He keeps an arm around me but pulls away just enough to look at me. “Sounds perfect.”
“Really?” The fried pickles start a rave in my stomach. “Okay, so what about under a big tree? Like the one out near the south pasture. I was out that way checking out an injured calf one day. There is a huge oak tree.”
“I know the one. With the branches that swoop down to the ground.”
“That’s the one. And we could have your horse out there and at the end, we could ride away.” Excitement builds in my chest as I picture our grand exit. “Do you like that idea?”
“I do. It’s perfect.” He slips his phone out of his pocket. “Okay, let’s make a list. My parents, Paisley and her family, and anyone from the ranch who wants to come. Anyone else?”
“That’s all. You have Goldie on there, right?”
“Yep. Right before Dag.”
“Because they’re friends?”
Parker cocks his head. “Because Goldie has a major thing for Dag.” He states it as fact, and I feel silly for not knowing.
“She does? I thought they were friends.”
“They are, but I sometimes get the impression she likes him a little more than that. I could be wrong.” Chances are, he isn’t wrong. I probably missed it like so many other things.
Like all John’s red flags that Paisley tried to warn me about.
But he’s in the past, and now I’m marrying Parker. And Dumplin’ is nothing but green flags all the way.
Chapter 10
Parker
Dropping grain into Bonnet’s bucket, I think through all the things I need to do. “Well, Bonny, are you excited about being a wedding guest? She hasn’t asked about your name, but she will. Maybe it already clicked, and she’s chosen not to say anything. What do you think?”
“That horse isn’t going to answer you.” Kent crosses his arms, his brow pinched. “Did I just hear you say wedding? If so, why is your horse invited but not me?” He’s not smiling, but humor flickers in his eyes.
I walk to the feed bin and refill. “You’re on the list. But I haven’t invited anyone yet. Except Bonny. But she’s not going to tell anyone. Because she’s a horse.”
“Bluebonnet?” Kent is known for getting to the point when needed.
I nod. “It’s fast, but I know this is right.”
“What about her fiancé?”
“She broke it off with him. I’m not a cheater, Kent.” I feed Sprinkles, then go back for more.
“But you’d do anything for her.”
I won’t argue his point, but she’d never put me in that position. “Bluebonnet isn’t a cheater either.” I point at him. “And don’t ask me if I’m sure.”
He holds his hands up in a defensive position. “I know how you feel about her. And I’m happy for you. For both of you.”
“Thanks. It’s a week from Saturday. Or it will be if I can find someone to officiate.” I plan to ask Mad Dog because he recently officiated Kent & Poppy’s wedding, but he might be hesitant because the wedding seems out of the blue. But I won’t know until I ask.
“I’ll let Mad Dog know you need someone.” Kent pats my shoulder. “He knows you. Besides, he married Ava in a rush, so what’s he going to say?”
“Good point.” I motion toward the side door. “I have a horse saddled and ready for you.”
“Thanks. And I won’t say anything until you start inviting people, but it would help me greatly if that happened before I go home to my wife. Because—”
“I get it. And I will. I just need to figure out how to do that. Make an announcement at dinner?”
