Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 77936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“Not a terrible idea, but what if we renamed the ranch?” I gestured widely. Adler was so right that the ranch also needed a makeover. That’s what I’d been doing all summer without quite realizing it.
“What are you going to call it?” Adler asked right as Colt’s truck pulled up into the driveway.
“Second Chance Ranch.” I was distracted by my big idea, but my pulse gave its usual gallop at the sight of Colt.
“I love it.” Adler stood from his chair as well to clap me on the shoulder. “Let’s brainstorm more later. I’ll let you have a few minutes alone with Sheriff Sexy.”
“He’ll hate that nickname.” I laughed.
“Which is why I use it.” Adler gave a mischievous grin. “Same as Foreman Foxy.”
Shaking my head, I whistled low at the audacity. “Grayson might roast you over a campfire if he heard you say that.”
“I’d take the risk.” Adler glided back into the house as Colt and Willow exited the truck. It was a gorgeous late August morning, clear with wide-open vistas for days, warm but not stifling due to the hint of a breeze.
“I’ll get Hannah!” Willow sped past Colt, bounding up the porch steps and into the house as easily as if she lived there. I hoped one day she would, a thought that made me smile that much more warmly at Colt.
“Thanks again for doing school supply shopping.” The plan was for him to take Willow, Hannah, and their school supply lists to the store while I visited Faith in the hospital again. Hannah had visited her mother a few times now, but school started Monday. The distraction of getting ready was good for Hannah and Willow.
“You’ve had enough on your plate.” Colt threw an easy arm around my shoulders. “I’m happy to help.”
“Teamwork.” I leaned into his embrace. He smelled exactly like he always did, which was amazing, and I inhaled deeply, drawing strength from his familiarity. “I’m headed to the hospital soon, but first, I have to tell you about the brainstorm I just had with Adler.”
“Should I be afraid?” He tilted his head.
“Possibly.” I took on a cagey tone. “I want to rename the ranch.”
“A hundred and fifty-plus years of Lovelorns are rolling in their graves right now.” Colt stepped back to peer into my eyes like he thought I was playing a joke.
“Let them.” I, on the other hand, was deadly serious. No joke. “I’m giving this place a second chance. Just like us. A second chance to get things right. New hope. And I want to share that experience with others. I want to call it Second Chance Ranch.”
“You want to do what now?” Grayson came up to the porch. In my excitement, I’d missed his approach.
“Hey! I’m glad you’re here.” I waved for him to join us on the porch. I couldn’t hold back from sharing my plan all at once. “I want to rename the ranch and open it to select visitors. Visitors who could also help with chores.”
Grayson did a slow blink. Then another. He reached down and pinched his wrist hard enough he winced. “Okay, I’m awake. You want to turn this place into a dude ranch?”
“It would be another stream of income.” I used the same tone that had won over hotel boardrooms up and down the West Coast. “We’d still be a working ranch. But this would give us some additional help and income and also give others like Adler a fresh start.”
“Adler’s sticking around?” Grayson’s eyes widened with what looked to be genuine alarm.
“Problem?” Maybe Adler was being a bit too obvious with his crush. I hoped not. I offered Grayson an encouraging smile. “I’m hoping to convince him to stay. I need him to help with this idea. He’s a hospitality wizard.”
“Oh, he’s something,” Grayson mumbled under his breath before straightening his shoulders and taking on an almost too professional tone. “No problem, boss. You’re right on cash flow, but I’m not sure about a bunch of green city slickers running around.”
“Leave it to me.” I threw my arms wide, trying to inspire confidence. “I’ll come up with a plan so any guests aren’t too much underfoot. You’ll see.”
“Mm-hmm.” Grayson gave a slow nod. Next to him, Colt looked equally skeptical, but that was okay. I’d show all of us.
“I can’t wait to tell Faith this idea.”
“How is she?” Grayson asked, voice guarded.
“In a regular room, finally. Starting physical and occupational therapy. They’ve had her up and walking with a walker some.”
“That’s good.” Grayson used measured tones when discussing Faith. Same as we all did these days. We were glad she was making progress, but celebration felt wrong. Low-key optimism was the mood all around.
“She’s going to rehab after she’s discharged. Met with a lawyer yesterday, and she’s working out a plea deal for diversion. Fine plus lengthy probation plus rehab. She needs a second chance too.”