Wish Upon a Wedding

by LuAnn McLane

  Avery took the front steps two at a time and unlocked the heavy front door he’d recently painted a deep shade of green. He smiled at the lemon scent of furniture polish that hung in the air. Because of the long hours, he’d recently hired a maid service to keep the house clean and his laundry washed. Having grown up doing chores around the house with his sister, Avery felt a little bit guilty at what his father very vocally considered an extravagance, but to Avery, the expense was worth being able to come home from work to a spotless house every night.

  After a quick shower, Avery towel-dried his hair thinking he needed a trim. Having always detested his curls, he’d usually opted for a close-cropped style, but remembered Sophia saying that she likes it longer. Nibbling on the inside of his lip, he peered at his reflection in the oval mirror above the pedestal sink. After a moment he shrugged. Hey, if Sophia liked it . . . but then shook his head. Doing things just because a girl liked it could lead into dangerous territory. While he might be over Ashley, opening his fool heart to that kind of pain again was going to take a long-ass time . . . like maybe never.

  He decided on a button-down Western-cut blue shirt instead of the usual T-shirt he would have worn and tugged on his best pair of Wranglers and cowboy boots. After a splash of spicy aftershave, he looked at his favorite University of Kentucky baseball cap but decided not to wear it. Grabbing his phone and his keys, he clattered down the hardwood steps stopping to put on his Carhartt jacket, and hurried out the door.

  Avery turned on a country music channel and sang “Friends in Low Places” along with Garth Brooks. Music was his go-to stress reliever. Ah damn, he missed karaoke nights! But he pushed the thought away, not wanting his hard-won good mood to evaporate.

  When he pulled into the packed parking lot of Sully’s, Avery thought that the honky-tonk seemed crowded for a Wednesday night, but then again, he hadn’t been out in ages so this might be typical. “Gotta get out more often,” he muttered as he drove around.

  Finally finding a vacant spot, Avery killed the engine, but after he hopped down from his truck, he stood there for a moment. He was going to see Sophia. He could try to deny it, but the thought made him undeniably happy. When caution reared its ugly head, he squashed it. This isn’t serious, he told himself. I can at least allow myself to enjoy her company. No harm in that, right?

  And he was actually kind of . . . nervous.

  A slow grin spread across his face as he started walking toward the entrance. His breath blew smoke into the cold night air and gravel crunched beneath the heels of his boots. This was a good kind of nervous energy and he found himself whistling softly.

  The old school neon lights blinked a friendly honky-tonk welcome. When he opened the door laughter and music slid toward him, drawing him in. The sharp scent of Buffalo wings, French fries, and tap beer made his mouth water.

  Yeah, it had been way too long since he’d been to Sully’s.

  Turning, Avery unbuttoned his jacket and hung it on one of the hooks lining the back wall. But he reminded himself that this wasn’t a date and that it was actually Carrie Ann who had invited him. Still, coming out to spend time with Sophia sent a jolt of excitement racing through his veins. Avery hadn’t felt this carefree in a long time and he had to admit that it felt pretty damned awesome.

  Avery scanned the bar hoping to spot Carrie Ann’s big red hair over the crowd but came up empty. The thought hit him that perhaps they’d decided not to come, but before he could explore the room more, a cold longneck was pressed into his hand. Avery turned around and was greeted by the grinning face of his friend Danny Mayfield.

  Danny gave Avery’s shoulder a nudge. “Dude, I haven’t seen you out in forever. What’s up with that noise?”

  “I dunno.” Avery shrugged. “Been busy.”

  “That’s a lame-ass excuse of FOGO.”

  “What the hell is FOGO?”

  “Fear of going out.”

  “Oh.” Guilty. “That’s bullshit.”

  “Well then, Mason has been having some kick-ass bonfires at the Broomstick Brewery. He’s doing a pig roast sometime soon. You should come.”

  Avery took a swig of his beer and nodded. “Thanks, sounds like a good time.” Avery had helped bartend at the grand opening of the brewery back in October. Sophia had helped out too and they’d hung around and had fun at the after party.

  Danny jammed his thumb over his shoulder. “Me and Colby are playing some pool. Wanna join us?”

  “I would but I’m meeting somebody here,” Avery replied and glanced around again.

  “Oh, yeah, who?” Danny asked casually but gave him a close look. “Anybody I know?”

  “Is there anybody you don’t know in Cricket Creek?” Danny’s family owned Mayfield Marina where his brother Mason built the popular craft brewery.

  “Why do I feel as if you’re evading the question?” Danny tipped his bottle back, and waited.

  “I’m meeting Carrie Ann Spencer and Sophia Gordon for a beer.”

  “Oh?” Danny raised his eyebrows. “Sophia? She’s one of the sweetest people on the planet. Funny as hell too. She and I bartended the other night at the taproom, and damn, she had me rolling on the floor. She’s all quiet, but has these one-liners that come outta nowhere.”

  “Really?” Avery asked evenly but felt a flash of jealousy. “You do that often?” Damn but his tone had a bit of an edge to it.

  “Whoa there.” Danny held up his hands. “Don’t get your panties in a wad. She’s like a sister to me.”

  “My panties aren’t in a wad.”

  “Oh.” Danny laughed. “So you wear panties?”

  “Yeah, thongs.”

  “I knew it!”

  “Wanna see my whale tail?”

  “Thanks, but I’ll pass.”

  Avery gave his friend a chuckle, and then took a swig of his beer.

  “No, seriously, I’m glad you’re hanging out with her. She’s a cute girl.” Danny tilted his head. “I can kinda see you together.”

  “Danny, she’s going back to New York. I’m not an idiot. We’re just hanging out.”

  Danny shrugged. “Well, her sister, Grace, was going back to London and now she’s married to my brother. Her mother lives here now and so does her brother Garret when he’s not doin’ that singing show in London. I kinda think she might consider staying given the right reasons, if you know what I’m sayin’.”

  “I don’t know what you’re sayin’.”

  “Right . . .” Danny took a swig of his beer and shrugged. “Geez, don’t look at me like that. I’m just makin’ a personal observation. Look, I’ve got to get back to the game. It’s cool to see you, though, man.”

  “Same here.”

  “Don’t forget about the pig roast. I’ll text you the date and details.”

  “Thanks, Danny. We need to get out on the water and fish when the weather warms up.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” He clanked his bottle to Avery’s. “Now go find your girl.”

  “She’s . . .” Avery was about to protest that Sophia wasn’t his girl but Danny pivoted and started weaving his way through the crowd. His girl. Avery shook his head. Wow, he had it bad and it must be written all over his damned face. He told himself once again to cool his jets, but then he looked across the bar and spotted Sophia sitting at a high-top table with Carrie Ann. She sat sideways so he could see her profile and when she tipped her head back and laughed at something Carrie Ann said Avery had to smile.

  Damn . . .

  The rest of the bar faded into the background when Avery zoned in on Sophia, taking in how cute and sexy she looked in dark blue jeans and a pink sweater hugging her in all the right places. The overhead lighting picked up the extra blond in her caramel-colored hair. He noticed that her cut was a few inches shorter, grazing the top of her shoulders in a bouncy, flirty way. She’d crossed her legs
and when a new song came on she tapped her foot in rhythm to the beat.

  Avery suddenly wondered how it would feel to have her in his arms, dancing. . . . Avery usually wasn’t much of a dancer, but he wanted to dance with Sophia something fierce.

  As he walked toward her, Avery felt another jolt of nervous anticipation. He racked his brain for something clever to say but when he reached her table all he could think of was “Hi.”

  Sophia gave him a rather shy smile. “Hello, Avery. I’m glad that you came out tonight.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it,” he said and felt silly. This wasn’t an event, just a Wednesday night out.

  “Um, hello, what am I, chopped liver?” Carrie Ann asked, and then made a face at him.

  “Not hardly.” Avery leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

  “Well, now, that’s much better. I’ll buy you that promised beer after all.” Carrie Ann gave him a little head bop. “Just keep the compliments comin’.”

  Avery chuckled but shook his head. “No, this round is on me, ladies. What are y’all drinkin’?”

  Carrie Ann held up her pilsner glass. “Somethin’ called Spellbound from Broomstick Brewery. Very tasty.”

  Avery looked at Sophia. “Same for you?”

  “I, um, had Love Potion.” She pressed her lips together and blushed. “We did a flight of some new ales but this one is still my go-to favorite. Would you like a sip?”

  “Yes, thanks.” He’d probably tasted the brew before but there was something about taking a sip of her drink that appealed to him. When she handed him the glass and when their fingers brushed he felt another zap of awareness. He took a swallow and licked the hoppy taste from his bottom lip. “Oh, a winter ale. I like it . . . What is it again?”

  “Love Potion.”

  “Number nine?”

  “No, this is my first,” Sophia said, and then laughed. “If I have nine, you’ll have to carry me out of here.”

  Avery laughed with her, loving Sophia’s sense of humor. In truth, carrying her out of there held some serious appeal.

  Carrie Ann tapped her glass to his. “Here’s to having it work.”

  “Carrie Ann!” Sophia said, but Carrie Ann just shrugged and laughed.

  “Love potion number ni-e-i-e-ine,” she sang.

  Avery chuckled. Carrie Ann was one of his favorite people. “I’ll be right back.” He handed the glass back to Sophia whose cheeks were blushed a pretty shade of pink, probably caused by Carrie Ann’s comment. She looked so damned cute that Avery had the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her. His gaze lingered on her mouth and when her eyes widened just a fraction he caught himself and turned away. As he walked toward the bar he knew that he didn’t need a love potion. He’d been sweet on Sophia ever since she’d served him breakfast at Walking on Sunshine Bistro last summer. They’d flirted but it was all in fun and he needed to keep it that way. He sure as hell didn’t need to get his heart shredded to pieces again, but try as he might he couldn’t quite shake the excitement of being attracted to her.

  Just as Avery approached the bar he felt a sharp nudge from behind. He turned around and grinned. “Well, hey there, Uncle Easton.”

  “Hey, yourself,” his uncle said with his usual wide grin. “Son, I’ve been trying to get you out to grab a cold one for ages. What brings you here tonight?”

  “I fixed Carrie Ann’s washing machine over at her salon. She invited me out for a beer.”

  An odd look passed over Uncle Easton’s face. “Really? You’re here with Carrie Ann?”

  “Seriously, Uncle Easton?” He’d always suspected that his uncle had a thing for Carrie Ann and now he was sure. “Don’t you think she’s a little . . . uh, mature for me?”

  “I dunno.” His uncle shifted from one foot to the other, appeared a bit flustered, and then shrugged. “She could be one of those . . . what do you call ’em?” He looked into his glass of beer as if it held the answer.

  “A cougar?”

  He looked back up and pointed at Avery. “Yeah, one of those.”

  Avery resisted the urge to laugh, and then clamped his hand on his uncle’s shoulder. “Carrie Ann is here with Sophia and she asked me to come along out of politeness.” And he suspected a bit of matchmaking had played a part in the invitation but he wasn’t going to get that conversation started. His uncle had been all over his ass lately to get back into the dating scene. Avery considered it funny advice coming from a man who proclaimed to be a confirmed bachelor.

  “Oh, I gotcha.”

  “Yeah.” Avery nodded. “I came over to the bar to buy a round. I could use a hand carrying the drinks back to the table. Why don’t you join us?”

  “Sure, why not?” he said casually but seemed more than a little pleased. It didn’t go unnoticed that whenever Carrie Ann and his uncle were in the same room they seemed to gravitate toward each other so much so that there’d often been speculation about them.

  “Cool,” Avery said and signaled for the bartender. Although his uncle made it clear that he never wanted to get tied down, he was actively social in and around Cricket Creek. A natural athlete of some local note, he’d play anything from softball to cornhole and you were considered lucky to have him on your team. He could two-step with the best of them, had an exceptional singing voice and a great sense of humor. He was one of those George Clooney kind of guys who aged well, a gene that Avery hoped he’d inherited. Avery handed Carrie Ann’s beer to his uncle. “Ready?”

  “Son, I was born ready.”

  Avery laughed, knowing that would be his uncle’s response. They were stopped several times while trying to make their way back to the table and while Avery liked seeing his buddies, he kept glancing over at Sophia. He noticed that he wasn’t the only one looking her way and when some dude approached her it was all he could do not to march over there and step between them. To his relief, Sophia shook her head at whatever the guy asked.

  “Maybe you oughta hustle on over there and stake your claim,” Uncle Easton said and gave Avery’s arm a nudge, nearly making him spill one of the beers.

  “I don’t have a claim to stake.”

  “That’s the whole point.”

  “Sophia might be leaving Cricket Creek.”

  “And she might not.”

  “Uncle Easton . . .”

  “Just keep that in mind. That’s all I’m sayin’. Ask her to dance or somethin’ before someone else does. What’s the harm in that?”

  The harm was getting something started that he shouldn’t. “It’s not that simple,” Avery argued.

  “I beg to differ. You take the drinks over to them, ask Sophia to dance and then take her hand.”

  “You’re assuming she’ll say yes.”

  “There’s only one way to find out.”

  “I don’t know . . .”

  “Well then, ask her to play darts or pool or somethin’.”

  Avery nibbled on the inside of his lip, thinking. “Why is this so damned difficult?”

  “It’s not.”

  “How did I know you were gonna say that?”

  “Make up your mind before these beers get warm.”

  Avery inhaled a deep breath. Decision time. “Okay . . .”

  3

  All My Single Ladies

  After spotting Easton Fisher standing alongside Avery chatting away, Carrie Ann reached up and fluffed her hair thinking she should have used a Bumpit for a little extra oomph.

  “Well, now,” Sophia said in a suggestive tone.

  “‘Well, now’ what?” Carrie Ann asked, wondering if she still had lipstick on and if her perfume still smelled nice.

  “I caught you staring at Easton.” Sophia angled her head toward the bar. “He’s pretty hot for an old guy.”

  “I know.” When Easton and Avery stopped to talk to Danny Mayfield, Ca
rrie Ann quickly dug in her purse for her tube of lipstick. She applied a quick swipe of red gloss over her lips. “Wait . . . he’s not old.” She rubbed her lips together and made a face at Sophia.

  “I’m just teasing.” Sophia leaned forward. “So, what’s the deal with you two?”

  “There’s no deal.” She’d carried a torch for the man ever since high school, and Lord have mercy, if he didn’t get better-looking every time she laid eyes on him.

  And she laid her eyes on him whenever she got the chance.

  Sophia glanced over to where Easton and Avery stood. “Why not? He’s single, right?”

  “Far as I know.” She gave Sophia a slight shrug. She ran her tongue over her teeth and wondered if she should pop a Tic Tac in her mouth and head to the ladies’ to spray on a little more perfume. “How do you know him, anyway, sugar?”

  “Well, he came into Walking on Sunshine for lunch on a regular basis. He seems super nice. Friendly. I also seem to recall how you would somehow always be there at the same time,” she said with a mischievous grin.

  Carrie Ann flushed. Easton went way beyond just being a looker. The man oozed Southern charm and had a smile that made her melt like a cube of sugar in hot tea. And he could fix damn near anything. What more could a girl possibility want? The fact that he’d remained a bachelor puzzled all of the single ladies in Cricket Creek. She risked another glance in Easton’s direction. The man looked mighty fine in his blue jeans and Western-cut shirt. While Carrie Ann vowed to never tie the knot, if Easton, by some quirk of fate, ever proposed to her, she would at least have to give it some serious consideration. It would be worth it just for the honeymoon. Mercy . . . but that thought had her needing to fan her face.

  “So . . .” Sophia gave Carrie Ann a questioning tilt of her head.

  “So what?” Carrie Ann tried to appear confused and hoped her face wasn’t flushing again.

  “Oh, come on.” Sophia wagged her finger back and forth from Easton to Carrie Ann. “Why don’t you make a play for him?”