As we step away from the podium, Rhett places his hand on the small of my back and leads me to Harlan and his wife.
“Y’all sure do make a pretty couple,” the older man says.
He looks vaguely familiar. I probably met him when I was a kid and don’t remember. Wild Heart is a small town, and I’d be surprised if there were many people I don’t know.
I shake his hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. I heard you and the Walkers go way back.”
“Sure do. I’ve known these boys my whole life, so you best be good to this one.”
Laughing, I nod. “Yes, sir. I’ll do my best.”
“You know, we’re gonna be neighbors. I just bought the property across the way from the Walker Ranch, so I’ll be seeing y’all around.”
Rhett’s brows lift. “You bought the Gibson property?”
Harlan nods. “Just a few months ago. They needed the money, and I figured, what the hell, maybe we’ll give this ranching thing a go. My son Jimmy thought we should diversify.”
“Well, holler if y’all need anything.” Rhett invites Harlan and his wife back to the ranch, and after a round of hugs from our friends, we head to his truck. I watch his brothers cram into Jace’s vehicle.
I wish one of them would join us. It would be nice to have someone to break the silence.
Holy crap. I just married Rhett freaking Walker. I glance down at the thin band on my finger, and it gives me a strange sense of nostalgia. I remember pretending to marry Rhett when I was little, walking down the dirt path behind my house and holding my hair brush like a bouquet. My ratty old teddy bear did a poor job standing in for the groom.
“You okay?” His deep voice startles me.
“Yeah.”
“Sorry about that kiss back there. Was it too much?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never been married before. How did you kiss Amber?”
He thinks on that a moment. “Not like that. I just gave her a peck.”
Huh. Interesting. “Well, I think Harlan bought it. That’s all that matters, right?”
When he nods but doesn’t say anything, I start to worry. “Was my fake wedding announcement okay?”
He clears his throat. “It was fine.”
Fine? I thought he’d be excited about it. “Is there anything you need me to do at the reception besides moon over you and pretend I’m the happiest bride in town?”
“Just do what you’re doing.”
And then he’s silent again.
Okay then.
If any part of me was hoping that kiss would magically make Rhett fall in love with me, his silence sets me straight.
By the time we reach the ranch, I’m itching to get some space, but there are cars parked everywhere and people spill out of the house.
“I thought you said this was going to be a small reception?”
After he parks, he turns to me. “Paige, you announced our wedding in theGazette. I’ve been getting calls all day from people inviting themselves over this evening.”
“What was I supposed to do? You told me to play up my part, so I did.” When he doesn’t say anything, I frown. “Did Irma or Ty call? Are they coming?”
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping they would. After all the grief I got from Irma for having a crush on Rhett, I would relish this redemption, even if it won’t last long. And Ty? He’s still my brother, but I’m starting to think we’ll never be close. Not with Irma always yapping in his ear.
