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He nods as we continue out of town and travel down the long, winding road, where most of the family ranches are in the area.
“Are we going to my parents’ place now?” I ask, unsure if I’m prepared to face my mother so soon.
I haven’t asked about our plans since it happened so fast, which might have been a mistake.
“We’re staying at the bed-and-breakfast at Horseshoe Creek Ranch. I booked it for four nights. We’ll fly back to New York on Sunday.”
My mouth falls open. “My best friend growing up works there.”
“Remi? Why are you making that face?”
It’s shock.
“Because she knows mebetter thanCarlee.”
“This will be very interesting. I look forward to speaking with her.”
“I already told her about you.”
He smirks. “Even better.”
Remi is three years younger than me, but we became fast friends when we were kids, after I spilled purple juice on her favorite T-shirt. Bad first impressions have followed me since I was a kid. She was the valedictorian of her class, intelligent beyond her years, and loved to read too. Not to mention, her family founded the town, which is their namesake. Everyone knows the Valentine family. They’re small-town royalty.
I laugh. “Actually, I think she’s having a barn birthday party this weekend. It’s on the same property as the B & B.”
“A barn party?” He’s confused.
“It’s better than a pasture party, especially if it starts raining. That way, there’s shelter.” I try to hide laughter because he has no idea what I’m talking about.
“You’re bluffing,” he states.
“I’m not. We should attend though. Her brothers, Beckett and Harrison, always host unforgettable parties. You might get the full Southern experience while you’re here. By the end, maybe you’ll be wearing Wranglers and sayingy’allandyeehaw.”
“And maybe you’ll be sayingI do.”
“Still waiting for that ring,” I say, shooting him a wink as my heart beats harder when he tries to hold back a smile.
Eventually, the SUV slows and turns into Horseshoe Creek Ranch’s long rock driveway.
The farmhouse sits in the distance against the backsplash of the fading sun on hundreds of acres of land. Summer Jones and Beckett Valentine renovated the house last year and transformed it into a bed-and-breakfast. Summer is my age and Beckett is a few years older. They fell madly in love after nearly fist fighting one another for this property. In the end, they both won, because they fell in love, are engaged, and now share the ranch.
It’s still light enough outside to see all the new structures on the ranch, mainly Valentine Veterinary Clinic and the stables and the horse training facility that’s set far behind the house.
When the SUV parks in front of the house, I become more nervous than I was when we landed.
I didn’t tell anyone I was visiting Valentine, not even my family. I’m working on my surprise skills, but considering I’m here to prove my temporary marriage is legitimate, this could be a mistake.
Easton opens my door and holds out his hand for me. We walk up the wide steps together, and my eyes wander over the flowers. I’m impressed.
Summer, the owner of the B & B and a friend, must’ve hired someone to keep them alive in this heat. It’s known around town that she has a brown thumb and can’t keep a plant alive to save her life. Seeing the purple and pink wildflowers makes me happy.
Easton opens the screen door and steps aside, allowing me to enter first. It smells like homemade chocolate chip cookies and freshly brewed coffee. We move through the common area toward the front desk that’s set off to the side.
The last time I was inside was during the grand opening almost a year ago. The place is typically booked, especially during this time, so I’m curious how Easton pulled it off. I guess money talks.
I move toward the registration counter and don’t see anyone around, so I ring the bell. I’m not sure if it will be Summer here or Remi.
DING.The noise is piercing.