Chirp(85)

The next morning, Wren got up early because she’d been too nervous and excited to sleep. She’d be married in two days, and she had tons of stuff to do. Rance was still down for the count, so she dressed and headed to Hanna’s.

The forest was more alive than ever, or maybe Wren’s mood made it seem that way. She shuffled her feet, scattering autumn leaves as she traveled the trail. Two squirrels chattered, playing a game of chase along a low-hanging oak limb. Birds sang. A cool breeze whistled through the trees. She inhaled and caught a whiff of vanilla.

She arrived at the shop within a few minutes. Muttly bounded from the corner and circled her ankles. She leaned down to pet him. “Hey, boy. Look how big you are.” He ran his tongue across her cheek, and she gagged. “Oh no. Don’t do that.” She rose, went to the sink, and washed the dog’s kiss away.

Hanna came from the supply closet and gasped. “Blaze, I mean Wren.” She pulled her into a hug. “Which do I call you?”

“Wren. I’m sorry I lied.”

Her friend waved her off. “Please, if anyone knows about keeping a secret, it’s me. I can’t very well pass judgment.” She plopped down on a stool and motioned for Wren to sit. “Thank you for giving Seth a job. I just wish it wasn’t in Houston.”

“Why?”

“Noah. He’s so happy here, we hate to move him to the city. He’s such a loner, and Houston schools are so big, we’re not sure how he’ll do there.”

Wren had not considered that, but she was an expert on not fitting in. “I have the same problem.”

Hanna’s brows rose. “I don’t understand. I thought you grew up in Houston.”

“I did. Rance doesn’t want to live there. We can fly back and forth. The company has a plane.”

Hanna’s eyes twinkled like Christmas-tree lights. “That would be so great!” She vaulted from the stool and threw her arms around Wren again. “We could buy a house here and Seth would be home every night. We wouldn’t have to uproot Noah. I can’t tell you how much that would mean.”

“Okay. I’d better go. Rance and I are going to Danvers to get things ordered for the wedding.”

“I don’t know how you’ll put it all together in such a short time. I’ve been working on mine for months and still don’t have everything finished.”

“Ours is simple. Rance, me, and the minister. I ordered dresses. When they get here, I’ll need your advice.”

“Glad to help, and that reminds me. I want you to be my matron of honor.”

“Oh—okay.”

Hanna grinned. “You’re about to be my sister-in-law and Noah’s aunt.”

Wren’s hand flew to her chest. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Yep. The Keller clan. I sure like how that sounds.”

So did Wren. For the first time in years, she’d have a family.

When she got back to the house, Rance was in the kitchen neck-deep in the pantry.

“What are you doing?”

“Fuck! I didn’t hear you come in.”

“You were talking to yourself.”

She took two steps, and he stopped her. “Don’t come any closer. While you were gone, I got a few cans mixed up. I’m putting them back in order.”

“I can do it.” She tried to pass, but he blocked her.

“No, Chirp. I’ll fix it.”

She craned her neck to see around him, then widened her eyes. “What happened?”

“Calm down. I’ll have it back the way it was in no time.”

“No! Step aside.”

She got to work, and when the last can was in place, she glared at him. “Never do that again.”

“I won’t. I promise. Don’t know how it happened.” He pulled her into his arms. “One more reason I need you. To keep the beans before the corn.”

She frowned. “Are you being sarcastic?”

Then he kissed her and all her anger disappeared.



The dresses arrived at noon the next day. Hanna and Tiffany decided on a white, vintage-inspired, long-sleeve, full-length silhouette sheath, made of lace and tulle with intricate bead work. Wren smoothed her hands over the fabric. She loved their choice.

Rance had found photographer, Travis Hardy, online. Once he’d seen the photo of the bride on the motorcycle, he wouldn’t consider anyone else. Travis had driven all the way from Dallas, and had no idea who Wren was, but he’d been suspicious when Seth demanded he sign a nondisclosure agreement and not post any of the photos on his site for thirty days.

“Now hold your bouquet down by your side, and don’t look into the camera,” Travis said.

Wren snapped out of her trance and asked the photographer to repeat the instructions.

Hanna adjusted her veil while Tiffany stood close by. A gust of wind caught the tulle and whipped it into the air.

“Beautiful! Now, keep your body in that position, but turn your head to face me.”

Wren had been as determined about the tree house as a backdrop as Rance had been about the Harley. He’d also insisted on using a haystack in Hanna’s barn. Obvious reason. Hubby-to-be had a dirty mind.

Travis opened his camera case. “Okay, that should be enough in this location. If the groom is gone, we can head back home for the motorcycle shots.”