Page 65 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

He stood and propped his hands on his head with his fingers laced together. “I should run, but if youwantanything, call me. Or text me.”

“I know.” There was no question in my mind that no matter why or when, I could call Garrett and he’d show up to help me.

Who wouldn’t want a friend like that?

Late Friday nightafter the pre-wedding festivities had ended, I eased into the warm water, the heat chasing away the cold. Staying at the cabin this weekend was a great choice. The rehearsal dinner and wedding were at the venue, and I had access to the hot tub.

“Knock, knock. Garrett’s wine delivery service.” He set two mugs down next to the hot tub, then shrugged off his coat and kicked off his flip flops. “I didn’t have any wine glasses, so we’re using mugs for our wine tonight.”

I laughed at the matching cups. “You bought another friend mug.”

“It just seems like the sort of mug there should be two of.” He sighed as he stepped into the water. “This feels amazing. I’m glad I added the footpath from my front porch to your back porch. It’s quite convenient.”

“Thatwasa good idea.” I picked up a mug. “Thanks for the wine.”

He sat next to me. “Think Delaney is going to get any sleep tonight?”

“Probably not. She and Eli will probably spend all night on the phone. It was fun watching them tonight at the rehearsal.”

“All it takes is seeing them together for two minutes, and you know they love each other.” He sipped his wine.

“I remember the first time they were in the same room. Eli barely said a word. He always acted that way when he met someone attractive. But somehow, in spite of all of his quiet and her rules, they figured out that they love each other. And I’m so excited about tomorrow because this makes them happy. Truly happy.”

“And who doesn’t want to be happy?”

“Exactly. Speaking of happy... how are you? How’s life on the ranch? We haven’t talked much this week.” I worried the kiss at New Year’s had changed something forever. For him. I knew it had for me. Inside, at least.

“I’ve been up with the sun every morning and working my butt off until after sundown every night, trying to learn about ranching. I’ve fallen asleep on my couch so many times this week. The only night I slept in my bed was the night I skipped sitting on the couch altogether and crawled under the covers as soon as I got home. That’s why I hardly texted or called this week.”

“Adjusting to a completely different schedule can be brutal.” I knew that firsthand.

“How was your week?” He pulled one arm out of the water and stretched it out on the deck behind me.

“Good, but busy. I was closed Thursday and spent all day making the cakes for the wedding. Today, I’ve been helping Delaney stay calm. And thank you again for this amazing gift. Cami, Delaney, and I met here just before lunch and soaked in the hot tub while we discussed what things were left to be done. We were all more relaxed after that.”

That gorgeous smile stretched across his face. “I’m glad you like it.”

“Are you happy with your decision about changing careers?”

He nodded. “Very happy with my decision. I’m still kind of afraid I’ll make a fool of myself a time or two. And I know it won’t be easy. But the easiest things in life aren’t always what will make you the happiest.”

“I’ve never really thought about it that way.”

“I’ve had to remind myself of that every time I’ve fallen off a horse, picked hay out of my hair, or been snagged by a barbed-wire fence. But nothing risked; nothing gained.”

“I bet you’re sore.”

He nodded. “My muscles are adjusting.”

I tapped his shoulder. “Move in front of me.”

He shifted, and I set my mug on the edge, freeing up my hands. Slowly, I rubbed my thumbs into his shoulders, fighting through my hesitancy. Garrett and I had agreed we would finish the conversation after the wedding, and I knew he wouldn’t bring it up tonight.

But I needed him to know I was trying, that I wanted this. Him.

After several minutes of silence as I massaged his sore body, he pulled my arms around him. “That felt amazing. Are you free every night?”

I rested my chin on his shoulder. “I’ll check my calendar.”

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