Page 29 of More Than a Blind Date

She gives him a giant hug before wriggling out of his arms.

All the others start arriving, and I introduce Rose over and over again. I’ve been hugged more tonight than in all the years I’ve worked at the ranch. It’s weird.

When Rose and I finally find our seats, she loops her arm around mine and whispers in my ear. “Bailey is adorable, and all your friends are so nice. You were right about not being nervous.”

I can feel people watching, so I kiss her cheek. “I knew they’d like you.”

Colt’s advice was good, but I wonder how long I’ll have to wait for the attraction to fade. Because so far, it’s still growing.

And tomorrow, I’ll be spending all day with her while she looks amazing in that blue dress. That is surely not going to help the attraction fade.

CHAPTER 13

ROSE

After last night, I’m not as nervous about the wedding. But I still have that fluttery feeling in my middle. However, the reason for that might be the sight of Dallas in a suit coat.

I know that not everyone finds him attractive. He’s not magazine-cover gorgeous. But wherever he goes, he owns that space. And I love it.

Seeing the way Bailey greeted him last night solidified his reputation as a kindhearted guy. He’s never been anything but nice to me, but now I know he wasn’t just putting on a show for my benefit.

Dallas pulls into the venue and parks in a grass lot not far from the entrance to what looks like a small western town. It’s like something out of a movie. “The chapel is that way. But it isn’t too far. If you’re chilly, you can wear my jacket.”

“I’m fine. The sun is out. But thank you.” I grip his hand maybe a bit too tight as he helps me out of the truck.

He closes the door, then takes my hand. “And you probably heard some whispers of it last night, but in case you didn’t, I’m giving you a warning. I’m not known for being the most…” Hescrunches up his nose like he’s trying to find the right word. “Most people would say that I’m a bit of a grump.”

“Seriously? That surprises me.”

“It’s easy to be not grumpy with you. But if you hear people say it, you won’t be shocked.”

Remembering what he told me about his ex and his parents, I’m piecing together the image Dallas shows to the world. And why.

“So you show the world your grizzly bear side, and I get to spend time with the teddy bear side.”

His lips curl into a smile as he cuts me a sideways look. “Pretty much.”

“Lucky me.”

When we reach the chapel, more than half the chairs are full. Dallas leads me down the side aisle toward the front.

In the third row, a woman pats the seat beside her. “We saved y’all seats.”

I’m racing through my mental list of names from last night. I think she’s Goldie. And her husband has a name that’s different. And I want to kick myself for not remembering.

“Thanks.” I ease into the chair.

“I’m Goldie. And I know we met last night, but you were introduced to so many people. It had to have been overwhelming. And this is my husband Dag.”

Dag reaches over to shake my hand. “I never thought anyone would snag Dallas.”

I give a polite laugh. That is something I heard several times last night. The grumpy part, not so much. Maybe Dallas’s friends were being extra careful since they hadn’t met me before.

Dallas drapes his arm around the back of my chair and leans in front of me. “Hey, careful not to make me look bad.”

Dag puts up a hand. “I’d never. Because there are way too many things y’all could say about me.” He pats Goldie’s leg.“She knows all that stuff, but it’s probably best if she doesn’t get reminded all the time. I want her to like me.”

From the adoring look Goldie is giving Dag, it’s obvious she loves him in spite of whatever he’s done.

---