“Toby!”
He spun, the world blurring around him. There. On the other side of the river about a hundred yards down. “I found her!” he yelled. But it was doubtful anyone had heard him, and he wasn’t going to wait for anyone else. Toby shoved his shoulder against the boat and pushed it into the water, jumping in as the current took it.
Jane was standing. Waving. She looked fine. Wet and cold but as far as he could tell from so far away fine.
He dug a paddle into the water, steering the boat across the river, letting the current pull him right to Jane. There had always been a current pulling them together—even when they were kids. It had grown stronger over the years, and when she showed up that morning, he’d known she felt it too.
“Are you okay?” he yelled. The current wasn’t getting him there fast enough. He paddled harder, his shoulder locking up.
“I’m okay!” She’d started to move up the riverbank toward him, slowly, maybe limping a little. Screw this. Toby jumped out of the boat and into the water again, swimming with the current this time instead of against it. He made land and started running, catching Jane in his arms, sweeping her feet off the ground. Holding her had never felt so good. “I might not let go,” he warned her.
“You don’t have to.” Jane wrapped her legs around his waist and held Toby’s face in her hands, gazing at him with tears spilling down her cheeks. “I did it. I made it out.”
“You did so good, sweetness.” He set her feet on the ground but continued to hold her. He couldn’t seem to loosen his grip. They were both sopping wet, muddy, and shivering, and he may have just set himself back with the shoulder injury, but everything in his world was right. He pulled back to examine her, to be sure.
Blood trickled down her leg from a wound on her knee. “You’re hurt.” Toby knelt to inspect the cut, but Jane pulled him back up to her. “It’s a little bit of blood,” she said dismissively. “It doesn’t mean you can’t kiss me.”
Toby didn’t waste one more second. He brought his lips to hers, letting the whole world around them pause while he showed her how worried he’d been. Jane’s arms wrapped around him and that whimper in her throat made him smile against her mouth. “I love that sound,” he murmured, tasting the heat of her mouth. He kissed her until that aching need threatened to overpower him. Then he pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. “You scared me, Jane. I’ve never been so scared.”
“I wasn’t about to give up,” she said with a playful roll of her eyes. “Not when I still have some things to say to you.”
“What?” He wanted to hear everything.
“I love you too, Toby. That’s why I was so mad at you at the winery. Because I love you and I never want anything to happen to you.”
“I know.” He smoothed his hand over her hair. “I won’t ride anymore. I don’t have to—”
“Yes, you do.” Jane interrupted him. “You have to ride. You have to ride for Tanner, and you have to ride for yourself. And you have to ride for me. I’m not afraid anymore.” She half laughed, half cried. “Look at me! This was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done, and I made it.”
“I’m sorry.” He brushed her wet, sticky hair off her forehead. “I know you’re afraid of the water, and I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.” From the fear she must’ve felt, from the thoughts about her father dying that way…
“It’s okay.” She looked at the river flowing next to them. “I realized it wasn’t the water I feared. It was the letting go. The knowledge that I couldn’t control what happened.” She clasped her hands together behind his neck. “But I want to let go.” A smile brightened her eyes. “I want an adventure.”
Toby brushed his lips against hers. He went in for a real kiss, a kiss that would give her a prelude to the things they would experience out in the world together.
A scraping sound broke them apart. The other boats had made their way down, along with Beth and Ethan and Brody.
“Jane!” Beth half laughed, half sobbed. “Oh God, I was so worried. If you died it would’ve been all my fault!” Beth crowded out Toby trying to hug Jane. He’d let her, but only for a minute.
“Don’t be silly.” Jane looked at him over Beth’s shoulder and smiled. “I’m fine. I’ve never been better actually.”
“You sure?” Brody moved in, looking official and concerned. “I should check you out.”
“I already checked her out,” Toby said, still feeling their kiss on his lips.
“He did,” Jane agreed. “Very thoroughly.”
Well, he would do a more thorough job later.
The guide seemed to accept his assessment. “Well if everyone’s fine, then we can get back on the river.”
Toby took Jane’s hand and led her away from everyone else. “No one would blame you if you didn’t want to get back in that boat. We could hike back to the cars. It’s not that far.”
“Thank you.” Jane rested her hands on his hips and urged him closer. “I want to get back into the boat though.”
“You’re not afraid?” Hell, he was still reeling from thinking something terrible had happened to her. He wouldn’t mind not getting back into the boat. He wouldn’t mind taking her home right now.
“I’m terrified,” Jane said with a laugh. “But I won’t let it stop me anymore.” She hooked her thumbs under the waistband of his board shorts. “I won’t let anything stop me from building the life I want.”
* * *
It wasn’t difficult for Jane to find her bridesmaid dress in the closet of her room at the lodge. The bright orange garment stuck out in the midst of her sensible, neutral clothes. When she’d first opened the package back in California, she’d let out an audible groan. The tag attached to the gown read MARMALADE for the color. Marmalade!
That hadn’t been the only strike against it either. It was also strapless, made out of chiffon, and belted at the empire waist with a braided ribbon. Oh, and she wasn’t a fan of high-low hems either. They had always messed with her sense of order. Jane hadn’t been able to look at herself in the mirror while she was having the alterations done but looking at it now on the hanger brought a wide, toothy smile.
She’d been smiling a lot today, and it wasn’t even her wedding. Though she had a feeling she’d be going home with the best man tonight. After the rafting trip, Toby had been wary to let her out of his sight, but Jane wanted to spend Beth’s last night as a single woman with her. They’d watched chick flicks, ate ice cream from the cartons, and had smeared on hideous face masks while they’d giggled and talked about their boys.
Jane hadn’t giggled in years.
This morning they’d woken up and Louise made them a huge brunch, then helped her do her hair and makeup. All she had left to do now was put on her dress and meet everyone downstairs so the golf carts could take them up to the ceremony.
Jane slipped off her clothes and wrestled her way into the first strapless bra she’d ever owned, cursing the entire time. After putting on more deodorant, she pulled on the dress and managed to zip the back roughly all the way up. Bracing herself, she turned to the mirror.
The color was so vibrant it shocked her. In a good way. This was different than anything she’d ever worn before, but it seemed to fit the day. It seemed to fit the occasion. It seemed to fit her.
Jane leaned closer to the mirror and applied a fresh coat of the subtle lipstick she’d chosen at the store last night when they’d picked up the ice cream. It was cherry flavored, in case she and Toby had a chance to sneak away and kiss.
Grabbing her bouquet, Jane hurried out of her room, grateful that Beth had let her choose their own shoes. Jane had chosen a pair of ballet flats that almost matched the dress. There was no way she could navigate the outdoor aisle in heels.
Chaos and noise floated up the stairs as she made her way down.
“Beth,” Jane gasped when she saw her friend. “You look so beautiful.” Beth’s mom had wanted to help her daughter get dressed alone, so Jane hadn’t s
een the wedding dress before. She could hardly see it now through her tears. The gown fit her friend perfectly. It was an A-line princess cut with off-the-shoulder capped sleeves. The bodice had been stitched with embroidered flowers while the chiffon skirt flowed elegantly to the floor. A short sweeping train trailed behind, the delicate material resembling a rose petal. “It’s the loveliest dress I’ve ever seen.” Jane dabbed at her eyes with her fingertips trying to keep her mascara intact.
“Thank you!” Her friend positively glowed.
“All right, everyone.” Jane’s mother herded them outside. “The golf carts are ready. They’ll take you up the hill and drop you off, so you don’t mess up those beautiful dresses or your shoes.”
Her mother really impressed her. Back when her father ran the dude ranch, they were hardly breaking even some months. But after he’d passed away, her mother had researched and labored and figured out how to provide for their needs—and had tripled her income in the process.
“Are you coming, Jane?” her mother called, glancing at her watch yet again.
“Yes.” She paused on the porch. “It’s amazing what you’ve done here, Mom.” She’d never told her, never complimented her on her hard work and her resilience. “You’ve created a beautiful haven. The perfect place to celebrate love.” The perfect place for Jane to find love.
“You really think so?” Shock rippled through her mother’s tone.
“Yes.” Jane hadn’t appreciated any of it in high school. There had been so much change. Too many transitions. She’d simply tried to shield herself from all of it. “I’d like to keep it.” The words surprised her, but they’d been building for a while.
“Keep what?” Her mother glanced between her and the golf carts.
They were running out of time, but Jane needed to tell her now. “The ranch. I want to keep it. To run it.” Just like that, she’d let go of her life in California. After the last few weeks she couldn’t imagine writing anywhere but here. She would travel with Toby as often as she could, but this would be their haven.
“Are you sure?” Her mother’s hand reached for hers. “Really, Jane? You want to stay here?”
“Only if you’ll let me buy it.” Her mom deserved to go find that life she’d been talking about. She deserved to travel and live comfortably.
“You don’t have to buy it.” Her mother’s eyes filled with tears. “Really. Just keeping it in the family would be the best gift. It could be a gathering place for all of us when we need a respite from our adventures.”
“It will be,” Jane agreed. “But I will pay for it. I have enough for a down payment set aside.” And when she sold her condo in California, she’d get another good chunk to put toward the mortgage.
“Mara, we’re running late!” Louise barked.
“We should go.” Jane took her mom’s arm and they made their way to the empty seats in the second golf cart. “We can talk about the details later.”
Her mother nodded as though she was unable to speak.
All the way to the ceremony site, Jane asked questions about the honeymoon. They weren’t supposed to have one, but Beth had opted to surprise Ethan by planning a trip to Banff in Canada. “It’s his dream vacation,” she explained as they climbed out of the cart and moved out of sight into the trees to hide from the guests who’d already started filling in the seats. “Apparently the mountains in Banff are even better than the ones we have here,” her friend said.
Looking around her, Jane found that hard to believe. “Well, I can’t wait to hear all about it.” She fussed with her friend’s veil and dress.
“We have about ten minutes before we’ll start the processional,” her mom announced. It seemed she’d regained her composure and was all business again.
Ten minutes huh? Jane ventured out of the tree cover a few steps searching for a certain best man. She immediately located him standing near the gazebo, but they hadn’t taken their places yet. Trying to be discreet, Jane edged along the trees. The flash of orange seemed to draw Toby’s attention. He definitely looked at her. Then he said something to Ethan and hurried toward her. As he approached, Jane moved into the shadows of the evergreens.
“You’re wearing orange.” Toby took his time surveying the dress.
“Yes I am.” She twirled for him. “What do you think?”
“I think you look pretty in anything.” His eyes got that wicked tint. “What’re you wearing underneath it?”
“The most complicated strapless bra this side of the Mississippi and an uncomfortable G-string,” she told him, hiking up her dress only a few inches.
A long-suffering breath inflated Toby’s chest. “I’d be happy to help you do away with both as soon as I have the opportunity.”
“That might be a while.” She tried to look apologetic, but she loved teasing him as much as he loved teasing her.
“Not sure how long I can wait.” Toby nudged his lips against hers, making her very impatient as well. “Especially because you had to spend last night with Beth.”
“I can spend tonight with you,” she whispered in his ear. “And the next night. And the next.”
“When are you going back to California?”
He was cute when he pouted. “I’ll go back next week like I planned. But only for a few days. Only to pack up my stuff and find a Realtor.”
“Really?” His grin took over his whole face. “You’re moving here?”
“Really.” She clasped his hands in hers. “You could come with me, if you want. To help me pack.”
“Yes.” He didn’t even think about his answer. “I’d go with you anywhere.” His expression turned naughty again. “Someone has to be able to help you out of all your complicated undergarments.”
Jane laughed. “And you’re the perfect man for the job.”
“I’m the perfect man for a lot of jobs. Just let me—”
“How about you be the perfect best man and get your ass over here?” Ethan said as he approached them. “Mara is about to have a heart attack,” he informed them. “I told her not to worry. Her daughter and her best employee were probably only sneaking around the woods.”
“Gotta go.” Toby held Jane’s jaw tenderly in his hand and drew her face to his. “I’ll see you out there.”
“See you out there.” Jane pulled away and started to jog in the opposite direction. She nearly ran straight into her mother. “Sorry,” she blurted out before Mara could say a word. “I had to talk to Toby.” And she hadn’t even been able to tell him all the things she’d wanted to say.
“Toby, huh?” Her mother linked their arms together and led her to her place. “What did you have to say to Toby?”
“Um.” Well, most of what they’d said, her mother probably shouldn’t hear. “I was going to tell him about the ranch and ask him if he wants to be part of it, but I didn’t get the chance.”
Mara stopped walking and faced Jane. “Your father would be so incredibly happy to know you’re coming home. He’d be thrilled about Toby too. He always liked that boy.”
The music started, but Jane leaned closer to her mother. “I’ve always liked him too.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
This day is taking for. Ev. Er,” Toby whispered to Jane. They were on their five thousandth picture with the wedding party, and every minute until he could get Jane alone seemed to stretch longer and longer. Forget posing and smiling, strapless bras and G-strings were all he could think about.
“We need another one,” the photographer informed the group, aiming a glare at Toby. “This time no whispering.”
Damn he’d been caught. Now they’d have to stand here even longer.
Everyone except for Jane groaned. She laughed.
“If you behave, we’ll get through this much faster,” she told him primly.
“I don’t want to behave.” He and Jane had been behaving all day and they hadn’t even started the reception yet.
“Okay, everyone looking at the camera, please.” The photogr
apher seemed to mainly be addressing Toby. If it would move this along, he’d give the man his best smile.
“Perfect. Everyone hold it right there.” The man snapped what had to be a thousand pictures, and Toby smiled for every single one of them.
“That’s it. I think we’re done with the wedding party.” The photographer lowered his camera. “We’ll take a few more family shots, then you can head to the reception.”
Thank. God. Toby turned to Jane, but she was busy helping Beth straighten her veil. Two more hours. They only had to be here for two more hours. They could leave the reception early, right?
Jane finally finished touching up Beth and wandered over to him, a smile shining in her eyes. “This has been the best day. Wasn’t that ceremony beautiful?”
“It was pretty spectacular.” Emotion may have even tightened his throat once or twice seeing Ethan cry with obvious joy when he’d watched Beth walk down the aisle. And don’t get him started on the vows they’d written themselves. Toby had pretended to sneeze once to cover up a few tears.
“Did I see you wiping away a tear?” Jane faced him, resting her forearms on his shoulders and clasping her hands behind his neck.
He should’ve known she’d see through the sneeze. “It’s allergy season.” He moved in a step closer, placing his hands on the curves of her hips.
“I don’t remember you ever having allergies.” She closed the space between them, pinning her body against his. “It’s okay to cry you know.”
“Maybe I was crying because I knew it would be hours until I could get you alone again,” he suggested. “Seriously. Why do people insist on doing pictures between the ceremony and the reception?” In his opinion, they could knock those out ahead of time and rush through the reception.
Jane only laughed. “Ethan didn’t want to see his bride before she walked down the aisle. I think it’s sweet.”
“I think you’re sweet.” Toby couldn’t hold back anymore. He lowered his lips to hers, seeking out that connection that sent shock waves through him every time.
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