Page 88 of The Wedding Ranch
“He must be paying for it. He’s much freer with other people’s money.”
“He’s a winner. I can’t picture the two of you together. Not at all.”
“We were young.” There was really no other explanation, except that sometimes you needed distance to see the real picture. She’d gotten oodles of advice over the years, plenty of folks telling her he was no good. “In my imagination, I saw him for who I wanted him to be. Not who he really was.”
Am I doing that now with Ryder?
“I have to ask you something.” She pulled her feet up into the seat of the car and faced him. Almost afraid to hear the truth… she had to know. “About that kiss? Was that my imagination too? Is there really any way that two people who’ve known each other for such a short time could—”
Ryder pulled off to the side of the road, leaned over, and put his hand behind her neck, kissing her again, only there was no rush.
And this time she had no question what it meant, as she tried to catch her breath.
He sat back.
She touched her lips. “This is real, isn’t it?”
“So real. I was afraid to say it out loud else it might disappear, but this—you and me—this isn’t going anywhere.”
“Oh my gosh.” She held her hands to her heart, as a tear slipped down her cheek.
Chapter Twenty-six
Ryder got back on the road and drove three towns over to a small inn with a diner known for its home-style cooking. “It’s not fancy, but it’s a date.”
He got out of the car and walked to the other side to let her out. He took her hand and guided her to the door, one hand on the small of her back.
“Two for an early dinner, please.”
The silver-haired woman had sparkling blue eyes. “My pleasure. Will you two follow me?”
They did, and as he pulled out Lorri’s chair, the woman said, “Today is special for the two of you, isn’t it?”
Lorri nodded, and Ryder said, “Very much.”
“May I have the pleasure of choosing your menu for you today?”
They looked at each other. “Can’t say anyone has ever offered before. That sounds lovely.” Ryder reached across the table and took Lorri’s hand in his.
He liked showing her around Dalton Mill, telling her the history about things, and surprising her. She reacted with enthusiasm at the smallest of things. She could afford any of it on her own, yet she was so humble and appreciative. Even something so small as presenting her with her own brush for Dottie. Something that would stay on his farm, but she was as delighted as if it had been jewelry.
The more he got to know Lorri, the more he wanted to know and the more he wanted to share with her.
It made him feel special to lift her up with those little kindnesses, but sitting here with her today he realized there was even more about her that was precious to him.
They were served a beautiful pastry-wrapped chicken dish with fresh collards and carrots. “The presentation is lovely,” Lorri said.
“I hope you two enjoy it.”
“We will.” He watched as the woman disappeared into the kitchen. With it being so early in the afternoon, they were the only two in the restaurant. “I’d enjoy a peanut butter sandwich right now. Who knew driving the getaway car worked up such an appetite?”
“I’m hungry too.”
They ate the special entrée and celebrated with a slice of chocolate cake.
“One piece, two forks,” Ryder had said.
Lorri fought him for the last bite, and he liked that about her.
