Page 44 of The Journey That Never Ends

Leaning back in the chair, she stared up at the sky.

“Is it wrong to dread going back home after this trip is over, Jack?”

The canine lifted his head and cocked an ear.

“It’s only been a few days, but it feels like it’s been weeks since we were back in South Carolina. But now, I’m not ready for this trip to end.”

Jack whined and laid his head on her thigh.

“Am I missing out on how life should be lived because I’m so scared to try something out of the ordinary?” She looked at Jack.

“Did you know I wanted to be an artist when I was younger. I used to love drawing flowers and animals in elementary school. I wanted to do that instead of dance, but my mother insisted that there was no future in art.” She sighed. “I’ve lived my life by the expectations of others.”

Her grandmother had done the same, yet here she was, starting her own life on her own terms.

The thing was, Elana didn’t want to wait until she was old to live.

Something had to give.

And someone was going to be disappointed.

She just hoped it wasn’t her.

CHAPTER29

“Come on, we’re going to be late.” Elana took the last sip of her coffee before rinsing her coffee mug and placing it in the dishwasher.

Grandma Cecilia had rented the cabin for the next few days since she was unsure of what was going to happen.

“I’m coming,” Grandma Cecilia called out from her bedroom. She appeared in the kitchen dressed to kill in black jeans, black cowboy boots, and a pretty cornflower-blue blouse. She held up a cowboy hat. “Will it be too much if I wear the hat?” She gave Elana an uncertain look.

“Take it. You might want to wear it once you get there.” She walked over and took her grandmother’s hands into hers. “You look beautiful.”

Grandma Cecilia’s face lit up. “You think so?”

She nodded. “Absolutely. And if he thinks otherwise, then he’s an idiot. And I know you don’t tolerate idiots.”

This brought a smile to her face. “You’re right. Is Jack ready?”

Elana nodded. “He’s been fed and walked. We are just waiting on you.”

Her grandmother gathered her purse. “Let’s hit the road. Ronald offered to meet us here to take us to the ranch, but I insisted on driving over there myself. That way we can leave when we are ready.”

Elana slid her coat on and picked up the van keys. “Good idea. You have the directions, right?”

Her grandmother showed her the directions on her phone. “Not far from here.”

They walked out of the cabin, and Elana locked up behind them. Grandma Cecilia had beat her to the van and was waiting impatiently for her to unlock the door.

She couldn’t help but grin. Seeing her grandmother look so happy and excited was a wonderful thing. She deserved it.

After they all climbed into the van, Elana backed out of the driveway and followed the directions to Ronald’s farm.

She glanced over at her grandmother. “What if he’s different than what you expected?”

The older woman shrugged. “We all age, Elana. He’s not going to look the same.”

Elana nodded. “I know, but what if once you meet in person, you feel differently about him?”

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