Page 33 of Finding Chloe

“Well hello there, Chloe. Long time no see,” Mrs. Halloway, Lacey’s mom, called from across the counter when I entered the bed and breakfast. She scooted around and held her arms open to me. I accepted her motherly hug. It’d been too long. She always said that Holly, our other friend, and I were like the other daughters she never had, while grumbling about the two boys she had instead. It made us laugh every time.

“I thought I heard your voice.” Lacey rushed into the room and flung herself at me. Even though I’d seen her only a few days ago, she greeted me like this every time we met up. She said we had to get months’ worth of hugs in during my short stays.

“Come on, ladies. Food’s in the kitchen. Go grab a plate.” Mrs. Halloway shooed us from the front entry. She didn’t have to ask us twice. I knew enough to never turn down a meal from her. While Lacey and I ate the delicious casserole, I casually brought our conversation around to the wedding when her mom stopped in during a lull.

“You know, there will be so many people coming to town for this wedding, and we only have a few empty rooms on the ranch. And those will be for the family and bridal party.”

Mrs. Halloway took a seat at the table and grinned. “Is that right?”

“Mm-hmm. I was thinking the guests deserve to stay at the best place here in town. And I was hoping you could block that week off on your calendar. We can direct interested people to book with you.” I put my hands together, palms facing each other.

“For one of my favorite daughters, of course. I always liked you the best,” she said as she sauntered over to her desk. This time of year was hit or miss for the reservations, and I knew the guaranteed income would mean a lot to Lacey and her mom.

“Do you mind if I add your information on the wedding website I created for the wedding?”

“Not at all. How many rooms would you like me to hold on to?”

“I’m not sure. Let me check with Alex, but likely all of them.” I smiled. “Bed and breakfasts are so much better than hotels.”

Lacey bumped me with her shoulder. “Thanks.”

“I’m trying to include the local businesses. The big chains think they can come in and take over our town.” I wagged my finger in the air. “But we won’t let them. Do you think you can help spread the word about what the town has to offer guests? I’d like to add something to the wedding website that lists places to stay, places to eat that are unique to Cottonwood Creek, and things to do.”

“That’s a fantastic idea. I’ll have Holly mention it around town too. Then we can get together and come up with a list to present to Alex. How’s she doing by the way?” Lacey tapped on the screen of her phone, likely texting Holly now.

“Stressing out, but I just put out a mini fire. We went to Sarah’s boutique and ended up getting a second dress for the reception. I wish I’d thought of the idea sooner. Alex is going to look stunning in both of her dresses.” I clapped my hands, nearly squealing.

“You’re so good at this.”

“Thanks.” I loved my best friends. They supported me like no other. “Do you think you and Holls can come by the ranch sometime this week? I’m having the guys start the labor over in the field, but I wanted to see if you could help me with a few last-minute things. Besides, I need a break from all the testosterone.”

I fanned my face, smiling. I didn’t really need the break, but I wanted to introduce my friend to the rest of the ranch—especially Hunter and Kyle. They already knew and approved of Matt.

“Oh, twist my arm.” Lacey cradled her elbow. “Who wants to hang out all day on a ranch full of extremely hot cowboys whoare always doing some kind of manual labor that makes every woman drool?”

We laughed and texted Holly the plan. I knew she was in when she sent a funny GIF of a woman fainting.

CHLOE

Holly, Lacey, and I pulled up to the property. Butterflies rioted in my stomach. Once today was over, I’d be able to see my vision for the wedding just a touch clearer.

The mower buzzed, competing with the deep voices of the workers on the ranch. When we reached the gates, we saw they had started on the left side of the property.

I shielded my eyes from the midday sun and spotted a shirtless Duke. On the right, a few of the guys combed through the tall grass, searching for branches, stones, and other debris that needed to be cleared before the mower came through. Some were shirtless, while others had theirs open to let the breeze cool them off. They all had hats firmly planted on their heads. Some even had gloves, but their jeans and boots were the main things they needed to wear out there. Who knew what things lurked in the tall grass?

“You’re joking, right?” Travis jogged over.

“What?” I asked innocently.

“You are a pain, you know that?” He relieved me of the cooler I was lugging around. I laughed along with Holly and Laceywhen they were also relieved of their coolers. “We would have grabbed these from the car.”

“I can carry it all by myself, thank you very much.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

Matt sauntered over, looking absolutely drool-worthy with his jeans slung low on his hips and his shirt discarded on the fence with the rest of them. “It has nothing to do with what you are capable of, Greene, and everything to do with the fact that we’re supposed to be gentlemen.” His muscles glistened with sweat, and his skin was turning pink. I licked my lips. Maybe he would let me rub some aloe on him tonight.

Matt tugged me against him. My hands flew to his chest, and he planted a toe-curling kiss on my lips.

“Gentlemen… ha! I don’t see any of those around here. Do you, Holls?” Lacey joked, making me giggle when Matt backed away.

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