Summer Nights (Fool's Gold #8)(61)

“How old are they?”

“Six weeks. Thank goodness. The first week was the worst. They were so tiny then. Only three weeks old. Now they’re bigger and Cameron—” She paused to sip her iced Frappuccino. “Cameron says we can start transitioning them to regular food this week. I’m checking their teeth. Making sure there are enough for them to handle the kibble. Which I’m soaking in hot water.”

“They must be adorable.”

“They are,” Nevada admitted. “Come see them.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Afraid you’ll want one?”

“More than a little.”

“Tell me about it,” Nevada said with a grin. “Tucker and I are doing our best not to keep any of them. That’s the danger of fostering an animal. You get attached. Plus, they’re puppies. How am I supposed to resist? I tell myself it’s good practice for when we have a baby. At least now I know what it’s like to get up several times a night for feeding.”

The puppies’ mother had developed a fatal infection and died. Montana had roped her sister into caring for the litter until they were old enough for “forever” homes.

“I think a couple of my guys are thinking about adopting them,” Nevada told her. “I’ve been taking them to work with me, which is great. I get help with the feeding and there are plenty of volunteers to play with them. These are incredibly socialized puppies.”

Heidi walked into the Starbucks and waved. “Let me order and I’ll be right there.”

Heidi had called earlier to say she was running into town for groceries. She’d wanted to know if Annabelle had time for a quick coffee. Annabelle had run into Nevada on her way over and had invited her along.

Heidi collected her latte and joined them. They sat by an open window, the light afternoon breeze just cool enough to be pleasant.

“How are the wedding plans?” Nevada asked. “Have you reached the crazy stage?”

“Yes. I’m frantic.” Heidi touched Annabelle’s arm. “I have help, so that’s good. I can’t imagine what it was like for you and your sisters. A triple wedding? On New Year’s Eve?”

Nevada smiled. “It was a lot to organize, but there were the three of us and our mom, so that helped.”

“I’d be lost without Annabelle and Charlie,” Heidi admitted.

“I’m happy to help,” Annabelle told her sincerely. “I’m less sure about Charlie’s motivation but she’s good at intimidating people and that can come in handy.”

“She got me a great price on the tents,” Heidi said. “I have a dress. There are a few more details, then it’s just the work part. You know, counting heads as people RSVP, that kind of thing.”

“We’re here to help,” Annabelle told her.

“I know. Thanks.”

“The shower is in a couple of weeks,” Nevada said. “I got my save-the-date card tucked into my calendar.”

“We’re planning lots of fun and special stuff,” Annabelle said with a laugh.

“Are there going to be games?” Nevada asked casually. She picked up her latte, then sighed. “Okay, I’ll admit it. I love the games. Especially the one with all the stuff on the tray you have to memorize. Or coming up with words from the spelling of the bride’s and groom’s names? Silly, but they’re fun.”

“I’m surprised,” Annabelle said. “And delighted. There will be games and champagne.”

“The little Jordan almonds?” Heidi asked. “Can I put in a request?”

“You bet. In your wedding colors. Only the best for the bride-to-be.”

She and Charlie had a planning meeting tomorrow. Annabelle made a mental note to mention the games and Jordan almonds.

Heidi looked at Nevada. “How’s work? I drove by the construction site the other day. I can’t believe how much has been done on the casino and hotel.”

“The grand opening is next spring. I’m not much of a gambler, so I’m not that interested in the casino, but I can tell you the hotel is beautiful. The spa is going to be gorgeous. I might have to try it out for something.” Nevada ran her hands through her short hair. “Maybe extensions.”

Annabelle grinned. “That’ll be the day.”

“It would shock Tucker, that’s for sure. He likes my low-maintenance style.”

Annabelle had seen Tucker look at his new wife and knew the word like didn’t come close. He was a man who was well and truly in love. When Nevada was around, the rest of the world didn’t exist. Which was as it should be, she thought with only a tiny bit of envy.

“Speaking of husbands,” Heidi said and raised her eyebrows. “Guess who stopped by the ranch yesterday?”

They both looked at her.

Heidi turned to Annabelle. “Lewis.”

Annabelle groaned. “My ex,” she explained to Nevada. “He’s been in town for a few days. There was a legal complication with the divorce.” She drew in a breath. “I heard he stopped by the ranch on the way out of town.”

“I know that he talked with Shane for a couple of minutes. Then Lewis left.”

Annabelle didn’t like the sound of that. Not Lewis with Shane or her having to find out what he’d been discussing.