“You could always stay in Bozeman permanently?” Emily said softly. “Your mom and dad would enjoy seeing more of you.”
Jacob shook his head. “I’ve been here too long as it is. The sooner I leave, the sooner I can get back to my normal life.”
“Are you sure it’s any better than what you’ve got here?”
Jacob didn’t want to think about that for too long. He knew the answer, and it wasn’t something that made him happy. “Maybe not, but it’s all I know.”
“Don’t settle for second best, Jacob. Make every moment count.”
He’d spent his whole life making each moment count. It hadn’t done him much good. After he’d sold Emerald Lake Ranch, he’d purchase the property in Manhattan, secure the tenancy agreements, then look at other properties. He might not have the life he wanted, but he had enough money to make it better.
***
Molly slapped her hand on top of her alarm clock and rolled out of bed. Seven-thirty on a Sunday morning wasn’t exactly early, but she’d only had four hours sleep.
Becky, her sister, walked past her bedroom door. “All I’ve got to do is put my sneakers on. You’ve got five minutes to get ready.”
Molly stumbled toward the bathroom, stared at her face in the mirror, and groaned. No amount of tooth washing, hair tweaking, or running gear would make her look anything less than a mess. “Where’s the toothpaste?” she yelled down the hallway.
“Bottom drawer. Four minutes and counting.”
Molly muttered something that would have made her gran turn in her grave. When she’d originally come to Bozeman, it had been for a vacation. She’d stayed with her older sister and found something that she never thought she’d feel again. Peace.
Becky enjoyed having her around and she liked living with her sister, so she’d stayed in Montana. Over the next eighteen months, they’d slipped into a life that suited both of them. But between Becky’s early morning starts at her florist store, and Molly’s unpredictable photographic assignments, they didn’t see an awful lot of each other.
Sunday mornings were the one time when they both made an effort to be home. They’d go for a run together, get changed and have breakfast at Angel Wings Café. They’d catch up with how their week had gone and plan the following one.
Molly rushed back to her bedroom and yanked open a drawer, grabbing the first clothes she saw. “Have you got the front door keys?”
Becky walked into her room and started stretching. “In my pocket. There’s a message from Mrs. Winthrop on the phone. Are you really going to wear that?”
Molly looked down at the t-shirt she’d pulled on. It was gray, with an emerald green Trinity College logo plastered across the front. Molly reached under her bed and found her sneakers. “What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing, if you don’t mind looking like a college student.”
Molly tied her laces and laughed. “No one looking at the bags under my eyes could ever think I’m a college student.” She did some exercises to stretch her muscles, then rotated her shoulder blades a few times. “Are you ready?”
Becky looked at the mess in Molly’s room and shook her head. “What am I going to do with you?”
Her sister sounded so much like their grandmother that it brought tears to Molly’s eyes. “’Tis a shame when a woman who’s thirty-years-old sounds like her gran.”
Becky smiled as Molly pushed her out of their apartment. “It’s equally a shame when one of her granddaughters can’t keep her room tidy.”
Molly ignored her sister’s opinion of her bedroom. She was as different to her sister as chalk was to cheese. It made for an interesting living arrangement and more than one argument that neither of them would ever win.
As they jogged toward the first corner, Molly yawned. Her body was telling her to turn around and go back to bed.
“What time did you get home from the wedding?” Becky asked. She was hardly out of breath, zoning into running mode faster than Molly ever managed.
“Midnight. I worked on the photos for a few hours after that.”
Becky snorted. They both knew how much time Molly spent developing her photos. It took skill and a whole lot of luck to take an amazing photo. It took artistry to bring out the best in each frame, to layer light and color until the two merged into a perfect whole.
For three and a half hours, Molly had teased some of the photos into life. She’d sorted through the images, added depth and drama, softness and radiance. The extra time it took her was her gift to the happy couple.
Molly kept pace with Becky. She breathed through the worst part of their run, waiting for the kick of adrenaline to make her early wake-up call worthwhile. “How’s the world of flowers?” she asked.
Becky quickly crossed the road, speeding toward a park a couple of blocks away. “Sweet.”
Molly laughed at their old joke. They’d said the same thing to each other for as long as Becky had been a florist.
Their gran had taught them the art of flower arranging almost before they could walk. They’d helped in her flower shop, made the prettiest bouquets in County Wicklow. But it had been Becky who’d really enjoyed the challenge of creating beautiful flower arrangements. She’d taken Business Studies at College, working two part-time jobs to pay the tuition fees. And now, ten years later, she was the proud owner of the newest flower store in Bozeman.
Molly caught up with her sister. “I’ve booked our flights to Los Angeles.” Some of Molly’s photos had been accepted for an exhibition at Dunbar and Sloane, one of the most prestigious galleries in California. In six weeks’ time, she’d be heading across the country to hang her photos in their gallery. For the last few weeks, she’d been trying not to think too hard about opening night. She was terrified that no one would like her landscape images.
Becky glanced at her. “Let me know how much I owe you.”
Molly didn’t bother telling her sister that she didn’t want her money. She might be living from commission to commission at the moment, but that hadn’t always been the case. Before she’d moved to Montana, Molly had a successful career as a fashion photographer. She’d worked with the top models and designers in the world, constantly traveling around Europe. It had been everything she’d ever wanted. Until her gran died.
Molly focused on her breathing and pushed the sharp stab of grief away. Her gran had meant the world to her. It still hurt, two years later, to know that she wouldn’t be seeing her anytime soon.
She took a deep breath, found an easy running rhythm, and caught up with her sister.
“Tell me about yesterday’s wedding?” Becky ran around a sign that was advertising a craft market next weekend. “How was Emily?”
“She’s still pregnant. Tess and Rachel were there. We had a grand time.”
“And?” Becky asked.
“And what?”
Becky jogged in place. “Were there any interesting men there?”
“I wasn’t looking. You should have come with me.”
“Not for me. For you. I heard that Jacob Green is back in town.”
Molly was so over everyone asking her about Jacob, that it wasn’t funny anymore. “He was there. We didn’t say much to each other.”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me?”
Molly didn’t say anything. She jogged toward the children’s playground, refocusing her brain on running and not Jacob.
She heard Becky behind her, felt the weight of her gaze on her shoulders.
“He’s not like Rowan.”
Molly stumbled. She turned to her sister and frowned. “You don’t know that.”
“Your ex-husband ran off with a barmaid from County Kerry. The man’s brains were in his jeans.”
“And you think Jacob’s brains are any better?”
Becky frowned. “Most men’s brains are better than Rowan’s. Under his polish and sophistication, Rowan was only interested in himself.”
Molly wasn’t going to argue with her sister. Not whe
n she was right.
Becky started jogging again. “Jacob made his first million dollars by the time he was twenty-four. By the time he hit thirty, he was on his way to mega-rich status. I think his brains are exactly where they need to be.”
“How did you find out about his millions?”
“Doris Stanley. She’s the queen of everything you don’t need to know.”
Molly slowed down as she got close to a drinking fountain. “I’m not that impressed with rich men.”
Becky shook her head. “Now you’re being stubborn. Just because Jacob’s successful, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with him.”
Molly leaned down and pushed the lever below the fountain. She took a long, cool drink, then wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “I’m not dating him, so you might as well forget about Jacob.”
“Like you have?”
“Exactly like I have.” Molly glanced down at her watch. “We’re late for breakfast. First one back to our apartment gets a double stack of pancakes.”
Becky tore across the grass, hoping to get a head start on Molly. But Molly knew her legs could easily out-run her sister’s. She threw herself into the chase, catching up to Becky when they were only a few doors away from their apartment.
Becky grabbed hold of the porch railing and spun toward Molly. “I won,” she gasped. “You can buy me a double stack with banana and maple syrup topping.”
Molly couldn’t think of anything less tempting, but she nodded anyway.
It was better than telling her sister that she’d let her win.
***
Later that afternoon, Molly lifted her coffee cup off the table. She was sitting with her friends, Tess and Rachel, in the living room of The Bridesmaids Club headquarters. Dresses in every shade of the rainbow sat on racks around them, gleaming under the pendant lights dangling from the ceiling.
A few months ago, Tess had read a newspaper article about a young couple who’d had everything stolen from their home, including four bridesmaids’ dresses. Molly and her friends had gathered together every bridesmaid’s dress they’d ever worn. After a few twists and turns that no one expected, the bride and groom were happily married.
When they realized what a difference they’d made, Molly and her friends formed The Bridesmaids Club. Dresses had arrived by the dozens from other women who wanted to help. Within weeks, they had a list of bridesmaids who needed dresses, and a catalog of gowns for them to choose from.
“I still don’t understand what’s so bad about Jacob,” Tess said stubbornly. “Each time he asks you out on a date, you say no to him. He’s rich, handsome, and looking for love. What more could you want?”
Molly choked on her coffee. “Jacob Green isn’t looking for anything other than his next dollar.”
Rachel frowned. “He’s not that bad. He helped the animal shelter build a new exercise area for their dogs.”
Molly tried to ignore the spark of interest stirring inside of her. “Sally probably talked him into it.” Sally was their friend and another member of The Bridesmaids Club. She had a soft spot for stray animals and had made finding new homes for them her personal crusade. Knowing Sally, she would have kept annoying Jacob until he helped fund what needed to happen.
“I don’t think Sally had to do much at all. Jacob gave a really nice speech at the grand opening last weekend.”
“You were there?”
Rachel nodded. “I helped with the catering. He’s a really nice guy, Molly. I don’t know why you don’t like him.”
Molly knew her assessment of the dark-haired, green-eyed property developer was pretty shallow. He did have some redeeming qualities, more than she wanted to admit. But they just didn’t matter to her. “I’m sure he’ll make someone a fine husband. Now tell me about our next bridesmaids? Are they still coming tomorrow afternoon to choose their dresses?”
Tess glanced at the list in front of her. “They are. Do you know that you’re too stubborn for your own good?”
Molly grinned. “Thank you.”
Rachel sighed. “You’re not going to win this argument, Tess. If Jacob Green wanted to go on a date with me, I’d be tempted to break my promise.”
Molly took a sip of her coffee. “What promise?”
“I’m saving myself for Mr. Right.”
Tess looked at Rachel and Molly. “You’re both crazy. How will you know Mr. Right when you meet him?”
Rachel thought about her answer. “There will be tingles. Lots and lots of tingles. Our eyes will meet across a crowded room and I’ll know he’s special.” She laughed at Molly’s scrunched up nose. “I know, I’m a hopeless romantic. But there’s got to be someone that I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
Molly thought about her ex-husband. Rowan had been tall, dark, handsome, and about as trustworthy as a slippery snake. After two years of living without him, she’d finally found her own way in life. She was happy and she knew what she wanted. And none of her plans included getting involved with another man.
With one last glance at the wistful look on Rachel’s face, Molly turned to Tess. “I’m thinking that our bridesmaids might want to look at our new dresses. Do you want me to hang yesterday’s arrivals on the rack behind you?”
“Good idea. If they take any of them, we’ll have fewer dresses to photograph and put in the catalog.”
Molly disappeared into the bedroom they’d converted into a changing room. She took six gowns out of the large closet and ran her hand along the silky smooth satin. They would be pretty additions to their collection. In soft shades of pale peach, pink, and a lovely teal, Molly was sure there’d find bridesmaids who would gladly wear them.
Just for a moment, she remembered her own wedding day. She’d been so excited about spending the rest of her life with Rowan. But six months later, those dreams had come crashing down. Finding her husband in bed with another woman had destroyed their marriage and left her heart battered and bruised.
With the dresses in her arms, she walked back into the living room. Her own life might have been an emotional mess, but at least she had good friends and a wonderful sister. Tomorrow they’d help make someone else’s dreams come true, help another bride celebrate one of the most important days of her life.
She just hoped their new bride’s marriage lasted longer than hers had.
CHAPTER TWO
Jacob helped himself to more mashed potato. Sunday lunch was sacred in his parents’ house, and everyone made an effort to be there.
He listened to Liam, a friend he’d known since first grade, tell his parents about a legal case he’d been working on. When they’d been younger, Liam had spent most weekends with Jacob and his family, working on the ranch and earning pocket money that would one day help pay for college. He was like an adopted brother, and Jacob’s parents treated him like their son.
These days, Liam worked out of Vancouver with a big legal firm. He didn’t come home as much as he would have liked, but he was here today, catching up with all of the Green family happenings.
Alex and Emily were there, too. It was a noisy lunch filled with good-natured ribbing and more than one groan when someone told a not-so-funny joke.
“What did the judge say to the guy who stole the truck?” Alex asked Liam. He passed Emily a bowl of green beans and smiled at her.
The blush on Emily’s face was touching. With their first baby on the way, it was an exciting time for the newlyweds. Even more exciting now that Alex was spending more time at home, raising competition winning bulls and helping their dad.
Liam grinned. “He said if he ever saw his face in his courtroom again, he wouldn’t be so lenient.”
Jacob’s mom smiled. “He was more patient than I would have been. What have you done about your apartment?”
Jacob watched Liam squirm under his mom’s close scrutiny. Liam’s male roommate had left four months ago. He’d been desperate to find someone to share the cost of the apartment, so he’d sent an email around the l
egal firm he worked for. Someone called Kelly had moved in a month ago.
“It’s all sorted. Kelly has moved in and she’s a great roommate.”
Jacob’s mom glanced at Liam. “What does she do at your work? You’re living in an expensive part of town. Your mom and dad won’t want you getting worried about not being able to pay your rent.”
Liam cleared his throat and gave Jacob one of his bail-me-out-of-this-mess looks. Jacob sent one back that said he was on his own. His personal life had been under the spotlight for too long. It was about time Liam took some of the heat away from him.
Liam tried Alex next. But Alex was too busy making cow eyes at his wife to notice a friend in need.
“Kelly doesn’t work with me. She works at Canada Post.” Liam’s jaw tightened, waiting for the reaction around the table. Instead of defending his roommate’s occupation, he chose to go on the offensive. “Kelly is reliable and trustworthy. She’s happy living with me and said she’d give me plenty of notice if she wants to move out.”
Jacob’s dad’s fork stopped halfway to his mouth. “That doesn’t change the fact that she’s a single woman living with a single man.”
Alex coughed into his fist, holding back a grin that left his eyes watering.
“Mom and dad have already pointed that out to me,” Liam muttered. “I’m thirty-two-years-old. I can look after myself.”
It wasn’t often that anything rattled Liam, but it looked as though this conversation was really starting to bug him. It was time for Jacob to take pity on the plight of his friend.
“I’m selling all of the land I bought at Emerald Lake.”
Everyone’s eyes spun to Jacob. Liam looked relieved, Alex looked amused, and his mom and dad looked plain surprised.
“When did you decide this?” his mom asked.
“A commercial property in New York has come on the market. I need to free up some cash, so the land has to go.”
His dad looked confused. “I thought you liked living on the ranch?”
Sweet on You (The Bridesmaids Club Book 4) Page 2
