Page 42 of Lost Trust

Imma Jean smiles.

“And she’s the best baker in the county,” Matty says.

“And Daddy’s sweetheart,” Harleigh adds as she reaches around and snatches one of the sandwiches from the platter.

Imma Jean blushes. “What can I say? Albert’s a charmer,” she says.

Then her eyes fall to Ryder, who is eyeing the platter.

Then he looks at Imma Jean. “Do you make chocolate cakes?”

Imma Jean bends toward him. “I sure do.”

Ryder’s eyes widen.

Charli points at him. “And you’re going to get to try some later.”

“I am?”

“Yep. She made my wedding cake.”

His mouth falls open. “A chocolate one?”

Charli laughs. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

Imma Jean places the tray on a table, and the sandwiches disappear quickly after that. Apparently, champagne and excited nerves have made everyone ravenous.

Evelyn checks her watch. “Oh my girls, you have to start getting dressed. It’s almost time.”

Suddenly, everyone is moving. Dresses are pulled from garment bags. Imma Jean calls out shoe sizes and passes out boxes while Shelby searches for lipstick to complete Charli’s makeup.

I take Ryder’s hand. “Come on, handsome. We need to go.”

He looks up at Evelyn. “Bye.”

“Bye, cowboy,” she says before kissing the top of his hat. “See you at the wedding.”

I wave toward everyone. “We’ll see you soon.”

I lead Ryder out of the room.

The noise and laughter fade behind us as we make our way down the hallway and outside.

When we reach the front entrance of the rodeo school, I stop.

Ryder bumps into my leg. “Mommy?”

I stare ahead.

A gorgeous flower arch frames the gate, overflowing with white blossoms and sage foliage. Soft ribbons flutter in the warm breeze, and little wooden signs point guests toward the indoor arena.

Ryder looks up at me. “Wow. That’s pretty.”

I smile. “Wow is right.”

We follow the signs toward the arena.

The closer we get, the more my anticipation builds.