Satisfied with how she looked, Savannah grabbed a silver clutch, shoved her keys and wallet inside, and then made her way out of the house.
It was a gorgeous night, but she still had quite the trek to make it to the other end of Carson’s downtown. Her shoes were comfortable but not made for walking.
“Hey, darling, are you headed downtown?”
Savannah paused as she took a cautious step toward the shiny red pickup, then another. Something about the man seemed friendly. And there was an inkling that she knew him, somehow.
“I am. Do you happen to have a number for a taxi or rideshare?”
“Well, now. Little Savannah Monroe doesn’t remember me? What are you doing asking about a taxi? I’ll take you there myself. My daughters are waiting for you.”
“Mr. Connelly?” she asked excitedly.
“The one and only. Now hop on in before those girls come fuss at me for not getting to you sooner.”
Savannah eagerly moved around the large truck and hauled herself up and inside with the grace of an elephant.
“Wow. Thank you so much. Did they send you to drag me from the clinic?”
“More like commanded it,” he said as he drove the vehicle and made his way down Main Street.
“Sorry about that. The sheriff dropped off a bunch of abandoned kittens right at closing.”
“No need to apologize. They’re just excited to spend time with you. It’s been how long since you were here last?”
“Ten years or so. I’m excited to see them too. I was terrible about keeping in touch.”
“Well, now. That goes both ways. And, before I forget, Mrs. Connelly has extended an invitation for our spring picnic two weekends from now. And when I say extend an invitation, I really mean-”
“That I better be there, or she’ll come to get me herself or send you.”
“You got it,” he said with a chuckle as he turned into the bar’s parking lot.
“I wonder where your daughters get it from,” she joked as he parked the car. Mr. Connelly pressed the automatic locks for the door, disengaging them.
“Thanks for the ride, sir.”
“You’re welcome, my dear. And if you need a ride back to your place, you just have Landon, or my daughters call one of my sons. They’ll make sure you get home safely.”
“Thank you. I’m sure I’ll manage. And I look forward to the picnic.”
Savannah opened the door and jumped down, praying that she landed gently. Before closing the door, she thanked him again and then waved as he pulled away. Though, as she approached the entrance, she noticed that his truck stopped in the middle of the road and waited for her to go inside.
She wondered if gentlemen like that existed in her own age. Her dates back home rarely held the door open for her and always expected her to split the dinner check.
Luckily as she approached the door, a couple held it open for her and let her slip past them into the bar.
It didn’t take her long to spot her friend in the round booth closest to the bar. Savannah took in the rich, dark-stained wood paneling as she walked toward them. It reminded her of an Irish bar but upgraded. It was truly beautiful.
“You made it!” Cassidy shouted in such a high pitch that Savannah’s ears were left ringing. It was clear that her friend had already indulged in a few beverages.
“I’m sorry it took me so long,” Savannah added as she embraced her friend. There was really something to be said about hugging someone you hadn’t seen in years.
“Come on. I want you to meet everyone.”
“Everyone?” Savannah stuttered as Cassidy dragged her toward the large booth. As they got closer, she could see it was filled to the brim with the most beautiful women she had ever seen. She wondered if Cassidy brought her models out for drinks. But then her eyes landed on Everleigh and Sydney and Savannah instantly relaxed.
There was a dark-haired woman sandwiched between the two sisters and Savannah couldn’t place her, but she seemed familiar. She wondered if the woman was a cousin of the Connelly’s. They smiled at her and excitedly waved as Cassidy pushed Savannah into the booth.
“We don’t have everyone here, but you remember my sisters, Everleigh and Sydney. Between them is our sister Avery.” Savannah wasn’t sure anything could have shocked her more and Cassidy must have picked up on the disbelief she felt. “It’s a long story that I am sure we’ll spill at some point. Beside Sydney is Alexis; she’s married to Cliff, the tattoo artist in town. There is Shelly, the sheriff’s wife, and Nikki, who’s married to my brother Austin. Poppy is Jamison’s wife and beside you is Norah. She is with Ryker.”