Page 19 of The Wedding Ranch
“I think you two already know you should. I’m behind you all the way,” Ryder said.
“Thank you. We are going to make you so proud.”
“You always do,” he said. “Now, I expect my house to be in the same shape I leave it in.”
“We got it,” Ross said.
Reece crossed her heart. “I promise.”
She did the cleaning there once a week anyway. Had sinceValerie died. Ryder could do it himself, but he liked her feminine touches and she enjoyed the extra cash.
“What can I do to help?” Ryder asked.
“That’s all we need from you.” She sniffled. “Oh my gosh, Ross. We’re doing it. The event of the year right here in Leafland County. Amazing. We’ll be famous!” She threw her head back. “We’ve got to go, Uncle Ryder. There’s so much to do.” Reece was scooching against her brother, inching him off the edge of the bench to hurry him along. “You understand, right?”
“I do.” He winked, loving their enthusiasm for life. Each feeding off the other’s strengths, they were a superpower together.
His heart warmed, but then that familiar chill hung over him.What would my boy be like now?He’d be eleven, and this conversation would have been so different. Ryder would have been fine getting kicked out of his own house; he and Valerie would have taken Ronnie Dwayne, named after Ryder’s dad, camping at the creek together. Or maybe he would’ve entertained going out of town. They could’ve gone to SeaWorld to see the dolphins. Ronnie Dwayne loved dolphins. If Valerie had suggested it, he’d have done it. He’d have gone anywhere for her.
Life would have been very different if it hadn’t been for a reckless drunk driver one early Sunday morning seven years ago, right after their last goodbye.
Chapter Five
Lorri was glad she’d met her girlfriends for lunch, but she couldn’t wait to get back home to Dalton Mill. She loved this time of year when the days were at their longest. Thankfully, it would cool down a little by nine o’clock when the sun finally dipped behind the horizon so she and Mister could take a long walk.
She turned into the neighborhood, looking at it now with a fresh perspective. A year of growth on the landscaping had filled in the bare spots, and the young trees were beginning to make this rolling pastureland look lush and homey. A smile played on her lips as she turned down her street and her house came into view.
In so many ways she was still new in town, having spent most of the past year working from home.
She pulled into the driveway and parked. With her doggy bag in hand she got out of the car, pushing the door closed with her hip. She followed the sidewalk to the front of the house and let herself inside. “Hello,” Lorri called out.
Mister let out one loud woof, then scrambled on the slippery wooden floor to greet her, his sniffer doing double duty on the bag.
“Hey there.” Tinsley bounced up from the sofa. “We were just watching a movie. You’re back way earlier than I thought you’d be. When I get together with my girlfriends time flies.” Tinsley paused the movie and met Lorri halfway.
“It was such a nice visit. I’m glad to be home though.” Mister gave her a slobbery kiss then whimpered like a pup.
“He missed you,” Tinsley said. “He kept going to the front door and pacing, until I took him out back and brushed him. Sorry to tell you, but after that he kind of forgot about you. He’s been so good.”
“At least now I know I can leave him with you if I have somewhere I need to go.”
“Anytime,” Tinsley said.
After being in the city this afternoon, it confirmed what she loved about living in Dalton Mill. The slower pace, peaceful neighborhood, and beautiful homes with wide open spaces and neighbors like Tinsley.
“When I lived in Raleigh, I never realized how much traffic there was,” Lorri said. “I used to love that town, but I couldn’t wait to get back here.”
Lorri took some money from her purse and handed it to Tinsley.
“No.” Tinsley stepped back. “You weren’t even gone that long. I’m not taking your money. It’d be one thing if I stayed all day, or overnight, but this was my pleasure.”
“Take it. Really. You helped me out. I appreciate it.”
“Well, ask me again some time. I’d love to spend time with Mister. Maybe some day you’ll help me out with a logo for my new company or something.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” Lorri knew Tinsley was destined for great things.
“Works for me.” Tinsley gathered her things. “You know, I was thinking while you were gone. I don’t know if you know about the Leafland County Fair, but it’s a big to-do around here.”
