Page 91 of The Wedding Ranch
“I do.”
“I knew I liked you. Most city folk seem to want to cook the life out of a steak, or smother it in marinade and sauces. Not me. Let’s see, also have some sweet potatoes, broccoli, and my famous fire-roasted cornbread.”
“Famous?”
“Famous around here, and apple cobbler.”
“Oh my gosh. You reallycancook. I don’t know how I canhelp, but you tell me what to do, and I’ll try my best. I’m good at following directions.”
“I don’t mind being the cook around here.”
“I don’t mind that either.”
He put his arm around her waist. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
He handed her an apron, then put one over his head and tied it behind his back. Standing there in her green and white apron, she looked cute and completely uncomfortable, but being with her just got easier and easier.
He placed a bowl of mushrooms on the island in front of her. “You can handle this. Slice them into smaller pieces and toss them in this bowl.” He plucked the stem from one of the bigger mushrooms. “Just pull the stems like this. We won’t use that part.”
She did as he showed her while he worked on getting his cast iron pieces in place and seasoning the steaks. Then he mixed the cornbread recipe.
She leaned over the skillet looking at the soupy mixture. “That’s going to turn into bread?” She shook her head. “I’m no cook, but I’m pretty sure that’s impossible.”
He put the pan on the coals and covered it with the heavy lid.
“Trust the process, my friend Lorri.”
It struck his happy button, the way she giggled when he called her that.
Smells mingled with the hickory he’d just added to the fire, a sweet and savory mix. Ryder turned on some music, and they settled in the chairs in the keeping room on the other side of thefireplace. Comfortable conversation stole the time, and when he glanced at his watch it was past the time he’d meant to check on things.
He used heavy gloves and tongs to lift the lids.
“Dinner is ready.” He carried the dutch oven to the counter to slice the steaks into narrow strips, pulling all the fatty edges off and piling them into a bowl.
“Those steaks are massive!”
“Mister. Dinner’s ready.” He leaned close. “I knew I had that guy to feed.”
“Oh my gosh,” Lorri said. “He’ll never eat dog food again.”
“Sure he will.”
Mister gobbled the dish of beef, then sprawled out on the floor. Ryder pulled the Dutch oven off the fire. He fixed their plates in the kitchen, then they went into the dining room.
He pulled out a heavily upholstered chair for Lorri. The flower arrangement looked like he was trying too hard, but it was truly just a happy accident.
“My niece cleans my house,” he explained as he took his seat. “She does stuff like that.” He twisted the pumpkin-shaped vase to the side, so he could see Lorri better. “Didn’t want you to think that was my doing. Flowers aren’t my thing, although I do like them.”
“I like it.”
“Me too. Makes it feel homier. You deserve them. I just didn’t want to take the credit.”
“Thank you.”
“Dig in while it’s hot.”
They ate, not bothering with a lot of small talk. He gave her a few cooking pointers and promised to cook for her again.
