Boots Up (Port Ranch Book #1)

Chapter 26

BRIELLE

“Hey, girls!” Jenn, our wedding planner says as she meets us at the SUV, “Thanks again for agreeing to take this trip with me. I know there is always a lot to do on the ranch, but I always find it better to have one or more people at these events.”

“No problem, Jenn. I’ve never been to a bridal show, this is going to be fun!” I don’t spend a lot of time helping with the planning part of the weddings, so I’m looking forward to the event.

Bev is even more excited than I am, almost jumping out of her body, “I can’t wait to go. I see these in my future!”

“For sure, Bev. If there are some small events, I’ll probably send you. I know you can handle it. I can’t wait to work with you.”

Jenn was one of the brides who had her wedding at the ranch about ten years ago. I don’t exactly remember the story, but her photographer had just done a photoshoot for a local magazine and told Jenn about the ranch. She said that she just had to step foot out of her truck and she knew she wanted her wedding there.

The first five years or so, the weddings that were held here were just put together by outside vendors with lots of phone calls and last-minute chaos. Soon after, Mom realized that we needed to hire an actual event planner. We went through a few before Jenn came back into our lives after her wedding. She lives with her husband and twin 8-year-olds in a closeby town. 

The wedding industry has gone crazy in the last few years. We have brides coming in from out of state to get married at the ranch. One of the reasons for this is the bridal shows that Jenn attends, like the one this weekend. Most of them are held in smaller towns, but this one is in Houston and thousands of brides from all over the South and even part of the Midwest will be attending the show. Jenn usually attends alone, but this year she asked if Bev and I wanted to tag along. We both said yes before she even finished her question.

The drive is long and we’re exhausted by the time we pull into the hotel. The three of us check into the hotel and make our way to our rooms. Jenn gets her own room and Bev and I are sharing a room. I’m kind of looking forward to having some time to spend with her. Charlie stayed through the Fourth of July before heading back home, so she spent most of her time with Jenn and Charlie. Not that I blame her for splitting her time that way.

“Do you want to go get a late dinner?” I asked my sister as we unpacked our bags.

“Can we order room service? I’m so tired after that drive.”

“Yeah of course. Did you bring your swimsuit?”

“Oh, you know it!” She pulls out her bathing suit, “I heard they have a spa that is to die for also!”

“How long are we staying here?” I laugh.

“Not long enough.”

“I feel that too, but at the same time, I won’t pretend like part of me already misses being home.”

Bev nudges my shoulder, “I think we both know why you’re missing home, you hussy.”

“What? Just because I’ve found myself a big strong man who works on the ranch and is willing and able to show me a good time whenever I want doesn’t make me a hussy.”

“He’s pretty good-looking, that’s for sure. “

“Hands off lady!” I playfully shove her away. Not that I’m worried about her trying to take Mitch. We’re both happy in our relationships, but we are sisters so we’re never going to stop teasing each other.