Page 53 of A Match Made in Montana

By the time he’d finished talking, both women were staring at him, open-mouthed.

Aunt Janice was the first to speak. “Let me get this straight—you and Annie spent a night together but then you decided you’re not going to see each other again? It doesn’t make any sense. You obviously feel something for her and she’s clearly mad about you.”

“There are feelings, but neither one of us wants anything more permanent, like marriage. A clean break makes more sense at this point.”

“So don’t get married,” Riley said. “It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, seriously. Marriage isn’t for everybody, definitely not for me, that’s for sure. But it doesn’t mean you can’t be together for as long as you both want it.”

“My life is in Portland.”

“Is it, though?” Riley asked. “If I recall, you haven’t been very happy over the last few months. And there are planes and trains and cars, remember? If memory serves me right, you’ve recently said, and I quote, ‘life without traffic and deadlines sounds infinitely better than the reality back in the city.’ You could always work from here.”

“You already have quite a few clients in Marietta,” his aunt added.

Riley wasn’t finished either. “If you think about it, you’re already working from here. Okay, yes, you don’t go to an office, but you keep in touch with your team in Portland daily, you help out on a regular basis. As a bonus, you’re getting new clients daily.”

“I haven’t worked…” he began but stopped.

His cousin was right. He had been working nonstop since he’d arrived in Marietta. Not only to help everyone who’d asked around here, but he’d also been helping his team back in Portland.

“See?” Riley smiled.

“I’m no good for Annie.”

Aunt Janice groaned out loud. “That is not true and you know it. She lights up every time she sees you. And you’re a completely different person when you’re with her. More open, more tactile. You’ve never been a hugger, now you are. But, okay, if you don’t want to be with her, so be it. I know of a number of men who would be very happy to hear you and Annie are not together anymore. Oh, by the way, she texted me earlier, wanted to know if you were okay.”

“Annie texted you? Why hasn’t she contacted me?”

“Probably because you’ve stupidly decided not to see her again before you leave?” Riley said rolling her eyes. “What about a glass of wine?”

Craig went through the ritual of opening a bottle of wine, but he kept mulling over his aunt’s words. Annie with someone else. Annie kissing someone else. Annie making love with someone else…

“Um, Craig?” Riley chuckled, taking the bottle opener from him. “I’ve poured the wine. I’m just worried you might use this as a weapon.”

“Let’s eat,” Aunt Janice said. “I’ve promised to make candy apples for the summer festival this weekend. I’ll have to do it tonight, though. Tomorrow, after school, I’ll be at the fairgrounds. Everyone lends a helping hand at these events.”

“Anything I can do?” Craig asked.

“I’m sure they’d appreciate any help. And remember, Saturday night there’s a dance. You two should get a date, go join the fun. Riley, you want to join us tomorrow?”

“I’ll be at Annie’s. I want to take more photos of the rooms and show Annie how her Instagram following is growing. She’s been posting short videos of basic recipes and of her rooms and it seems to be a hit. Also, Vivian and I need to discuss what kind of pictures she wants on her wedding day. She’s been so busy at the hospital, there hasn’t been time.”

Aunt Janice smiled. “That’s next weekend, I can’t believe their wedding day is finally here. I’m so happy for Aiden. When I asked him to visit just before Valentine’s Day, I just knew he and Vivian—What I mean is…”

“Aunt Janice.” Riley grinned. “It’s time to confess, don’t you think? You have played matchmaker, haven’t you?”

His aunt smiled serenely. “Don’t be silly, my dear. The magic between those two doesn’t need any help.”

“Just so you know, I’m watching you,” Riley said sternly. “Be happy Aiden is getting married and don’t try and set me up, okay?”

“Of course not, my dear.”

Riley was still staring at their aunt. “What about Craig? Have you lured him here specifically for Annie?”

“Really, Riley, I don’t know where you get all your ideas. Annie needed help with advertising. Craig is in marketing. It is an obvious solution to ask him to help her. Besides, you’ve heard Craig—he and Annie are not interested in any kind of relationship. I’m so glad Vivian asked you to be a bridesmaid as well.”

Riley laughed. “Changing the subject will not always help. I’ll be the bridesmaid with the camera.”

“I haven’t seen yours and Annie’s dresses yet.”

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