Page 54 of A Match Made in Montana

“We’re having our final fitting tomorrow morning. It’s a pity you…”

Craig tuned out his cousin’s voice. Annie in white—it was such a sudden clear picture, he had to blink. Wow. She’d be a stunning bride. All those brown curls hanging down her back, her eyes glowing, her smile beautiful. Damn it to hell…

“Mommy, why is Uncle Craig saying a bad word?” Dylan’s voice penetrated his thoughts.

Riley chuckled. “I’m not sure, sweetie. Maybe he’s realized what an idiot he is.”

“What’s an idiot, Mommy?”

“You’re looking at it.” Riley laughed. Picking up the little boy, she winked at Craig. “Don’t be scared of being happy, coz. It suits you.”

“I can’t agree more. Come on, let’s eat,” Aunt Janice said. “Hopefully, your uncle will realize his mistake before it is too late.”

Chapter Seventeen

Annie had justposted her latest video on Instagram when her doorbell rang on Friday afternoon. It had been a busy day with her guests arriving since early in the day. She’d just finished giving her guests tea and wasn’t expecting anyone. It could be one of the neighbors, or maybe Janice. Annie hadn’t seen the older woman since Wednesday.

She was simply going through the motions each day. Even though the week had been crazy. Not only did she have to prepare for her guests, Vivian and Aiden’s house was finally finished and they’d started moving in. She and Mitch had pitched in to help and she’d made sure everyone had something to eat by dinnertime each day. In between, they’d also followed up on the arrangements for the wedding.

But even though her mind had been occupied with so many things, she still missed Craig. Desperately. That wasn’t something that was going to change any time soon, she’d have to live with that for the rest of her life.

She and Vivian had made several trips to Bozeman to pick up curtains and lamps and crockery her sister had ordered while Aiden had spent most days at the house accepting the delivery of furniture they’d bought. He was keeping his apartment in Portland for the times he needed to go back for work.

Annie’s first guests for the weekend had arrived the day before. Having her house filled with people was exactly as she’d imagined it—the house was just about vibrating with laughter and late-night talks. Although she was in her element baking and cooking for everyone, she was doing it with a heavy, aching heart. Missing Craig was so much worse than she’d anticipated.

“I’ll get it,” Mitch called from inside the house.

Minutes later, he showed Craig’s mother into Annie’s kitchen, his eyebrows raised in a question mark.

“I’m on my way to school—see you later,” her brother called and was gone.

Annie was so stunned it took her a few moments to recover. “Mrs. O’Sullivan, please come in,” she finally got out. “Have a seat. We’ve just had tea and there’s still some in the pot, or do you prefer coffee?” She was babbling but couldn’t seem to stop.

“Nothing for me, please, thanks, Annie. And remember, I’m Claire.” Pulling out a chair, the older woman sat down. “I was wondering if you have a few moments?”

“Of course.” Annie pulled out a chair opposite her. Why would Craig’s mom want to talk to her?

“You and Craig… you feel something for my son?”

Annie opened and closed her mouth a few times before she was able to get a word out. “I do, but we’re not together. We’re just friends.”

“Your choice?”

“Neither one of us is interested in a long-term relationship or marriage.”

“It doesn’t have anything to do with me, but would you mind telling me why?”

“I was dumped weeks before I was going to marry my ex, so for a while there, I didn’t think I’d ever want to go down that road again. And Craig, well… you should talk to him.”

Claire’s eyes were swimming in tears. “Because we left him behind? I had to make the choice to stay or go with my husband. I felt I was also needed. Craig was so independent, I never thought leaving him would have a negative impact on him. I was crying so hard after we’d dropped him off, I couldn’t even wave goodbye.”

“Talk to Craig, tell him exactly that. I think all of you need to share your feelings with one another. He’s a great guy and any woman would be lucky to be his wife.”

Claire stood up. “Thanks, Annie. You said for a while there you haven’t thought about getting married again. Has it changed?”

Her heart breaking, Annie also got up. “I’ve met Craig. Let me walk you to the front door.”

As Craig’s mom stepped out on to the porch, Annie touched her arm. “You know what I was thinking when we had dinner the other night at Grey’s Saloon?”

---