Page 57 of Coming Home Country
The role reversal was strange but not unwelcome. My best friend’s happiness became mine. I wanted all the best things this world had to offer for her with Mac as her chosen partner, fully prepared for him to replace me as her number-one confidante after tomorrow—if he hadn’t already.
“They’re obnoxiously cute together, aren’t they?” Tucker whispered in my ear.
I let out a wistful sigh. “Yeah, they really are.”
“Need a drink? I’m buying.”
Laughter fell from my lips. “That so?”
It was no secret that Mac was footing the bill for the entire wedding. He had more money than he could spend in a lifetime due to his family’s booming hotel business, and though the Sullivans did well for themselves, he didn’t want to burden them with the expense. I’d heard from Aspen that it had taken quite a bit of coaxing to get Jett to agree—he was a proud man, like most in Rust Canyon—but eventually, they’d settled on taking the funds he’d earmarked for his only daughter’s wedding and funneling them into the town’s charitable pursuits. That was a win-win for everyone since Mac and Aspen were big on giving back, and Jett could still feel like he was contributing in a meaningful way.
Tucker flashed me a charming grin, and I fought hard not to swoon. Then I about damn near jumped out of my skin when he shouted across the lawn, “Hey, Mac!”
Even though he was in the middle of a conversation, Mac stopped everything to turn around. “What’s up?”
“I’d like to buy the prettiest girl at this party a drink.”
Why was I blushing like a teenager at hearing him call me pretty in front of so many people?
Mac’s brown eyes sparkled. “If you’ll follow me.” Like we were patrons in a restaurant, Mac led us to where a makeshift bar had been set up.
Once we were settled, he nudged the waiting bartender out of the way. “These are VIPs; I’ve got it.” The poor guy looked confused as hell but moved aside to let Mac take his spot.
Placing a hand to his chest, Mac began, “Welcome to Sullivan Ranch. I’m Mac, and I’ll be serving you this evening. Everything we have to offer is top shelf. What can I get for you?”
It was impossible not to giggle over his sudden switch from groom to bartender. Aspen’s life would never be dull married to such a goofball. I loved that for her, knowing her days would be full of laughter.
Tucker leaned an elbow on the edge of the bar. “I’ll take a Macallan if you have it.”
“Dude, that was slick.” Mac reached a fist across the counter for Tucker to bump.
Tucker humored him, pressing his knuckles to his best friend’s. “So, do you have it or not?”
Mac’s eyes went wide when he realized he’d broken character. “Oh, yes, of course. Excellent choice, if I may say so, sir.” He poured the scotch into a glass and handed it over. “And for you, miss?”
The options were endless, but I wouldn’t put him on the spot to make me a cocktail. “Think you can handle a vodka cranberry?”
He stumbled back a step with a hand pressed to his chest. “You wound me.”
My mouth dropped open when I watched him pour almost an entire glass of vodka before throwing in a splash of cranberry juice.
“Umm . . .” I eyed the drink that would likely have me on my ass before dinner was even served.
Tucker set his scotch down, curling his fingers in agimmemotion for Mac to hand him my beverage. Curious, I remained silent, watching as hebrought the glass to his lips, drained half of the liquid, and then handed it back to Mac.
“Fill the rest with cranberry.”
Mac realized his mistake, nodding. “You know what? That’s on me. My apologies.” He topped my drink up with more juice to cut the alcohol.
When I accepted it, taking a tentative sip to check the mixture, Tucker watched my reaction carefully. Licking my lips, I said, “It’s good.”
“Enjoy your evening, you two.” Mac winked as he shooed us away.
Tucker’s chest rumbled as he led me away. Under his breath, he muttered, “Oughta wring his neck. Tryin’ to get my date drunk.”
“Oh, I’m your date, am I?”
The man by my side halted when he realized I’d overheard his quiet rant. His drink-free hand cupped my elbow. “I don’t have a plus-one for this wedding, do you?”
