Page 96 of Full Mountie

I glance sideways at Sasha and she’s rolling her eyes. “Of course, why am I not surprised?” She takes a deep breath. “Do you know who that bearded hottie he’s talking to is?”

Violet shakes her head. “No clue.”

I know who it is, though. “That’s Jack Benton. He’s the owner of the Vancouver Lumberjacks. He’s a long time friend of Gavin’s.” I don’t bother to give them his full bio. It’s not the time, nor is it my place.

Sasha snaps her fingers. “Right. I met him when I was a kid.”

I choke on the reminder that she’s younger than me by enough to have been a kid who met Jack as an adult. “He’s not that much older than Gavin.” I think he’s just barely in his early forties.

“My dad had him over for dinner at one point. He called me cute.”

Violet laughs. “And you’re going to bring that up today, aren’t you?”

Sasha gives us an innocent look. “We’ll see where the day goes.”

“Maybe let’s wait to tear through the hot guests until after the ceremony. Come on.” I nod toward the building that we need to go through to get on the gondola that will take us up the mountain.

Inside, we find a short queue of guests and we get in line. Signs posted explain the gondolas can take up eight people at a time, and sure enough, Tate and Jack saunter into line right behind us before we get to the loading point.

“Hello, ladies.” Tate holds out his hand to Violet first. “Violet, you look stunning. Did you have a good breakfast?”

“We did, thank you.” She takes his hand and instead of shaking it, he lifts it and brushes his lips against her knuckles.

Then he winks. “How’s that giant-ass teddy bear? Did you find a spot for him in the nursery?”

She laughs out loud. “We did. He actually takes up the entire nursery, but that’s okay.”

“Giant teddy bear? I haven’t heard this story.” Sasha looks at Violet, then Tate, but only for a split-second before she spins toward Jack. “Sasha Brewster, by the way.”

“Jack Benton,” he says, holding out his hand. He moves like Lachlan does, tight, controlled movements of a big, broad body. His voice is slow and deep, and his expression is solidly neutral.

“We’ve met once,” she says. “A number of years ago.”

He rocks back on his heels. “Brewster Automotive.”

Her mouth twists in a wry smile. “Yeah. And today, I’m the maid of honour.”

He nods. “Sounds like fun.” He shifts his attention to me. “Miss Evans.”

Ms., usually, but Jack Benton can call me whatever he wants. “Nice to see you again.”

“How are things in the PMO?”

“Crazy.”

“You still have me on Gavin’s schedule next week?”

“As long as you promise not to talk shop today.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Then yes, we’ll see you next week.”

He laughs out loud at that, his eyes crinkling. “He should give you a raise.”

I grin. “I’m a public servant, Mr. Benton. My salary is fixed to a grid, but I appreciate the thought.”

He winks. “Maybe I should hire you away from him. I can offer you all the raises you want.”

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