Page 96 of Mess With Me

“I oughtta sock you, you know. Spendin’ a night of sin with my betrothed.”

I lean back against the railing. “You gave her up for your hens, remember? Also,” I glance over at him, “she’s actually my betrothed. We got married yesterday.”

I don’t know what I was expecting Chester’s reaction to be, but it’s not this. He deflates before my eyes, looking genuinely hurt.

“Chester, I didn’t think—”

“That you’d invite me? That so strange?”

I’m a little stunned. “You haven’t been to town in years.” Except for coming over here whenever he damn pleases, Chester lives only at his place and in the woods around us. Whatever he can’t fish, hunt, or grow, he has me or one of the servers from Betsey’s bring up for him.

Chester looks out into the trees, down at the Quince, sparkling in the morning sun. He looks older suddenly, and I see the way he winces subtly when he tilts back on his heels. “Chill in the air this morning. Fall’s comin’.”

“I’m sorry, Chester. For the record, Sasha wanted to invite you. I said no—I had no idea you’d want to come.”

“Maybe I wouldn’ta come, but I’d sure appreciate the invite. Seeing as you’re my best friend and all.”

I feel that like a knife in the chest. “I promise I’ll always listen to Sasha about people stuff from now on. How’s that?”

“You listen to her on everything, boy. You think you’re smart, but you got a lot to learn from a woman like her.”

“You’re right.”

He nods, then heads abruptly for the stairs.

“Chester, wait.”

He halts but doesn’t turn around.

I call after him. “I’m leaving town for a few days, but Sasha’s staying here. I’ve offered to have her stay at one of my sisters’ places, but I think she’ll want to stay here. Will you keep an eye out for me? You’re the only one I trust for the job.”

Chester’s shoulders pull back, and when he turns around, his chest is puffed out slightly. “Course I will.”

“Give her some space, though, too, would you?”

“I’ll do right by you, Griff. You don’t need to worry a bit.”

I give him a nod.

“Griffin?”

I was already heading back inside, but I turn now.

Chester’s got his hat over his chest. “You’re a lucky bastard. I wish you all the congratulations in the world.”

My chest knots. When I came up with this plan, I didn’t think very carefully about how it would affect other people. So many people have given us their heartfelt congratulations or teared up because they were so happy for me—for us.

And it’s all a lie.

Except for that part where you’ve caught feelings for this woman.

There is that.

“I’ll pass your congratulations on to Sasha.”

“You do that.” Chester plops his hat back on his head, and a moment later, he’s gone, into the trees.

CHAPTER27

---