Page 23 of The Wedding Ranch
Ryder shrugged. “Poor dirt farmer can’t compete with that.”
“Mm-hmm. I know better than that, darlin’. How’ve you been?”
“Good. I really did vote for you.”
“Of course you did. We always did think alike.”
She’d been Valerie’s best friend. He’d barely spoken to her since the accident. It was just too painful to relive happy memories Penny had of Valerie. That’s when Penny and her first husband, Buster, split up and she went on to marry Marty Blevins. “Yeah. Those were the good old days.”
“That they were. We should catch up some time.”
He pulled a few of the cards from his chest pocket. “Here. Reece and Ross have transformed the old barns on the bottom acreage into an event venue. It’s called The Wedding Ranch, but they host all kinds of parties. Fit for a mayor, or the governor even. You should throw some business their way. You’ll be impressed.”
She swept the card against the palm of her hand. “I’ll get on their calendar.”
Ryder heard a tiny squeal out of Reece from across the way. He loved earning hero status with her. It never got old.
Penny lifted her hand in a finger wave. “I’ll see you around, Ryder.” She strode off with the air of success. She’d always been audacious.
He watched as she left, wondering how on earth someone like Marty Blevins managed to get even a first glance from someone like Penny Driscoll.
Joe walked up behind Ryder. “Now that’s a fine—”
“That’s Penny Driscoll.”
“Oh. The mayor. I didn’t recognize her from behind! And to think I was going to set you up with the lady who opened the new bakery on Main Street. I may not know anyone flashy enough to appeal to your taste.”
“Real funny. She’s married. I’m not interested. Not in her or anyone else.”
“You haven’t been to the bakery yet, have you?”
“No. Why?” Ryder wondered what Joe was hiding. “Are her cookies that good?”
“Definitely. I’ve just about eaten my way down the first whole row of treats in that glass case already. That gal can bake, and she’s nice.”
“I’ll pass on a date, but you can set me up with a cupcake and I won’t turn it down.”
“Never say never, my friend. One of these days you’re going to finally wake up again.”
Maybe when I see Valerie holding Ronnie Dwayne’s hand in heaven.
Chapter Seven
Lorri checked her watch. Ever since Tinsley told her about the Leafland County Fair she hadn’t been able to get it off her mind.
Each day was packed with things to do, and she already had a spot all picked out for one of those birdhouses. She had every intention of being the first in line for that Make Your Own Birdhouse class today.
She grabbed the copy of the schedule from the printer and looked it over. If she left now she’d catch the 4-H opening ceremonies. She’d never been to a livestock show. She’d seen dog shows before, but she couldn’t imagine how children could run around a ring with farm animals. Her curiosity was piqued, and for certain the younger age classes would be adorable no matter what.
She updated her project records so she could shut down early for the day. There were two new projects in her inbox. One was a simple logo for a land developer, the other for a Californiavineyard. She’d done a whole campaign for them five years ago and ever since they hired her to do all the labels for their high-end wines and marketing materials to support them. It always earned her a few cases of the good stuff too, and her wine rack was impressive for it.
She set her out-of-office message and changed into a pair of jeans and a soft green shirt that was almost the color of her house. She grabbed her purse, but decided to tuck a credit card and cash in her pocket instead. One less thing to keep track of while she browsed and shopped.
“Come on, Mister.” He got up from where he’d been lying in the sun on the patio and trotted inside. He’d probably have been fine outside, but there was a chance for rain and if there was one weird thing about this dog it was that he loved playing in mud puddles. Even though she’d made sure there was a walk-in shower big enough to bathe him in, it was no easy task. Thank goodness he never seemed to mind lazing inside in the air conditioning.
Mister sprawled out on the cool terrazzo tile near the patio doors.What a life.“Can I trust you to be a good boy for a couple hours today?” He laid on his back and raised his paws in the air, twisting his torso like a candy cane. “That’s a little dramatic, even for you. I’m not even sure what that means.” She scratched his belly, then sat down with him for a minute to give him a belly rub.
Birds darted through the yard. A couple of bird feeders along with the birdhouse she intended to build today would be such a nice addition. “Here’s the situation,” she said to Mister. “I’ve got to go somewhere. Tinsley is busy, so I need you to behave for me. Deal?”
