He’d showered and changed, then met up with Jesse, Zach, and Delfi, their family friend who was also the ranch’s recently promoted general manager. Zach had since stepped back from his more hands-on approach to greeting important guests, but since Helene was an A-list priority and a friend of Sam’s, Zach wanted all hands on deck to assure her and her family that the boatload of money they’d shelled out to clear the ranch for three days would be well worth it. Jesse never greeted guests, only business associates and important vendors, so Sam figured he was taking this opportunity to quietly fawn over Helene in person. Helene had that effect on people.

She and her sister, Robyn, arrived ahead of the rest of the wedding party so they could have a quick chat with the wedding planner, Joan, then catch their breath before the festivities kicked off.

“So we’ll have one of our valets, Will, bring your things over to the Bluebird cabins and then we’re all set for the rehearsal at four. If you need absolutely anything you let us know,” Delfi said.

“Thank you again, you guys. I’m excited to be here. I’m so excited to be getting married here. I’m just excited,” Helene laughed.

“We’re excited for you,” Sam replied.

“Ignacio and his family should be here in about an hour and so will my parents. We’re gonna head to our room and then I’ll probably mosey back over and meet them.”

“Great,” Delfi said.

Just then the double doors to the lodge opened and Will ushered another guest inside. The whole group turned to see who was joining them.

“You’re here!” Helene squealed. She rushed across the lobby and pulled the slightly shorter, but much fuller woman into her arms.

Sam looked around Joan’s shoulder and had to squint to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. When Helene stepped back, gently taking the woman by the shoulders, he knew for sure he wasn’t crazy.

Cha-Cha was on the scene. She looked different from the night they’d met. No shiny sequin jumpsuit and rocking about 75 percent less makeup. She was wearing jeans, a T-shirt with some Sailor Moon fan art on it under a hooded cardigan, and a pair of ice-blue Chucks. Her long triangle-part box braids were pulled back in a ponytail, but she still looked as beautiful as Sam remembered, her full lips and her high cheekbones practically glowing. Sam was glad to have confirmation that he hadn’t been a fool trying to get with her. She was a ten.

“I’m so early,” she groaned, apologetically. “I thought there was going to be a lot of traffic and I didn’t want to be late.”