Something Blue, page 6
Shelby lifted an eyebrow.
“I mean it.”
“I don’t know. Maybe he likes me fine. But if so, he hides it well. He’s a hard one to read to begin with, and…I don’t know. I don’t think he’s thrilled to be my future brother-in-law. My mother won’t help matters.”
Sawyer definitely had his reservations about the speed of the wedding, but Beth didn’t get the feeling it was anything more than brotherly protectiveness. A man like him was used to calling all the shots in his world, and this was one thing he had little to no control over.
But there was no way he didn’t like Shelby.
“Don’t worry.” Beth patted her friend’s shoulder. “I’ll take care of this meet and greet. You go enjoy your party.”
Regardless of Sawyer’s feelings about Shelby, an unsupervised run-in with Evelyn couldn’t possibly go well. Running interference hadn’t been in her plans today, but plans changed.
She hurried over to where Evelyn had crowded Sawyer, standing at one of the high-tops, enjoying the caprese and some of the habanero-touched pineapple punch.
“I’m sure the house is every bit as grand as Shelby described,” Evelyn was saying.
“Hello there,” Beth butted right in.
“Darling!” Evelyn greeted her with an air kiss for each cheek. “Don’t you look gorgeous? Purple is definitely one of your colors. You should wear it always. Do you know Sawyer?”
Sawyer widened his eyes at her.
“Yes, as a matter of fact I do. Did you two just meet?”
“We did. And I was telling him how much I would love to see the rest of the place. I’ve heard so much about it. But he’s being shy.”
Evelyn and Sawyer alone for a tour of the ranch? Disaster in the making.
“Maybe later, after the shower,” she suggested, hoping Evelyn would forget all about it by then. “You don’t want to miss the party.”
“Nonsense.” Evelyn brushed off her concern like shooing away a gnat. “These people will take forever to eat and this way we’ll be back in time for dessert.”
Beth glanced at Sawyer, who looked ready to choke on his punch.
“Sawyer probably needs to stay close to the festivities. Just in case.”
“In case of what?” Evelyn was not taking no for an answer.
“Emergency?” she tried.
“Honey, we aren’t leaving for the Rockies. We’re going into the house. It’ll be quick.”
“Might as well get this over with or we’ll be here all day,” Sawyer muttered to Beth, setting down his glass. “I’d love to show you around,” he said, louder.
“Just the house, though,” Beth quickly added. “Touring the land and stables will ruin those heels.”
“Good thinking.” Evelyn nodded.
“I’ll tag along, if that’s all right.” Better to head off any issues, and better to get to the bottom of this not-liking-Shelby nonsense.
“Yes, please.” Sawyer gave her another pleading look.
And so, the oddest trio of all time entered the back of the house and stood in Sawyer’s great room in an awkward silence.
The terrier, Dodger, came bounding out of the kitchen to bark at Evelyn.
“Oh dear.” Evelyn clutched her chest like a grizzly bear had approached them.
“Is the party moving inside?” An older, tall, slightly rounder gentleman came down the hall and picked up the dog.
“Uncle Joe,” Sawyer said. “This is Beth. She planned the shower and she’s planning the wedding, and this is—”
“Evelyn Meyers.” Joe nodded. “Yes, we’ve met.”
“I’m just giving the ladies a tour.”
“A tour? You didn’t say anything about a—”
“Impromptu.” Sawyer patted his uncle on the back before herding him down the hall, speaking in a hushed tone.
She and Evelyn stood there, Evelyn’s gaze wandering across the family pictures and the portraits, the vaulted ceiling and open second story.
Even when Sawyer returned, the silence remained. He obviously wasn’t the tour-giving type.
“When was the house built?” Beth asked to fill the void.
“My grandparents built this house,” he said without looking at them. “Before that, the main house was what is now the guesthouse.”
This was better. At least it was something.
“Would you look at this kitchen?” Evelyn’s voice came from farther away.
While Beth had been watching Sawyer and Sawyer had been staring into nothingness, Shelby’s mother had slipped away.
She’d gone on ahead with her tour, no need for a guide, and was nosing into other rooms. “My goodness!” she called out. “You could feed an army out of here.”
“Hello, Evelyn.” Aurora’s voice drifted from the kitchen, followed by barking.
She was likely working on dessert before Shelby’s mother barged in.
“I bet you’ve never cooked in a place this nice, have you, dear?”
Beth shook her head, imagining Aurora’s face right now. Whatever she was thinking, Beth prayed Aurora didn’t say it.
“And that’s the kitchen. Obviously.” Sawyer went after her; Beth followed.
How did Shelby do it? Day in and day out with this woman, year after year. Exhausting didn’t come close to describing it.
“Hey, guys.” Aurora plastered on a smile as they reached the kitchen. “What are y’all up to?”
“A tour. I think.” Sawyer shrugged. “Has Dodger been in here with you this whole time?”
Aurora laughed. “This is where the food is, right? Figured better in here than outside begging. But he’s been great. Sits right there, watches me like a hawk, and doesn’t make a sound. Well, until now and when he heard y’all come in.”
“I don’t believe in having dogs in the house,” Evelyn pronounced.
“A tour, huh?” Aurora ignored her comment. “Well, this is the kitchen.” Aurora held her arms out wide. “And it’s lovely and functional. Sawyer has a standing mixer I’m jealous of—”
“That’s not mine,” he said.
“And it’s an awesome kitchen that is really busy right now.” Aurora gave Beth a look as Evelyn began opening cabinets.
“Okay, how about we see what’s next?” Beth tried to propel Evelyn out the other side of the kitchen.
“This is lovely.” Evelyn eyed every inch of the room like a property inspector.
“Thank you,” Sawyer managed.
“And I’m so glad Shelby will be taken care of.” She brushed her fingertips along the marble countertops. “You know what I mean? She’s grown up a certain way and I don’t want that to stop.”
Beth wanted so badly to tell Evelyn to zip it.
“It’s good to know now she’ll have everything she’s ever wanted.”
Aurora’s mouth fell open.
Beth scratched at her temple to keep from groaning. The look on Sawyer’s face said it all.
Her attempts to tone down Shelby’s mother weren’t working. They needed to wrap up this tour as quickly as possible.
“How about we check out that room?” Beth flung her finger out toward the nearest open door, to what looked like a living room or study. Simple, safe enough. Anything to get them out of the kitchen.
Evelyn beat her to the door.
“That’s my office,” Sawyer said from right behind Beth.
She stopped, glancing back at him with a wince as Evelyn entered. “Sorry.” She mouthed the word.
“Look at this. So manly,” Evelyn cooed.
Beth rushed to join Shelby’s mother, wishing the hardwood floors would open up and swallow them both whole.
To be fair, though, Sawyer’s office leaned heavily toward stereotypical masculine décor. It wasn’t anything like Beth would pick out, but in here, it worked.
Hardwood floors covered in a deep maroon, gold, and green designer rug; leather sofa and oak coffee table; an oversized desk and comfortable chair; and at least a dozen pictures of horses.
Most were of one horse in particular.
Beth homed in on the most striking of them all. Sawyer, mounted in Western saddle, wearing dark jeans and T-shirt and a black cowboy hat complementing the horse’s beautiful blue roan coloring.
“That’s Clyde.” Sawyer appeared at her side.
“He’s beautiful. I take it he’s special.”
“That obvious?”
She smiled at the multitude of photos and the small portrait someone had done of Clyde. Perhaps Sawyer had a soft side, at least when it came to horses. “Only a little.”
His smile lit the room.
“You have any?” he asked.
Sawyer didn’t bother asking if she rode, only if she owned. Everyone in their neck of the woods rode horses.
“No, but I have a favorite horse at Mapleton Stables. I get to ride with her from time to time. Less time to do so now, but I try.”
“You should come out here. I have a mare the perfect size and temperament for you, and our trails are beyond compare. Plus, we aren’t as crowded as Mapleton.”
“Do tell, what temperament is perfect for me?”
Sawyer tilted his square chin, his strong jawline with barely a hint of stubble because he’d shaved for today’s occasion. “Well, from what I can tell, you’d do well with a social horse, curious and interested, but not aggressively so. Poppy would be a good fit for you. She’s fun on a ride. Lots of personality without being easily distracted.”
She liked the sound of Poppy, and the name.
“I should warn you, though, I prefer English saddle to Western.”
“I won’t hold that against you. I do both but like Western. We could go out on the trails one Sunday, when work isn’t so crazy.”
Gazing up into his brown eyes, she imagined riding with him, the wind on her face, the feel of being in the saddle again. How long had it been since she’d ridden out on some trails? The freedom and joy, the feel of it.
And riding with him.
There’d be a specific kind of security when riding with a man like Sawyer. Horses were his life, riding like breathing to him. Could there be anyone better to get away with?
Wait. Was Sawyer asking her out or was this just his way of promoting his ranch?
She may very well be getting ahead of herself here.
“Is this you and Garrett as kids?” Evelyn asked from across the room.
Beth jerked from her daydream. She’d completely forgotten about Evelyn.
“What?” Sawyer shook his head and turned away.
“This picture. Is that you and Garrett? You’re just little boys.”
Sawyer took the photo and placed it back on his desk. “That’s us when we were five and seven.”
“So cute. And look at you both now. All grown up and Garrett getting married to my Shelby. Things just work out wonderfully, don’t they?”
With pinched lips, he nodded.
“We should get back to the party now.” Beth approached Evelyn to guide her to the door.
She managed to get her out of the office and to the back door.
“I’m sorry about Evelyn,” Beth whispered to Sawyer as soon as she was out of earshot. “I know she can be a lot.”
“Really? I hadn’t noticed,” he deadpanned.
Relief melted her shoulders. At least he was being a good sport about this.
Sawyer wasn’t so bad at all.
Sure, he had a tough outer coating and an intimidating air about him, but he seemed fair and if he could tolerate Evelyn with good spirits, then there was no way he’d find fault with sweet, sincere Shelby.
She’d have to pull her friend aside and tell her she was wrong. Sawyer was the type who’d like her just fine.
They returned to the party and she was quickly pulled away by Shelby.
“Where were y’all? You disappeared. We ran out of that caprese and some people didn’t get any yet.”
“What?” That couldn’t be right. Aurora planned for more than enough.
“Are you sure Aurora said we were out?”
“I—I didn’t ask her. But there was no more being served.”
You always checked with the kitchen before assuming you were out of any dish. But then, Shelby wouldn’t know that. She’d never catered or waited tables in her life.
That’s why Beth was the one in charge of this event, but she’d been so caught up in Sawyer’s eyes and his stories about horses and—ugh.
She knew that man was going to be a distraction.
“Let me check with Aurora. I’m sure we’re not out of anything.”
Shelby bit at her bottom lip. “Okay. I’m sorry I didn’t think of that.”
Beth turned to her. “You shouldn’t have to think of it. Your job is to mingle. Mine is to worry about tomatoes and cheese. I was just…occupied. Your mother wanted a tour of the house.”
Shelby’s eyes flew wide. “No.”
“Don’t worry, I intervened the best I could.”
“Which means?”
“Only a couple of overbearing moments versus dozens of them?”
Shelby groaned as they walked into the kitchen.
“It wasn’t awful. I promise. I’ve gotten better at handling your mother over the years. Still a long way to go, but it was better than the time she came to our sorority house and told our chapter president she better bring her A game for our freshman year.”
“Oh my god, I remember. I wanted to die. I thought they’d kick us out after that.”
“Luckily, the chapter didn’t judge us for your mother’s behavior, and neither will Sawyer.”
Shelby let loose with a pop of deprecating laughter.
“Stop that. How could he not like you?”
She tilted her head with a droll expression. “You’ve met my family, right? Not just my mom. The whole Meyers family tree. Plenty of people don’t like us.”
“That’s your family, not you.”
With a floppy lift of her shoulders, she shrugged. “I guess, but I’m telling you, he doesn’t like me, personally. In his eyes, I’m not good enough for Garrett. I’m telling you.”
That made no sense, but it was vexing Shelby and that wouldn’t do.
Beth would have to get to the bottom of this issue and fix it.
“Okay.” Beth took the punch glass out of Shelby’s hands and set it on the counter. “No more sour thoughts for today. It’s your bridal shower. You should be beaming with joy. Go mingle and enjoy.”
“Hey.” Aurora walked into the kitchen with an empty tray. “Why are y’all hiding in here?”
“We aren’t hiding. Shelby thought we might be out of caprese.”
Aurora sniffed at the notion. “As if I’d let that happen. I just took more out to the tables.”
“I knew you’d be on it.” Beth returned her attention to Shelby. “Now, you put Sawyer Silva and your mother out of your mind. Have fun and, in a few minutes, I’ll bring you some of that tres leches cake Aurora made.”
Shelby took a deep breath. “You’re right. I’m getting in my head too much about this. I’m marrying the man I love. I’m going to go find him and remind him.”
“You do that.” Beth sent her off with a shoo and downed the rest of her punch.
Now, where would Sawyer be hiding out, to avoid any more tours?
After being stopped for a few hellos and well-meaning guests asking about the inn, she found him at the edge of the yard, around a corner, talking to one of Shelby’s bridesmaids.
The poor girl, Becky, looked like she’d been stopped by the highway patrol.
“How was the dress-fitting thing y’all went to?”
“What dress fitting?”
“The other day. Shelby said you-all went dress shopping.” Sawyer placed his hands at his waist, managing to appear even more imposing. “How was it?”
“They went dress shopping without me?” The girl all but yelled the accusatory question.
“I don’t—”
“Oh my god.” Becky flew past Beth so fast she caused a draft.
“What just happened?”
“Hey.” Sawyer shifted nervously. “I didn’t see you there. Did you, ah, have any of the cake yet?”
“No, it’s not been brought out yet.” Beth narrowed her focus. “I said, what just happened?”
“You mean that?”
“Yeah, that.” Her sisterly senses began to tingle. Sawyer wasn’t the first guy to avoid her questions.
“Just making conversation.”
“Rule number eight of wedding planning: Do not upset the bride or bridesmaids. Becky looked a little upset.”
“I was just—”
“Kind of sounded like you were shaking her down about dress shopping.”
“Why would I care about dresses?”
“You tell me. It’s either that or you were flirting with her.”
Two deep lines creased his brow. “I was not flirting with her.”
Beth snorted with laughter.
His scowl line only deepened. “Now you’re laughing at me. Great.”
“I’m not.” Yes, she was, but how could she not? He was kind of cute when he was indignant, and she was obviously going to have to get the full story from Becky.
“No, it’s fine. Feel free.” He cracked a smile.
“I bet no one ever laughs at you or picks on you, do they?”
“Only Garrett and Joe, like once a year. And now you.”
She moved closer to him. “Is he your uncle on your father’s side?”
“My mother’s brother. He raised me and Garrett after our parents passed. Still lives here on the property.”
Beth remembered hearing about the Silva tragedy when she was a child. Both parents died in a car accident. She’d forgotten about it completely over the years.
“That’s right. I’d forgotten about your parents’ passing. I’m sorry.”
Sawyer shrugged it off. “Long time ago now. But thanks. Uncle Joe raised us, so he was our dad—and mom, I guess. Took over at the ranch until I got old enough.”
“You were really young when it happened too,” Beth mused aloud.
“I was seven, yeah.”
Right around the time that picture in Sawyer’s office had been taken.
He was a child when he’d lost his parents and had to deal with more than some adults could ever manage.
