Page 98 of Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek)

“The only way Wilder’s gettin’ married is if someone handcuffs him to the bride and forces him down the aisle,” Magnolia says.

“Nah, he’ll just lie on the ground and play dead.” I chuckle. “The only way he’s gettin’ hitched is if he’s drunk off his ass and wakes up with a ring on his finger.”

“I’ll have you know I’m a very aware drunk and have never done anything that stupid.” He points his fork at Noah. “Never been drunk enough to hook up with my ex’s dad…” Then he points at Magnolia. “Or drunk enough to hook up with my ex and then get knocked up. So…” He lingers smugly. “Who’s the grown-up ’round here?”

Laughing at the girls’ scowling, I nod along with Wilder. “He’s gotta point.”

Wilder looks at me next. “Oh, don’t even get me started on you, MisterI’m dating the girl who’s hated me since the moment we met. I don’t even know what to call what you’re doing.”

Shrugging, I take another bite of my food. “Hey, she doesn’t hate me right now, so a win is a win.”

“Just tell us where you’re takin’ her!” Magnolia whines.

“How about mind your business and you’ll find out after it’s over,” I tell them.

“It’s probably something cheesy like a hot air balloon ride,” Noah taunts.

Wilder smacks his arm down on the table, causing his fork to go down with it. “Now why not? That sounds romantic as fuck.”

“Because it’s unoriginal!” Magnolia says. “Women want creativity. Put some effort into finding out what the girl is interested in instead of Googling the top five date spots.”

“I don’t do that…” Wilder hesitates and we all laugh at him. “Whatever.”

My phone chimes with a text, and I quickly pull it out of my pocket. I’ve been anticipating the news all day regarding Angela’s parole hearing results.

But then I smile when I see Ellie’s name instead.

Ellie

I fucked up.

Landen

The interview? What happened?

Ellie

We were talking about barrel racing topics and before she ended the interview, she said “So I heard congratulations are in order!” and I was so taken off guard, I just said “Huh?” And then she went on to say how wonderful it is that I’m engaged to Landen Hollis, local cowboy rancher at Sugarland Creek ranch.

Landen

Oh shit. Then what?

Ellie

Well, I wasn’t prepared for her to bring it up and just wanted off the call, so I said “Thanks!”

I laugh because I can hear her panicked voice in my head.

Ellie

Then she went on a little tangent about how awesome it must be to be with someone who I share so much in common with and who must be a great supporter.

Landen

And?

Ellie

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