Page 63 of One Wild Chance

“He hates that stuff. He doesn’t even want to be involved with the farm’s social media.”

“He doesn’t have to be. You only need him in the pictures occasionally.” She lowers her voice. “Listen, I know his brothers have bigger followings, but they’re not going to be around on the farm as much as Jaxon. Use the brothers when you can. Four professional athletes learning to run a horse farm? People love that, but you know what’s even better?” Her mouth curves into a mischievous grin. “You and Jaxon together.”

“Wait, why would I be in the shots?”

“Because brides need to see a couple in your photos.”

I frown slightly. “Are you saying we should look like we’re together?”

She puts a hand up. “Just hear me out…”

I lean back, shaking my head. “I know what you’re suggesting, and the answer is no. I’m not pretending to date Jaxon just to get online engagement. Besides, he’d never go for it.”

“You don’t need to pretend anything. Just put up some videos that feature you and Jaxon together.” She lifts a shoulder. “You’d be letting them draw their own conclusions. Social media isn’t the real world. It’s the world people want—and what people want when they’re booking a wedding venue is a feeling.” She tilts her head. “You want them to look at that barn and imagine their wedding in it. What better way to do that than show them two people who look like they could be something more?”

“But we’re not together,” I point out.

“I know that. You know that.” She gives me a coy smile. “The internet doesn’t need to.”

“But why couldn’t I just find another couple?” I ask.

“You could.” She lays her phone on the table. “But you and Jaxon are more interesting. Rivals turned business partners, trying to save a horse farm? That’s the kind of thing people click on.”

She has a point. Posting content with Jaxon isn’t a lie since we’re working together. It just makes it more of a story. And people love an origin story.

She leans toward me. “Best of all, it’s free.”

Free is exactly what I need. This venue is already going to cost way more than we can afford.

I stir the melted ice left in my glass. “One video. If I can even get him to agree to it.”

“That’s where you start.” She picks up her cup. “Use what you’ve got. A gorgeous athlete on a horse farm, and a barn that’s going to make brides kick their feet.”

Chapter 18

Summer

“I have a favor to ask.” I walk into the stallion barn where Jaxon is clipping the lead to Gent’s halter.

“What’s that?” He looks up. He’s got his boots on again, and my pulse skips, noticing he looks more like an actual cowboy every day.

I rub my hand along Gent’s neck, a good distraction from my racing heart. “I’m starting a social media account for the new wedding venue, and I want your advice.”

“Rhett handles that now,” he says, giving the clip a quick tug. “You could email him.”

I knew he’d defer to his brothers on this, which is why it’s good they aren’t here. “I don’t want Rhett’s help.”

His brow furrows.

“I want yours.”

Larissa told me to pull some original farm content together, and I’ve been scrolling through TikTok and Instagram gathering ideas. My list includes: Jaxon on horseback. Hauling a bale of hay. Standing in the doorway at golden hour, looking like an absolute snack. I’m basically planning on using the oldest Chance brother as a cowboy thirst trap.

“For starters, I need to name the wedding venue.”

“It already has a name. Lucky Chance Ranch.” He pulls on a pair of leather gloves. “Why not call it Lucky Chance Weddings?”

I wince. “That sounds like we’re betting on the marriage surviving. Not the vibe brides are going for when they book a venue.”