Page 35 of Bride ’N Boots

“You’re not allowed to help me pack,” I said breathlessly.

“Why not?”

“Because we’ll get distracted,” I said. “Plus, I need some privacy with Arden to gush about you.”

“And your parents?”

“Still on for dinner,” I said. “And they know I’m bringing you. Still not sure how they’ll feel about me moving in with you though.”

The barista handed me my coffee and a pastry bag. “Welcome to Huckleberry Hill. You’re gonna love it here.”

“Thanks,” I said, blushing.

Stratton took his coffee and then followed me out into the sunshine. We headed to the truck as a man on a motorcycle in the spot behind us pulled off his helmet to reveal dark hair and scruff.

“Stratton!” he called out.

Stratton looked at the man, a smile creeping across his mouth. “Declan. How the hell are you?”

He walked toward Declan, his hand outstretched. Declan clasped it immediately.

“I’m good,” Declan said. He glanced at me and smiled before returning his attention back to Stratton. “And by the looks of it, so are you.”

Stratton wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “I’m good. This is Maisie. My girlfriend. She’s moving to Huckleberry Hill.”

Declan raised his brows. “How about that. Well, you know what they say. When you come to Huckleberry Hill, you never want to leave.”

“Truth,” Stratton said. “Anyway, we should grab a beer soon and catch up.”

“Sounds good. Text me. I’m around. I have no life except work.”

Stratton laughed. “I know how that goes.” To me he said, “Declan works at Elk Ridge—the ranch across the valley from Dark Timber.”

“Ranch hand at your service.” Declan saluted. He climbed off his motorcycle and set his helmet on the seat. “Nice meeting you, Maisie.”

He waved and jogged across the street toward the bakery.

Stratton helped me into the truck and closed the door before going to the driver’s side.

“He seems cool,” I said.

“It’s the motorcycle.”

I laughed. “A motorcycle riding cowboy. He’s single, isn’t he?”

“What, you’re ready to throw me out already?” he teased.

“No. I just figured that if he had a girlfriend, you would’ve asked about her. Because you’re that guy.”

“Polite?”

“No.” I snorted. “The kind that actually cares.”

He set his coffee drink in a cup holder and then started the engine. “He doesn’t have a girlfriend. Whoever he meets, though. She’ll be one lucky woman. Declan is a hell of a guy.”

“You totally have a bro crush,” I said with a laugh.

“That’s not a thing,” he said, putting the truck in gear. “Did you tell Arden we’re going to be late?”