Page 110 of Once Upon a Holidate
“The leather guy didn’t know who you were when you talked to him?” Garrick asked.
“He gets customers coming to him from all over the world, so to him, I was just another American.”
“I’m still wondering about a man who won’t make a saddle for a woman,” Jasper said. “Don’t tell Bethany. She wouldn’t be happy.”
“Not just Bethany,” Garrick pointed out. “I’m not thrilled, either.”
“Social evolution takes time. They’ll get there.” He took a drink of his beer. “I’m giving Renee a girls’ weekend with all her friends at a spa.”
Cade groaned. “Man, no. You’ll make the rest of us look bad.”
Jasper grinned, then reached out to pet the orange tabby cat that jumped on the back of the sofa and walked toward him.
“That’s just a bonus,” he joked.
“A girlfriend weekend is a really good gift,” Garrick admitted.
“What did you get Wynn?” Cade asked. “Or are you not at the gift-giving stage?”
“We are. At least I hope we are.” He hesitated. “She’s not easy to buy for. She isn’t into fancy things, and she has her life together.”
He’d thought for a long time, trying to find something she would enjoy that wasn’t dumb or predictable.
“I got her a cleaning service. They’ll come every two weeks and clean the house.”
Jasper chuckled. “That’s perfect. It takes away a chore she doesn’t like, and she’ll think of you every time they show up.”
Garrick exhaled. “Good. I wasn’t sure. I got Hunter a drone. I figured he would fly it up here and take pictures and stuff. Joylyn was easy. Alisha and I are going in on a meal service for her and Chandler when they get settled, and I’m giving them a week at a chalet in Tahoe.”
“So you have it all figured out,” Cade told him.
Garrick nodded, wishing that was true. Having it figured out would mean knowing what to do next. He liked Wynn—he liked them. But liking her a lot was different than wanting forever. Did he? And what about kids? He was still in his thirties, so age wasn’t an issue. But it was a big step, and he had a lot to consider before he could make up his mind. And once he knew what he wanted, there was also the issue of finding out where she was. It would be a hell of a thing to decide he was in love with her only to have her tell him she wasn’t that into him.
This was why he’d avoided relationships, he thought, turning his attention to the game. Because there were always complications. In the past he’d assumed being alone was just plain easier. Only now that he and Wynn were involved, he wasn’t sure he could say that anymore.
Chapter Nineteen
Joylyn was determined to get through Holly’s wedding without bursting into tears. Her hormones had settled down a little, so she thought she might have a chance, but it was going to be difficult, especially when the day was going to be so beautiful.
She had a quick moment to text with Chandler before he headed for the airport to start his long trip home. With luck they would be back together late that night—otherwise in the morning. Either way, she had less than twenty-four hours to go, and that was its own miracle.
Holly and Rex had arrived the night before, getting two rooms at the Sweet Dreams Inn. The ceremony would be at four with cocktails from five to six and the dinner after that.
Joylyn had picked up her friend at the inn and driven her over to Weddings Out of the Box. Even though it was only eleven in the morning, Renee was already there, with her team hard at work.
“You’re here!” Renee said, hugging them both before smiling at Holly. “How do you feel?”
“Excited. Happy.” Holly blinked back tears. “Grateful. I still can’t believe everyone did this for me.”
“We are very special people, so let’s accept that and move on. I want to show you everything we have. Your wedding is going to be even more beautiful than you imagined.”
Joylyn squeezed her friend’s hand. “Aren’t you excited? I can’t wait to see how it all turned out.”
“I’m still having trouble believing this is real,” Holly admitted. “But I’m also thrilled to be here.”
“Good.”
Renee led them into what Joylyn remembered as the main open area. Only now it had been partitioned in several smaller rooms. A pretty foyer had been decorated with Christmas trees and lanterns filled with large, white candles.
