Page 146 of Lavender Lake
I grinned. “I did.”
Hadley squealed and hugged me. “Thank you.”
The back porch had four lounge chaises with pillows, blankets, and tables covered with snacks and candy. A movie popcorn machine was currently popping kernels and the smell of oil and butter hit me with a nostalgic smack.
I’d strung up garden lights, like the ones that used to be on the cabin porch, and a huge movie projector had been delivered earlier in the day and set up. I’d asked Wyn and Poet to keep Hadley occupied so I could unveil the surprise.
“What are we watching?” Poet asked.
“Hadley’s three favorite movies,” I said with a grin. “We’re starting withSeven Brides for Seven Brothers, then we’ll move on toMeet Me in St. Louis, and finish it off withThe Harvey Girls.”
“I have to watch them in that order, and always all together.” Hadley grinned. “I don’t make the rules. That’s just the way it is.”
“You guys are okay with crashing in the den tonight, so you don’t have to drive back to The Regal Beagle?”
“Yep,” Poet said. “You told us to bring our overnight bags, so we’ve got them.”
“Good,” I said. “Gracie wanted to come, but Cole is working tonight and the grandparents who would normally watch their daughter are at an antique road show in Montana.”
“We’re missing a few things,” Wyn said.
“What?” I asked. “I’ve thought of everything.”
“I need a dog to snuggle,” Wyn said.
“We’ve got four Border Collie Aussie puppies,” Hadley said. “But they’re working dogs and don’t really understand the wordchill.”
“I’d settle for your goat,” Wyn replied. “Where is she, anyway? Did you leave her with Declan?”
“Nope,” she said. “She’s upstairs with my dad and Jane. Declan went out about an hour ago with Bowman for his bachelor party.”
“What does that entail?” Poet asked. “The town is cute, but I didn’t see a lot of activities suitable for a bachelor party.”
“They’re going to the Copper Mule to play pool,” Hadley said with a wry smile. “The Monroe brothers are joining them.”
“Wild and crazy,” Wyn said mockingly.
“So wild. So crazy.” Hadley laughed. “Let me get the goat, and then our night can commence.”
We were in the middle of our second movie when the sun finally set. Hadley conked out. As soon as Tempest saw Hadley roll over onto her side, she jumped down from snuggling Wyn and went to curl up next to Hadley.
Hadley instinctively reached out and pulled the baby goat close to her.
I took out my phone, snapped a photo, and sent it to Declan.
Me
Your fiancée is partying hard
Declan’s reply was almost instant.
Declan
Me too. I’m two beers in and refusing shots
Smiling, I tucked my phone aside, but it buzzed with another text.
Cas
