Page 107 of One Wild Chance

“We’re both,” Rhett corrects.

A month ago, I’d have scoffed at the idea of doing pictures and an interview with Jess Connors for our small-town paper. None of us need the publicity, but since the wedding venue does, I want nothing more than this to succeed for Summer’s sake.

I’ve been slow to accept every aspect of managing this place—the overwhelming responsibilities, the country lifestyle, even my future and whether I wanted to stay. But once I put Dad’s boots on, things started to shift, or maybe I did. It’s hard to say which came first.

“How do I look?” Wyatt asks, his hat pulled low, sporting shiny new boots that probably cost more than our vet bill last month. He looks like he was made for that hat, and a month ago, I would’ve found it annoying. Now I just shake my head and smirk at my brother.

“You look like you’re posing for a country music album.”

He winks at me playfully. “Just what I want to hear, big brother.”

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Grady says flatly.

“Oh, come on, Grady.” Wyatt slaps him on the back. “You make a fine cowboy.”

“I’m only doing this for you, Summer,” Grady says, without even glancing at the rest of us.

“Thanks, Grady. I appreciate it.” She takes a few pictures for the Wildflower Weddings social media accounts first. “Could we get some hay bales set up as a backdrop for Jess?”

She moves toward the barn doors, where Colton dropped some bales.

“I’ve got it,” I say, jogging past her to get the hay.

“Oh no.” Summer whirls around. “I almost forgot the new flyer that I printed out for Jess. I’m going to run back to the printer and get it.”

She runs toward the farm office as I bring over the first bale, setting it down next to Wyatt. He watches me with a smirk on his face. “You sure are Mr. Helpful today.” He leans closer to me. “I’m curious, though. Is it the farm you’re doing this for, or the pretty blonde?”

“I’m always helpful,” I mutter. “But the pretty blonde’s a great incentive.”

Grady brows rise. “Is this the same girl you were actively feuding with when we got here?”

“Things changed when we went into business together,” I say, hoping my answer satisfies them. I really wasn’t planning on sharing the news until after today’s interview. “Believe me, I’m the last one who thought this could happen.”

Before I can explain, tires crunch on the gravel outside. Jess Connors pulls up in a car that has a Golden Springs Gazette bumper sticker on the back window. She looks exactly like I remember her: late fifties, with short black hair and a bright smile.

She gets out with her equipment bag, takes one look at the four of us, and puts her hand over her heart.

“John and Miriam Chance’s boys,” she says. “Y’all are just as handsome in person as you are on ESPN.”

I don’t bother correcting her that the only time ESPN mentioned my name was my rookie year when I was eighteen, and it was barely even a reference.

Rhett turns on the smile he uses for cameras as he steps forward. “Good to see you, Ms. Connors.”

She blushes as he shakes her hand. “Call me Jess.” Then she turns to Wyatt and Grady next. “Wow. I’m just so honored to talk with you today. Y’all are a BIG deal.”

I always forget how famous my brothers are until I encounter someone who fangirls over them. Right now, Jess looks like she might need an actual fan.

She turns to me last. “Jaxon. You look just like your dad, you know.”

“I get that a lot,” I say, shaking her hand.

It used to bother me when people compared me to my dad, but these days, it’s starting to feel like a compliment. He was a strong man, well-liked in the community, and dedicated to his farm and his family. If the same could be said of me, I’d be proud.

She sets up her equipment quickly, and for the next twenty minutes she runs us through questions—mainly how four brothers came to take over Lucky Chance Ranch and then open a wedding venue with Summer Daniels.

Summer joins our circle, answering questions about what to expect from Wildflower Weddings that we aren’t equipped to explain. She’s honest and funny and understands the wedding business, even down to what brides want.

“We won’t have any bridezillas here,” she jokes with Jess. “We’re going to make every bride’s day the most stunning day ever.”