Page 69 of Space Cowgirl: Houston, All Systems Go
“You’re such a good friend. You know I never would’ve met Flynn if it wasn’t for you.” Her eyes start glistening again.
“Shit.” I sigh, not wanting to go into all I did, but knowing details will shore up any lingering emotion that Jackie’s feeling. Facts focus her. And also, my list OCD is oddly fueled by Pinterest’s ability to catalogue ideas and I’m kind of proud of it. “Okay, first, I made lists for each part of the wedding that needed executing, ordered by importance and time frame needed.” Jackie nods. “Second, I made calls and booked the best reviewed, after I forwarded each vendor specific pictures of what you wanted and received individual reassurances that they could pull through on time.” Another nod, this one with her eyes a bit wider than normal. “And third, I scheduled appointments for us at the bakery and the caterer so that you can pick your menu.” She blinks at me. “I mean Flynn can come too, I guess.”
That gets a smile out of her. “You loved making all those lists, didn’t you?”
I buff my nails on my shirt, inspecting them in the sunlight. “You know me, list maker extraordinaire.”
“Yeah,” she says softly, stepping closer and giving me a hug. “I do know you.”
Hugging. Something else I’m not particular familiar with. I’m used to pats on the shoulders, a good old ’atta boy, or salutes. A side hug is my usual go-to if personal contact is needed. Jackie squeezes me harder.
It’s kind of nice.
And then I remember I’m panty-less.
Clearing my throat, I try and straighten. “So as you can see, everything is handled. No wedding planner needed.”
She huffs out a laugh against my shoulder before pulling back. “But Jules, a wedding planner can take over from here, make sure everything continues running smoothly. They can contact vendors, double check deliveries and make the payments so that—” She pauses, frowning. “Hey, wait a minute. Howdidyou book vendors? I didn’t give you any money for deposits.”
“Eh, don’t worry about it.” I shrug.
Jackie stomps her foot. “Jules! You are taking too much on. You can’tpayfor my wedding!”
I’m one part surprised at the pitch of my usually reserved best friend’s voice and one part amused. But I sense that laughing will not help the situation.
“She’s right. You can’t.” A familiar voice interrupts. “But I hope you’ll let me.”
Holt ambles up undetected just as Jackie reaches her boiling point. Flynn is right behind him. Where were they when I was threatened with tears?
The newly affianced mechanic wraps an arm around Jackie. “Thanks, man, but—”
“I insist.” Holt shifts closer to me, like he wants to wrap his arm around me like his brother did Jackie, but he doesn’t.
I wonder if that’s because I snuck out of the laundry room.
He keeps his hand by his side, but I see his fist clench. “I know Mom and Dad aren’t around, but if they were—”
Flynn snorts. “They probably wouldn’t have come.”
Holt frowns but concedes Flynn’s statement with a nod. “You may have a point. But our parents would at leastpayfor their son’s wedding.” He snorts. “Society would demand it.”
Flynn frowns back but doesn’t argue. My brain, previously stuck on whether or notIshould put Holt’s arm around me, pauses on the fact that their parents wouldn’t have come to their son’s wedding. What douche bags.
“Hey guys.” Jackie waves her hand between the brothers. “Remember me? The bride? I have money set aside for this too, you know.” She crosses her arms over her worn Old Dominion T-shirt.
The girl has gotten crazy into modern country music lately. She’s really going all-in on this cowboy fetish.
I eye up Holt’s physique in his tight-fitting jeans and tucked-in shirt. Not that I blame her.
“And I’m pretty sure my dad would have something to say about this, too.” One of her Converse taps a beat on the dirt beneath us.
Flynn just hugs her, arms crossed and all. “I know, Darling. We didn’t mean to cut you out.” He kisses her pout away until she’s giggling.
God, their cute factor makes my teeth hurt.
“Anyway,” Holt continues, ignoring the kissing couple, “I’ve already set aside funds for this.”
Flynn pulls back from a pink-faced Jackie, blinking. “I’m sorry, what?”
