Jason stepped into the building and Finn wrinkled his nose. “Yeah, you stink, man. You must have been doing ranch calls today.”
“Everybody gets their turn, and this was my day for it.” Jason looked around the oversized space that would soon be the new storage building for the wedding business. “It’s looking good in here. Lots of space.”
“They need it for all their arches and props and whatchamacallits they use for the weddings.”
Jason laughed. “Yeah, those things.”
“You here to see Erin?”
“Nah. I called her on the way over. She told me she’s busy today. She and her sisters are going over invitations after work and she doesn’t have time for me. She said she’d see me when she got home. So I dropped Puddy off with her so Agatha and Puds could hang out, and she’ll bring both the dogs home. I thought maybe you, me and Clay could go have dinner and play some pool tonight.”
“Good plan. I’m just about to finish up here. You talk to Clay?”
Jason nodded. “Yeah, he’s gonna meet us at the pool hall. I have a change of clothes in the truck so I’ll shower here.”
“Okay. I’ll put things up here then go shower and change and then meet you at the house.”
“Sounds good.”
Jason left and Finn cleaned up his work area, put away his tools, then headed to his place. He stripped off the clothes that were sticking to him like a second skin and went straight into the shower. The semicool water felt great pouring over his head and body, washing away all the sweat and dirt that clung to him. He put on a clean pair of jeans and a T-shirt, then added his going-out boots before making his way to the main house.
He walked in through the back door, never needing to knock. Louise was in there making dinner. He leaned in to take a deeper smell of whatever was in the pot on the stove.
“Something smells good.”
“Chicken for tomorrow night’s dinner since everyone is scattered tonight.”
“Oh, good. It’s my favorite.”
She nudged him with her elbow. “Everything is your favorite.”
He laughed. “That’s true.”
“You’re going out tonight?”
“Yes, ma’am. With Jason and Clay.”
“You boys behave.”
“I always behave.”
She rolled her eyes. “Sure you do.”
He kissed her on the cheek, because Louise and her husband, Marcus, were as much family to him as the Bellinis. Louise had kept him well fed through the years, and Marcus was a handyman on the property, so he’d continued his education on woodworking with him. Finn was indebted to both of them.
He made his way down the hall. Brenna was coming down the stairs, so he paused. She was wearing a sundress and sandals, the dress swishing around her gorgeous legs.
She frowned. “You’re dressed up.”
“You mean I’m clean.”
“Same thing.” She made it around the foot of the stairs and stopped in front of him. “Where are you headed?”
“Dinner and to play some pool with the guys.”
“I see.” She studied him. “What guys?”
“Jason and Clay.”
“They should keep you out of trouble.”
He laughed. “Yeah? Why would you think that?”
“They’re both engaged. That means no picking up women.”
“Hey, they’re the ones who are engaged. I’m not. Except fake engaged to you.”
She shook her head. “Only for four days, remember?”
“Right.” He picked up her hand and rubbed it between his. “Unless you want me to remain faithful to ya, in which case I’ll be on my best behavior tonight.”
She frowned. “Why would I care what you do?”
“Because you like me, Brenna Bellini. And you don’t want me to kiss other girls.”
She jerked her hand away. “Go. Kiss other girls. I don’t care.”
But she did care, and he saw it in the flash of anger in her beautiful eyes.
“Who’s kissing other girls?”
Honor had come out of her office.
“Not me,” Finn said, giving Brenna a wink.
Brenna waved her hand. “Not like I care what he does.”
She walked away, leaving Finn and Honor standing there.
“What was that all about?” Honor asked.
“She likes me. She just doesn’t realize yet how much.”
Honor looked down the hall where Brenna had disappeared. “Oh, really.”
“Yup. We’re even going to be engaged next week.”
Honor blinked, then her eyes went wide. “Wait. What?”
“Oh, she knows all about it. In fact, it’s her idea. You should have her tell you about it.”
“I definitely will.”
Jason came down the stairs along with Erin, then looked over at Finn. “Hey, you ready?”
“Yeah.”
“Have fun,” Erin said as she came down the hall, stopping to give Jason a kiss. “But not too much fun.”
Jason laughed. “I’ll see you at home. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
They headed out the door. Finn looked back, realizing that Brenna had returned and was standing outside on the porch with her sisters, watching them. Watching him.
He smiled.
* * *
• • • • • •
THE MEETING WITH the prospective bride and groom went well. After touring the grounds and discussing their needs and what Bellini Weddings could provide, along with the budget and a taste of Red Moss Vineyard wines, the couple booked their wedding for September of next year and paid a deposit.
After the couple left, they went over wedding invitations. Erin had narrowed it to a few, but they all easily chose one favorite. Then, they decided they’d go out for pizza since Louise and Marcus had the night off.
Brenna changed into a pair of capris and a short-sleeved shirt, then slid into sandals and pulled her hair into a high ponytail. She met her sisters downstairs.
“Are you riding with us, Erin?” Honor asked.
“Yes. I’ll come back here after dinner and pick up Agatha and Puddy.”