by Dylann Crush
“Don’t start spoutin’ off about that woman’s crazy wedding ideas again,” Dad warned.
“Do you want to have to tell Mom you’re moving the family into town?”
“She’d leave me.” Dad sighed.
“She’d never leave you. But she might not talk to you for the rest of your lives.” Jasper had seen his mama hold a grudge and it wasn’t pretty. She still had trouble looking him in the eye, since she blamed him for Colin’s departure.
“Tell me what you have in mind. I suppose it’s worth a listen.”
“Mayor Cherish said she’s looking for complementary businesses to help expand Ido’s hold on the wedding market. I told you years ago that people pay big bucks to rent out barns for wedding receptions. And we’ve got the oldest barn in the state of Texas, that ought to be good for—”
“You can’t tell me some hoity-toity bride all dressed in white is going to want to say her vows while standing in a pile of horse shit.” Dad shook his head.
“You’re missing the point.” His dad had almost run their business into the ground thanks to his narrow-minded ways. If he didn’t come around to trying something new, they’d all suffer.
“What’s the point then? Enlighten me.” They’d stopped at the edge of the ring, where Jasper’s twelve-year-old sister, Abby, was putting her favorite mare through her paces. Dad hooked the heel of his boot on the lowest fence board.
“We move the horses to the smaller barn and renovate the big one. You’re right, no bride is going to want to use it like it is now. But with the insurance money we have coming in, we could use that to—”
“Have you lost your mind? That insurance money’s got to buy trees to replace the ones we lost. What good is a pecan farm without pecan trees?”
Jasper tried to keep his cool. “You know it’s going to take at least five years, probably seven or eight, to get those trees back to producing something we can sell. But if we revamp the barn, we could be making money hand over fist by next spring.”
Dad shook his head. “That’s crazy talk. Your mama would never go for such a crackpot idea.”
Jasper’s chest tightened. Now was his shot. “She thinks it might work.”
“What?” Dad’s eyes went wide, and his mouth hung open.
“I talked to Mayor Cherish about it last week, just to gauge her reaction. She thinks it’s a great idea. Then I mentioned it to Mom.”
“You went behind my back.” Dad’s voice dropped into a growl. “You talked to your mama, you visited with the mayor, all without saying a word to me?”
Jasper let out a long sigh. “Because I knew you wouldn’t even consider it. But we’ve got to do something to make some money over the next few years. Even if we replant half the trees we lost, can’t you try something else to supplement in the meantime?”
Dad rested his hands on the top rail of the fence and let his head drop between his shoulders. “Over a hundred years. This farm’s been operating under the Taylor name for four generations. I can’t lose it.”
“Then let me help you save it.” Jasper clapped a hand on his dad’s shoulder. “I only want what’s best for all of us.”
“If that’s true, you’d best go find your brother and convince him to come back.”
“Dad . . .” Jasper closed his eyes for a long beat, trying to battle away the tension in his jaw at the mention of his brother. He wished he had it in him to come clean, but it would make things so much worse. It was easier to let them believe what they wanted to.
“Whatever happened between the two of you, you’re family.” Dad squinted. “You can’t avoid him forever.”
Jasper nodded. “I know.”
“I’m going to have to talk to your mama about this.” Dad adjusted his hat and squared his shoulders.
“I understand.” The phone in his back pocket vibrated. He reached for it and saw Mayor Cherish’s number light up his screen. “Hey, it’s the mayor. I ought to take this.”
His dad didn’t respond, so Jasper took several long strides toward the shade of one of the oldest pecan trees they had on the property and answered the call. “Hello?”
“Jasper, it’s Lacey Cherish. Something’s come up. Are you still interested in trying to make a go of it with your idea on using your barn for weddings?”
“I’m not quite sure yet.” Jasper’s chest tightened. “I mentioned it to Dad, and he needs some time to get used to the idea.”
“Well, I’m in a bind. I just got word that the state tourism board gave us a spot to compete for the most romantic small town in Texas.”
“That’s great. But what does that have to do with turning the barn into a wedding venue?”
“I need someone to represent Ido as our hospitality host . . . be the point of contact for the judge while she’s here in town. Is that something you’d be able to do?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I’ve got a lot to do around here. We still haven’t cleaned everything up from the storm, and—”
“I’m in a real jam. We weren’t supposed to be competing in this contest, but Swynton got disqualified and we got their spot. I don’t have time to come up with another plan. If we can claim the title of the most romantic small town in Texas, we could increase the wedding business we’ve already got. It would give you a chance to really make a go of it with the barn idea.”
Jasper sensed a golden opportunity within his grasp. Mayor Cherish was right. If Ido claimed the title, there would be a huge influx of tourists. Not only weddings, but they could do anniversary parties, maybe even corporate outings with trail rides. If he could turn things around and save their land, how could he refuse?
“What would you need me to do?”
“They’re sending Miss Lovin’ Texas over to judge. From what I understand, she’ll live here in town for a month, and then they’ll hold a big shindig in Houston in November where they’ll announce the winner. We’re the last stop. She’s already been to Hartwood and East. What do you say? Will you be Ido’s hospitality host?”
“You want me to entertain a beauty queen for a month?” His gut rolled. “There’s got to be someone else better qualified for the job.”
“I wish,” Lacey muttered.
“What’s that?”
“I wish we had time to find someone, but there’s no one else. Believe me, I’ve tried to come up with ideas on who might be best to fill this role. You’ve got incentive. If Ido wins, you win. Plus, you can’t argue that right now you’ve got the time.”
No, he couldn’t argue with that. Harvesttime was coming up and with 75 percent fewer trees to pick, not even the busiest time of year would keep him all that occupied.
“What would I have to do?”
“Easy peasy. Just shuttle her around and introduce her to the folks in town. Make sure she sees the best of Ido and gets to all the events on time. Should be a piece of cake.”
A piece of cake. In his experience, most things folks thought would be a piece of cake ended up being more like a cake fight. He clenched his jaw, trying to think of another solution. But he’d spent the past month running through every scenario he could come up with to save the orchard. Turning the barn into some sort of event venue and taking advantage of the town’s strategy to become the most romantic small town in Texas might be the best option. Maybe even the only option. But what did he know about romance?
“I’d be happy to pitch in, but I don’t think I’m the right man for the job.”
Lacey sighed. “Some help is better than none. Can you swing by my office this afternoon? We need to get started right away.”
“Sure thing. I thought you said you were pretty busy this week with that big wedding coming up. Maybe we should wait until next week?” That would give his dad a chance to further warm up to the idea.
“We don’t have time to spare. She’ll be here Friday.”
&
nbsp; “Friday? As in the day after tomorrow?” His stomach flipped.
“Yes, Friday. We’ve got to put together some sort of kickoff event in less than forty-eight hours.”
“Wow.” Dammit. How was he going to convince his dad to get on board that fast? Dad was deliberate in his decisions. He took time to weigh the options and examine his moves from every angle before he committed to taking any kind of action. He’d never get behind an idea this wild in such a short time frame.
“Can I count on you?”
Jasper took in a deep breath. Helping the town would be the best way to help his family, even if Dad didn’t see it that way yet.
“Let me get cleaned up, and I’ll be over in a bit.”
“Thanks, Jasper. I’ll see you soon.”
He ended the call and rejoined his dad by the fence.
“What did the mayor want?” Dad asked.
Jasper hooked his fingers over the top rail. “She asked if I wanted a job.”
“What kind of job?”
“Seems Ido is in the running for most romantic small town in Texas and she needs a hospitality host.”
Dad let out a deep laugh. “No offense, son, but I hope you turned her down. You don’t really know much about either, do you?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“When’s the last time you went on a date? Shouldn’t someone who’s in charge of romance and hospitality know something about one or the other?”
“I did turn her down, but told her I’d be willing to help. If Ido wins that title, it would mean a bunch of publicity for something like a wedding barn.”
“Tell you what.” Dad turned and faced him. The humor had faded from his eyes. “You and Lacey get that title for Ido and I’ll let you try that wedding idea with the barn.”
Jasper grinned. “You sure you want to make that deal?”
His dad thrust out his hand. “I’m sure, but how about you? If you fail, we’re going to have to make some difficult decisions around here.” He glanced to where Abby had slowed the mare to a walk. “Some of those horses we’ve got are worth quite a bit. I’m not afraid to make some hard decisions to do whatever it takes to save this place.”
Jasper wrapped his hand around his dad’s. “If all goes well, you won’t have to.”
three
Delilah tapped her fingers on the steering wheel of the hot-pink, decked-out dually truck. She’d enjoyed the drive from East to Ido more than she expected. It was nice to have control of the radio and not have to bend to her mother’s preferences when it came to where to stop for a meal, or even which gas station she thought would have the nicest bathroom. Freedom felt just fine to her.
Stella hadn’t always been so overbearing. But since things had gotten a little rocky with the man Delilah had been sure would assume the role of stepfather number five, Stella had been more clingy than usual. Even insisted on going on the road together, which meant the two of them had to share space inside the tiny retro camper the tourism board had provided. It would be nice to have the place to herself for the next thirty days, even if she did have to spend it in another small Texas town vying for the title.
Maybe if the cosmetics line did well it would keep Stella busy enough that Delilah could put some effort into something with a little more meaning behind it. She’d always had a soft spot in her heart for the little girls who came to watch the pageants. They had stars in their eyes and hopes of winning a title of their own. What most of them didn’t have was access to the kind of training and preparation that Monique had provided for her. But first, thirty days in Ido.
She glanced to the roadside sign welcoming her to town as she passed. It looked new based on the fresh piles of dirt sitting next to the posts that stuck out of the ground. Mr. Plum hadn’t provided much background information on the town. He wanted her to evaluate each place based on her own personal experience, not go in with a bunch of preconceived ideas. As she navigated around the town square, looking for a place to park the truck and trailer she towed behind, she took her first real look at downtown Ido.
Seemed pleasant enough. The square took up about half a city block. Tall shade trees blocked the afternoon sun, and people sat on benches placed around the perimeter. A white gazebo stood in the center of it all. Chairs had been set up in front and a few people were working their way around the railing, fastening some sort of ribbon and flower clusters. Delilah pulled the truck in parallel to the sidewalk, taking up a handful of parking spots in front of city hall.
She’d used part of her per diem to stay in a hotel the night before so she could pull herself together and make a good first impression on the mayor and other representatives of the town. As she slid down from the running board of the truck, she adjusted her sash. Mr. Plum had made it clear she was representing the tourism board at all times, and needed to wear her sash anytime she was out in public. She pushed the heavy truck door closed behind her and set her gaze on the building in front of her.
She stepped onto the sidewalk and made her way to the stairs. As she did, someone came around the side of the building, a giant hose in his hand. Before she could get his attention, he shifted the direction of the sprayer. Icy cold droplets of water rained down on her, stopping her dead in her tracks. She opened her mouth to scream but closed it immediately as the water splashed across her face.
“Oh, shit!” The onslaught of water ceased as the man in front of her dropped the hose to the ground. “Cut the water! For fuck’s sake, turn it off.”
The hose continued to whip around, spraying water like a sprinkler. Delilah stood frozen in place on a drenched section of sidewalk, not knowing whether she should seek shelter behind the truck or try to race up the steps before the water sprayed over her again.
Too late. The hose had taken on a life of its own. Water shot out at every angle as the hose bounced along the grass. The man tried to step on it but slipped and fell. He climbed on top of it, wrestling it into submission as the gush of water came closer to her feet. She couldn’t move. The end of the hose lifted, shooting a spray of frigid water straight up her skirt. He launched himself at the spigot, finally pinning it to the ground. The hose clenched in his hand, he sprawled across the sidewalk and squinted up at her.
“Please tell me you’re not Delilah Stone.”
She took a startled step back. From that angle he might very well be able to see right up her skirt. Her dripping-wet skirt. What was pageant protocol in a situation like this? Years of training and etiquette classes had left her unprepared. So she did what she imagined the reigning Miss Lovin’ Texas should do in a moment like that—stepped over the man lying at her feet, straightened her sash, and proceeded up the steps of city hall.
The door had barely closed behind her when he followed her in. “I’m so sorry. Please, let me get you a towel.”
“Is there a powder room nearby?” A drop of water ran down her cheek and she resisted the urge to swipe it away, lest she smear her favorite volumizing mascara.
“Right this way.” The man gestured to the right. “I’m so sorry. I already said that, didn’t I? I was trying to clean off the sidewalk for the kickoff event tonight. We’ve had a problem with pigeons shitting—I mean pooping—all over the square.”
Delilah didn’t care about pigeons or poop or anything beyond finding a place to pull herself together in private. “I understand.”
“Bathroom’s right here.” His voice dropped as she put her palm on the door. “Are you sure I can’t get you a towel or a change of clothes, or—”
“That’s quite all right. I believe you’ve done enough.” She pushed the door open and took refuge in the sanctity of the women’s room. First things first, she checked under the stalls to make sure she was alone. It wouldn’t do her any good to let someone get a bad first impression.
Satisfied she was the only person in the small space, she gritted her
teeth and faced the mirror. Her once-loose waves stuck to her head in wet clumps. Black streaks ran down her cheeks and had dripped onto the white silk shell she’d slipped on under her blazer. And her sash. Delilah let out a soft groan. A few drops of diluted mascara had splashed onto her white satin sash. How the heck was she supposed to get that out? She reached into her purse for a stain wipe—one of the many items she carried in her small emergency bag.
As she dabbed at the black dots, the door to the bathroom opened and a woman walked in, a nervous smile pasted on her face.
“Hi, I’m Mayor Lacey Cherish. I heard you had some trouble outside of city hall.”
Delilah turned toward the mayor. “Just a little run-in with your maintenance man. Nothing a stain wipe and a dryer won’t fix.”
“I’m so sorry.” Lacey held a hand towel out to her.
“Thanks.” Delilah pressed it onto her hair, trying to sop up the water that continued to drip onto the tile floor. “Accidents happen.”
“Can I get you anything?”
“Oh, I’ll be fine. Contrary to popular belief, pageant queens don’t melt when they get doused with water.” She tried to make light of the awkward situation. It wouldn’t do any good for her to get off on the wrong foot with the mayor.
“Would you like to reschedule our meeting? We can move it back a little bit and give you a chance to settle in and get cleaned up.”
The thought of getting the trailer situated and having a chance to compose herself tempted her to agree. But it was already after four, and she had to be ready for the kickoff event in just a few hours. “Why don’t we go ahead and get the details out of the way? I’m going to need a little extra time to get ready for tonight, so I’d rather touch base now so I have the rest of the afternoon to get settled if that’s okay.”
“Of course. I’ll give you a few minutes. Just head down the hall when you’re ready. My office is at the end. You can’t miss it.”
