“At least it’s dry.”
“What about air-conditioning? It doesn’t have that.”
“Do you have any of those industrial fans in the horse barns?”
He couldn’t help smiling. The animated way she described things had him wanting to see her vision come to life. “A couple of them.”
“So... What do you think?”
He stepped closer, taking in that sweet fragrance that was uniquely Paisley. “I think there are only three days until their wedding, so we’d best get to work.”
Chapter Ten
“This is so exciting!” Standing beside a long folding table inside of the old barn Saturday morning, Mackenzie placed another wildflower bouquet into a mason jar. “I can’t believe there’s going to be a wedding here.”
Paisley was rather surprised, too. After hearing about Crockett’s wedding, she’d feared he might refuse. What sort of bride chooses her friends over her groom?
One who can walk away from her children without a second glance.
She shook her head. There were some things in this world she’d never understand.
Learning about Crockett’s past made her even more appreciative when he agreed to allow Samantha and Brenden to have their reception here. The thought of watching all those months of planning suddenly slip away broke her heart. She was determined to do everything in her power to make certain this reception was every bit as special as the one they’d planned and provide them the perfect opportunity to share their special day with family and friends.
“I so appreciate your help, Mackenzie.” Assembling another grouping of daisies, prairie verbena, rain lilies and sunflowers they’d gathered around the ranch last night, Paisley couldn’t help thinking what a huge help Crockett and his children had been these past couple of days. From the moment Samantha agreed to their offer, it was game on. They needed seating, decorations and countless other items. Phone calls were made. The bride and groom contacted family and friends.
When Paisley arrived at the ranch Thursday morning, armed with every string of lights she could get her hands on, Crockett had already removed the hay bales. Then they’d raked up the remaining scraps from the dirt floor before wrapping every brace, beam and post with tiny white lights. Next, they’d crisscrossed strings of patio lights to form a canopy over the entire space.
Friday, Paisley, Crockett and the kids had picked up tables, chairs and table coverings from the church where the reception was originally scheduled to take place, as well as a wooden dance floor from some friends of the bride’s parents. The rest of the afternoon was spent unloading and arranging everything in the barn. Then, after a quick supper, they’d roamed the ranch in search of wildflowers.
“It doesn’t feel like work when it’s fun.” Mackenzie watched Paisley add another lily to her mix. “And I always have fun when I’m with you.” Her words warmed Paisley’s heart.
“Aw, I feel the same way about you, sweet thing.” She twisted a piece of jute around the flower bundle. “Which reminds me, depending on how things are going at the castle, perhaps we could make that trip to the city in a couple of weeks.”
The girl’s dark eyes sparkled as an engine ground to a halt outside the door. “That would be awesome!”
They both looked up as Crockett and David strolled through the door, each carrying a stack of wood slices Crockett had cut from a downed post oak to be used as pedestals for the flower arrangements on each of the tables.
“How’re things goin’ in here?” Crockett set his stack on a nearby table then motioned for his son to do the same.
“I’m running out of flowers.” Wiping her brow, Paisley eyed her dwindling pile of blooms. She thought she’d had an adequate supply, but each quart-size jar required more than she’d anticipated. “There are six jars left and only enough flowers for one and a half.”
“David and I can get you some more. Just as soon as we finish unloading the wood pieces.”
“Would you? That would save me so much time.”
“Just tell me what you need.”
“Mostly daisies and verbena. Though you can always bring more lilies. After all that rain, there are tons of those.”
“Got it. Come on, David. We’ve got work to do.”
Once the wood was unloaded, Crockett grabbed one of the five-gallon buckets they’d used for the flowers and moments later the Ranger sprang to life and sped away as her phone vibrated in her back pocket.
With one hand full of flowers, she tugged it from her shorts with the other. “Hello?”
“Is this Paisley?”
“Yes.”
“Deidra Smith here. I’m doing the cakes for Samantha and Brenden’s wedding.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Samantha had told her to expect a call.
“I’m just lettin’ y’all know that I’ll be headed your way right after lunch.”
“Oh, I wasn’t expecting you so early.” They had yet to dress the tables. And she’d hate to mess up the cakes while they were working.
“Will you be there?”
With all the work still left to do? “Yes, we will definitely be here.” She gave the woman directions.
“All right, sugar, I’ll see you soon.”
Ending the call, Paisley tucked the phone away and set the flowers down. “Mackenzie, it looks like we’re going to cover the tables while we wait for the flowers.” She opened the large black trash bag the woman at the church had given them, reached in and pulled out a small stack of tablecloths. She took one for the cake table, then passed the rest to the girl. “Here you go, darlin’. Start wherever you like.”
Moving to the table positioned prominently near the back wall, Paisley unfurled the cloth and settled it over the hard-plastic surface.
“Something’s wrong with this one.”
Turning, she saw Mackenzie approach, holding a white tablecloth peppered with black spots. “Well, that won’t do. Set it aside and get another one out of the bag.” She smoothed out the creases as the girl walked away.
“Eww!”
“What is it?” Paisley rushed toward the girl.
Nose wrinkled, Mackenzie held up another discolored cloth. “It smells gross.”
Paisley’s gut tightened. Upending the bag onto one of the tables, her suspicions were confirmed. “They’re all damp and moldy.” She stared at the speckled heap. “They must’ve been stored somewhere near the roof collapse. Obviously, no one checked to make sure they were all right.”
“Can you wash them?”
“We haven’t got time.” She returned to the cake table, eyeing the blessedly spotless covering. Grabbing hold of a corner, she brought it to her nose and sniffed. “At least this one’s okay.” Though she had no idea where she was going to find twenty tablecloths at the last minute.
Her phone vibrated again.
With a sigh, she looked at the screen. “Hey, Rae.”
“Calling to let you know that I’ll be on my way as soon as the lunch crowd clears. And everything will be in coolers to keep it warm or cold, so they can stay there until it’s time to eat.” While the groom’s grandfather was providing the smoked brisket and sausage, Rae handled the side dishes for the reception.
“Sounds great.” Her gaze fell to the smelly pile on the table. “I don’t suppose you have any rectangular tablecloths, do you?”
“Yeah, I use them when I cater.”
Hope sifted through Paisley. “How many?”
“Three dozen. I got them on clearance from one of the supply houses.”
“Could I borrow them? The ones the church gave us are all moldy.”
“Certainly. But I should warn you that they’re black.”
“Oh, bless you. And don’t worry, I’ll make them work.”
After giving her friend directions, she ended the call with a sigh of relief and looked
across the way to Mackenzie. “Rae’s bringing tablecloths, so let’s put these foul things back in the bag.”
By the time they’d finished, Crockett and David had returned.
“I think you’re going to be happy.” Crockett set the overflowing bucket on the table. “We found more verbena, so I brought extra.”
“Oh, you have no idea how happy that makes me.” Without thinking, she pushed up on her toes and kissed his cheek, his stubble tickling her lips. “Thank you so much.”
It wasn’t until she saw the stunned look on his face that she realized what she’d done.
She quickly turned away, her cheeks heating. “Another crisis averted.” A goofy laugh accompanied her words. Why on earth had she kissed Crockett? In front of his children, no less. That wasn’t like her. When had she become so comfortable with him that she’d do something so bold?
“There’ve been more?” he asked.
Focused on the nosegays, she explained about the tablecloths, trying to behave as though everything was normal. As if kissing Crockett or any other man was normal.
“Good.” He seemed to have recovered. “I’m glad Rae could help.” He looked from her to his daughter. “If y’all are good here, David and I are gonna run up to the house and fix us all some sandwiches.” No doubt, he was probably eager to escape.
Paisley trimmed a verbena stem. “Sounds good to me.” Lord willing, the butterflies swarming her stomach would settle before he returned.
“Don’t forget chips,” Mackenzie added. A short time later, after the guys drove away, she said, “Do you like my dad?”
Paisley managed to keep her groan to herself. “We’re friends, yes, and business partners.”
“But you kissed him.”
“I did. But not for reasons you might think.” She added jute to another bouquet. “Have you ever done something unusual because you were excited?”
“Like when I almost knocked you over when Dad said you’d help with my party?”
The knotted mass in Paisley’s stomach relaxed. “Yes. After the problem with the tablecloths, I was so relieved to see that we not only had flowers, but extra flowers, that I got a little overzealous.” She handed the finished bouquet to Mackenzie.
“Well—” the girl eased it into a mason jar “—I wouldn’t have cared if it was a real kiss. I think it would be cool if you and my dad, you know—” she lifted a shoulder “—started dating.”
Regret over her actions quadrupled in that moment. How could she have acted so carelessly? It was only natural Crockett’s children would assume she liked their father in a romantic way. Women don’t just go around kissing men they’re not attracted to. But then, that could only mean one thing.
She was attracted to Crockett. And that couldn’t happen.
* * *
Darkness had descended on the ranch, and night sounds filled the warm evening air as Crockett and Paisley stood just outside of the open door of the barn.
“We can’t thank you all enough.” While the DJ played another country tune, a wedding dress–clad Samantha held her groom’s hand. “This was ten times better than the parish hall.”
Wearing dark washed Levi’s topped with a light brown vest over a white button-down, Brenden looked from the rafters to the dance floor and all around. “I still can’t believe you did all of this in only three days.”
“You have this lady to thank for that.” Crockett nodded toward Paisley, who stood beside him, looking far too beautiful in a blue-and-white sundress that made her eyes sparkle. “She had the vision. The kids and I were simply the minions who helped her execute it.”
She bumped him with her elbow. “Don’t be so modest. This is your barn after all.”
“Dude—” Brenden shot him a look “—you saved the day by allowing us to have our reception here.” Slipping a hand around his bride’s waist, he tugged her close and stared into her eyes. “Thanks to you, we didn’t have to postpone our wedding.”
“And for that, I will be forever grateful.” Samantha faced them, her smile wide. “You two are amazing.”
“She is.” Crockett poked a thumb in Paisley’s direction. “I just did whatever she told me to.”
“It’s about time for us to head out,” said Brenden. “But I think the two of you should take a break and enjoy the party.”
“That’s right.” His wife nodded. “Eat. Dance. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.”
Dancing with Paisley? Now, there was a thought sure to have Crockett battling with himself. After the peck she’d given him this morning, he didn’t know how to react. So he hadn’t. At least not on the outside. Inside, though, he was jumping for joy all the while shaking in his boots. Her innocent kiss had unleashed emotions he’d never expected nor wanted to feel again. Hopes and dreams wrestled with heartaches and disappointments. Things he’d longed for, things that would never be.
Still, after all she’d done to make this an event Brenden and Samantha would always remember, Crockett wanted Paisley to enjoy herself. So once the bride and groom departed, he said, “You know, the happy couple might be on to something. I haven’t seen you on the dance floor all night.” He’d at least danced with Mac.
Pink colored her cheeks as she scooped up a plastic plate someone had left on the edge of the gift table. “That’s because I’ve been working.”
“Well, you know what they say about that.”
She peered up at him.
“All work and no play makes Paisley a dull girl.” As if she could ever be dull.
The slow notes of a guitar and fiddle began to play, so Crockett held out his hand. “Care to join me?”
For a split second, she looked nervous. Then one brow lifted in question. “I thought you didn’t dance.”
“I said I’m not much of a dancer. I don’t do freestyle. However, I can slow dance with the best of ’em.”
After a long moment—long enough to have him second-guessing his decision—she smiled and placed her hand in his.
When they stepped onto the dance floor, he slipped one arm around her waist and pulled her close, holding her other hand against his chest. Mercy, she smelled good. Like sugar and spice and everything nice. Except Paisley wasn’t a little girl. She was a vivacious woman. Strong and independent. Not to mention gorgeous. Things he would typically discount. But the heart behind those things was like a siren, beckoning him to forget his vow to steer clear of women.
While lights twinkled overhead, he shook away the thought. “You know, Mac is already talking about having a dance party in here.”
The corners of her suddenly enticing mouth lifted. “She and her friends would have a ball.”
“David wants one, too. Without the dancing, though.”
“Of course he does.” Her hand moved gently over his shoulder.
“You know what this means, don’t you?”
She gave the slightest shake of her head.
“It means I may never get my hay barn back.”
Her laughter washed over him, breathing life into his dormant heart.
“And it’s all your fault.”
“My fault?” Her body stiffened beneath his fingers.
“If you hadn’t made my barn look so appealing, no one would be wanting parties in here.”
Her shoulders relaxed, her gaze drifting to his. “You could have said no, you know.”
“And face the wrath of the wedding planner?” He shook his head. “No way. Because I’d much rather see her smile.” His words had her doing just that.
“I’m glad we were able to do this. Not only for Samantha and Brenden, but because it took my mind off the castle and gave me something else to focus on.”
“And you’ll have a day to rest before heading back into the castle.” They’d spoken with Wes Bishop, a local contractor and the husband of one of Paisley’s friends, who’d
agreed to meet with them Monday.
“A day to recover will be nice.” Her yawn seemed to emphasize her point.
“Why don’t you go on home? We can clean up tomorrow.”
“No, I’m all right.”
“I’m not buying that. You’ve been here since dawn.”
“I wanted everything to be perfect.”
“And it was.” Much like her. “I have to admit, I was skeptical.”
“You skeptical? No way.”
“All right, sassy.” Releasing her hand, he swept a lock of that gorgeous red hair away from her face. “What you did here... You have a gift, Paisley. Not everyone can take a run-down barn and turn it into something beautiful.”
“Oh, this barn is not run-down.”
“Still, you heard what Samantha said. This was better than what they’d originally planned.”
She was quiet for a moment. “That’s why I enjoy planning weddings. Seeing the awestruck looks on the couples’ faces and knowing that I made their dreams come true is very satisfying.”
If he were a better man, he’d do everything in his power to make her dreams come true. “You’re an amazing woman, Paisley. I’m sorry I ever doubted you.”
She smiled up at him. “Consider it a lesson learned.”
For a moment, everything and everyone faded away as Crockett lost himself in her sapphire eyes. His gaze drifted to her lips, curiosity niggling its way into his traitorous brain. If he lowered his head just a little more—
“Dad?” Mac touched his elbow.
Paisley promptly took a step back.
He rubbed the back of his neck. “What is it, Mac?” And why couldn’t it have waited until the dance was over?
“David’s asleep.”
There was no place to lie down in here. “Where?”
His daughter pointed to one of the tables.
“Aw, sweet baby,” said Paisley.
His son was sitting in a chair, arms folded atop the table, his head cradled on top of them. “Little guy is tuckered out.”
“Why don’t you go ahead and take him back to the house?” Paisley looked from David to Crockett. “Now that the bride and groom are gone their guests will start to dwindle.”
A Future to Fight For Page 12
