Page 132 of Catch
Jett first introduced us via video calls. Gifford didn’t mince words and I was immediately at ease.
“Jett has talked about nothin’ but you for months, Ethan.”
“All good things, I hope.”
“Well, at the beginning it was mainly cussin’—”
I laughed at that while my boyfriend blushed.
“—But lately it’s been nothin’ but praise.”
“I told you to call me Giff,” he replies and shakes my hand.
“Thank you for welcoming me to your home for the holiday.”
“Think of it as yours.” Giff nods. “You waitin’ for more luggage?”
Jet shakes his head.
“Nope, we only have carry-on.”
“My brother and sister’s flight should be arriving any minute now. I guess the delay worked out in our favor.”
“Good timing all around,” Giff offers. “So, Ethan, you ever been to a working ranch before?”
“No sir.”
He glances down at my running shoes.
“First thing we need to do is get you some proper boots.”
“He can borrow one of my pairs,” Jett offers.
“I know you’re a hockey player, Ethan, but I’m afraid there’s no rink in Aura.”
“That’s fine, I didn’t bring my skates anyway. I needed a few days off from the ice and cold.”
“You’ll enjoy the sunshine here, but nighttime is cool in November. No matter, we always have a good bonfire to chase away the chills. And the critters.”
“Pops,” Jett warns.
I start to laugh.
“I’ve been warned.”
“I’m kidding, son.” Giff smiles. “Well, not really, but don’t fret about it. Jett will teach you everything you need to know about the ranch.”
“He’s already filled me in, but I’m sure experiencing it firsthand is the only way to go.”
“The Silver Feather is special and that’s not a line,” Giff insists. “You’ll see.”
“I can’t wait.”
My phone buzzes and I tap on it.
Harry: We’ve arrived, gate 6.
“My brother and sister have landed,” I announce. “Gate six.”
