“Speaking of going mad, what date shall we choose to get married? Next Saturday, or the following one?”
She took a fortifying breath. “I guess I’m hoping that if we put it off one week, it will give someone in your family enough time to consider coming.”
“Miracles do happen. Maybe even your parents will have a change of heart and decide to join us.”
“By then Gilly and Alex will be back.”
“Then it’s settled.”
She nodded. “Do you think you’ll enjoy working at AmeriCore?”
“Yes. It’ll be like serving the parish, except that the numbers are bigger. Maureen told me they have 3,000 employees. That translates to a lot of workplace problems. I’m going to feel right at home.”
He said it as if he meant it, but Sydney knew it wouldn’t be the same for him. After being everyone’s spiritual advisor for the last ten years, he was going to miss that special bond.
It made her nervous to think about it, but short of going to Europe as he’d once mentioned, she was grateful this counseling position was available.
“Sydney?” a familiar male voice spoke from behind her chair, jerking her out of her reverie.
She turned her head. “Larry— Hi!”
His eyes glommed onto the diamond on her left hand. He grinned. “It seems you’ve been holding out on everyone since you resigned. I want an introduction to the man who managed to pull off the impossible.”
Gentle laughter escaped her throat. She loved the big burly ranger. “Larry Smith, meet my fiancé Jarod Kendall. Darling?” Her eyes lit up. “Larry is the chief security officer for the park.”
Jarod had gotten to his feet. The two men shook hands, taking stock of each other.
She looked around. “Is your wife with you?”
“Not tonight. I’ve been in Gardiner on official business with the sheriff. We decided to enjoy a meal.”
“If you’re not busy now, why don’t you join us?” Jarod suggested.
“Maybe for a few minutes. Thanks.”
Even if Jarod hadn’t liked the ranger right off, he would have issued the invitation. She had to remember
her husband-to-be was a people person whose capacity to include everyone made him an outstanding friend and confidant to the people who knew him.
Larry pulled a chair from the other table and made a place for himself. The waiter came by and took his order for coffee. He studied Jarod for a minute.
“You have to be the best kept secret this side of the Continental Divide.”
“That’s because Sydney only knew me when I was an ordained priest in North Dakota,” he stated boldly. “We had no personal relationship until I decided to leave the priesthood to marry her, but she didn’t know about it until last week.”
Larry digested the news with commendable aplomb. “How long did you serve?”
“Ten years.”
He whistled before eyeing her. “The mystery has unfolded.”
“What do you mean?”
“No guy could ever get to first base with you. Now I know why.” He turned to Jarod. “You’re getting the best of the best in Sydney.”
His words warmed her heart. “Thank you, Larry.”
“I knew it the first time we met.” Jarod’s voice sounded husky.