Caught in the Act (Independence Falls 2)

“Lena?” Georgia asked.

“If you’re sure I can spend the night, I’ll have a glass,” the quiet blonde said, her fingers once again trailing over Hero’s coat. “I can always drive back to Portland. Find a hotel. One that accepts dogs this time.”

“No. You can stay here as long as you like.” Georgia pulled out a bottle, twisted off the cap, and began pouring. “As long as you promise to help with the wedding planning.”

Lena smiled. “Thank you.”

“At this rate, you might need to help Katie with the bachelorette.” Georgia handed Katie a glass. “I got an earful from my brother about stupid party ideas.”

Katie took a sip as they headed for the sliding door that led to the expansive blue stone patio, pausing for Georgia to pick up Nate’s monitor. “Your brother wasn’t a fan of the photographer.”

“Photographer?” Lena asked, settling into a chair. The golden retriever sat at Lena’s feet, his gaze fixed on her as if he wasn’t sure yet if he could trust her to steer clear of his mistress.

Georgia explained her idea for the boudoir photo shoot.

“I can’t imagine letting a stranger take pictures like that,” Lena murmured, her eyes widening. “Not that I have anyone to share them with anymore.”

“It doesn’t matter now.” Katie sipped her wine as she stared at the setting sun. It had slipped lower behind the mountains, leaving the sky a rich orange. “Liam vetoed the idea.”

“You weren’t supposed to tell my brother,” Georgia said. “But don’t worry, I have a few new ideas.”

Katie groaned and closed her eyes. “Please tell me you didn’t Google bachelorette parties again.”

“No. I think you’re right. The top ten lists don’t fit me. But I still want a party. I’m getting married and I don’t want to miss a chance to celebrate. So I was thinking, what if we invite the people who have been there for me since I returned home? Just enough to make it feel like a party. We could have it here. Fire up the grill.”

Katie opened her eyes, turning to her friend. “I love it. Now, how would you feel about making it a coed event? Included Eric, Liam, their crew from the company, my brothers—”

“If they promise not to kill Liam,” Georgia said.

“They won’t,” Katie said firmly. “I won’t let them.”

“But it sounds like they have a good reason to take a swing at him.” Georgia waggled her eyebrows. “After what happened at the cabin?”

“I don’t kiss and tell,” Katie said, borrowing the line Georgia had used when she’d fallen for Eric.

“Please, I don’t want details.” Georgia raised her hands, palms out. “He’s my brother. But you like him, don’t you?”

Katie stared at the pond separated from the back patio by a slope of well-maintained lawn. The smooth surface shimmered in the fading light. They were back to L-words. And when it came to Liam, she had a list.

Like? Check.

Lust? Check.

Love?

Katie took a long drink, draining the rest of her wine. This time around he’d given her every reason to believe in him. He’d said all the right things, making it so hard not to fall madly and deeply in love.

“I do,” she said softly. “But what I feel for him doesn’t matter.”

“Montana is not that far away,” Georgia said. “Maybe you don’t need to end whatever it is you’ve started.”

“You could ask Liam to go with you.” Lena’s soft voice startled Katie. She’d almost forgotten about Georgia’s new friend and her dog. But now Katie turned to her.

“There is nothing written in stone stating his dreams come before yours,” Lena added, her tone growing stronger with each word.

Katie shook her head. “His home is here. It’s a lot to ask—”

“Giving up on what you believe in, on your hopes and dreams, that is a lot to ask too.” The golden retriever stirred at her feet, resting his head in his owner’s lap.