feeling it.” He paused at the end of the walkway to study the bright lights of the Hayes Hotel. “Here’s where all the action definitely is. The place is lit up like a Christmas tree!”
“Marley’s really going for it,” Veronica said in awed tones. “The whole front is a mass of lights, and there’s literally a red carpet running from the street into the hotel.”
A battered truck pulled up, and a bearded cowboy got out and came around to open the passenger door. He handed his keys off to the valet and paused to chat as he helped his female companion step down.
Beside Ted, Veronica went still. “That’s—”
“Ben Miller’s girlfriend.” Ted gave the couple a casual wave. “They’ve built a new house out on the Gomez Ranch, which Ben is managing.”
Veronica poked him in the side. “That’s Silver Meadows!”
“Yeah, I know.” He frowned down at her. “They probably got here early to avoid any gawkers.”
“She’s one of the biggest film stars in the world!” Veronica squeaked, almost jumping up and down with excitement.
“So what?”
Veronica shook her head and started down the steps, her mouth still open. “This place is nuts. Tech millionaires, rodeo stars, Navy SEALs. . . .”
“Always has been, always will be.” Ted followed her onto the red carpet where they paused to allow a photographer to take their picture. “Now, I feel like a movie star.”
* * *
The inside of the hotel was still relatively quiet because the ceremony wasn’t due to start for almost an hour. A sign directed them to a large room where they could shed their outerwear and change their shoes. Settling his hat under his arm, Ted turned to Veronica. “I’ve got to go upstairs and find Ry. Will you be okay?”
“I’m pretty sure I will,” Veronica kissed his mouth, which was much easier in high heels. “I’ll save you a seat?”
“That would be awesome.”
She watched him leave, aware that in his wedding garb he looked more like a cowboy than a mechanic. She wondered if she’d spot him again in the crowd of ranchers. She had a feeling that she’d be able to find him anywhere now, and that he’d make sure he was there to be found. How could she have come to care for him so deeply in such a short space of time? Was she just not used to a man being a decent human being anymore? She reminded herself that she had dated a few guys since her divorce, and that none of them had made her feel like Ted had.
“Hey, you.”
She was jerked from her thoughts by the appearance of Tucker Hayes looking very smart in a three-piece suit. He bowed and offered her his arm.
“May I escort you through to the wedding venue?”
She found a smile. “That would be lovely, thank you.”
“Ted’s really sweet on you,” Tucker said conversationally as they went back through the lobby and toward the connected rooms that ran the length of the hotel. “I hope you’re going to stick around.”
“I’m definitely thinking about it,” Veronica confessed, and was rewarded by a delighted grin. “And I promise I won’t mess him around.”
“Good to know.” Tucker paused near the row of seats. “He’s a great guy who sometimes needs a kick in the pants to get going. I think you’re just what he needs.”
Veronica sat down and allowed herself to take in the amazing floral arrangements and classic Christmas decorations themed in silver and red that covered the dining room and adjacent drawing room. Even the chairs had garlands of scarlet ribbon with silver bells entwined across their backs. There was a table set at the front of the room next to a large fireplace where Veronica assumed the pastor would stand. Marley really had done the Hayes family proud.
As Veronica sat, taking everything in and just enjoying being back in her hometown, the rows started to fill up with the residents of Morgan Valley in their best formal Western wear. She recognized some of the women she’d met at Avery’s party, and was touched when several came over to speak to her, and make her feel welcome.
As the murmur of conversation grew to a muted roar, a trio of musicians started playing quietly in the corner, and the front seats containing the Morgans and Hayes family were gradually occupied. Veronica received a wave from Ruth Morgan, and a wink from Roy, the ancient ranch manager who accompanied her to her seat.
Eventually, there was a stir at the back, and everyone craned