Page 47 of Wilde Hearts

“It’s all that kale,” I said with a laugh.

“Do not joke like that,” my mother said, playfully hitting my arm. “I’m feeding him other things besides kale.”

“I know. I’m here every night eating it. I’ve lost five pounds since I’ve been home.”

Dad laughed, as Mom waved a hand to dismiss me.

“Mom, you look beautiful, by the way,” I said, as I kissed her cheek. She was dressed in a cream formal gown with flowing sleeves. Her hair was pulled up, and I loved seeing the red in her cheeks.

“Well, it’s not hard to feel pretty in a gown your son bought for you.”

“You deserve it.” I clapped my hands. “Shall we?”

Thirty minutes later, I pulled up to the event center, dropped my mother and father off by the door, then parked my truck. When I got out, another truck pulled in right next to me. As I started to walk toward the center, I heard my name.

“Colt? Colt Owens?”

Glancing over my shoulder, I stopped and smiled. “Jared?”

“What in the hell, man! When did you get back to town?”

My best friend from high school rushed over, his hand stretched out to shake. He looked just like he did back in the day, just with a bit of gray streaked in his brown hair. Approaching a bit slower was a pretty blonde who looked a few years younger than Jared. She wore a royal blue dress that fell just below her knees and wrapped around her waist, accentuating her figure. A diamond necklace hung around her neck, with diamond earrings to match.

I couldn’t help but wonder what Jared was doing these days, that allowed him to wrap his wife up in that kind of expensive jewelry. His parents hadn’t been poor, by any means, but neither were they well off.

“I got back a few weeks ago. My father had a heart attack and, well…I was past due for coming home.”

“I didn’t hear that about your father. I’m so sorry. Is he okay?”

I nodded. “He is, thank God.”

Seeming to notice he hadn’t introduced the woman next to him, Jared said, “Katie, this is Colt Owens.”

Smiling, she shook my hand. “Jared has told me stories about the two of you in high school.”

I laughed and winked. “I hope you didn’t believe any of them.”

“Oh, I most certainly did. I’ve been married to him for six years. I know exactly who he is.”

Jared laughed. “I met Katie when I was in the Army in Texas. We got married, and she moved back to River Falls with me.”

My brows raised. “Congratulations. Kids?”

Katie replied, “Two little girls. Five and two.”

“Wow.”

Jared beamed. “They’re my pride and joy. And Katie’s the love of my life. I’m not sure where I’d be right now if it hadn’t been for her.”

Gently patting his chest, she said, “Oh, stop that. We’d better get inside; it feels like the temperature’s dropping and I didn’t bring a wrap.”

“May we head in with you?” Jared asked.

I gestured them along. “Please do.” As we began walking, I asked Jared, “How long have you been back in River Falls?”

“Two years. Katie started a law practice in Granby.”

“You’re a lawyer?” I asked her.