Page 3 of Bride ’N Boots

“What clothes?”

Arden’s SUV rumbled down the street and stopped in front of me. She rolled down the passenger side window and my friend’s gorgeous face appeared.

“I got one!” I said with a wide grin as I gestured to the cowboy behind me.

I took a step toward the front passenger door, but Stratton managed to get there first. He opened the door for me and held out his hand. I took it, noting the warmth of it and the callouses on his palm.

My stomach went all marshmallowy.

“Sir, you are a lifesaver,” Arden said, shooting him a grateful pearly-white smile.

I got in, and then Stratton shoved the skirt of my wedding dress into the car and closed the door before climbing into the back seat behind me.

“I still have no idea what’s going on,” Stratton said.

“You don’t?” Arden looked at me. “You didn’t tell him?”

“No. We can do that on the way,” I said. “Let’s go. Now.”

Arden hit the gas and we were off.

“What’s your name, cowboy?” Arden asked.

“Stratton Thorpe,” he replied.

Arden looked at me. “Of course it is.”

CHAPTER TWO

“Have you ever heard of Western Bridal?” Arden asked.

“No,” Stratton replied.

“They’re a wedding boutique in Coeur d’Alene that hired us to do a photoshoot,” Arden explained.

“You’re a photographer?” Stratton asked.

“Arden is, I’m the assistant,” I clarified.

“Don’t listen to her. She’s the brains behind our entire business. Maisie books our gigs and models, handles bookkeeping and payroll, and keeps me organized.”

“You keep her organized?” Stratton asked in amusement.

I turned around and shot him a glare before facing forward again.

“Anyway, the couple that was supposed to do the photoshoot who are actually engaged got into a huge fight and they bailed. Maisie is the same size as the bride, so she stepped up. And then she went on a mission to find a groom. And she found you,” Arden said.

She turned off the main road onto an unpaved gravel path.

“We can pay you,” I blurted out. “We didn’t really get a chance to discuss that.”

“So, you want me to dress up in formalwear and take some photos?” Stratton asked. “Do I have that right so far?”

“Yes,” Arden said. “So, will you save the day?”

I turned to look at Stratton and sent him my most pleading, doe-eyed look.

“What kind of cowboy would I be if I didn’t help ladies in distress?” he quipped.