Best Laid Wedding Plans by Lynnette Austin Page B

works, he could find what he needed here.
    Beck’s grandpa had established the family business, then handed the reins to his son. Now the day-to-day rested as much on Beck’s shoulders as on his dad’s. Beck also ran Elliot’s Construction Company from here. Not a slacker’s bone in that well-muscled body.
    He was doing well, but it had cost him. Big time. Jenni Beth’s thoughts turned to her best friend, Tansy Calhoun. She and Beck had been so in love all through high school. But when Tansy went off to college, Beck stayed behind to help his family with the business. Still single, he seemed determined to stay that way.
    Tansy, on the other hand, was a married woman with the sweetest little girl ever to inhabit this Earth. Jenni Beth smiled every time she thought about little Gracie. She hoped Tansy would visit soon, but the chances of that happening were pretty slim. Since her marriage, Tansy had pulled away from everything Misty Bottoms. Her hoity-toity husband didn’t encourage ties with the past.
    Halfway across the lot, she spotted Beck by his truck. He and another guy were unloading tools from the back.
    â€œHey, Beck.”
    â€œHey yourself, beautiful,” he drawled. “How the heck are you?”
    She moved in to give him a hug, but he held his arms in the air. “Don’t get too close, sweetheart. That’s one cute little dress you’re wearin’, and I’m dirty as all get out. Been puttin’ up a new shed for Teddy Higgins out on Old Coffee Road.”
    â€œI don’t care.” She went in for the hug, heedless of a little sweat and dirt. The cotton dress could be tossed in the washer.
    The man felt good. Solid. A little leaner than Cole, maybe an inch taller. While Cole’s hair was a dark, sun-streaked brown, Beck’s was a golden blond and tended to curl. Cole’s? His swept back in mouthwatering waves.
    And why was she thinking about Cole again? Face hidden against Beck’s chest, certain he couldn’t see her, she rolled her eyes.
    â€œYou know, Beck, you look more like Dierks Bentley than Dierks Bentley.”
    â€œThat’s what all the girls tell me.”
    â€œThen what’s wrong with you? Go get one.”
    â€œI’ve been waitin’ for you, darlin’.”
    â€œYeah, right.”
    He bussed her on the cheek. “Hear you’ve got a project goin’ on out at the homestead.”
    â€œI sure do, and I’m up to my neck in it. I went to see Richard at the bank this morning.” She crossed her fingers. “I’m hoping he’ll bankroll the renovation and start-up. Cole says I’m crazy, but I can do this.”
    â€œIf anybody can, it’s you. So what brings you to my place? How can I help?”
    â€œI came to drop off an order for some lumber. It’s either fix that porch floor or tear the whole darn thing off.”
    â€œYeah, I noticed last time I visited your folks it looked kind of rough. I meant to get back, but…” He spread his hands. “I got busy. Just not enough hours in the day.”
    â€œDon’t I know it. But that’s okay. I’m taking care of it.”
    â€œYou need some help?”
    She shook her head. “I can manage.”
    â€œYourself?” He held her at arm’s distance and studied her.
    â€œHey.” She made a muscle. “I can swing a hammer. Nothing wrong with my arm.”
    He wrapped a hand around her upper arm, pretended to be impressed. “You’re right. My mistake.”
    â€œYour guys will cut the lumber to length before they deliver it, right? That’s the tricky part.”
    â€œYep, they’ll do that. You get into trouble, though, despite all that muscle”—he gave her upper arm another squeeze—“you give me a call.”
    When she opened her mouth, he said, “No need to get your back up. Just makin’ a friendly offer of help.”
    She took a deep