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)
“Training?” Colt looked adorably confused, a rarity for him.
“While I’m managing the renovations, he’s going to be a hand for a few months, see what tasks are too hard to ask guests to do, which might get us into liability trouble, what might be fun or relaxing for folks. He’ll take a lot of notes.” Adler had come up with this plan himself, but I loved it because it gave us time to get our project up and running and would also give him some real-world experience to do what he did best and give guests a wonderful stay.
“Grayson’s gotta love that idea.” Colt shook his head.
“He already said yes.” I was putting a positive spin on Grayson’s reaction, which had included a fair bit of muttering about pony rides and craft projects, but in the end, he’d agreed to put Adler to work.
“Because he hates saying no to you, boss.” Colt shot me a pointed look.
“Hey, I didn’t strong-arm him into agreeing.” I offered my most innocent smile. “It will be fine.”
“Uh-huh.” Colt didn’t sound too sure, but he continued to follow me as I introduced him to two new rescue horses Kat had found, older mares perfect for inexperienced riders.
“Adler’s making cookies with the girls while we have our date night,” I shared as we returned to the house.
“Knew I loved that guy.” Colt chuckled as he followed me toward my new-to-me truck. I’d traded in my sports car for something more suited to ranch life. “And you’re not telling me where you’re taking me?”
“Nope.” I’d told Colt to dress warmly but had otherwise left our destination a surprise.
“Pretty nifty truck here.” Colt admired the logo adorning the doors and tailgate. “Second Chance Ranch logo looks mighty fine.”
“We paid a local designer for some branding.” More startup expenses, but it was worth it to have a true fresh start. “Turned out awesome.”
As we left the ranch, Colt pointed at the large sign, which also featured the new ranch logo. “Sign looks like it’s always been there.”
“Yep. That was the idea. New, but classic. Not ignoring the past, just building upon it.”
“I like that attitude.” Colt gave my thigh a quick pat as we drove. I headed into the backcountry, and Colt’s easy smile widened as he guessed our destination.
“Our spot?” he asked as I parked. I’d been out earlier to build the firepit and ensure we had kindling and firewood. In the back of the truck, I had a cooler, cooking supplies, and blankets to keep warm.
“Thought we’d have one last campfire before the winter really hits.”
“Pretty cold tonight.” Colt rubbed his hands together before turning his attention to the firepit.
“You’ll keep me warm.” I stamped my feet. I’d had big plans for sex under the stars, but the wind had me thinking that making out under the blankets might be more prudent. “Might save any naked fun for later though.”
As usual, Colt got a fire going in no time at all.
“What’s for dinner?” Colt helped me unload the cooler and cooking supplies.
“Grilled cheese.” I revealed the classic loaf of white bread and the same cheap cheese we’d used for years as kids. I’d added some of Colt’s favorite cheese chips for more of the throwback feel.
“Did I miss some sort of anniversary?” Colt asked warily.
“Not exactly.” My tone became cagey, and I busied my hands in lining up slices of bread on a plate. “I mean, I hope today becomes an anniversary…” I trailed off because I was revealing far too much in entirely the wrong order. “I’m rambling.”
“Yep.” Colt plucked the butter knife from my hand, taking over preparing the sandwiches. “And mangling the heck out of these sandwiches.”
“Sorry.” I shuffled my feet, more from restless energy than the chilly air. “I’m nervous.”
“About visiting Faith for that family day thing when she makes it to sixty days?” Colt looked up from finishing the sandwiches.
“A little.” I followed him to the fire, where he started preheating a cast iron skillet. “Faith says she wants to sign paperwork making the guardianship more permanent. She still wants to be involved, but she wants to make sure Hannah will always have me.”
“And she will. Paperwork or not.” Colt’s voice was reassuring and firm. “And I’m here for both of you.”
“Thank you. But that’s not the real reason I’m nervous.” I’d been planning to wait until after we ate, but I was seriously about to jump out of my skin any minute from the wait. In typical me fashion, I plowed ahead. “I keep thinking about what you said at Back to School Night. You asked me to stay forever.”
“Yeah.” Colt’s voice turned more guarded. “And all the plans for the ranch, those show you mean it.”
“So does this.” I pulled the little ring box from my pocket.
“Maverick Lovelorn, what are you doing?” Colt sounded somewhere between amused and stunned, an uneasy chuckle escaping his throat.