Page 2 of The Grouchy Lumberjack’s Bride

I am an idiot!

When my closest friend Madison fell in love with Cain’s closest friend Caleb, they chose us to be their attendants for their wedding. Cain's life on Saddle Ridge keeps him separated from the town most of the time, but Caleb still considers him his closest male friend. So we agreed to put our war aside for the weekend and stand up for our friends while they married.

Clearly, Cain is nearing the end of his patience for this endeavor.

Another apology sits on my tongue like the lingering aftertaste of cough syrup. But I don’t say the words. It wouldn’t matter. Cain, my once gentle giant of a best friend, can no longer stand to be in the same room with me.

I need this damn dance to end soon before I start crying. Yep, this is Hell.

chapter two

Cain

I am in Hell.

Nothing has ever felt more right than holding Jade Larson while we two-step across the temporary dance floor in the backyard of Caleb’s childhood home. She still smells the same. Despite the blend of roses and lavender scenting the air, every breath I take is full of her, an addictive combination of rosemary and mint that reminds me of Juicy Fruit gum.

My insides tighten with hunger, and fuck if that doesn’t piss me off.

Jade is my former best friend. The woman who wrapped me tight around her little finger through high school and then betrayed me in my darkest hour. I do not need to be reminded of the kiss we shared right before it all went to Hell—a kiss that turned me inside out but made her deception so much worse.

But I'd be a fucking liar if I said I don’t miss her—the press of her soft, plump curves against me and how she smells like nourishment and lust at the same time.

I miss her.

Miss her laugh, so open and free, as if she doesn't care that people think she's too loud. And why should she? That big, bold laugh is the best sound in the world. It's been nearly five years since I heard it.

I won't tell her any of this, though. She sure as fuck doesn't need to know I still think about her every damn day. That the thought of seeing her walk down the center aisle of First Baptist Church, Saddle Creek, doesn’t do things to me. Make me long for a life that could have been. If only she hadn't done what she did.

Sure, I could forgive her, but the damage has been done. I can't trust her anymore. So what’s the point of forgiveness?

It doesn't matter that I want to pull her closer, bury my face in her blonde curls, and inhale the scent of her fancy shampoo and conditioner until it’s imprinted on my lungs.

"You'll be rid of me soon enough," she says, her voice tight and tinged with sadness.

I see my half-sister, Sasha, watching me dance with Jade. Even at ten, she's got hearts in her eyes like a cartoon character as she stares at us.

As soon as this song ends, I know she'll pounce. But I also know there's nothing I can do to stop it.

Sure enough, as the last note plays, Sasha is right there, practically hanging off my arm.

"Who are you? I didn't know that Cain had a girlfriend," she says in the sing-songy way that only pre-teen girls can pull off.

Jade smiles at my little sister—the same friendly smile she has for anyone who enters her orbit—and holds out a hand. "I'm Jade. You must be Sasha. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Sasha beams brightly. "Hi, Jade. What a cool name."

Jade chuckles. "Thank you."

"Hey, Cain, can you help with the garter toss?" Caleb calls from the edge of the makeshift dance floor.

I turn to my sister, but she's forgotten I'm alive. I blow out a breath and leave her with my former best friend.

chapter three

Cain

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