The answer struck home.
It was finally time.
She’d put off the big decision after a brief panic, afraid she wasn’t ready to commit to such a relationship. Sierra loved her life, but there was one thing still missing. The type of love she dreamed of to ease the occasional sting of loneliness.
She was definitely getting a cat.
“I’m getting married.”
Kane stood outside Ziggy’s Tours with Brick. The moment he got the call from his close friend that he had big news, Kane headed right over.
A huge grin curved his lips and he stepped in to give Brick a hug. “Congrats, man. Damn, you finally got smart and put a ring on it. Good thing, ’cause I was ready to make my move.”
Brick laughed, thumping him on the shoulder. “Good thing, because I would’ve had to beat the crap out of you.”
“You wish. I was in jail. Learned a few moves.”
Brick shook his head, still cracking up. “Only you could call yourself a criminal and every woman thinks it’s mysterious and cool.”
“Not every woman. Dixie gives me the evil eye every time I go to the bank. Maybe she’s
afraid I’m planning to rob them.”
“Dixie’s mad because you didn’t continue dating her daughter, Callie. Not because of criminal rumors that no one in town even knows about.”
Kane scratched his head. “Oh. Good to know. Well, since you’re retiring your bachelor status, I’m glad I can step in and take your place.”
“And I’m glad you can now be the subject of the support group in town.” Brick’s eyes danced with glee. “Your reputation has overtaken mine.”
Kane got a kick out of how things were so different from New York City. There, ghosting was an everyday practice, and you rarely met the same woman again. Here? All of your exes were hanging at the same bar, unless you strictly dated tourists.
At first, Kane had been charmed by the locals, and gone on a few dates, ignoring Brick’s warning to be careful. He’d figured out quickly, though, that a promise to call again was taken like a blood oath. Kane had begun to back off, making sure he didn’t get involved with anyone he didn’t see a future with.
Of course, this was all before he realized Sierra lived here. Afterward, everything changed.
Kane didn’t want any other woman but her.
For a moment, the urge to spill the truth to his friend was overwhelming, but he fought it back. No reason to ruin the engagement announcement with his past troubles. He’d held back on pushing Sierra, though Kane made sure he popped up regularly in her presence. The flare of irritation always mingled with a wariness that told him how much he affected her. Watching the woman he craved try desperately to avoid him was an ego buster, but with spring on the horizon, along with a fresh spark of possibility, he was finally ready.
And as much as he wanted to confide in Brick, it wasn’t fair to expose their past without Sierra’s permission. Best to focus on Brick’s obvious happiness, which was way overdue.
His joking air disappeared. “You deserve this,” he said quietly. “Aspen is perfect for you.”
Brick’s face softened. “Yeah, she is. Thanks. You’re gonna be my best man, right?”
“Hell, yes! Can I help with the tuxes though? You never did have a sense of style.”
Brick grunted. “Fine, but nothing too damn fancy.”
“Suspenders are back in and all the rage.”
“Fuck no.” They laughed together. “We want to have a simple dinner Friday night to celebrate.”
“Figured the whole crowd would want to come. Everyone’s been rooting for you two from the beginning.”
“I know. We’ll blast the news soon, but Aspen wanted to have a quiet dinner. Talk about the wedding and be together before things get crazy.”
Kane hesitated. “Who’s going?”
