Always the Best Man by Michelle Major Page A

Crimson Ranch?”
    April nodded. “I got the last empty booth. No pressure, but you’re welcome to join me.”
    Emily thought about declining. She knew Katie had a big group of friends. Hell, everyone in town loved her future sister-in-law. But even though she’d grown up in Crimson, Emily had no one. That’s the way she’d wanted it since she got back to town. It was simpler, less mess.
    But now the thought of a full meal with adult conversation actually appealed to her. So did spending time with April. The woman was a few years older than Emily but with her gorgeous copper hair and bright green eyes, she looked like she just stepped off the pages of a mountain resort catalog. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
    â€œI’d love it,” April said, gesturing to the empty banquette across from her. “It feels strange to be eating alone when there’s a crowd waiting for tables.”
    Emily slid into the booth. “Thank you.”
    A waitress came by the table almost immediately with a glass of water and another menu. Thankfully, the young woman was a stranger to Emily.
    â€œAre you interested in staying incognito?” April asked when they were alone again. “You looked terrified the waitress might recognize you.”
    Emily blew out a breath. “I don’t have the best reputation in town.”
    â€œA sordid past?” April leaned forward and lifted her delicate brows. “Do tell.”
    â€œNothing exciting,” Emily answered with a laugh. “Simple story of me thinking I was better than I should have as a girl. Life has a way of slapping you down if you get too big for your britches.” She shrugged. “People in small towns like to bear witness to it.”
    â€œLife throws out curveballs whether you’re big or small,” April agreed.
    The waitress returned to the table and, as she took April’s order, Emily studied the other woman. April wore no makeup but her fair skin was smooth, and her body fit under a soft pink T-shirt. She looked natural and fresh—perfect for Crimson. After Emily ordered, April smiled. “I met your mom a couple of times at Katie’s bakery. She’s lovely.”
    Emily nodded. “One of the most amazing women I know.”
    â€œHow is she feeling?”
    â€œShe gets tired more quickly, but otherwise is back to her normal self. We were lucky the tumor was benign and they could remove it without damaging any other part of her brain.”
    â€œShe was lucky to have you and Noah come back to help her.”
    â€œI wouldn’t have been any other place but by her side. That’s what family is for, you know?”
    â€œI’ve heard,” April answered softly. “My friend Sara is the closest thing I have to family.”
    Sara Travers, who ran the guest ranch outside town with her husband, Josh, had moved to Crimson a couple years ago from Los Angeles. Sara had been a famous child star and still acted when the right project came along. Otherwise, she and Josh—a Crimson native and one of Noah’s good friends—spent their time managing Crimson Ranch. “Did you come to Crimson with Sara?”
    April nodded. “We didn’t plan on staying, but then she met Josh and...”
    â€œThe rest is history?”
    â€œShe had a tough couple of years and deserves this happiness.”
    â€œIf my brother is any indication, Crimson is the place for happy endings.” She smiled. “Have you found your happy-ever-after here?”
    â€œIt’s a good place to build a life,” April said and Emily realized the words weren’t an answer to the question.
    â€œOr rebuild a life.” The waitress brought their orders, a club sandwich for Emily and a salad for April. Emily leaned across the table. “I like you and I appreciate the invitation to lunch, but after seeing what you eat I’m not sure we can be friends.” She