The Protectors Series, Book Six
Hannah stared at the spreadsheet in front of her. “I don’t see how we can fit them in. The McKenzie’s fiftieth wedding anniversary is on the same weekend.”
Claire, Hannah’s sister, peered over her shoulder. “We’re on track with our other events. What if I plan the party and book all the contractors? I’ll need help with staging the event, but that’s it. Both of us don’t need to be at the McKenzie’s party.”
“If you think it will work, then that’s okay with me. But don’t book any more events for February.”
“Yes, boss.”
“I’m just looking after you.”
Claire sipped her cup of coffee. “As your older sister, aren’t I supposed to look after you?”
“You’re too busy booking more events,” Hannah said half-seriously.
“Talking about events, you’re not wearing that dress to the Christmas party, are you?”
Hannah touched the lace ruffle around her neck. “I’m going as a Victorian yuletide caroler from A Christmas Carol. Wait until you see the red jacket that goes around my shoulders.”
“I can’t wait.”
Hannah looked down at her green dress. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“It’s a little…frumpy.”
“Frumpy? I spent hours searching the Internet for the perfect costume.”
Claire picked up the bag she’d left on a chair. “So did I, and I bought two.”
“I hope the extra costume is for Holly.” Claire’s elf costume wasn’t what she would have called ‘perfect’. For one thing, the red skirt was so short that one gust of wind would blow it around her waist. She had to admit that the red and white stripped stockings were cute, and the white fur around the neckline wasn’t too bad, either.
“Holly’s going as a Christmas angel. The extra costume is for you.”
“I don’t think so.”
Claire smiled. “You’ll look amazing. Come on. Just this once let me be your fairy godmother.”
The doorbell rang and Hannah grinned. “Saved by the bell.”
“Only for two minutes. As soon as Holly sees your dress she’ll agree with me.”
Hannah closed her laptop and headed toward their front door. “I’m not wearing a teeny-tiny elf costume.” She opened the door. “Wow. You really are a Christmas angel.”
Holly’s blue eyes sparkled. “I bought the costume when I was in Scotland. “I like your Victorian dress.”
“Don’t tell her that.” Claire pulled Holly into the living room. “Let me look at you.”
Holly spun in a circle. The tight, satin bodice of her dress exploded into a white tulle skirt. A pair of fluffy angel wings and a silver halo completed the costume.
Hannah had met Holly a couple of years ago when she’d joined the Bozeman Arts Collective. Holly’s paintings were beyond anything Hannah could ever hope to create. With regular exhibitions at galleries around the world, Holly was one of the most successful artists in America.
“I’ve got exciting news,” Holly said. “Daniel and I have finally set a date for our wedding.”
Hannah hugged her friend. “That’s wonderful. I never thought you’d find something that worked for both of you.”
“It hasn’t been easy,” Holly agreed. “But if we get married at Daniel’s home in mid March, we’ll be able to go on our honeymoon after my exhibition in Germany.”
Claire’s eyes widened. “March is three months away.”
“That’s why I have a favor to ask.”
Hannah looked at her sister.
“You said February,” Claire reminded her. “Not March.”
Holly looked expectantly at both sisters. “Our wedding will be a small, but I don’t have time to do anything. My paintings have to be ready by the end of March for my exhibition.”
Hannah frowned. “When you say you don’t have time for ‘anything’, do you mean every single thing?”
Holly nodded. “Flowers, dresses, food, invitations…there are probably more things I haven’t thought about, but I don’t know what they are. Can you do it?”
Hannah smiled. “What do you think, Claire? Can we create a magical wedding for Holly and Daniel?”
“I don’t know.”
Holly’s smile disappeared.
Hannah was shocked. Out of both of them, Claire was the one who usually said yes without thinking.
Claire looked down at her costume. “There’s only one thing stopping me from saying yes.”
Hannah frowned at her sister. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“If you wear the extra elf costume to the Christmas party, I’ll say yes.”
Holly looked at Claire’s dress, then across at Hannah. “You’ll look amazing, especially if you’ve got a pair of red high-heels.”
Hannah sighed. “Okay. I’ll do it. But if my skirt is more than half an inch shorter than Claire’s, I’m not wearing it.”
Holly hugged Hannah tight. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Hannah grumbled. “I haven’t tried on the costume.”
Claire grabbed her hand. “There’s no time like the present.” You’ll be amazed at what Holly and I can do.”
Hannah let her sister drag her upstairs. She could wear her green dress and red cape to an event they’d organized at a retirement village. And if she could make the skirt of the elf costume longer, she’d be even happier.
***
Brett Forster didn’t often sit with his feet up in front of the fire. But tonight, with the wind howling outside and more snow on its way, there wasn’t anywhere else he wanted to be.
“Did Jackson take a look at the northern boundary?” he asked Robbie, one of the ranch hands.
“All done. Did you get the tractor to start?”
“It was easier than I thought. We had a spare set of spark plugs in the garage.”
“Is there anything else you want to know?” Robbie asked around a mouthful of hot beef casserole.
Brett stretched his arms above his head and yawned. “Nope. My brain’s switching off for the night.”
“I wouldn’t switch it off too fast. There’s a party in town and you’re the only one who’ll still be here—apart from Mr. McConachie, that is.”
Pat McConachie owned the sprawling Double Circle Ranch. Set over forty thousand acres, it was an hour’s drive from Bozeman. Eight years ago, Brett had started working on the ranch as a foreman. Over the years, that role had grown to cover just about anything that needed to be done.
“Who’s driving?” Brett asked.
“Dave. He swears he’s not going to drink and drive.”
“Tell him from me that he better not. He’s already had one warning. There won’t be another.”
Robbie tore a chunk of bread off the loaf that Mrs. Bennett had left in the kitchen. “I’ll tell him. Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but spending the night in a noisy bar packed with college students and cowboys, isn’t my idea of fun.”
“Suit yourself, but you’ll miss a good night.”
Brett didn’t need the type of good night Robbie was talking about. “Just remember you’re feeding the cattle with me tomorrow morning. I’m leaving here no later than seven-thirty.”
“No problem. Thanks for the casserole.”
“You’re welcome. Next time, get home faster. You’re lucky Mrs. Bennett gave me extra.”
“She always does.” With the last of the casserole gone, Robbie rinsed his plate and added it to the dishwasher. “I need to get changed. See you tomorrow, boss.”
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t.”
Robbie’s smile was instant. “You always say that and you know what happens.”
“Yeah. You don’t listen to me.”
“That about sums it up.” Robbie pulled on his jacket and hat. “If I’m not home by two o’clock, don’t send out a search party.”
“As long as you’re up in time to feed the cattle, you can do what you want.”
Robbie snorted as he left Brett’s cottage. They both knew it had never been that easy.
Other Contemporary Romances by
Montana Brides:
(Gracie and Trent)
(Amy and Nathan)
(Nicky and Sam)
(Erin and Jake)
(Emily and Alex)
(Kate and Dan)
(Sarah and Jordan)
The Bridesmaids Club:
(Tess and Logan)
(Annie and Dylan)
(Sally and Todd)
(Molly and Jacob)
Emerald Lake Billionaires:
(Rachel and John)
(Sophie and Ryan)
(Holly and Daniel)
The Protectors:
(Hayley and Tank)
(Kelly and Tanner)
(Mallory and Grant)
(Ashley and Matthew)
(Mia and Stan)
(Hannah and Brett)
(Claire and Jason)
(Becky and Sean)