Free A Wedding in Truhart by Cynthia Tennent

everyone appreciates the game.” He nodded toward Brittany. “All it takes is one great shot and you’re hooked. And I have the fortunate habit of making great shots so often I am downright addicted!” He laughed at his own joke and we all chuckled.
    Why did every man I met this weekend have such a driving need to teach the “little ladies” in their lives all about the game of golf? I rubbed my hand along the side of my bag and relished the moment when I could let myself enjoy the game.
    Once the ladies at the registration table were assured that there would be no problem with our new foursome, Brittany kissed her daddy good-bye and we walked to the first hole and waited for our start time.
    While the others were busy with their equipment, Richard took me aside and whispered, “Whatever you do, don’t bet with Travis.”
    â€œWhy not?” I whispered back.
    â€œHe’s a rotten cheat. He’ll do anything to win. It’s probably why the Vanderbeeks canceled on him.”
    I raised my eyebrows. Well, well, Brittany’s daddy was a cheat and a snob. This was going to be very interesting. A piece of the old hustler in me was rising to the surface and I could feel my pulse throb in excitement.
    The others gathered near the first tee and Kevin approached, taking his job as my mentor very seriously. “So, we all tee off by these markers, but because you are a girl your tee is farther up, a little closer to the hole way over there. Can you remember that?”
    â€œOh yeah. That’s really nice of the people who make the rules,” I said innocently.
    â€œWell, golf is a gentleman’s sport, Annie,” he assured me. Kevin and Richard reminded me of all the basic rules of golf and I nodded my head as they explained all about bogies, birdies, and pars.
    â€œJust take it one shot at a time, Annie. No pressure. Okay?” Richard said.
    While Richard and Kevin wandered over to talk with Travis and Brittany about the scoring and rules of this particular scramble, Nick came over and stood beside me.
    â€œPretending you can’t play golf with just Kevin or Richard is one thing. But now that you’re in the middle of a real tournament, playing with a whole group of people, things are much more complicated. Do you ever consider that maybe you should think before you act, Bump?”
    I did feel a little regretful, to be sure. But it wasn’t going to get messy. “It’s not going to be a big deal, Nick. I’ll start slow and get a little better as we play. Once the guys realize I can actually play, we are all going to relax and enjoy ourselves.”
    He studied my face. “I hope you’re right. But I know you and you’re not going to be able to resist winning this game. Everyone around here knows Travis Hartwick likes to win. You have no idea what you are getting yourself into. Every time you assume something is simple it ends up being complicated. You step into trouble the way some people step into shoes, Bump.”
    I put my hands on my hips and looked up at him. “I had no idea we would be playing with anyone else, so don’t blame this on me. And what do you mean, I’m always in trouble? Everything that isn’t business is trouble in your book. Do you even know the meaning of fun? I’m surprised you don’t have a tie on.”
    Nick started to say something, but Kevin interrupted. “Hey, Nick and Annie, it’s tee time.”
    I stormed away from Nick and joined the others. Richard drove his golf cart with his good hand and we decided to take turns walking. He pulled up alongside the tee while Kevin and Travis Hartwick selected their drivers.
    â€œLet us men start, little lady. We’ll show you the right way to swing the club. Then we’ll let you try,” said Travis. He held up the tee and placed it in the grass before balancing his ball on it. “Now this here is the Vardon Grip,