attention snapped back to her table when Connie, the younger of Heather’s cousins, asked her a question. “Yes, I’m enjoying my stay in Texas so far,” Brooke replied. “And I’m happy I was able to attend Heather’s wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony.”
“Heather’s very happy with Blake. He’s one of the good guys.”
“There are so few of those,” Brooke said, recognizing her tone was too cynical for a wedding.
Luckily, Connie chuckled. “I know what you mean. My mama says if you find a good one, land him and never let him go.”
“She’s a smart woman.”
“She should know, she’s been married three times. She kicked two losers to the curb before marrying my daddy. They’ve been married twenty-eight years now.”
“I like your mother more and more.”
“What about your folks?” Connie asked.
“Oh, my biological parents have issues. I don’t see them much, but I was raised by foster parents and they were awesome. Without them, my life wouldn’t be what it is today.”
“So there’s hope out there. I shouldn’t be so skeptical—especially at my cousin’s wedding—but my boyfriend and I have just broken up and it still stings.”
She caught sight of Wyatt finally taking his seat for dinner. “I get the stinging part, Connie. I’ve been there.” More than once. “It gets better, believe me. Just concentrate on what you enjoy doing most. That’s what I do.”
“Heather said you could’ve put this wedding together without blinking an eye.”
“Heather is too kind, but if I lived here, yes, I would’ve loved to work on this event. There’s so much natural beauty that only the fine points need accenting, and the event planner did a terrific job of not going overboard. I would’ve done the same.”
“I guess that’s the reason the inn is perfect for a wedding. It doesn’t need too many added frills.”
Dinner was served, toasts were given and the reception continued on smoothly. Brooke dug into her meal, enjoying the perfectly seasoned and cooked salmon, quinoa salad and freshly grilled veggies. The meal was light and tasty, and after she was finished and her plate was being cleared, a band began to make noises as they set up on a platform stage.
“Excuse me,” she said to the guests at the table. She rose and walked over to the sweetheart table. This was the first chance she’d gotten to congratulate Heather and her new groom. After the ceremony, they’d been inundated by a swarm of well-meaning guests and Brooke hadn’t entered the fray, deciding to bide her time until she could have a quiet conversation with the newlyweds.
“Heather, congratulations!” Brooke’s friend rose and they immediately embraced.
“Brooke, my goodness, I’m so glad you were able to make it to our wedding. Blake,” she said, turning to him, “I’d like you to meet my friend from Los Angeles. We went to UCLA together, back in the day.”
Blake stood up and took her hand. “Nice meeting you, Brooke, and thanks for being here.”
“It’s a special day and I’m glad I could make it. Heather has been trying to get me to make a trip to Texas for years.”
“Oh, yeah? I hope you’re getting a big Texas welcome.”
“I am. Everyone’s been gracious and nice. I’m on vacation, staying with friends in Beckon, so I’ll be here for several more weeks.”
“That’s wonderful,” Heather said. “Maybe we can get together when Blake and I get back from our honeymoon.”
“I’m taking her on a cruise of the Mediterranean. We’ll be gone ten days.”
“Sounds perfect. And I’d love to see you when you return. Heather, you look stunning and it’s not just the gown...you’re glowing. Blake must be doing something right,” Brooke said, giving him a wink.
“You know it.” Blake took Heather’s hand. “I like your friend already.”
“I told you you would,” Heather said.
The master of ceremonies called for the newlyweds’ first dance. “Well, I guess you’re on, you two. Congratulations again. I’ll speak to you later.”
A crowd formed around the parquet dance floor set up under the glorious white tent. Brooke took a position in the outer circle as the two lovebirds danced to a George Strait ballad. The lights were dimmed, and a sole spotlight shone on them like a halo. Heather really was glowing now.
Once the dance was over, there was a round of applause, and the bandleader urged the guests to join the bride and groom on the dance floor. Brooke headed to her table. Before she reached her seat, a man approached. He was in his midforties, she guessed, his tie crooked, his entire body seemingly angled to the left, as if he’d fall over any second. “W-would...you like to d-dance?”
His breath reeked of alcohol. “Uh, no thank you.”
“Just one dance, missy, is all I’m asking.”
“No, thank you,” Brooke said as politely as she could manage. She turned away from him and started for her table again. But he snagged her arm from behind, thick fingers digging deep into her skin. She whirled on him and yanked her arm free. “What part of no don’t you get?” she said quietly. The last thing she wanted was to make a scene at Heather’s wedding.
“You’re a f-feisty little th-thing.” He reached for her again and it was easy to step out of his grasp.
“And you’ve obviously had too much to drink.”
“Is there a problem here?” Wyatt got between her and the pesky man, towering a good six inches above the guy. Wyatt’s glare made it clear he wasn’t one to mess with.
The man leaned way over, nearly toppling, and Wyatt quickly caught him.
“No p-problem. Nope. N-not a one,” he said, chuckling.
“I think you need some air.” Wyatt held the man upright and turned to Brooke, his mouth twisting in a smirk. He winked at her. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
He escorted—or rather supported—the guy out of the tent and Brooke returned to her seat. The man was probably harmless, but Brooke didn’t like being manhandled that way. She’d been ready to raise her voice and call security, which would’ve dampened the festive mood. Once again, Wyatt was there, stepping in to save the day.
A quiet hum strummed through her body and she smiled.
“That’s weird Uncle Hal,” Connie said into her ear as Brooke lowered down into the chair beside her. “I caught some of what happened out there and my whole family apologizes to you.” Connie made a face. “Hal likes to drink...when the liquor is free. Heather almost didn’t invite him to the wedding. She was afraid he’d cause a scene. But he seems to have been neutralized.”
“Neutralized?”
“Yeah,
