“And I get a short reprieve. I’d rather not hear the bad news now. This way I can enjoy the wedding while telling myself there’s still a chance you’ll give me a try.”

  “Hmm.”

  He held her gaze as the band launched into their next number. “That’s a waltz. Want to take a few turns around the floor for old times’ sake?”

  She smiled. “I’ll think better if I’m at home instead of waltzing with you.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. Since I have twenty-four hours, I’m not above using them to my advantage.”

  “I can’t stop you from attempting that, so I’m heading home.”

  “Can I kiss you goodbye?”

  “No, I’m afraid not. I don’t think at all when you’re kissing me.”

  “Curses.” He gave her a lopsided smile. “Foiled again.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  After Caitlin picked up her camera gear and left the table to say goodbye to the other members of the wedding party, Ryker glanced at Aaron. “Something going on between you two?”

  “We’re just friends.”

  He nodded. “Okay. Thought I was picking up on something, but my mistake. Just wondered because, you know…the name thing.”

  “It’s a problem.”

  “Too bad.”

  “Yep.” He didn’t look at Badger. When Ryker finally heard the story, which he would eventually, the ca-ca would hit the fan.

  He waited until Ryker and April returned to the dance floor before he told Badger and Hayley about the latest development.

  Badger nudged back his hat. “I’d call that progress.”

  “She could shoot me down tomorrow night.”

  Hayley leaned over and gave his arm a squeeze. “Such a ridiculous problem, Aaron.”

  “Not so ridiculous,” Badger said. “I get a case of the hives lookin’ at our marriage license. I hate seein’ Thaddeus Livingston printed there instead of Badger.”

  “If that’s supposed to make me feel better,” Aaron said, “it doesn’t.”

  “It’s supposed to illustrate the depth of the problem. On the other hand, the fact that Caitlin’s takin’ time to think about this is very encouragin’.”

  “Aside from the name issue, she likes you,” Hayley said. “I could tell that when I looked at the pictures.”

  Aaron’s eyebrows lifted. “She showed them to you?”

  “Last night.”

  “Why?”

  “She was feeling a little foolish because she didn’t recognize you right away. She thought the pictures would help explain why she got distracted by the fantasy. Have you seen them?”

  “No, and now I’m curious.”

  “Me, too.” Badger grinned at him. “Never thought of you as pin-up material.”

  Aaron rolled his eyes. “I was just standing on the sidewalk.”

  “Flexing your muscles for the camera?”

  “No. Sheesh.”

  “He was wearing his flight jacket and his aviators,” Hayley said. “Looking very Top Gun-ish.”

  Badger groaned. “I can guaran-damn-tee that wasn’t on purpose.”

  “It sure as hell wasn’t.”

  “Whether it was intentional or not, that’s what Caitlin saw, and she’s susceptible to flyboys.”

  “See?” Badger pointed a finger at him. “Told you that was goin’ to help your cause.”

  “Yeah, but that’s when the flyboy was Raven.”

  “You should take her up in the Cessna. Hayley loves it when I take her flyin’. It does wonders for my image.”

  “He’s not kidding. It’s his favorite way to get on my good side when we have a fight. It’s hard to stay mad at a guy when he’s demonstrating his skills at fifteen thousand feet.”

  “I hope you’re referring to his piloting skills.”

  Badger wiggled his eyebrows. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

  “No, I would not. Oh, and FYI, Luke and Wes are headed this way.”

  “Does Luke still have that I just won the lottery expression on his face?”

  “Yep. Just like you. But I think he’s had more beer than you. He’s weaving a bit.”

  “Hey, Aaron!” Luke came around the table and plopped into the chair Caitlin had vacated. “Did we set a time to be at your house in the morning?”

  Wes, Luke’s best man, took Ryker’s chair, turned it backwards and straddled it. “I told him it was eleven, but he insists he needs to hear it from you.”

  Aaron gave his attention to Luke, whose smile was slightly off-center. “You’re due at my house at eleven. Ryker’s bringing our clothes.”

  “Our tux-ee-does?”

  “Exactly. I bought eggs and bacon. You guys were going to bring goodies from Pie in the Sky.”

  Wes nodded. “Ingrid will have that packed up and ready to go first thing.”

  “Abby won’t be baking tomorrow.” Luke’s gaze became dreamy and unfocused. “She’ll be having her hair done and her fingernails done and her toenails done. I told her Abby, you’re already beautiful! You don’t need any of that!” He swept his arms out, almost smacking Aaron in the face. “Can you believe it? Tomorrow I’m getting married!”

  Aaron patted him on the back. “So I heard.”

  “Badger and me, we’re getting married! Right, Badger?”

  “Right, Luke.” Badger grinned. “And what a darlin’ couple we’ll make.”

  “Hey! I’m not marrying you. I’m marrying Abby. And you’re marrying Hayley. You need to get that straight, Badger. It’s important.”

  “Yes, sir.” Badger gave Hayley a fond glance. “It surely is.”

  Wes stood. “Luke, are we good then? Got the deets you needed?”

  Luke gave a nod and used the table to push himself upright. “We’re good. Let’s go see Abby. I miss her. Miss her like the devil.”

  After they left, Hayley smiled. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Luke smashed.”

  “Doesn’t happen often,” Badger said. “Kinda touchin’ to see him let go like this. He adores that woman. Tomorrow’s a big day for him.”

  “For me, too, sweetie.”

  Badger reached for her hand and clasped it between both of his as he gazed into her eyes. “For me, too, darlin’.”

  Aaron glanced down. Some moments between couples weren’t meant to be shared, even with good friends. He pushed back his chair. “Guess I’ll be shoving off.”

  Hayley looked his way. “Aw, Aaron, don’t feel you have to. I promise we’re not going into permanent lovebird mode.”

  “I’m promisin’ no such thing, darlin’. I love this guy like a brother, but I spent most of last night with him. You and me have some catchin’ up to do.”

  “I’m sure.” Aaron stood. “Besides, if I’m hosting tomorrow, I need to straighten up the house. Badger, I’ll see you at eleven. Hayley, I’ll see you at the altar.”

  “Yeah.” She gazed up at him. “Can you believe the big day is almost here?”

  “Pretty incredible.” Badger’s wedding day was always going to be significant. But now—one way or another—tomorrow would change his life.

  At eleven the next morning, pickups lined his street and his living room had become party central. Badger and Luke had commandeered the kitchen and were frying up eggs and bacon. Luke had brought Delilah, who was successfully coaxing Badger to feed her bacon.

  Ryker had brought in a clothes rack for the Western-styled tuxedos. Wes came through the front door with two large, fragrant boxes of pastries from Pie in the Sky. Wes’s brother Gage, Luke’s other groomsman, arrived with pre-mixed Bloody Marys in two large jugs.

  “Anybody who spills that drink on the tuxes will answer to me,” Ryker announced.

  “No worries,” Badger called from the kitchen. “I won’t be wearin’ my tux when I’m enjoyin’ Bloody Marys. Matter of fact, I’ll be naked.”

  “Just don’t go out on the porch in that condition,” Aaron said.

  “Never fear. Wouldn’t want to be causin’ a riot among the fine ladies in your neighborhood.”

  Ryker groaned. “Here it comes.”

  “If I do any porch sittin’,” Badger continued as if Ryker hadn’t spoken. “I’ll take care to cover my impressive manhood with a generously sized towel.”

  “A washcloth should do it,” Luke said.

  Ryker laughed. “Forget the washcloth. A hot pad’s plenty big enough.”

  “I brought some of those little paper coasters from the GG,” Gage said as he poured Bloody Marys into beer cups. “He can have one of those.”

  “Notice that I’m choosin’ not to respond to your insecure ravin’, which proves that I am, in fact, possessed of the most amazin’—”

  “Ego of all,” Luke said. “Eggs are ready. Do you have bacon over there, Mister Well-Hung, or have you fed it all to the dog?”

  “I have bacon, and it’s cooked to a delicate crispiness that’ll have you all salivatin’ and singin’ my praises.”

  “Hallelujah!” Aaron called out. “Bring it on in here!” He’d pulled the dining table away from the corner and added the extra leaf.

  By using his office chair and a folding chair he kept in a back closet, he had seating for six. His first real party, unless he counted having Caitlin over. He counted it.

  The men set upon the food as if they hadn’t eaten a meal in a week. Bloody Mary cups were refilled. Despite his boast, Badger kept his clothes on.

  The gathering grew louder and more bawdy—much like Aaron’s squadron buddies had behaved on leave. Shouldn’t need a wedding to create a fun occasion like this. He’d do it more often.

  Badger paused in the middle of telling a joke and pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Excuse me, y’all. My phone’s vibratin’.” He read the text and glanced up. “Aaron, Caitlin’s been tryin’ to get in touch. Check your phone.”

  He took it out of his pocket. He’d silenced it. Hadn’t expected a call or a text from anybody. Especially her.

  Had she made up her mind already? If she’d decided that quickly, chances were good it wouldn’t be the verdict he was hoping for. He took a quick breath and tapped on the screen.

  Miscommunication. Turns out Virginia not only expected me to take pictures of the bridal party’s preparations, she also assumed I’d drive over there and get a few of the men getting ready. Can you accommodate that? Let me know.

  He let out a breath. Just some wedding stuff. Of course, it meant he’d see her soon instead of at the ceremony later today. That was okay.

  Everybody was laughing and making comments about Badger’s joke. Aaron banged on his plate to get their attention. “Caitlin needs to come over and take some shots of us getting ready. How do you—”

  “Getting ready?” Luke frowned. “That sounds like a dicey idea.”

  “Yeah,” Wes said. “I’m not crazy about a wedding album picture of me stepping into my pants.”

  “I wouldn’t mind,” Badger said.

  “We’ve established you’re willing to flash the world,” Ryker said. “We need more info, Raven.”

  “I’ll ask her.” He typed a quick message. Nobody wants a picture of them putting on their pants. Except Badger. He doesn’t care.

  She came back with a smiley face. No risqué shots. I won’t come in until you’re all decent.

  That’s never gonna happen with this crowd.

  This time the emoji was laughing. Just text me when I can come in without blushing.

  Will do. I’ll estimate about three this afternoon would be good.

  Thx.

  Welcome. He tucked his phone away. “She doesn’t want anybody flashing her. I told her to come around three. So have your pants on by three.”

  Badger gazed at him, eyebrows raised. “Interestin’ development. Her comin’ here.”

  “Mm.” He glanced at the table, littered with the remains of their breakfast. Having her in his house again under totally different circumstances would be weird. But any chance to be with her was a bonus he’d gladly accept.

  Chapter Twenty

  Arriving at Aaron’s house at three in the afternoon with a party going on inside destroyed any chance of Caitlin experiencing déjà vu. For one thing, she couldn’t park where she usually did.

  She slowed. Badger’s truck was in the primo spot right in front. She counted three others lined up on this side of the street, plus Wild Creek’s big white van.

  The other side of the street wasn’t much better. Someone else on this block must be having people over. She’d passed one open spot on the other side. Looked like she’d have to turn around.

  Wait. Was Badger about to move his vehicle? Sure enough, the truck pulled out and headed down the block. He made a U-turn at the end of the street and came back toward her.

  When he was directly opposite her Jeep, he braked and slid the tinted window down. Not Badger. Aaron.

  She lowered her window. “What’s going on?”

  He flashed her a smile. “I’m moving his truck so you can park in your usual spot.” He was wearing his aviators, a white tux shirt open at the neck and a tight-fitting gray vest.

  She had to guess at the rest of the outfit, but the top half was primo. He wore it well. “That’s sweet of you, but—”

  “I’m a sweet guy. Go ahead and pull in. I’ll park this baby and be right back.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You bet.” He raised the window and drove away.

  She took a deep breath. He’d said he’d use these twenty-four hours to further his cause. He’d made a good start. Gallantry never went out of style.

  By the time she’d sandwiched her Jeep between a pickup and the Wild Creek van, Aaron was in her rearview mirror, striding down the middle of the residential street like Gary Cooper in High Noon.

  The tux pants matched the vest and wow, did he do them justice. She wouldn’t mind having a video of him coming toward her. She reached for the zipper on her camera bag. But…maybe not the right move. Yeah, definitely not. She kept the bag closed.

  Grabbing the bag from the passenger seat, she climbed out of her Jeep. “That outfit’s gorgeous.” Mostly because he was wearing it.

  “Thanks. Not my doing. Badger and Luke made the choice.”

  “They have good taste. Is everybody already dressed?”

  “They all have their pants on. Beyond that, I make no promises. I got ready ahead of time so I could move Badger’s truck.”

  “I appreciate the effort. Guess I’m spoiled. I got here and thought oh, no, where will I park? Fact is, I could have parked where you just did.”

  “Not when I’m around.” He held her gaze. The sexy aviators screened his golden eyes, but clearly he was looking straight at her. “I would have done it, anyway, but I needed a reason to catch you before you came in.”

  “Is Ryker asking questions?”

  “Last night he wanted to know if there was anything between us. I said we were just friends.”

  “I worried about that after I left last night. We were off in a corner talking for a long time.”

  “He’s dropped the subject. But when you come in the house, we need to act like you’ve never been there.”

  “Oh, right!”

  “Since Badger’s in on this, he was all for my truck-moving plan.”

  “I’m glad you reminded me. I like to think I wouldn’t have blown it, but I have a lot on my mind.”

  “I know.” His chest heaved, straining the material of his vest. “Me, too.”

  “But speaking of Ryker, let’s get in there before we give him another reason to wonder.”

  “Good idea. The clock’s ticking. Less than two hours ’till show time.”

  “Tell me about it.” She looped the strap of her camera bag over her shoulder and walked around the front of the Jeep. “I still need to change into my dress.”

  He followed her. “You’re wearing a dress?”

  “Shocking, isn’t it?”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in one.”

  “Probably not.” She started up the walk. “I hardly ever wear a dress, but weddings seem to call for it. I like blending in with the guests. The less I stand out, the more everyone will forget I’m there.”

  “Everyone but me. I’ll—uh-oh, guess I didn’t close the door tight enough. Someone’s coming out to greet you.”

  Delilah shoved herself the rest of the way through the partially opened door, raced across the porch and bounded down the steps, wagging her tail and grinning.

  “Delilah!” Caitlin dropped to one knee and wrapped her arms around the dog’s furry neck. “I don’t care what Ryker says. You smell fine to me.”

  Delilah wiggled, whined and licked her face.

  “I didn’t know you and Delilah were such buddies. I saw you taking her picture yesterday, but—”

  “Oh, we’re buddies. Aren’t we, Delilah?” She scratched behind the dog’s ears. “Luke and Abigail hired me to shoot some professional pictures of her and we got along great. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, Kendra is dog-sitting Delilah when I go riding. I get to take her along.”

  “Sounds like fun.”

  “Yep, it is.” She stood. “Okay, girl, we have to get cracking. We have places to go and grooms to shoot.” With one last pat, she started up the steps with Delilah at her heels.

  Aaron laughed. “That line would fit in a Dick Francis novel.”

  She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “So it would.”

  “Have you started any of the books?”

  “Dipped into Nerve this morning.” She paused by the door, which was still partly open. Male laughter spilled out, followed by Badger’s Southern drawl and more laughter. A country tune played in the background. She stepped back.

  “Something wrong?”

  She lowered her voice. “I probably shouldn’t just walk in as if I’m used to doing it. You’d better announce me and escort me inside.”

  “Will do.” He stepped around her and opened the door wider. “Caitlin’s here!” He ushered her into the house as the men called out cheerful greetings and leaped to their feet. That was the protocol in Eagles Nest.

  “Hey, guys.” Badger, Ryker and Wes had been sitting at the dining table with poker chips, cards, and beer cups likely filled with something alcoholic.