One Hot Summer by Melissa Cutler Read Free Book Online

overalls-clad man chasing pigeons on the wedding lawn, but her protests went unheeded. Shouting and flapping his arms, Skeeter chased them down. Looking as bored as lazy cats, the pigeons hopped and flapped their way on top of the reception tent.
    â€œSkeeter, please. I think it’s time to show us that whistle trick.”
    â€œYes, ma’am.” He shoved a grimy metal whistle between his lips and blew, producing a shrill note that made both Remedy and Litzy wince.
    The pigeons turned their heads in unison toward the sound. Cooing, they took to the air, flying high over Skeeter, Remedy, and Litzy like a flapping, feather-shedding, cream-colored cloud. Remedy covered her hair with her arms and closed her eyes in a prayer that they didn’t bomb her as they passed. When she opened her eyes again, it was to see the birds flying over the wide expanse of lawn and up the hill to the chapel—right over a young woman clad in a flowing white wedding gown.
    â€œOh my God, is that the bride?” Remedy said on a gasp. She grabbed Litzy’s arm. “What is she doing here? I thought you said she was getting her hair done.”
    Litzy wrung her hands. “She is. I mean, she was. I don’t know what she’s doing out here. Oh my God. Why couldn’t she just stay put?”
    â€œThose doves had better not bomb her!”
    Skeeter pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe a splotch of bird poop off his cheek. “Bless your heart, ma’am, but them there are pigeons, not doves. Guess that’s a tricky fact to keep in your head.”
    Remedy didn’t have time for this. Not Skeeter’s lectures on bird species or a wandering bride.
    She had to clench her teeth to keep her voice modulated and quiet. “Skeeter, it’s time for you to get those birds under control. Now.”
    â€œDon’t worry, ma’am. I’ll get ’em where they belong before the guests arrive. You have my word.”
    Remedy wasn’t sure how foolproof Skeeter’s word was, but she didn’t have much choice. When she turned back toward the tent, Litzy was still standing there. “What’s the deal, Litzy? Why are you here?” Her voice was shrill, but she couldn’t help it. Not a single damn thing was going her way.
    â€œI was watching the pigeons, ma’am.”
    Oh boy. “Get that bride back in her prep suite before she sees the trouble with the tent or the pigeons or any of this craziness. We’re trying to put on a wedding, not a circus, damn it. And a wedding is no place for a bride!”
    â€œI’m hoping that just came out wrong,” said a drawling male voice behind her.
    Remedy closed her eyes. The last hour had been pure insanity, but she’d done a pretty good job keeping her cool right up until she’d seen Litzy gawking at the birds instead of doing her job. Deep breath, Rem.
    She pasted a serene smile on her face, transforming herself into a picture of cool calmness, then turned to face whichever vendor or resort employee had witnessed her mini-meltdown.
    She wasn’t prepared for the sight of the Alpha Bubba himself. Her serene façade vanished in an explosion of shock. “Garrity.”
    â€œMs. Lane.” Amusement danced in his eyes as the tip of his tongue appeared, pressing against that ever-present toothpick at the corner of his mouth. Was he fighting a smile? Was this all some kind of joke to him? And, furthermore, what was he doing in the middle of her job site cracking wise about the way she conducted herself and smirking down at her like he owned the world and she was but a plaything?
    Too late to wish she’d worn platform heels so she could meet him eye-to-eye. She snapped her spine straight, all bravado and contained panic. “What are you doing here?”
    He nodded toward the tent, which was now—thankfully—perfectly erect. “I’m here to inspect your setup. I told that poor