today,” I hear my sister Maddie call out from her bedroom after a loud knock at the door. I can tell she’s almost finished getting ready for her date from the scent of freshly sprayed perfume wafting into the hallway as I pass her bedroom.
“No problem!” I make my way to the front door and open it. When I look out, my eyes land on the hottest man I’ve ever seen just standing there holding a bakery box. His profile is in view since he’s looking toward Nash’s barn.
