Page 137 of Heart & Hope

“Oh shit! You’re serious, aren’t you. I don’t know what to say.”

“Nothing to say. You’re welcome.”

“Maybe I could do a blog or something for the ranch? And of course, I will take down the shitty review and drop the suit also. Was Morley’s idea, anyway.”

“Figures. And we’ll see.” I chuckle. “What about a town gazette or the likes?”

“Can I grab your number?” Starr asks.

“Sure, give me your phones and I’ll pop my number in. Text anytime you want.”

“Can we attend R & R events?”

“Sure thing. But please, leave Morley at home.”

Starr nudges her friend.

“I dumped him last night, such a creep.”

“Yeah, I can see that.”

I hand their phones back to them and they glance at each other. “You want lunch?” Skye asks.

“Oh, I don’t want to impose.”

Skye readjusts her bag over her shoulder. “Can you tell me some more about this degree?”

“I can. Actually one of my friends back east just graduated. She loved it.”

“Come on, then. The pub has the best steaks in town.”

I walk with the two women toward our reconciliation lunch. They chat about their dreams and plans that don’t include Great Falls, Montana. And a little spark of warmth blooms to fill my chest, knowing I have taken something sour and turned it sweet, filling me with happiness.

Lou’s red sauce should be outlawed. It’s that damn good. The earthy flavors hit so right. So good. We stand shoulder to shoulder in her huge kitchen, making Christmas dinner for the family. My family. The one I have waited twenty-eight years for.

The Robbins household doesn’t do Christmas, and I have spent half of my childhood holidays with Addy and her family. This year, Addy’s parents are in Greece. So we are here, at Rosewood Ranch, and it feels like home.

The men are outside grilling. Addy wanders in, arms loaded with more wood for the hearth, Charlie at her heels. Light snowfall drifts outside, and the trees covered in glittering white are lit up with the fairy lights.

Reed insisted the lights be on, and the entire homestead yard looks like a nativity scene, lights glowing from under the snowy branches and up the massive trunks. A mix of carols sung by country artists plays over the stereo that Reed is once again designated DJ for. Mistletoe hangs in the front door, in the arch of the hallway, and over every bedroom door.

Harry’s idea.

Apparently, the only day Harry Rawlins softens is Christmas with his family. Figures. The man is a walking human barometer, and the holidays bring out the kindness in most people. I think he is secretly trying to give Louisa the grandbabies she so desperately wants.

It’s sweet.

The pot on the stove in front of me bubbles over.

“Shit!”

I turn the heat down and slip the lid off. The pasta I was assigned to cook has risen to the top. The white frothy cloud simmers down, and I stir it.

“I think it’s done, hon.” Lou nudges my shoulder with hers, smiling.

“If you say so, Lou. I’m not the best with food. Maybe you should have Addy help next year.”

She hugs my shoulders with one arm. “But I love cooking with you, Rubes. Luckily, since we are going into business, sweetheart.”

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