Page 51 of Finding Chloe

“Before you go all caveman and give Chloe an ultimatum, sit down and talk with her. You need to see her and see how you feel before you make any rash decisions,” Declan said, likely sensing my thoughts as he parked at the Cotton Jin. He parked next to my truck, and I glanced his way.

“Well, I screwed up even more, if that’s possible. I was supposed to meet Chloe this morning, but clearly, I missed it.” I waved my hand in front of me, then got out of the car.

Declan rolled down the window. “So you’re not helping her anymore?”

I shook my head.

“Meet me in the dining hall in an hour. You can help me with a few things.” Declan didn’t give me time to answer before he drove away and headed to the ranch.

Help Declan? I couldn’t think of a single thing Declan would need my help with.

CHLOE

“So you’re telling me Jessie isn’t baking the wedding cake or making the food for the reception?”

Hunter turned to face me from the passenger seat. The lovely man decided to keep me company, which turned out to be the best thing, since he’d kept my thoughts light the entire drive to town. A dull ache had settled in my chest when I realized Matt wasn’t going to show.

I laughed, “She’ll be too focused on helping Alex. She’s part of the wedding in a whole different way, being a bridesmaid. Plus, Jessie isn’t a pastry chef. That’s what Kelly does, and she’s amazing.”

“I hope you’re right,” Hunter grumbled, making me laugh again. He was trying his hardest to keep my mind off Matt.

“I promise her baking is fantastic. She owns the most successful bakery in town and learned from her grandmother.”

Her grandmother had won county fair blue ribbons and proudly displayed them around the bakery when we were growing up. Hunter had no idea what a treat he was in for. I was pretty sure that, along with the samples, Kelly would give us a few too. She was always trying something new and loved feedback.

“The Kingstons deserve the best. They’re good people.” He peeked inside the container on his lap. The final cake samples were precious cargo, and I’d made him hold them while we drove home.

“Trust me. It will be perfect. Alex grew up with Kelly. She trusts her.” I smacked his hand, and he closed the lid.

“If you say so.” Hunter’s tone was playful.

My heart gave a painful lurch when we got to the end of the driveway and I noticed Matt’s truck was parked in his spot.

I was so afraid to talk to Matt. Once I did, it would change everything. I wasn’t sure I was ready for that change, especially if I had to let him go.

Hunter jumped from the truck when I parked, and Kyle jogged from the bunkhouse to meet us.

“You ready for some cake?” Hunter waved the box at Kyle and threw me a playful wink.

“That’s not for you.” I lunged at Hunter, but he was too quick. “That is for the wedding.”

Kyle threw his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his side, chuckling. “Did you have a good morning?”

“Yes, I did.” I wrapped my arm around Kyle’s waist. “Did you have a good session?”

“It was productive. And before you ask, no, I haven’t seen Matt this morning.”

My shoulders slumped. Likely sensing my mood, Kyle gave me a squeeze, and I forced myself to remember I had two very good men with me right now. I couldn’t push Matt to want the same things I did. When I glanced at Kyle, he pressed his lips to mine.

“Okay, let’s get this inside before they melt.” Hunter continued to the dining hall, where I was meeting the bride and grooms for the cake tasting. We’d opted for this location insteadof their house. They wanted Jessie there, but she had to get lunch ready for the staff.

“Yay, they’re here.” Alex clapped her hands as we walked into the room. Declan, Alex, Thomas, and Jessie were already here waiting for us. We weren’t late, but this part was usually the most fun out of wedding planning. The menu tasting and the cake tasting.

“You can set it on the island, Hunter.” I pointed to the kitchen.

“Wow, she gave us a half dozen of each flavor. Seriously, what are we going to do with all of these?” Alex said, peering into the box Hunter had set down.

“I promise they won’t go to waste.” Kyle raised his hand and made a scout’s honor gesture.

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