Wedding Day With A Rancher (Rich & Rugged: A Hawkins Brothers Romance Book 2)

by Ellie Hall

  She’d thought about him plenty when he’d snapped at her after he got coffee down his shirt. Maybe he thought it was her fault since she’d let the stressed-out mom go ahead of them or perhaps, he was already having a bad day. It could’ve been she’d misjudged the handsome giant and he was just a grouchy and gruff giant. She wasn’t sure what prompted her to tap him on the shoulder at the café other than the steadiness in his gaze when she’d seen him in the truck and the smolder on his lips.

  When she’d reached the front of the line at the cafe, the kid at the counter passed her a bag with a cupcake top in it. She’d turned to rush after the guy, but he’d disappeared. She’d thought about him plenty before she’d been swept into the wedding chaos but certainly didn’t expect to see him ever again.

  On the drive over to the reception site, she’d even come up with several snappy comebacks after he’d told her to mind her business if only for her own satisfaction as the scene played over and over in her mind.

  Yet the cupcake top he left for her was delicious and almost worth the long line and enduring his irritability. Almost.

  He sauntered over with his hands in his pockets. His expression was a difficult-to-read combination of sheepish and surly.

  Harmonie tremble beside her. “Have mercy,” she whispered. “Who is that? Tell me he’s a guest of the groom.”

  “Hi again,” he said, holding Kayla’s gaze.

  It was her turn to shiver and she let out a ragged little breath despite her desire to let him have it for being a jerk at the coffee shop.

  “Hey, um, sorry about everything.”

  She was about eye level with where the coffee stain should’ve been. “I see you have plenty of plaid shirts.”

  “Just two. Uh, twenty-two.”

  She forced herself not to giggle. Harmonie did not refrain from flirtatious laughter.

  Why did good looking guys get away with being jerks just because they were cute and charming and cute? Did she already say cute? A little growl of frustration escaped.

  “Do you know each other?” Harmonie interjected.

  “All I know is she prefers the tops of cupcakes and would sacrifice herself for a mom with cranky kids. Also, she’s perfectly capable of picking herself up off the ground and can cut a mean glare at a guy who’d totally deserved it.”

  Kayla crossed her arms in front of her chest. “May I ask what you’re doing here?”

  He took his hands out of his pockets and gripped his palms. “Right, the bride needed a horse on short notice. I got a call earlier and—”

  “Wait, what?” Kayla asked. “That was you?”

  “That was you?” he repeated.

  “I don’t follow,” Harmonie said.

  Kayla quickly explained her mother’s panicked call, followed by phoning some random ranch who happened to have a horse available for her sister to ride in on with her father leading it by the reigns. What were the chances it was the same guy?

  “Princess Chloe is riding in on a horse instead of walking down the aisle?” Harmonie’s mouth hung open. “Wonders never cease.”

  “Princess Chloe?” the cowboy asked.

  Harmonie briefed him on the bride-diva.

  Kayla added, “She saved money to pay for it by having me do the photography for free so she could afford a horse. A horse for goodness sakes.”

  The Cartwrights weren’t rich or wealthy by any stretch but they’d managed to afford Chloe’s horse lessons over the years, never mind that they had to take out a second mortgage for the wedding.

  Harmonie leaned in and whispered. “You get dibs on the Cute Cowboy.”

  Before she could retort, a shrill woman’s voice called, “There you are.”

  “Hello, Aunt Irene,” Harmonie said, opening her arms to intercept Kayla’s mother.

  As the two hugged, Kayla’s cousin made a gagging face over her mother’s shoulder and mouthed too much perfume.

  Her mother turned to her. “Kayla, listen, I need you to make sure they do not run out of toilet paper in the women’s bathrooms tomorrow. I went to Lucille Arnold’s daughter’s wedding and they did. Unacceptable. Can you do that, please.” She ordered rather than asked.

  Kayla nodded.

  “Won’t you be busy enough with—?” Harmonie asked, going to bat for her.

  “It’s fine—”

  Irene cut her daughter off. “Speaking of Lucille Arnold, she will not be here tomorrow. But Constance Livermore will be along with her son Vincent. Do you remember him? Such a nice young man. He’s an insurance salesman and would be perfect for you, Kayla. We really need you to get on the ball, here.”

  From over her aunt’s shoulder, Harmonie repeated her gagging face then stuck her tongue out at her aunt.

  Remembering that the rancher aka the Cute Cowboy, according to Harmonie, was standing there she caught his lips quirk with amusement. She tried to suppress a smile.

  “You found her,” Chloe’s unmistakable match for her mother’s voice called. Between the two of them, their voices were so shrill they could probably break glass. “I thought you were hiding.” Chloe folded her arms across her chest and cocked her head at Kayla.

  “What would I be hiding from?” Kayla asked. “I’m your wedding photographer. I’m blending in, trying to get candids.” She lifted her camera and snapped a picture.

  Chloe’s gaze caught on the Cute Cowboy and she fluttered her eyelashes, vamping for the camera.

  “Work it, Chloe,” Harmonie said. “I’m sure Bryan will love to see these photos of you.” She leaned into Kayla, and referring to the Cute Cowboy added, “She could never resist man candy.”

  That’s what Harmonie called guys that were good looking along with stud muffins, hottie hunks, and apparently cute cowboys. There was no denying that the guy was good looking but he had the personality of a tree trunk. He was rough, gruff, and tough.

  Kayla lowered her camera and sensed said tree trunk had stepped beside her. They were nearly as close as they’d been in line at the café and she felt heat radiating off her, melting the frosty exterior she’d meant to uphold after he’d been so rude.

  Chloe licked her lips then said, “So, who’s this?”

  “It’s only right for the bride to know her guests but shouldn’t the bride also be getting ready for the groom?” Harmonie asked, reminding her cousin that flirting with the stranger was not appropriate—not that Chloe ever held back.

  “I’m just playing, Harmonie,” Chloe said in a condescending tone. “After all, only one more day of freedom before I’m tied down by the old ball and chain.” She glanced at the Cute Cowboy as if to measure his response.

  Kayla squinted at her sister with disbelief; it was the eve of her wedding day. The Cute Cowboy stiffened beside her.

  “I’m joking. You all look like you’re going to start giving me a lecture. Sheesh. Anyway, it’s not like he’s your plus one, Kayla.”

  At the suggestion, it was her turn stiffen. She was about to explain who he was but Harmonie cut across her.

  “Sure he is.” Harmonie’s eyes twinkled with mischief.

  “Wait, he’s here with you?” Chloe turned her head from the Cute Cowboy to her sister and back again like a cat watching a toy move back and forth.

  “He’s her plus one,” Harmonie said. “Kayla had just introduced me.” She nudged her cousin’s shoulder. She knocked into the Cute Cowboy for the second time that day. A zing shot through her. “What was your name again?” Harmonie asked the Cute Cowboy.

  “I’m Dallen,” he said, extending his hand to shake Harmonie’s.

  “It’s so nice to finally meet you, Dallen. I’ve heard so much about you. You’re perfect…for my cousin Kayla,” she said pointedly.

  They didn’t know each other’s names but Dallen suited him.

  Her cheeks heated and she opened her mouth again to protest but Chloe squawked a loud laugh.

  “You have got to be kidding me. You’d put a plus one on your reply but I didn’t think you’d
actually come through. It’s been, like, three years. My sister broke the drought with this guy?” Chloe asked with disbelief as she looked him up and down.

  Dallen tilted his head as though he didn’t quite understand or believe what he was hearing.

  When she’d returned her invitation, Kayla had hoped she’d have a plus one by the wedding date but Harmonie must’ve misunderstood. He was there with the horse.

  “Knowing you, I thought you’d be here with a dud and not this stud.” Chloe laughed again.

  Kayla fought a scowl at her older sister. With her, it was always a competition and she took every opportunity to insult her. And for what? What was the prize? Their parent’s love and approval? Some kind of twisted satisfaction? She couldn’t comprehend it but learned not to take part in it. However, at the moment, she was equally confused by Harmonie saying she and Dallen were at the wedding together.

  “So where did you guys meet?” Chloe asked.

  Kayla stole a glance, anticipating him blowing the whole thing up, which she wouldn’t blame him for—he was there on short notice with a horse, not to sub as her non-existent date.

  But something passed between them. Sparks? Understanding? Sympathy? Something. There was something. Sort of? Maybe? Hope kindled inside her when he bit his lip as though considering how they might proceed: tell the truth or go along with Harmonie’s set up.

  “We met at my ranch,” Dallen said.

  Over a phone call about the services his ranch provided was more like it.

  “Your ranch?” Chloe asked with an air of disbelief. “What was my sister doing at a ranch?”

  “I convinced him to bring you a horse to ride in on tomorrow,” Kayla cut in.

  “Oh, so you’re the angel who came through to make all my wedding day dreams come true?” she purred. “I’m sure Kayla told you how much I love horses. I used to ride all the time.”

  “Yes, of course,” Harmonie said dryly. “She told her wedding date who’s doing her a favor all about how wonderful and attractive and kind her big sister is.”

  Chloe flipped her hair dismissively.

  “Kayla, why’d you keep—was it Dave, Dan—a secret?” Irene asked, stepping forward and into the conversation.

  “See, I told you she’s sneaky,” Chloe said.

  “Uh, it’s not that serious, um—” Kayla started, not sure how to handle the situation and wishing her cheeks didn’t match the red ribbon on her dress.

  A strong hand clamped down on her shoulder then Dallen pulled her to his side as if to say it was serious enough.

  Jostled, she adjusted her glasses.

  Everyone stared at Kayla and Dallen as though shocked then shook it off when the groom’s mother called them over to begin.

  “Oh, and Kayla, wear your contacts tomorrow, those make you look like a librarian,” Chloe said. “I’ll see you later,” she waved at Dallen and sashayed off.

  “Don’t forget about the toilet paper either,” her mother called, following the bride.

  Harmonie clicked her tongue. “My local librarian happens to be rather chic. I don’t know why that would be an insult. Anyway, I think your glasses are adorable, Kayla, and don’t worry too much about the toilet paper.” She winked and scooted off.

  Dallen lowered his arm and tucked his hands in his back pockets.

  Kayla hastily shook off the shock of what had transpired. “I am so sorry. I was not expecting that.” Kayla struggled with where to begin—apologizing for Harmonie or her sister’s behavior.

  “It’s fine,” he said sharply. “I mean, it’s fine,” he repeated in a gentler tone. “We’re both going to be here anyway.”

  “My cousin got carried away and my sister—” Kayla puffed her cheeks and exhaled.

  “Really, it’s no big deal. I’m glad my charm and good looks can help out.” The hint of a smile reminded her he had a dimple but he looked away like he’d surprised himself with his response.

  Was he flirting? No, definitely not. Why would he flirt with the girl who looked like a librarian and was on toilet paper duty? “Listen, you don’t have to—”

  “No, it’s fine. What’s the plan?”

  “Seriously?”

  He shrugged. “Why not? I’m happy to help you out.”

  So, it turned out the gruff and rugged rancher aka the Cute Cowboy also had an altruistic side. He’d rather help out the librarian on toilet paper duty than lose his beloved horse to a pit of lava. She groaned, feeling silly for having the thought.

  “In addition to not looking like a librarian, whatever that means, and making sure the toilet paper doesn’t run out tomorrow, I also have to take pics of Princess Chloe getting ready and you have the horse to take care of—” She snorted a laugh, unable to go on listing reasons not to go along with the fake wedding date.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “I still can’t believe my sister is riding in on a horse. Seriously? Who does that?”

  “You’d be surprised. I get calls like that often enough.”

  Kayla imagined herself on a horse, not that it would ever happen, and started laughing at the scene that followed. “With my luck, the horse would trot off in the wrong direction or throw me off or—”

  “Do you ride?”

  “A horse?” More laughter spilled out of her. “Me? On a horse? Definitely not.”

  “We should do something about that.”

  She laughed again but he was straight-faced and his was a face she could get lost in: strong jaw, smooth nose, intelligent eyes, and lips that held a kind of wildness that scared and intrigued her in equal measure.

  She shook her head, snapping herself back into seriousness. “I’m from the city and don’t do things like that.”

  “Hawk Ridge Hollow isn’t far.”

  “Wait, you live there?”

  “Officially Hawk Ridge Ranch,” he said matter of fact.

  “Oh, I hardly looked at the website.”

  “Yeah, I need to update it.” He rocked back on his heels.

  “I live in Hawk Ridge Hollow.” She smiled.

  “I thought you were from the city.”

  “I am but I moved a few years ago.” Excitement at their potential proximity rushed through her.

  “What brought you there?”

  “Uh, I needed change.” She bit the inside of her lip. She swallowed and after going along with Harmonie’s white lie, she felt the need to tell the truth. “A bad break up chased me there…And the charm of the town kept me there. The scenery, tranquility... Bannock bread.”

  “You know where they have the best—”

  “Hawk and Whistle,” she finished for him because it was absolutely true. “Yeah, I know. I work there.”

  “No way. Small world.” He smiled, revealing his dimple.

  Tingles raced through Kayla and her own smile widened. “Small town. Would you rather have the cinnamon sugar covered bannock bread they have in the morning or the cheese covered one in the evening?”

  “Is making this decision going to save lives because—”

  “Meteor flying at earth.”

  He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. “Fine. Easy. Cheesy bread in the evening.”

  She nodded in agreement. “Lucky for you we have plenty of that. It’s so good my friend Sadie is having it included in the catering menu for her wedding.”

  “Is she riding in on a horse too?”

  “Considering she’s marrying Tripp Hawkins, I wouldn’t be surprised. I’ll let you know if I need your services.”

  His smile dropped and it seemed like a shadow crossed his features.

  She went cold like there was a sudden draft in the otherwise warm room.

  “We’d, uh, better get out to the rehearsal. Wouldn’t want to keep anyone waiting,” he said and sauntered off in the direction of the door. Then, as though realizing she wasn’t beside him, he turned and said, “And for the record, I think you look good in the glasses.”

  Kayla stood there, stu
nned. Not sure what to make of Dallen’s mixed messages, the fact that he was her wedding date, or that he thought she looked good. Those were words she hadn’t heard in years. In fact, Bradley said something along those lines to her once and it was because she’d just gotten over the flu. It was to the tune of you’re looking better. However, it turned out he’d found someone better—Harmonie didn’t object to stalking him on Facebook and finding out the dirt. The woman he’d left Kayla for worked at a hot dog stand and was probably prettier, more interesting, and someone he saw himself having a future with.

  As Dallen’s words echoed, maybe things would get better in her life but she’d taught herself not to get her hopes up, especially not when she heard her mother’s shrill voice ordering her to the rehearsal dinner.

  Chapter 4

  Dallen

  The morning had dawned sunny and bright. After letting Genesis frolic and graze in the pasture, Dallen had brushed her down and combed her mane to prepare for the wedding.

  She’d stayed at the stable his family owned on the edge of the city. He’d spent the night with his aunt and uncle who were happy for the impromptu visit.

  His aunt had pulled him aside and commented on how he seemed the happiest she’d seen him in a long time. Doubtful.

  He reflected on family and how much it meant to him and how his was broken. His brother was getting married? Why didn’t he know that? Why hadn’t Tripp reached out? Why hadn’t anyone else told him? His aunt, uncle, his other brothers? He’d made it clear he wanted to be left alone at the ranch, but marriage was a big deal beyond the usual—in his father’s will, he mandated his sons marry before receiving their inheritance and taking over the family business.

  That, and meeting Kayla’s mother and sister, reminded him how thoughtless people could be. It also brought back the pain of his own mother’s selfishness. It was as if a vicious wind blew away the warmth of Kayla’s smile, the possibility of helping her out and of everything good about their random encounter.

  But her cousin Harmonie brought to mind his brothers with their senses of humor and well-intentioned mischief before everything fell apart.