Page 21 of Moonlit Colorado

We got into the line waiting to order. “Where’s Maisie?” I asked, holding up the gift bag I’d brought with me. “I’ve got a present for her.”

“Buying your way in as usual,” my buddy joked.

“Not gonna lie. I’m hoping for honorary uncle status.”

“Maisie is already at the festival with Grace,” Emma said. “They’re helping out at the kids’ craft table. We’re supposed to meet them. Oh, I can’t forget about Grace’s order. She wants an autumn spice latte.”

“Then I’ll be happy to get it for her. Breakfast is my treat.” As we neared the register, I noted that the tall blond was once again not working today.

I almost asked Ashford and Emma if they knew anyone matching Ms. Red’s description. Hair a mix of gold and auburn, eyes that glowed when she smiled. A tendency to blush adorably and study up on spreadsheets.

Damn it, this was getting pathetic.

“What do you think of your investment so far?” Ashford asked. “I heard they’d finished construction on the new hotel finally, but I haven’t been up there.”

“We were waiting for you to give us the insider tour,” Emma added with a cheerful smile.

“It would be my pleasure. I think the hotel looks great, not that I had much to do with that part. I was just thrilled we could step in and get the project finished. But now that I’m here, I plan to get to know the town better. It doesn’t seem like the previous owners of the resort thought about how the property would fit into Silver Ridge, so that’s something I want to focus on.”

“If you want honest opinions, I’ll introduce you to Dixie Haines,” Ashford said. “She’s president of the local business association. But she doesn’t hold back what she’s thinking.”

“Exactly what I need.”

“Then I’ll make it happen. But remember, you asked for it.”

I laughed. “I’d love to get involved with the local charities too.”

“Grace can help you there,” Emma said. “She does a ton of volunteer work.”

“Then I look forward to meeting her. What about your brother, Ashford? How’s Callum?”

“Cal’s at the festival too, but he’s on duty. Sort of.”

I’d met Callum a couple times in our Army days. I knew he was a volunteer firefighter. I hadn’t seen him in years, but Ashford dropped details here and there about his siblings. When it came to Grace, Ashford’s love for his sister was always clear, but I had no idea what she did for work.

I’d also met the oldest O’Neal brother, Grayden, though I certainly didn’t expect Grayden to turn up here in Silver Ridge. Ashford and his other siblings had no contact with him. A difficult relationship with a brother was something I could understand.

Our backgrounds were different aside from our military service, but there were certain things that Ashford and I got about one another without needing to explain. Exactly why his friendship meant so much to me.

We left Silver Linings with a tray of drinks and a bag of food. Outside, Stella pranced with excitement as Emma untied her leash. “Hold on,” I said. “I’ve got something for you too, Stella.” Dipping into my pocket, I pulled out the dog treat I’d bought at the counter. I’d already checked with Emma on which kind Stella liked. Stella gobbled it from my hand, licking her chops.

“Youarea kiss-up,” Ashford muttered.

“Can’t help it if I have a way with the ladies. You might want to take some notes.”

He flashed me his middle finger, and we both laughed. Fuck, this was fun. The day couldn’t be more beautiful, and I was here with my best friend and his family. I had no reason to complain.

We set out for the festival, which was being held in the square across from town hall. Meanwhile, I wolfed down a breakfast burrito to absorb the last of the alcohol in my system.

The sidewalks bustled with happy families going the same direction as us. Kids kicked up fallen leaves and jumped in piles of them. The aspens that dotted Main Street were a mix of golden yellow and fiery orange-red. A few blocks ahead, in the square, crowds of people meandered around the white tents set up for the festival.

“You’ll have to come for dinner at our place soon,” Ashford said.

“I’d love to. I’ll return the favor, but at a restaurant. My hotel suite has a kitchen, but you don’t want my cooking.”

“Trust me, dude, I remember. How’s your mom been doing?”

My smile faltered. “Pretty much the same as the last couple months.” I focused on the peaks of the white festival tents. “She would love Silver Ridge. I’m hoping to get her out here at some point. If I can make it work.”

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