by Erin Wright
She hadn’t been able to get the wildflowers in time, so rocks it was. And he had to admit, they looked real nice, shockingly enough.
The barn quickly filled up with people, a fresh layer of sawdust on the dirt floor and hay bales stacked in the corner adding to the effect. Jennifer had made Stetson drive every last tractor out of the barn to make room for the wedding, even the family relic – the first tractor ever owned by the Millers – and park them all out back, hidden out of sight. Stetson had argued for keeping the family relic around as an antique that everyone would love to look at but he’d been outvoted.
Declan rather wished the tractor was there. At least it was something he knew something about. He could stand around and talk to all the older farmers in the valley about it. That seemed a hell of a lot better than talking about Mason jars and rocks from creeks.
The music only got louder as more people filed in, or maybe it just seemed like they were turning it up louder. It was sure getting noisy though, either way. Carmelita saw him and came hurrying over, saying something he couldn’t hear above the dull roar. He cupped his hand around his ear and bent down. She came up on her tippy-toes and shouted, “Wyatt is looking for you!“
Okay, maybe she didn’t have to shout quite that loud right in his ear. He rubbed at it and nodded, looking around for the groom. Carmelita tugged on his arm again and he leaned down, warily this time. “He is outside!” she shouted.
He jerked away and nodded, heading for the door lickety-split. Anything to get out and breathe some fresh air.
He stood and tapped his knife against the side of his glass to get everyone’s attention. He couldn’t believe that he was in charge of starting off the rounds of toasts for Wyatt and Abby, but apparently, those were the duties of a best man. This was the second time he’d been a best man, but Stetson’s wedding had been low-key compared to this one. Wyatt’s idea of jetting off to Vegas had been quickly voted down by all of the women, and ever since, this wedding had taken on a life of its own.
Speaking of, he had about two hundred people all staring at him, waiting in hushed silence. He should probably talk or somethin’.
He was about to razz his older brother big time, but he figured if anyone in the world deserved it, it was Wyatt. He shot Wyatt a nervous grin before starting.
“Thank you so much for coming tonight to celebrate with Wyatt and Abby. I know most of you are here for the free food because you think Wyatt owes you something.” The words were rushing out of his mouth while his nervous brain was praying that people would find the first joke funny. A comforting round of giggles and laughs answered his words.
He felt the tension begin to melt away and he looked around the barn, at all of the people smiling up at him. Home. No matter how much living in Sawyer sometimes drove him crazy, he also loved it.
“Many of you are well aware Wyatt is a bit difficult to deal with sometimes. What you may not know is that he used to be much worse.” Declan waited, letting the people chuckle at his second joke. “I remember the time that Dad sent us out to get one of the wheat fields ready for planting. At the time, we had two tractors. One was older without a cab on it, and the other one was newer, with a cab, a radio, and air conditioning. All of the modern conveniences. Of course, Wyatt pulled rank, playing the older-brother card and claimed the new tractor for himself.”
Declan looked over at Wyatt and winked. Wyatt’s face was reddening; he knew which story was being told…and how it ended.
“The tractor had been sitting in the barn all winter and for most of the spring,” Declan continued. “The new tractor was parked in front of the old one here in this barn, so I had to wait for Wyatt to get out of the way. I remember watching Wyatt climbing into the new tractor with the comfortable seat and the AC. I was so jealous.
“Wyatt made a big show of getting comfortable just to rub it in, settling back into the driver’s seat with a happy sigh and stretch. He started the tractor, and then the sound of rumbling engine was drowned out by Wyatt’s screams as he flew out of the tractor. Apparently, a family of wasps had taken up residence in the AC vents over the winter, and when Wyatt started the machine, they got blown out of their home…and right into Wyatt’s face.”
The room erupted into gales of laughter and Declan joined in, looking at his brother, who was not laughing as hard as some of the guests, but he was laughing. Which just went to show how much Abby had changed him.
“I thought he was going to beat the tractor to death with his hat as he tried to swat each and every wasp,” Declan recounted as he turned to look directly at his brother. “If it makes you feel any better, I got stung a couple times too because I was laughing so hard, I couldn’t run away.”
Wyatt did let out a genuine laugh at that and Declan joined him. Declan allowed the room to enjoy the story before he continued.
“Abby has a Maid of Honor who I believe has some devilish stories to tell too, so I’ll leave the embarrassing of the bride to Chloe, other than to say to Abby that I think your law enforcement training is about to come in very handy.”
Declan let the chuckles die down, waiting until the audience took the cue that he was about to get serious. He’d razzed Wyatt enough for one day; it was time to be nice.
“Many of you also know that my brother has weathered some pretty serious storms of tragedy in his life. For many years, Wyatt held himself inside a very thick shell as a way to protect himself.
“Abby, somehow, you managed to break through that shell. Somehow, you’re blessed with the right kind of love to speak to Wyatt in the way he needed most. Thank you for bringing our brother back.” Declan raised his glass to the beautiful bride and the crowd joined him.
“Wyatt, Shelly and Sierra will never be replaced, but it is truly good to have you back. I just have one question for you: How does a guy like you get so lucky twice?” He inclined his glass toward his chuckling brother who was beaming at his new wife.
“To Abby and Wyatt: Best of luck, best of happiness, and best of love,” Declan said, and took a sip of his champagne. His words were answered with a chorus of “Here, here,” and with a grin, he sat down. His job was done, and he could relax.
Chloe stood up to give the Maid of Honor toast but as soon as she started talking, Declan’s attention was caught by someone in the crowd. Someone who was looking straight at him.
Iris?
It couldn’t be.
She couldn’t be.
Last he’d heard, she was in Pocatello. Which was not here. But that color of red…he’d recognize it anywhere.
He turned towards Kathryn, one of Abby’s bridesmaids and also the only one in the line-up who was currently unattached. Which was, by his reckoning, surely the reason he’d been paired up with her in the wedding lineup. This was Abby and Jennifer hard at work at playing matchmaker. He could’ve told them that Kathryn wasn’t for him. She was too blonde. Too short. Too prone to bursts of staccato laughter. Too…not Iris.
“Hey Kathryn,” he said in a low voice. She turned from Chloe’s speech and sent him a giant smile. He knew was being inexcusably rude, talking during Chloe’s turn in the spotlight, but he had to know.
“Yes?” she whispered back, leaning close. Her perfume, an overwhelming vanilla stench, made him want to gag. He leaned away a little. He couldn’t breathe in too deeply or he’d end up in a coughing fit.
“Is that Iris McClain back there in the back?” he asked, jerking his head towards the flame of red in the back of the room. How was it that he’d missed seeing it while he was giving his speech? It made him wonder if it was all an apparition. He had to know.
He had to know now.
“Yeah.” The light in Kathryn’s eyes dimmed. “Yup, she’s back.” Kathryn turned and pointedly started paying attention to Chloe’s speech again, which as best as Declan could tell, was wrapping up. He turned and politely stared in Chloe’s general direction as his knee bounced underneath the table impatiently. He couldn’t focus on anything or anyone. Talk f
aster, Chloe!
Finally, the crowd began cheering and taking sips of their champagne, signaling the end of Chloe’s speech, and so Declan obediently took a sip of his, feeling the alcohol go straight to his head. Or maybe something else was going straight to it.
Iris is here. In this barn. Right now.
He realized, belatedly, that his turn was up again. Right about the time that Jennifer elbowed him in the ribs. He sent her a weak smile.
Whoops.
He stood up and said, “Dinner’s done and the embarrassment of the happy couple is over, so if y’all can help us stack the tables against that wall,” he pointed at the far wall, “and your dirty dishes over there,” he pointed to a string of tables against another wall, “the dancing can begin!”
The DJ started up the music from the speakers and Declan took off like a shot as the shuffle of people around him began readying the barn for the dancing. Declan knew that Wyatt would want to string him up from the nearest tree for not helping out like he should be with the preparations…until he heard about Iris.
He’d understand then.
He came to a skittering stop in front of her, his heart in his throat. Or maybe it was just his bolo tie, cutting off all circulation.
“Iris?” he said softly, the world around him melting away. It was her. Brilliant red hair, longer than it was in high school, and the deepest, bluest eyes he’d ever seen. Just like he remembered.
Her color was high in her cheeks as she looked up at him. “Hi, Declan,” she said softly. Her eyes were drinking him in, and he knew she was just as happy to see him as he was her.
Finally.
The day he’d dreamed of, but never thought would come.
He held out his hands to her. “Let’s hit the dance floor,” he said. He wanted nothing more than to feel her in his arms again. Dancing was one of their favorite activities during high school, other than necking, of course.
She shook her head, biting on her lower lip, looking up at him with pain in her eyes.
“Don’t you know?” she whispered softly.
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A FREE Story For You…
Enjoyed Arrested by Love? Not ready to quit reading yet? If you sign up for my newsletter at http://news.erinwright.net, you will receive Stampede of Love, the love story of Rex and Kimber, right away as my thank-you gift for choosing to hang out with me.
Stampede of Love
Eight seconds…
That’s all Rex Kingsley wants. Eight seconds on the back of Bodacious, the most feared bull in the PBR. Two years ago, the massive bull threw him and stomped him into the sands of the Tulsa Rodeo in front of ten thousand spectators. Rex survived. Barely. Now his single goal is to conquer the bull touted as “unbeatable.” No bull rider has lasted eight seconds on Bodacious’ back for over five years. Rex aims to break that streak, and his lofty ambition leaves no room in his life for a woman.
Until Kimber…
Kimber Adams just wants to celebrate her birthday with friends. A few drinks. Maybe a spin on the dance floor. But when she falls into Rex’s arms, literally, her plans change. She and Rex share a night of passion but the handsome cowboy wants more. Kimber’s no stranger to the perils of bull riding, though. She makes it clear that Rex needs to choose between eight seconds on Bodacious…or a lifetime with her.
Their love is young and fragile. Can it survive the dangers of a rodeo cowboy’s life?
Read on for a taste of Stampede…
Stampede of Love Preview
(Rex and Kimber have just met in a bar, and sparks are flying…)
“I never caught your name,” he said, realizing that he couldn’t use her name if she hadn’t been the one to tell him. That was just stalkerish and weird.
“Kimber, not Kimberly.”
“Well, Kimber Not Kimberly, I’m Rex.”
“Rex?” She eyeballed him. “Like T-Rex? Who names their child after a dinosaur? I thought I had a weird name…”
“I will say, I’ve never heard of Kimber Not Kimberly.” She stuck her tongue out at him and he winked and grinned. “Rex is…it’s a nickname.”
“And you’re not going to tell me your real name, are you.” It was a statement, not a question.
“Not a chance,” he said with a grin.
“If I guess it, will you tell me if I’m right or not?”
“Not a chance,” he repeated, and grinned wider. She rolled her eyes and plowed ahead.
Roger…
Alonzo…
Maurice…
Crawford…
“You did hear that I wouldn’t tell you even if you were right, right?” he asked, laughing, after she guessed Lesley.
“But I thought I’d bat my baby blues at you and change your mind.” She batted her eyelashes in a mockery of a southern belle, and he laughed.
“Turns out, I’m immune to baby blues.”
“Well I’m just screwed…”
Stampede of Love is ONLY available by signing up for my newsletter – sign up for it here: http://news.erinwright.net
The story doesn’t end…
You’ve met a few people and have fallen in love…
You’re probably wondering when and where you can meet everyone else. Here’s the list of books, current and to-be-released, in the Long Valley world:
* * *
Accounting for Love – The bank’s threatening to foreclose on Stetson’s farm…and the auditor on the case is damn hot. Jennifer doesn’t mind a tough job, but handsome Stetson is trouble. And then came the night she had to spend on the farm. Can she find a way for him to save his farm? And if she can’t, will he ever forgive her?
Blizzard of Love – Luke never expects to end up spending Christmas at the Miller farm. Everyone knows he hates Christmas. But Bonnie adores Christmas, so when her best friend invites her to the Miller farm, she jumps at the chance. When a blizzard hits, sparks fly. Can the magic of mistletoe tear down the barriers between them?
Arrested by Love – Deputy Abby Connelly, friends with Chloe, is about to meet her match – Stetson’s brother, Wyatt. Sparks and handcuffs fly in this story about mistakes…and redemption.
Returning for Love – Declan’s high school sweetheart left Long Valley years ago and has never looked back. He tries to move on, but can’t let her go. Then one day, she’s back in town, but everything has changed. Can Declan let his heart guide him?
Christmas of Love – Austin, Declan’s best friend, has sworn off women forever. That is, until he meets Ivy… [COMING NOVEMBER 2017]
Overdue for Love – When Dawson left Arizona nine years ago, he never expected to see Chloe again. Until he runs into her at a diner in Sawyer, Idaho, and finds that she has a memento of their last meeting in tow…
Bundle of Love – Dr. Adam Whitaker, vet extraordinaire, has spent the last nine years helplessly in love with Chloe, and deserves his own happily ever after. Except, what if the love of his life comes with one condition…a baby? [COMING MARCH 2018]
Stampede of Love – Rex the Bull Rider only wants one thing in life: To beat Bodacious, the most feared bull in the PBR. But when he meets Kimber, he has to make choice: Eight seconds…or a love of a lifetime.
Bonus: Stampede of Love is available only to my mailing list. Sign up to receive it today: http://news.erinwright.net
New series coming in 2018…the Firefighters of Long Valley
Flames of Love – Jaxson is the new fire chief of the Long Valley Fire Dept, but he quickly realizes that the idyllic life he’d imagined in Sawyer wasn’t so idyllic after all… [COMING JANUARY 2018]
Also by Erin Wright
~ Long Valley ~
Accounting for Love
Blizzard of Love
Arrested by Love
Returning for Love
Christmas of Love (Coming November 2017)
Overdue for Love
Bundle of Love (Coming March 2018)
Stampede of Love (Exc
lusive for Newsletter Subscribers)
~ Firefighters of Long Valley ~
Flames of Love (Coming January 2018)
About Erin Wright
USA Today Bestselling author Erin Wright has worked every job under the sun, including library director, barista, teacher, website designer, and ranch hand helping brand cattle, before settling into the career she’s always dreamed about: Author.
She still loves coffee, doesn’t love the smell of cow flesh burning, and is quite happily ensconced with her handsome hubby in a small, charming town in rural Idaho. Find her updates on ErinWright.net, where you can sign up for her newsletter, along with the requisite pictures of Jasmine, her kitty cat muse and snuggle buddy extraordinaire.
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