Page 59 of High Water

“You’re gonna have to teach me.”

“Think you’re up for teaching the old dog new tricks?” Grams looks back at Fallon, and she nods, smiling a little that Grams’s teasing extends to me.

Maybe, just maybe, this is all going to go better than I imagined.

TWENTY-FOUR

Aspen

“What is that?” I ask, wide-eyed over the Ranch Water I’m clutching to my chest as a shirtless cowboy spits whiskey into a woman’s mouth and chases it with a cherry before he presents her with the stem he’s magically tied with his tongue.

“Oh. That’s a cherry popper. Do you want one?” Dakota watches with me, leaning from behind the bar for a better look. Her brow is slightly furrowed at the woman giggling so loudly it echoes even in the raucous noise of the newly opened bar.

Seven Sins Saloon is back open in its new location next to the Avarice, my brother’s casino and resort property. Tourists are already flooding in the doors tonight, as well as the locals who had called the bar home before the original in the center of town burned down. Dakota had been worried they wouldn’t show up, but it doesn’t seem like she has to anymore. A shuttle my brother runs back and forth between the town and the resort certainly helps. A free designated driver makes people a little more excited about traveling to the outskirts for their cocktails and whiskey.

“Uh, I don’t know about that. She looks like she’s about to expire.” I shake my head and look back at Dakota, the fear of melting into a little puddle like that woman was hitting me hard. “I think that might be too adventurous for me.”

Dakota grins, and her blue-green eyes dance as she searches my face.

“Nonsense. In fact, I could really use you as a test case. I haven’t been able to get anyone’s opinion I really trust since the Stockton boys would never let us be a guinea pig for that. And you’re good at the brutal honesty thing.”

I wince when I remember the way I practically threatened Dakota’s life last summer.

“Sorry about that.”

“Absolutely not. I love you for it. He needs more of that in his life.”

“Well, I’m glad he has you to keep him in line now.” I grin at her.

“I’m excited I’ll be getting you as a sister in the deal.”

“Did you make any progress with the wedding date? I’m still happy to talk to him for you.”

“You know Grant. I’m still working on him.” Dakota rolls her eyes. “I’d be fine just going to the courthouse.”

“Apparently, you just need to sign a piece of paper. No courthouse required.”

“Is that what you wanted this time around?” Dakota gives me a sympathetic look.

“I don’t know exactly. His grandmother was keen for a show and getting to celebrate with my family, so I never thought about alternatives.” I dance around the truth.

“His parents won’t be there?”

“No. His dad died last year, and his mom passed away before Bishop ever left town. She had cancer, twice. When she got better the first time, she ran off with a guy she had fallen in love with. Someone she met when she was getting treatment. Can’t blame her, given how awful his father was. She wanted Bishop to come with her, but he stayed with his dad, worried about leaving him on his own. Afraid he’d drink himself to death up on that mountain.” Bishop had more mercy in his heart for that man than he ever received in return. I’d almost stabbed his father the one time I met him. If I had the chance to go back in time, I’d do it.

“And he took it out on him?” Dakota sees where this story is going.

I nod. “Then his mom got sick again. I met her that last Christmas at the hospice in town. She was so sick, but still so sweet to me and everyone around her. The nurses. Her new husband. I never met someone so upbeat despite everything. His dad didn’t deserve her. Or Bishop.” I realize I’ve taken us down a dark path on what’s supposed to be a happy night for Dakota at this grand reopening, so I change the subject. “Anyway, all that’s depressing. How is business going? Did all the soft-opening stuff go well?”

“We’re still working through some of the kinks, but yes. The soft opening was amazing, and so far so good tonight. With any luck, it stays that way. We’ve got a few bouncers in case things get too rowdy. It seems like we’ve got two bachelorettes already, and as soon as Hazel and the girls get here, we have to make some noise ourselves tonight.”

“It’s hardly a bachelorette.”

“It could be a belated divorce party. That’s even more reason to celebrate.”

“Except I’m getting married again, and what if it just leads to a second?” My nerves are kicking in, and the alcohol has yet to outpace them.

“Aspen! You’re getting married to a gorgeous guy who looks at you like you’re the only woman to ever exist, adores your daughter, and is a literal lifesaver.” Dakota holds me with a look that tells me I’m being anxious for no reason.