Page 34 of Bride ’N Boots

“I was just putting a dent into the box of condoms.”

“Which reminds me, we should probably pick up a case on our way back from Coeur d’Alene.”

“That should last us about two weeks,” I quipped.

I fired off a text to Arden who replied a few seconds later.

Arden

I’m not an idiot. of course you’re running late. Props for even managing to get out of his bed.

I shoved my phone in my jeans pocket and then adjusted the sleeve of Stratton’s sweater that I had refused to give back.

It was mine now.

Stratton got out of the truck and then came around to help me down. He clasped his hand around mine and led me across Silver Street to Sweet Teeth.

He held the door open for two older women who poured out of the bakery. They looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t place them.

“Stratton,” the wiry woman with a long silver braid greeted. “Hi.”

“Hi, Muddy,” he said with a smile.

The other woman looked at me and then back to Stratton, then back to me. “You’re the bride from yesterday.”

I blushed when I finally remembered them. They’d been in Sweet Teeth when I blew in like a tornado.

“Oh, yes. That’s me. Hi,” I held out my free hand. “I’m Maisie.”

“Lucy,” the woman introduced. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too,” I said.

The other woman—Muddy—peered me with a knowing gaze. “Well, you kids enjoy your caffeine jolt.”

“Will do,” Stratton said.

The two of them ambled away but kept looking behind them at us as they walked.

I opened the door and went inside to a nearly empty bakery. The cheery bell hanging atop the door announced our arrival. “I didn’t get to appreciate this place yesterday. What with having a meltdown. It’s cute.”

Stratton tugged me to him. “Very cute.”

“Behave,” I warned.

“Never.”

“Hi,” the barista behind the counter greeted. “What can I get for you?”

I rattled off an order and then gestured to Stratton who gave his. I reached for my wallet, but Stratton already had his card out.

“Thanks,” I said.

He pressed a kiss to the top of my head.

“You like feeding me,” I said.

“Yes, I do.” He stared down at me and grinned.