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Graham shuddered. “Once was enough. Nutmeg sounds fine.”

Darrell whistled to get the group’s attention to ride out.

“Come on. I’ll have you ready in a jiffy.” Weston strode back into the stable and made short work of tacking up the mare with Graham’s help.

In no time, they were bringing up the rear of the group of twenty riders. Looked like most of these folks had been on a horse a few times before, so Weston settled deeper into his saddle and glanced at his cousin. “Seriously, you had nothing better to do this afternoon, like getting your hair gelled before tonight’s dance?”

Graham snorted. “Is that what you think of me?”

Weston raised his eyebrows.

“Okay, fine, but I’m lower maintenance than I used to be. I promise.”

“Good to know.” They rounded the bend in the trail to where it widened out a little. “So, what’s up?”

“I was wondering — you can totally say no if you want.”

“Uh huh.” Weston waited.

“Would you be willing to stand up with me on my wedding day?”

Of all the things Weston might have expected Graham to say, this was not one of them. “Uh, sure, I guess.” Wasn’t Paisley to be the maid of honor? “Who else? I’m sure you’ll have Tate, and…?” Probably all the cousins. That would make five groomsmen, with Weston likely at the tail end. That would be fine. It was still an honor.

“Just you.”

Ranger zigged when Weston zagged and, for the first time since he was about five years old, his horse nearly unseated him. “Pardon me?” And man, his voice squeaked.

“We don’t want a big wedding, and you know neither Cadence nor I have any siblings at all.”

“Yeah, but me? You’ve known your Sullivan cousins your entire life. Surely?—”

“It’s a serious request. I’m closer to Tate than I ever was growing up, but he’s busy with Stephanie and their family. As it should be,” Graham hurried to add. “And, well, I have a lot of respect for you, especially the way you pitched in to save Paisley’s job and this entire event.”

“Anyone would have?—”

“Would not.”

Graham had a point. Who but the guy who loved her would have put in all that time and effort? But why did that matter to Graham?

“Our girls are good friends, and I hope I’m not overstepping, but I think you and Paisley have got what it takes for the long haul, so I’m sure we’ll be close for the rest of our lives.”

In the blink of an eye, Weston could fully see himself as part of the Sullivan clan. Maybe living next door to Graham and Cadence, sharing Christmases and Easters and birthdays and celebrations. Having kids who knew their second cousins and who’d play together and grow up together.

Paisley said she wanted six kids. He wasn’t so sure about that many, but two or three? With her?

Oh, yeah. He was totally on board.

Chapter

Twenty-Five

Paisley loaded her paper plate with smoked ribs and baked beans and coleslaw, while Weston did the same behind her.

He leaned close, his breath tickling her cheek. “There are two spots at that table. Want to grab them, and I’ll get us drinks?”

“Sure.” She accepted his plate. “Iced tea, please.”

His eyes twinkled. “It’s southern iced tea, full of sugar. It’s not black and straight.”