Page 34 of The Rancher's Code

“Okay, why does everyone keep talking like we’re about to get married?—”

Virgil held up his hand. “Don’t insult my intelligence, Cole. This one’s not going anywhere.”

My father had been staringdaggers at us from across the room, but I couldn’t have cared less. I was back at our reception table, this time with Dylan right next to me, our fingers linked underneath it. It was freeing, no longer worrying about what my father thought about me, how he was going to punish me for stepping out of line. The only thing I could think about was Dylan, and how happy he made me, and how much I wanted him to stay.

Please, please stay.

“So, you’re a wedding planner…” Levi started. “Is this the best wedding you’ve ever gone to?”

“I’m legally obligated to always say yes to that question.”

“Smart man.” Levi grinned. “And our sister? Was she the best bride you’ve ever worked with?”

“The best bride?”

“Smartest, nicest, most talented, etc.”

“Of course.”

“Very smart man.” Levi leaned back in his chair. “So smart that I’m wondering what’s going on with you and my brother?”

“Hey! What the hell, Levi?” I laughed. “Weren’t you the one telling me to get back out there?”

“I was, but Dylan feels like a serious catch.” Levi pointed over at me. “Are you prepared for that?”

“Yeah, Cole, are you?” Dylan teased. “You wouldn’t want to accidentally throw me back out in the sea.”

“Is this how it’s going to be? All of you just ganging up on me?” I joked. “Because I don’t think I like that dynamic.”

“I won’t gang up on you, Cole,” Shane said. “If I ever have anything negative to say, I’m confident enough to say it all on my own.”

“Thanks, Shane. Always a pleasure,” I replied with a grin. Before I could add anything else, my phone started to ring in my pocket. I pulled it out to quickly look at the screen.

McMillan.

I quietly placed my phone back in my pocket. Levi shot me a suspicious look. “What was that about?”

“Nothing important.”

“Holy shit.” Levi’s eyes went wide. “That was about the McMillan deal, wasn’t it? Were they ready to sign on the dotted line?”

“And you just ignored the call?” Even Shane looked shocked. “Like it doesn’t mean anything to you?”

“What can I say? I’m trying to live in the moment.” I pressed a kiss against Dylan’s cheek. “I don’t want my whole life to revolve around work. I want… something better for myself.”

“Boo! No work stuff allowed at my wedding!” Amber walked up to our table, a bottle of wine in her hand. “Cole, I saw you take your phone out?—”

“He’s actually not going to take the call.”

“What?” Amber paused for a moment before pulling Dylan into a tight side-hug, still in his seat. “You’re already changing him for the better! You really are made of magic!”

She then placed the bottle on the table. “If no one’s working… can we go dance? Please?”

The entire table rose to follow behind Amber, as she led us back to the dance floor. Dylan wrapped his jacket around his waist, then started pumping his arms in time to the upbeat song. Shane did his usual side-to-side step, moving just enoughto count as dancing but never going overboard. Levi and Jolene were hip bumping each other and shimmying back and forth, cutting a rug like no one else out there.

All while I tried to keep up with Dylan’s moves, our bodies never too far from each other.

“Secret fireworks!” Amber pointed up at the sky, just in time to see them erupting against it. “Sorry, Dylan! I promise it’s not going to go on for too long! I just really wanted them!”

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