Page 39 of A Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy

“No.” Humor glimmered in the old man’s eyes as he shook his head.

Whatever. It had been worth a shot. “Bryce has also trimmed overhanging branches in that area and replanted some tired flowerbeds. And there are flower baskets up in front of the chalets ready for occupancy.”

“Yes, I’m pleased with what he’s been able to accomplish thus far. He’ll be focusing on the area around the lodge this week now that he has more help.”

Graham put a checkmark beside ‘landscaping,’ and the wall screen updated. “Construction? How’s Maxwell doing there?”

“Good. The cabins on Dragonfly Lane are ready to go, and his crew is working at Ladybug Lane with hopes to have at least some of them ready for occupancy by the Fourth of July.” Tate consulted his notes. “Jude’s work has overlapped some with Max’s, and he’s got the public restrooms and showers in the campground refreshed. He’s repainted the interior walls and replaced a couple of toilets that needed it.”

“Excellent report.” Grandfather nodded and reached for his phone. “Since everything is on schedule, let me give Weston a call and schedule your trail ride.”

Chapter Thirteen

“I don’t like leaving Jamie with someone I don’t know.” Stephanie cast a look back at Tate’s place as she climbed into the golf cart beside him. Mr. Sullivan had ordered half a dozen of those for the staff to use around the resort to cut down on noise and emissions.

Tate chuckled. “I didn’t know you when I first left him with you.”

She swatted his arm. “That was different.”

He pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. “Right, because I have no interest in marrying Emma.”

Whereas all of Stephanie’s dreams were coming true. She’d be married to Tate in just under four weeks. She should be panicking about her gown and flowers and music and venue, not gallivanting around Sweet River on horseback. It wasn’t like she was going to be in contact with the tourists who’d soon be flocking to the ranch.

But, at least she didn’t have to face Weston on her own. She couldn’t get a solid read on him, and that kept her on edge when he was nearby.

“Pegasus Lane?” Stephanie snickered when they turned toward the stables. “Seriously?”

“I know, right? I talked to my grandfather about the names of the roads on the place, and he just smiled and said we were keeping them.”

“But Pegasus?”

“All the roads are named for things that fly, so I guess flying horses? It’s the least of my problems.”

She rested her hand on his knee. “What’s the biggest concern?” Surely, he wasn’t rethinking marrying her…

Tate winked at her as the corrals came into view. “Having to wait almost a month to marry you. Seems forever.”

Stephanie released a long breath. Was she really worried that he was going to bail on her? From all she’d seen, Tate Sullivan was a man of his word. If he said he was going to do something, he proceeded to do it. That’s why his grandfather had put him in charge. Him and Graham.

Graham stood stiffly beside the stable door, where Weston leaned casually, chewing on a straw. Of course, the Montana native was going to enjoy this to the fullest. He might not have the education and experience to oversee resort operations, but he knew far more about horses than the rest of them put together, with the probable exception of his brother. Jude seemed happier with tools than animals, though.

She took Tate’s hand to step off the golf cart like she was a fine lady. She could get used to being treated like this. Correction. She was going to get used to it, because she had a lifetime of it coming up.

Unless Tate got cold feet. He wouldn’t. Would he? She’d make sure he didn’t.

“Hey, Weston,” Tate said easily. “Ready for us newbies?”

“So ready.” Weston straightened, eyeing the three of them. “I’ve got a few horses saddled up. We’ll focus on some basic riding near the stables today. Next time we’ll do a trail ride, and then we’ll work on horse care later.”

Graham glowered at Weston. “I believe there’s only the one ride, and that’s today.”

“Wrong.” Weston pointed a pistol finger at Graham. “Our dear old granddad wants you all to become competent. I’m pretty sure that’s going to take more than the three lessons we’ve got on the schedule at this time.”

Tate’s fingers tightened around Stephanie’s, her only clue that he hadn’t known this, either. Was she going to be included every time? Maybe it would be worth it. Then they’d be able to steal away later in the summer on their own, away from staff housing with the dual cabins much too close together.

“You said you’d ridden some.” Weston looked at Stephanie. “I’ve got Mirage here for you.”

Stephanie ran her hands over the palomino’s face. “She’s beautiful.”

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