Page 22 of Playing it Country

Hannah’s cheeks pass pink and go straight to red, and I do my best not to double over at her obvious lack of cobbler knowledge.

“Hannah was just sayin’ how good it looked, Mama, and I wanted her to know just how proud we are of you for slaving over this delicious family recipe.” Her eyes bounce from me to Hannah and back again before her lips twist into a wry expression.

“Hannah, you better be careful. This one is trouble.”

“Mama, I am your favorite; I cannot be trouble.” She pats my cheek placatingly.

“I love all my babies.” She turns her attention back to Hannah. “Try the cobbler, and if you like it make sure you come over sometime to the house and I’ll serve it warm with some vanilla ice cream.” She winks and I groan.

“I will, Flora. Thank you.”

Mama sashays back across the lawn, and Hannah hip checks me out of the way before making a dash for a plate and the serving spoon.

I laugh, and she’s already three bites in before I can even wrap my head around what just happened.

8

HANNAH

An entire week had gone by without even one sighting of Case. I’d seen almost every other Thayer and even Marlee’s older brother, whose only greeting was a head nod, in passing. Montana stopped into the Tap and Table three times to either pick up food or to sit at the bar. He entertained me with wild stories of him and the guys, only half of which I believe to be true, and asked a handful of times if I’d seen Case.

The strange part is that I miss him. I’m annoyed that I care and that he’s making me miss him by being this adorable mix of sweet and sexy. Being in his orbit is easy, and it’s been a long time since I felt that way about anyone.

His only saving grace has been the fact that I’ve been working nonstop while also checking and rechecking my equipment, outfit, and shoe choice for the weekend. The time had flown by and while I was annoyed by the man who had taken up more of my headspace than appropriate, when Saturday finally rolled around I found myself to be cool, calm, and collected.

The groom, on the other hand, had been anything but, up to and including the moment he told me that Case needs a roommate and I should talk to him about it. Otto is living life a mile a minute, and everyone else is just along for the ride.

Despite his prewedding jitters, the morning of Otto’s engagement and wedding has been nothing short of magical—and that’s saying something coming from a girl like me. The pure and unconditional love pouring out of every single person has been breathtaking. Normally, I’d find this display of affection to be suffocating, but something about this family makes it seem like the most natural thing in the world.

I almost want to be a part of it.

Almost.

Aunt Holly always talked about this town and this community, but I don’t think you can truly do it justice until you’re watching the ex-husband, his son, and the soon to be stepfather all shaving together before the wedding. Briggs is something else entirely. The kid is a trooper, and between the smiling and the nonstop posing, I hope he gets the biggest piece of cake at the end of this.

The camera snaps away as I watch Fallon’s gaze flit between the men in her life. She’s stunning as she throws her head back and laughs. It’s perfect.

They all are.

“It’s just over this hill,” I say as I lead them through the tall grass and toward the ceremony that we’re shockingly on time for. I capture Fallon’s reaction to seeing the guests and Tanner’s look of pure adoration as he watches his ex-wife agree to marry Otto today.

Every click is a memory they’ll have forever. Tanner and Fallon’s tearful exchange as he gives her back to her father and the tearful exchange between the three of them. If I was the crying sort, this would be the moment it would hit me.

I scan the crowd and watch as the bridesmaids dab their eyes. Waylon wipes a tear away with his thumb, and Case straightens Otto’s tie. Sorren and Hank stand stoically and wait with their hands clasped in front of them.

Flora Thayer is being held up by her husband who doesn’t bother hiding the fact that he’s also one good “dearly beloved” from crying too.

This family—wow.

In less than a week’s time they’ve allowed me to share in a birth announcement and now a wedding. They’re remarkable and I’m humbled to be a part of their celebration and to do this for them.

Fallon starts walking down the aisle with her father, and she only has eyes for her soon-to-be husband. I pan to see his reaction, and even though the lens is focused on Otto, who is absolutely smitten with his bride, my gaze snags on Case who is standing off his left shoulder.

Of all the groomsmen, Case’s expression is the most interesting. It’s this fascinating mixture of relief and acceptance andI would die to ensure their happiness. I shiver at the last thought and snap a picture to preserve this moment even if just for myself.

The man standing up for his brother is everything and nothing like the man who had a glass of water thrown in his face. He’s not the playful guy from the field or the one who comforted his sister-in-law without thought.

He’s fascinating, and even though I’m still annoyed with the last standing Thayer brother, I’m also dying to explore this side of him too. He’s unreasonably handsome with those addicting blue-gray eyes that makes you want to get lost in them forever.

---