The surgical team had already been called into the clinic by the time they arrived. Nat watched as Rhett and Molly whisked the bears into the clinic, waving him off when he glanced back at her.

“Go,” she told him. “I’ll handle everything else.”

The look he shot back at her, the gratitude in his eyes, made her stomach twist. Rhett did so much for everyone. Sometimes she worried that not enough people were doing much for him.

Trying not to think about the poor little bear cubs and their messed-up paws—what was wrong with people?—she instead called Felicity. “Hey, Felicity. I need the number for the judge who does the marriage ceremonies in Hood River County,” she said. “And a list of the charitable causes they donate to.”

“Give me fifteen minutes,” Felicity said, ever the amazing assistant.

Nat went to check in on the rescue dog that Rhett had just taken in, and found herself utterly charmed—and slightly heartbroken—with Zeke and his gentle playfulness. The dog snuffled close to her as she went into the kennel and sat down with him, and his warm, wiggling body was comforting after the stress of the day.

She admired Rhett more than anything for what he did, because when she saw abused animals like those bear cubs or the sweet dog cuddling up next to her, all she felt was a red-hot sort of rage that made her want to smash things. Preferably the animal abuser’s face.

She’d grown up with animals—big and small—as a everyday part of her life. They were companions, pets, and coworkers, and no matter their role on the ranch, their lives were always valued. Her father wasn’t some factory farmer. He raised organic, free-range beef, and was committed to the best, most humane practices. As Big Stan always put it, Those cows are giving me a lot, so I’m gonna give them a lot while they’re here on earth.

She shook her head, trying to drive out the image of the scared cubs, how bad their paws had looked. Rhett and Molly and the rest of the River Run team would fix them. They were the best.

Her phone buzzed, and she looked down.

Perfect. Nat pressed on the number, putting it on speaker.

“This is Judge Peters, how may I help you?”

“Hi Judge Peters,” Nat said. “This is Natalie Banks. My… fiancé and I had an appointment with you at three?”

“Yes, hello. I was wondering where you two got to. I hope it wasn’t cold feet.”

Nat laughed. “No, not at all. My fiancé runs a wildlife refuge and animal sanctuary, and the fine officers of this county called him in for some help. He’s performing surgery right now, operating on some bear cubs that were found at a crime scene.”

“Oh, my,” Judge Peters said. “That is definitely not a dull wedding day.”

“Well, that’s why I’m calling you,” Nat said. “We would really still like this to be our wedding day. I don’t know if this is possible, but is there anyway we can persuade you to come out here and perform the ceremony when he gets out of surgery? We’d drive over, but I’m just worried we won’t get there in time since we’re not sure how long the surgery will take.”

“I think that I can do that,” Judge Peters said. “Especially for Mr. Oakes. River Run is a great asset to the community. Your future husband is a very fine man.”

Nat felt a flood of relief hit her. Thank God. Now Durbin wouldn’t have a chance to wheedle in an order to cease using the water. They’d be married before he could issue it and all would be well. “I’d appreciate your help so much,” she said, her voice warm with genuine gratitude. “Do you need the address?”

“I know the place well,” Judge Peters said. “What time should I be there?”

“Three hours?” Nat asked.

“I’ll see you then,” Judge Peters said.

“Thank you so much, Judge,” she said, a little flutter going through her. In three hours, she’d be married.

She’d be Rhett’s wife. It wouldn’t be real, it couldn’t, but maybe… maybe it would feel real… a little.

She shouldn’t want it to, but deep down…

She took a breath, cuddling Zeke close to her, the dog licking at her fingers thoughtfully.

Get through today, she thought to herself. And think about tomorrow—and the consequences—later.