Page 33 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

“I’ll think about it and call you later. My client is here. Thanks, Gabe.”

“Anytime.”

Ending the call, I apologize to the man in front of me.

“I’m so sorry, Carlos. I lost track of time.”

He laughs and smiles and I love how happy he always is. He and his wife are turning seventy this year and celebrating fifty years of marriage. Carlos wants to go big for his wife and I’m here for it.

“That’s okay, Riley. I know how it is. You’re a busy guy. All the ladies at the bridge club are talking about how you staged the proposal for Linda’s grandson. The one who wanted a flat-bottom boat and peaches under the moon?”

“Ah, yes. I remember. That was a swoon worthy proposal and went off without a hitch. Although having a harpist in thewilderness at dark was a challenge, but we did it.” It cost a fortune, but I delivered. “You said you wanted to meet today but didn’t tell me what you needed. Is there a change to our plans?”

“Yes. A small one if you can help me.” Carlos pulls a wrinkled and folded piece of paper from his pocket. “When we were married, Jackie had a woman bake us the most amazing strawberry shortcake. Jackie still talks about it.”

“It was that good, was it?”

He passes me the paper, and it’s a recipe for the cake. Written in a shaky handwriting that tells a story on its own, I smooth the paper and read it over with a smile.

“I finally tracked down the actual recipe. I don’t know what’s special about this one, but Jackie insists there was something different about it for it taste so good. I need your help to have one made for her from this recipe, but you can’t use the baker in town. He’s the brother-in-law to Jackie’s cousin’s son’s girlfriend and they gossip like you wouldn’t believe. I don’t want her finding out about it.”

My mind gives up trying to map that family connection because, honestly, it doesn’t matter anyway. He wants it discreet, so I’ll figure it out.

“Not a problem. Even if I have to make it myself, it will remain a secret. When do you want it? At the surprise renewal ceremony? It would be nice to have a piece right after you say your vows. Oh! I could arrange for a small tent if you want to rearrange or let me check if the atrium room is available at the Holiday Inn. That would be stunning, Carlos. And the cake could stay air-conditioned, too.”

“That’s what I like about you, Riley. You’re always thinking of things.”

“Well, you’re the one who kept track of what his wife loves for fifty years. I’m just putting it all together for you.”

“Speaking of that, how did you make out with the dress?”

Carlos and Jackie were first married at a courthouse in a quick ceremony with cake and lemonade in a friend’s backyard as the reception afterward. He always wanted to give her the big wedding she had dreamed of. Young, newly married with a kid on the way, their finances were tight, and they skipped it. Even when the kids were grown and gone, and they settled into their lives, Jackie insisted the expense wasn’t worth it. Carlos, though, a romantic at heart, disagrees.

“Very well! Look at these.” I slide two photos over to him. “I have these two dresses and a seamstress ready to arrive on the morning of your ceremony. They’ll probably be too big, but they can easily alter either and meet our time expectations.”

“Oh, these are perfect. Riley, you have such a great knack for this.” He runs his fingers over the dress with mostly lace and a shine forms in his eyes. “I hope she chooses this one. She’ll be so beautiful in lace.”

“I like that one too. Classic lace can’t be beaten.”

“So the cake is doable? I know it’s short notice, but she mentioned it again the other day and it will be so special for her.”

“If I can’t make it work, I’ll let you know.”

Carlos stands, we shake hands, and I walk him out. After he’s gone, I pick up the phone to make venue changes first. When that’s done, I take a photo of the cake recipe and hit the grocery store.

This might be a mistake.

I shouldn’t have asked Jackson here. But friends help each other in times of need, don’t they? And right now, I need a friend.

Right on time, my security buzzer goes off and for a minute, I consider not answering. I can make up an excuse. Maybe call an ambulance to get out of here before making another great big, stupid cowboy-sized mistake.

But I can’t do that to Jackson. Instead, I press the button on the intercom.

“Jackson?”

“Hi! Fancy place here. What’s your apartment number?”

“Uh, just take the elevator to the top. It’s a security thing. I’ll meet you.”

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