Lara (Reynolds Ranch)

“Even you can’t piss me off today,” Landon says. He looks back down at me and says, “I love you, Lara.”

“Come on. I’m hungry, and I think they need a moment.”

“No, they don’t. We have things to do. You can celebrate later. Go and check on the security or something else, Landon,” my mother says, shoving him out of the room.

“It’s okay. I’ll see you later, my love. Take care of my little one.” He looks to my security, who is standing outside the door. “Call me if she needs anything.”

“Yes, sir.” The woman who has been with me has done a great job, but I’m not sure I care for her. She’s been around for two weeks, and she’s nothing like Danny. She’s so damn stuffy, and I get the feeling she doesn’t like me. I don’t say anything because I think I’m just used to Danny, who is friends with Landon. No one else notices her frostiness, so it must be my imagination.

My mother closes the door, and then she turns to me. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“You can’t lie to your mother. Something just happened. You were happy, and now you’re not. It happened within seconds. Do you want me to bring Landon back? Or could it have to do with that one?” She points to the door.

“It’s nothing. Let’s just continue with everything for tomorrow.”

“Come sit down with me.” She takes my hand, and we sit on my bed. “Tell me what’s going on. I know you can’t think he wants her.”

“No. It’s not that at all. It’s just…I think she doesn’t like me.”

She looks at me with confusion. “You know, it’s not important. I’m just used to Danny.”

“Maybe, or maybe…” A knock at the door stops all talk.

“Yes?”

“Ladies…I need to chit chat about some details.”

“Oh goodness. Come on in, Elsa.” Landon hired his party planner, Mrs. Penny, to handle the wedding planning for me, and she’s been a godsend. Even her husband is here, helping with security until the reception, and then they can enjoy the evening. I remember seeing her the night of the party and thinking she was stunning.

“Sorry to interrupt mother-daughter time, but there’s so much to do, so I need decisions on some final details that we need to discuss, and then I’ll let you be.”

“Oh please. We were just talking about last-minute details.”

We get everything situated, and I’m thrilled to have these ladies by my side at this time.

The rest of the day goes by in a blur and I barely see Landon, and it drives me insane because we’re going to spend the night apart, which I hate.

****

It’s the morning of the wedding, and Kelly and I are at the spa. We have to get pampered before everything kicks off in five hours.

“Okay. I’ve given you enough time with your family. You and I need some girly time before you marry that hunk and he steals you away.”

“Please. I bet any money you’ll be married to his friend soon.”

“Not going to happen. He’s not my type. Silent, brooding asshole doesn’t work for me. Now, let’s talk about this whole you’re-pregnant-and-I’m-the-last-to-know thing.”

“I swear I just found out, and everyone practically stormed into the room after my mom started shouting.”

“Oops. Yeah. Shouting with tons of security around isn’t the best way to keep a secret. So—let’s get you ready to marry.”

After feeling relaxed, it’s time for me to be dolled up. I spend two hours in hair and makeup. Once I’m done, I come out wearing my regular clothes because I’m going to change at the ranch. I do a quick twirl, silently asking for my bestie’s opinion.

Kelly gasps. “I don’t think it matters what you wear. Landon’s going to love you even if you wore a potato sack.”

A scoff comes from my guard’s direction. “Sorry.” She clears her throat as if that’s the issue. This bitch doesn’t think I’m good enough. Kelly’s getting her hair dried so I don’t think she heard that cunt, but I didn’t miss it. I smile nicely, but I’m about to shove my foot up her ass.