Page 42 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

“Everyone has faults, Mom.”

“It was a joke, sweetheart. Except the trying part. I really am trying.”

I had two big reasons for never risking a relationship again. And while Skeeter’s words were the biggest chunk of that, Mom and Dad’s arguments played a part in my decision. It seemed like one of my reasons was fading a bit.

But that didn’t mean my choices had to change.

One week later,I pulled onto the ranch, wondering if I should’ve worn jeans instead of a skirt. I didn’t want anyone here thinking this was a date, but the way Garrett talked about everyone on the ranch, I was eager to come for dinner. Was it a crime to want to look nice?

If I planned to spend Christmas here—I still couldn’t believe I’d agreed to that, but I wasn’t about to change my mind—then it would be good to get to know everyone a little better. That was why I was having dinner at the ranch.

Garrett waved as I parked.

I climbed out of the car and surveyed the main house. “This place is beautiful.”

“Come on in. I’ll give you a quick tour and show you the hot tub before we join the others in the dining hall.” His gaze swept over me. “You look really nice.”

“Thanks.” I stepped inside as he opened the door.

Hallways branched off to the left and the right, and just ahead was a living room that was open to the kitchen.

Garrett pointed to the right. “The master bedroom, music room, and library are that way. Dad’s office and the other bedroom suites are to the left.”

We continued into the living room. Nestled beyond the kitchen was an eating area surrounded by windows. The entire great room had windows along the back of the house that faced the patio and pool.

He nodded toward a door at the far end of the living room. “That leads to a game room and then to the dining hall. They have a dining room and kitchen in here, but in that space, it’s easier to fit everyone. There is another kitchen out there too.” He pulled open French doors. “This is the pool. Over there just outside the master bedroom is the hot tub.”

“This is a beautiful home.”

“What do you like about it?” He ushered me back inside and out of the cold.

I found his question surprising, and I took a second to think about what I loved about the place. “I love the wide-open floorplan. The high ceilings, the stone and tile.” Walking along the island, I ran my hand along the granite countertop. “And I love this island. The whole kitchen really.”

He smiled down at me. “I’m glad you like it. Let’s head over to the dining hall.” He pushed open the door he’d pointed to earlier. “Dad added the game room so the ranch hands would have a place to hang out. They have small cabins, similar to mine, located just over the hill behind the house.”

Before following him into the game room, I stopped and admired the Christmas tree. “Lilith has great taste. I’m assuming she did this.”

“Yeah. Left to dad, it would have been covered in lots of lights and strands of popcorn. He goes nuts for Christmas. Lilith has the decorating skill.”

I followed Garrett through the game room and into the dining hall.

Ava rushed toward me, wiping her hands on her apron. “It’s good to see you.” She wrapped her arms around me and squeezed. “Thank you for taking care of Garrett. I’m a little put out that he didn’t tell me what happened earlier, but it sounds like he was in good hands.”

“He didn’t want y’all to worry. He looked pretty roughed up for the first few days.” I extended my hand as Lilith walked up. “Hi, I’m Tessa. I’ve seen you around, but I’m not sure we’ve ever officially met.”

Lilith pulled me into a hug. “Ditto to what Ava said. And it’s nice to meet you too. I think you’ve met Beau, Mad Dog, Clint, and Joji already.”

“I have. It’s nice to see you.”

Beau nodded. “I owe you. If you ever need anything, let me know.”

“You don’t owe me.” I glanced at the door as the ranch hands filed in. “Parker!”

A wide grin spread across Parker’s face. “I didn’t know you ever left the doughnut shop.”

“Whatever.” I hugged him. “How’s your sister? She moved to...” I couldn’t remember, so I left the sentence unfinished, hoping Parker would tell me where.

“Fort Worth. She’s good. Has three kids now. All girls.” He rolled his eyes.

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