by Amanda Ashby
Christopher reluctantly climbed down and resumed his seat.
The party had started at Kevin’s bar but they’d all decided to move to Coop’s new factory. Something he was now regretting, not because he didn’t like Christopher, Lincoln, and the other guys of the wedding party, but because if he was here, then he couldn’t be back at the barn waiting for Pepper to return from Emmy’s bachelorette party.
Something had shifted since they’d gone to the pipe. It was like he’d finally managed to bury his brother after all these years. Pepper had changed too. He’d half expected her to be anxious after opening up. Or, at the very least, pissed off she still hadn’t secured another job. But she seemed relaxed. Well, as relaxed as a wedding planner a day before the nuptials could be.
The wedding that was tomorrow.
Their deadline.
And yet, Pepper hadn’t mentioned anything about leaving. Several times he’d wanted to bring it up. Ask her outright, but he caught himself at the last moment. Pushing Pepper was never a smart move. Besides, the wedding hadn’t happened yet. There was still time.
“I was hoping you’d give me some advice about Bec.” Lincoln joined him at the bar.
“Is she okay?” Coop put down his drink as his shoulders tightened.
“She’s totally fine,” Lincoln assured him before his eyes filled with concern. “Well, I think she is. She’s been running around with the wedding business and the renovations. Last night I woke up and found her in the nursery, painting a rainbow onto the ceiling because she realized the baby would spend so much time looking up. I just wish she’d slow down. I don’t suppose you have any tips.”
The tension faded and Coop patted Lincoln on the back. “I hate to tell you, big guy, but that is Bec slowed down! But don’t worry. She goes in cycles and next week you’ll probably find her curled up on the sofa reading baby books for an entire week. She’s the most resourceful person I know, especially when it comes to herself. She’ll slow down when she needs to.”
“Thanks.” Some of the lines around Lincoln’s mouth faded, making Coop like him more. Bec deserved the very best and it appeared that she had it. “I just want to make sure everything’s perfect.”
“I think you’ve already done that just by letting her keep the Elvis mannequin,” Coop said referring to just part of the strange collection of furniture that had come with the bed and breakfast.
“Yeah, you’re a braver man than I am.” Christopher joined them, clutching at a bottle of whiskey and three shot glasses. “I love Emmy, but I’m not sure I’d want Elvis to be sharing the bedroom with us every night.”
“Says the guy who drove four hundred miles to get his fiancée an antique birdbath,” Lincoln retorted referring to gothic creation now sitting proudly in the garden of Wishing Bridge Farm. Pepper said it was reference to the tattoo on Emmy’s ankle.
“Worth every mile I traveled.” Christopher swayed as he poured three shots out, the alcohol sloshing all over the bar. Tomorrow it would be sticky as all hell, but right now it was hilarious and Coop started to laugh as he reached for one of the glasses. “Here’s to birdbaths and Elvis mannequins.”
“Birdbaths and Elvis.” Lincoln and Coop echoed as they downed the drink. The alcohol teased his senses and sent a rush through him. Coop slammed the glass down and this time Lincoln refilled them.
“And here’s to Emmy. I’ve known her since I was a kid. Sweetest, kindest woman in the whole damn town.” Coop raised his glass.
“Whole damn world,” Christopher added and the three of them knocked back another shot. This time Coop filled up the glasses and he grinned at Lincoln.
“And to Bec. Wild, fun and the truest friend a person could have.”
“To Bec!” Christopher and Lincoln chorused, this time sounding a bit slurred. Lincoln leaned forward on his elbows, as if trying to study Coop’s face. “What about you, Benjamin Cooper? Have you been seeing anyone lately or has the business kept you too busy?”
“Seeing someone?” Coop wrinkled his brow as the alcohol tugged at his mind. He was almost certain his conversations with Lincoln were generally limited to Bec, beer and the weather in England. Which meant he probably shouldn’t say anything about Pepper. Then again—oh, I know what this is about. He groaned. “Bec put you up to this?”
“God, no. If Bec had her way she’d be climbing into your window and searching the barn for information. I swear she was a secret agent in another lifetime. But hey, you don’t need to answer if you don’t want.” Lincoln shook his head and poured out three more shots.
“It’s complicated,” Coop said as the room began to spin.
“If you want my ten cents worth.” Christopher leaned forward, swaying slightly. “You should make it uncomplicated. Life’s short and if you want something you should push away all the stuff in your way. If I let stuff get in my way, I wouldn’t be getting married tomorrow.”
“Christopher, dude!” One of the other guys shouted over. “It’s time for more surfing lessons.”
“Surfing!” Christopher jumped unsteadily to his feet and turned to Coop. “You coming, buddy?”
“Just give me a minute.” Coop reached for his cell phone, Christopher’s words echoed in his mind. Make it uncomplicated.
Hell, I can do that.
It made perfect sense. He and Pepper had told each other their dark, dirty secrets. She seemed to see him for who he was, and he’d always seen her. In Technicolor glory. He frowned. Why hadn’t he said something sooner? Straight after their conversation at the pipe.
I was playing it safe.
He dialed her number before he could change his mind.
Dammit. Voicemail. Still, no time like the present.
“Pepper Watson. I love you and we’re great together and you should stay in Sunshine with me.” Then he frowned. “By the way, it’s Coop. Did I mention I love you? Okay, I gotta go. Christopher’s going to give us all a surfing lesson.”
Then he hung up and immediately fell asleep.
…
“I love it!” Emmy studied the photo of the pipe on her cell phone for the hundredth time. So far during the bachelorette party, her sister had declared her love for just about everything, from the flowers for tomorrow’s wedding, through the barman’s moustache. “It’s everything I wanted. I can’t believe you knew about this place when I didn’t.”
“Perhaps her mystery boyfriend told her about it,” Bec announced from across the table as she carefully removed all the fruit that had been piled in her mocktail, while the rest of the group danced to the music pumping out.
“There’s no mystery boyfriend,” Pepper quickly corrected, pleased Emmy was tipsy and Bec was still involved with inspecting the large piece of pineapple she was about to eat. Besides, it wasn’t a total lie. He’s not my boyfriend. Just my short-term lover. My very, very hot short-term lover. Unfortunately, her sisters had taken to teasing her about all the time she’d been spending away from the farm. Obviously, Pepper hadn’t been as discreet as she’d thought. “Besides, I did grow up here too, you know.”
“Yes, and left as soon as you could.” Emmy swayed some more and her friend, Rachel plucked the cell phone safely out of her hands. “But I’m pleased you’ve come back and helped me with my wedding. You’re the best.”
“And you’re drunk,” Pepper replied as she carefully slid Emmy’s cocktail glass away from her, while Rachel—as maid of honor—replaced it with a bottle of still water. “But all the same, you’re welcome.”
“Thank you.” Emmy swayed as she picked up the water. “What’s this?”
“This is what’s going to make you look dewy and fresh faced tomorrow at your wedding. And no, don’t pout. You instructed me to make sure you only had three cocktails all night. Just doing my job.”
“Fine.” Emmy gave a dramatic sigh that was somewhat ruined by her beaming smile. “I’ll drink the water. I love water.”
“Yes you do,” Rachel said as Emmy and Bec began an animated discuss
ion on the importance of having a blue garter. Since Pepper had already ensured Emmy had a selection of three garters, and had even gone to the trouble of finding an old blue piece of lace that had once belonged to Ivy, she didn’t feel the need to contribute. She took a sip of her wine and allowed herself to relax.
The last two days had been hectic, but in-between all of the last minute wedding preparations, she’d managed to slip away to spend time with Coop. She glanced at her watch and wondered if she’d be missed. It was almost ten at night and there wasn’t much she could do until tomorrow morning. She retrieved her cell phone and then frowned as the three messages blinked on the screen.
She must have missed them with all the music.
“Oh, are these from your mystery man?” Bec reached over and plucked the cell phone from her. “He must be missing you.”
“Bec, give it back.” Emmy chided before Pepper could even say anything.
“Relax. I was only teasing her. Besides, if Pepper did have a mystery man I doubt she’d leave evidence on her cell phone.”
“That’s right.” Emmy giggled. “Not everyone takes naked photos of their lover.”
“Hey, that was one time. Okay, twice. But it’s not my fault Lincoln looks so good naked.” Bec grinned as she patted Pepper’s arm. “And I’m sorry. Your life, your business.”
“Thanks,” Pepper said, and while she’d never keep naked photos on her cell phone, there were numerous text messages from Coop. None of which she wanted either of her sisters to find. “It’s probably just some last-minute wedding details. I’m just going to step outside and listen to them. Will you be okay?”
“Absolutely.” Emmy nodded as she took another slug of water. “And when you come back, it’s time for some dancing.”
Pepper grabbed her coat and shrugged it on. Outside the December sky was bright and full of stars while the start of a frost was already visible on the ground.
She tapped in her password and held her cell phone up to her ear.
The first message was from Stan asking if he could bring Myra from the post office around on Monday. She had a problem with a neighbor’s rooster. Pepper paused. Despite what her sisters and Coop had said, there was no way she would ever become a country lawyer. Not in a million years. Then again, giving five minutes of quasi-legal advice in the back of Stan’s taxi wasn’t exactly hard work. And if it could help make the residents of Sunshine less crazy, then what was the harm?
She sent him a quick reply to say yes and then moved onto the second message. It was from Coop
“Pepper Watson. I love you and we’re great together and you should stay in Sunshine with me,” he said in drunken voice before pausing. “By the way, it’s me, Coop. Did I mention I love you? Okay, I gotta go. Christopher’s going to give us all a surfing lesson.”
He loves me?
She lowered the cell phone and rubbed her brow. Ever since their conversation at the pipe about Simon, there had been a new intensity between them. But this is something else. He wants me to stay.
She sat down on the nearby bench and shut her eyes, waiting for the familiar sense of panic to overtake her. It didn’t happen. All she could hear was Coop’s (slightly slurred voice) going over and over in her head.
I love you.
She swallowed hard. All the phone calls she’d made and strings she’d tried to pull, but she still hadn’t managed to get another interview. Not at the kind of law firm where she wanted to work. One that would take her career where she’d dreamed of. There were other places, but if she was going to take an ordinary job, then was it worth relocating?
Especially when there was someone in Sunshine who loved her.
Someone who I think I love too.
She started to smile and was about to listen to Coop’s message again when she saw the third message. She hit play and held it up to her ear. It was probably Coop calling to ask her to meet him back at the barn.
It was from Meredith at Ritzman and Unger.
“Pepper, call me when you get this. I have a position that’s opened up. Not the one you interviewed for but one we think you’d be perfect for. It would be in our head office in Chicago. I think you’ll like the salary package we’ve put together.”
Pepper rubbed her brow and stared at the cell phone in her hand as she managed to bite back a hysterical laugh as Rachel stepped out and joined her.
The universe is clearly amusing itself at my expense.
“I hope I’m not interrupting, but you were gone awhile and Emmy was getting worried. I just wanted to check if everything was okay?” Rachel said.
Was everything okay?
That would be a big fat no. Because let’s see. The guy I’m secretly sleeping with has just said he loves me and wants me to move back here, while I’ve just been offered a career defining job, which would get my life back on track.
Oh, and Stan wants me to give legal advice pertaining to a rooster.
Pepper clasped her hands together to help center herself and then nodded. “I’m fine. Just a few last-minute wedding calls. Nothing important.”
“I’m pleased,” Rachel said as she sat down on the bench, her expression frank. “And Pepper, I know your sisters are desperate for you to move back here, but they just want you to be happy. Well, underneath layers of teasing.”
“I know.” She nodded. In the past she’d never felt particularly close to either of her sisters. Especially after the accident, when it had seemed like their grief faded away like the snow. That wasn’t quite the case. They had been just as damaged by it as Pepper had. And with that new understanding had come a new bond.
And if I said yes to Coop, I’d be closer to them.
But what if something happened?
Just one thing. An accident, an argument, some random event. My sisters could leave, Coop could break my heart, and it would all fall apart.
I wouldn’t have any control.
“Well, good. Because once this wedding’s over, the only thing you need to worry about is doing what feels right to you. Anyway, I’m going back in for a final dance before making sure our bride gets tucked safely into bed. I’ll see you in there.”
“Thanks, Rachel.” Pepper managed to give the maid of honor a faint smile before shutting her eyes and wishing she could follow Rachel’s advice. But how could she do what felt right when she had no idea what that was?
Panic pounded in her chest and she dialed Coop’s number. If she could talk to him, it might all fall into place. Make sense. But after several rings the call went through to voice mail. Which either meant he was drunk, asleep, or both. It also meant she was going to need to figure it out all on her own.
Chapter Eleven
Coop tried to ignore his pounding head as he stood down by the wishing bridge, watching Emmy and Christopher get married on the last day of the year. The coolness of the December sun was slowly burning up the frost that had settled on the ground the previous evening, causing steam to rise all around them. The entrance to the bridge was laced with the dark green vines, while small candles swayed from hanging jam jars. Huge braziers were set out around the seats, sending gusts of warmth to the enraptured guests. Leafless trees swayed in the wind while cinnamon colored hills sat as a backdrop, giving the whole place a magical feeling.
The only thing that wasn’t magical was when Coop had woken up in his factory and remembered he’d called Pepper and said he loved her.
What was I thinking?
Oh yeah, that’s right. I wasn’t.
Because if he had been thinking, he would’ve known that trying to force Pepper’s hand was a bad idea.
Which is why she’s hardly looked at me.
Especially since their affair had an expiration date. Today.
He’d been trying to speak to her all morning, but between the last-minute things needing to be done, and trying to prevent his brain from exploding, there hadn’t been a chance. He glanced over. She was standing alongside Bec and Rachel and looked stunning. The midnight bl
ue dress was partly covered by a vintage faux fur jacket, but it couldn’t hide the way it perfectly molded to her body, making her look regal and delicate at the same time. The constant dichotomy had always fascinated him. I’ll never get tired of looking at her.
Small strands of hair dance around the back of her long neck. Desire prickled his chest. She shifted slightly, as if knowing he was watching her. The cool weather had added color to her cheeks and a small smile formed on her mouth, but it was impossible to read her. She could be happy, nervous, or about to kill a wedding guest for coughing too loudly. It really was too close to call.
He mouthed a quick hello and then watched as the final vows were exchanged and Emmy and Christopher kissed. A loud cheer erupted from Bec and then the rest of the guests started to clap. Coop joined them and watched as Emmy broke away from the kiss, her face beaming.
He headed over and as soon as he got the chance he wrapped the bride in his arms.
“Congratulations, Emmy. You look happy.”
“I am. And thank you for all your help, Coop. We both really appreciate it.”
“My pleasure,” he said as he spotted Pepper, just over by the bridge. “I’ll see you at the location for the photographs. I’m driving Christopher and his groomsmen there in five minutes.”
“Just make sure there’re no surf boards in your car,” she teased, which meant she’d heard all about the bachelor party last night. If only bar surfing had been the worst thing that had happened.
“I promise,” he said before walking over to where Pepper was discretely reading a list on her cell phone, her brow delicately wrinkled in concentration. Time stopped and some of the anxiety lessened as he breathed her in. When they were like this, things made sense. Nothing was complicated. It was just them. It took all of his will power not to drag her close and claim her mouth. “Has anyone told you how gorgeous you look today?”
“Coop. Hey. Thank you.” Color mounted on her face as her eyes seemed to survey the dark suit he was wearing. Since he wasn’t part of the wedding party, he’d forgone a tie and wrapped a scarf around his neck. “You look lovely, too.”
