“We’re very pleased to see so many of you gathering tonight for a good cause. In just a moment we’ll open the buffet line and later on tonight we’ll have dancing, but first I want to draw your attention to the ways you can give tonight. The proceeds of the tickets you all purchased will go directly to the Strong Again Horse Rescue, headed up by our friend Ryker Strong.”
Mayor Jones gestured toward Ryker, who was standing beside Emma near the stage. Ryker waved his hand, beaming at the crowd. “If you’d like to show your support beyond the ticket price, we have a few other ways to chip in.” He gestured in the direction of an expanse of wall that had been decorated with a white backdrop printed with different horse shapes in a repeating pattern. A length of red carpet lay in front of it. “Walk the red carpet while photographers snap the perfect pic! Photos will be available for purchase, all going to support Strong Again.”
The mayor leaned in, giving a toothy smile. “And if strutting your stuff isn’t enough, don’t forget to check out our silent auction. Bid on our items for a chance to take them home! You don’t want to miss out on something special,” he added, with an over the top wink.
“Finally, for those of you who want the true Hollywood experience, don’t miss your chance to give an acceptance speech as you claim your own award.” The mayor indicated the screen behind him, which suddenly flashed to life. “We’ll be playing a loop of photos and videos of the current residents of the rescue, along with their names. You’ll have an opportunity to sponsor one of these animals and receive one of these beautiful statuettes at the end of the night.” He held up one of the trophies Alex had purchased. A small golden horse captured mid-stride sat on the top of a dark blue pillar. The engraving on the nameplates, which Alex had written himself, said simply “Most Likely to be a Hero.”
“Now I’m sure y’all are tired of hearing me bump my gums—”
“You can say that again,” came a voice from the back of the hall. Alex’s wasn’t the only head to turn in the direction of the speaker. Evan MacAllen smiled proudly from his seat at one of the tables. His wife, Sadie, beside him was covering her face in embarrassment.
Mayor Jones took the interruption in stride. “Without further ado, why don’t y’all dig in and enjoy?” A round of applause went up but it was short-lived as folks started rushing to line up for the buffet. Alex did a double take when he saw Old Gus, owner of the feed store, moving toward the line in the world’s oldest suit. Dark pinstripe suitcoat and pants were paired with a light checked vest, waist chain, and spats. On his head sat a newsboy cap. Alex thought he could have walked out of one of the silent pictures of the 1920s.
“Get a load of Gus,” Evan said, coming up beside him and elbowing him vigorously. “I think that suit might be older than he is.”
“He looks great,” Alex said, delighted that the town was getting into the spirit of things.
“Speaking of looking great,” Evan said, then nudged Alex to look in the direction of the entry hall. A woman in a glittering red dress that clung to her curves like it was part of her skin stood next to a familiar man in an expensive tuxedo.
“Is that Gavin Jeffries?” Alex asked. Then his mouth dried up when the woman in the red dress turned in his direction and he realized it was Brenne.
Holy mother of God, he thought as he took her in. The dress’s sweetheart neckline showed off her mouthwatering cleavage, the expensive fabric hugging her body until it flared out around knee level to pool around her feet. Her shoulder-length blonde hair was tamed into tasteful waves, and her lips were painted the same red as her dress.
Alex couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Brenne in anything other than blue jeans. This gorgeous, elegant woman was akin to a magical creature who’d just stepped out of the pages of a fairytale. “Alex Parsons, I suggest you look away from my sister and close your mouth before I am obliged to put my fist in it.”
The tone of Evan’s voice broke the spell, and Alex blinked and looked in his direction. “Evan MacAllen,” came a sudden growl from behind them, and he swiveled to see an angry Mayor Jones heading in their direction. It was quite a change from the composed man who had just been giving the welcome speech.
“Gotta go, bud,” Evan said with an impish grin, then started off in the other direction, attempting to lose the mayor in the crowd. Alex took a breath, trying to regain his own composure.
Emma appeared, sliding her arm through his again. “If we want a chance at eating, we might want to join the line,” she suggested. Alex allowed her to lead him in the direction of the buffet, all the while trying to avoid looking in Brenne’s direction.
She’s here, dressed like a living fantasy, and all for another man.
It was a sobering thought, one that made the little green monster inside him bulk up to life-sized. It clawed at his insides, eating him alive.
CHAPTER 22
BRENNE
“Miss Brenne, you’re absolutely stunning.”
“Thank you.” Brenne felt a little shy, dressed as she was. Although she knew she was an attractive woman, her usual wardrobe was a little less than feminine. Put me in a dress and slap lipstick on me, and I’m good enough to turn letters on a TV game show, I guess.
The man who’d complimented her was stunning in his own fashion. He was in his mid-fifties, tall and wide and bald as a billiard ball. And he was wearing a sequined suit in lime green that stood out like a neon sign in the dark of night. “You’re looking pretty good yourself, Bruce.”
Bruce Guffy ran a goat ranch that produced some of the cutest kids in the county. He also prided himself on his over the top color choices. “And who is this fellow you’ve come with?” he asked, gesturing toward Gavin. “You’re certainly not from around these parts.”
“I’m not,” Gavin confirmed, putting out a hand for Bruce to shake. “Gavin Jeffries.”
Bruce paused, then shook his hand. “Gavin Jeffries. Instant Gratification? That Gavin Jeffries?”
“That’s me,” Gavin said with a polite smile.
Bruce’s eyes widened and turned in Brenne’s direction. “Well, I’d heard the rumors but I didn’t believe them,” he said, as if to himself. “Welcome to Whiskey River.” Brenne thought she detected a question mark at the end of his words. “I best go find Miss Peyton,” he said after a moment. “She’s hankering after some new goats for her herd.”
Bruce gave Gavin one more onceover before wandering off into the crowd. Brenne swallowed hard. She knew showing up on Gavin’s arm would cause a stir, but as Bruce had confirmed, the rumor mill was already at work. But now you’ve confirmed that the gossip is true. Brenne wasn’t sure if that would turn out to be a good thing in the end.
“What’s that?” Gavin asked, gesturing toward several grouped tables. Black velvet covered the tabletops, and several items were displayed there with a clipboard in front of each.
“It’s a silent auction. Want to check it out?”
Gavin wandered in the direction of the auction, stopping at the first item and leaning in to carefully exam it. “What exactly is a fermentation crock for?”