Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 125248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 501(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 501(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Quick lifted his glass toward God. “Congratulations on your new careers. I’ve heard of West Security. They’re the real deal.”
God accepted the toast, tipping his beer bottle against Quick and Duke’s raised tumblers.
Their old captain had come too, along with a handful of officers from the precinct and a few of Hart’s SWAT team.
Mason was there with one arm around Jesse’s shoulders, the other holding his glass of whisky while they stood in line with the people waiting on their turn to ride one of the horses.
Day and the guys were talking about getting together for the upcoming holiday, something here on the ranch before the year ended, when a ripple of commotion started near the entrance.
At first, God thought it was the carriage for Curtis.
He peered through the cluster of guests and saw the stretch SUV limo— glossy black, huge, and expensive—rolling up the long drive.
It stopped near the edge of the lawn, and the driver climbed out to open the rear door.
Law stepped out first in his black suit, and Wes followed behind him, wearing denim and a black suit jacket over a white collared Polo shirt.
Behind them, Cassidy Morrison unfolded from the vehicle in a dark suit with that guarded, steady presence before he turned back toward the open door and offered his hand.
Xander Vale climbed out into the glow of the ranch’s overhead lights.
God heard before he saw it—the sharp inhales. The frantic whispers.
A few people moved, then caught themselves, as if trying not to swarm him, or to not act like one of the most famous men in the world hadn’t just arrived at a family wedding in rural north-central Georgia.
Xander wore a fitted cream suit with a faint shimmer in the fabric, not flashy, just enough for the sunset to kiss it every time he moved. His shirt was pale gold silk and open at the throat. His brown, blond-streaked hair was brushed back in glossy waves and tucked behind his ears.
He seemed strong. Healthy. Bright-eyed.
In love.
Cassidy stood at his side like a wall with one hand resting against the small of Xander’s back.
Rid made a sound that might’ve been a gasp, a curse, or the beginning of a cardiac episode.
He yanked on Dale’s jacket lapel, eyes huge as he stared at Xander. “Dale. Dale. Dale.”
Dale caught his wrist. “What?”
Rid pointed.
Dale glared.
His beer bottle hit the table hard enough to make the glasses jump. He turned on Fox with murder in his face. “Are you fucking serious right now?”
Fox shrugged and turned his beer up.
Dale stared. “What in the hell is Xander Vale doing here?”
Fox lowered his beer. “Technically, Curtis invited him.”
“I need oxygen,” Rid said.
Xander moved through the crowd with Wes, Law, and Cassidy. He didn’t stop and speak with any of the guests. Instead, he came straight to Fox. “Thank you for inviting us,” he said, offering his hand. “This is incredible. Your property is beautiful.”
Fox shook his hand. “Glad you made it.”
“You look amazing,” Xander said, shaking Genesis’s hand too. “Congratulations.”
“Curtis is gonna be thrilled. Thank you so much for coming.”
“Wouldn’t’ve missed it.” Xander smiled.
Wes and Law were introduced by God and Day.
Wes took in the ranch with obvious appreciation. “This place is stunning.”
Bull tipped his beer. “Appreciate that.”
Law shook everyone’s hand before he turned his attention back to Fox. “Thanks for answering the email about the fireworks.”
Fox nodded. “No problem.”
“I’m sure you guys can put on a helluva show, but fireworks would make my animals stark mad,” Bull said.
“Of course,” Law agreed. “Would’ve been a great gift, but I think he’ll like the gift card we sent to his Amazon account too.”
Genesis groaned. “Oh boy, I’ve already had to put our delivery guy on our Christmas card list with how many packages Curtis gets a week.”
The guys laughed.
Xander turned slowly, taking in the tent, the lights, the pastures, the horses, the families, the soft music playing from the mounted speakers. “This looks like something out of a movie.”
Fox smiled. “Around here, we call that Sunday through Sunday.”
Dale muttered, “Around here, we call that too many celebrities on my grass.”
Fox’s grin sharpened.
God saw it coming before Dale did.
“Don’t even think about it,” Dale warned.
Fox put a hand at Xander’s shoulder. “Xander, there’s someone I want you to meet.”
Dale narrowed his eyes.
“Rid,” Fox called.
Rid went stiff.
Dale fumed as though he might tackle Fox to the ground.
Fox brought Xander right up to Rid. “Xander Vale, this is Ridby Shanahan. He’s our stables manager and an invaluable asset to this ranch. He’s responsible for the complete health and welfare of every horse out here.”
Xander gave Rid that incredible, humble smile of his they’d all seen in his movies, TV appearances, Saturday Night Live, or on the red carpet.
“Wow, really. They’re gorgeous.” Xander extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Rid opened his mouth.
Nothing came out.