Page 12 of Stormswept Colorado

I would always be grateful that Ashford hadn’t turned me away when I needed him.

“Where’s Emma?” I asked.

“She had a couple piano lessons this afternoon. Last ones before we get to be on vacation.” Ashford glanced at the clock on his phone screen. “Then we’ll take Maisie to the babysitter, and we’ve got the bachelor/bachelorette thing at Hearthstone Brewing at seven.”

“Perfect. Can’t wait to start celebrating.”

Maisie suddenly appeared. She had a way of sneaking up on us and listening when we had no idea she was there. “Daddy, can I go to the battler party too?”

“Bachelorparty. And it’s not for kids. We already talked about this, monkey.”

“But Aunt Ayla gets to go. She’s not that old.”

Ashford smirked at me, and I hid a smile. “Iamknown for my youthful energy onstage,” I pointed out. “But I’m twenty-seven. Older than Emma. I’m all the way grown up.” Even if sometimes I didn’t feel like it.

Maisie pouted.

“You always have fun with Dixie,” her dad said. “Stella’s going with you too. You can bring your new horse toys.”

“It’s a horseranch.” She pivoted on her heel and marched back down the hall to her room.

“You see what I’m dealing with?” Ashford muttered.

I patted his shoulder. “You’re a lucky guy, O’Neal.”

He laughed softly. “I really, really am. Do you want me to swing back here later, and we’ll head to Hearthstone together?”

“No, I’ll meet you there. Bryan will take me.”

“Sounds good. Just want to make sure someone’s looking out for you.” Ashford pulled me into a one-armed hug. “You’re my sister. Don’t forget that.”

I hugged him back. I would never get over losing Lori, not entirely. But having Ashford as my big brother meant the world to me.

Locking the door to Ashford and Emma’s building, I stepped toward the curb and the waiting SUV.

Icy air swirled the skirt of my dress, leaving goosebumps up and down my bare legs.

“Ready for your evening?” Bryan opened the passenger door for me.

“So ready. The wedding festivities are about to officially begin.”

I jumped into the passenger side, while Bryan went around to get in the driver’s seat. Main Street was close enough to walk, but my driver preferred to keep the vehicle close in case I ever needed a quick exit.

I’d changed out of my jeans and T-shirt, opting for a floral-print dress, a long coat, and a pair of cowboy boots. It was freezing outside, but that wasn’t going to stop me from dressing cute.

I’d also left my hat and sunglasses behind. But tonight was supposed to be fun. A celebration. I didn’t want to spend the whole time hiding.

“Where to first?” Bryan asked with a lopsided grin. “We’ll have to navigate around all this rush-hour traffic.” He gestured at the road ahead, which had maybe two other cars puttering along and a handful of pedestrians.

“A change of pace from LA, right?”

He shrugged. “I’m not complaining.”

“I saw the cutest baby store earlier when I was out with Maisie. I thought we could do a little shopping for Brody before we head to the brewery.”

His grin widened. “You know I won’t argue withthat.”

Bryan Krueger had been a mixed martial arts fighter before changing careers to something more stable and less likely to result in bodily injuries. Yes, he was my bodyguard, but mostly he drove me around and scowled at anyone who got too close.

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