Page 94 of The Wedding Ranch
He hesitated, but as much as those old feelings had crashed over him when he saw her holding Valerie and Ronnie Dwayne’s picture, the comfort in having her here was just as big.
“No. I don’t want you to leave, and I thank you for understanding.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her to the door. “Let’s go on the porch and eat this cobbler before it gets cold.”
Chapter Twenty-seven
Under the moonlight, they enjoyed the apple cobbler Ryder had cooked cowboy-style over the fire. She had no idea how something on and under the coals could produce this kind of delicate dessert. The sweet crunchy topping mingling with the fresh-picked apples was a pleasing combination that set off the meal just right. As she savored her last bite, she was sorry the evening was coming to an end. Darkness had fallen over them, cloaking them in darkness except for the light from the fire.
The embers sparkled much like those gemstones Ryder collected. He too had an artist’s eye. He just hadn’t realized it yet.
The words from her childhood pastor flooded back. God doesn’t give us anything just for our own benefit. She’d always considered painting her gift. Maybe that’s why she was now being so drawn to it again. There was more she needed to do with her gifts.
“You all done?” Ryder asked.
“Yeah. Sorry, I was kind of daydreaming.”
“I noticed. Something good?”
Lorri placed her fork in her bowl. “Yeah. I was thinking about this town. How it inspires me.”
“It’ll do that. You know, I’ve been talking to the family, well, Diane, Reece, and Ross, about starting a scholarship fund in Valerie and Ronnie Dwayne’s memory.”
“That’s beautiful.”
“Thank you. I want to figure out how to shift my thoughts to something positive so the memories won’t be as painful. I think Valerie would love this idea, and I know she wouldn’t be proud of the way I’ve stalled without her here.”
“Well, don’t beat yourself up on that. If it takes twenty years for you to heal, it’s no one else’s timeline but your own. Don’t forget that, but it’s such a wonderful gesture.”
He nodded.
“I could do the branding for you. Any idea what you’ll call it? Bolt Memorial Scholarship maybe?”
“No. Something simple and generic. I’m not looking for recognition for it. The mission behind it is personal, but others don’t need to know that it’s a memorial scholarship. Maybe just Dalton Mill Scholarship, or since I’d like it to be awarded to students with an eye toward agriculture in some way, maybe we’ll tie that in.”
“Good idea. Maybe something as simple as the Ranch Scholarship.”
“I like that. I really like that a lot, and since The Wedding Ranch is pooling a percentage of all of their profits into the fund too, it’s a cool tie-in.” Then Ryder turned to Lorri. “Or we could call it the Lisa Scholarship. You know, like the butterfly.Diane always said the yellow ones were symbols of hope and guidance toward positive change.”
“Then I think that’s the one to go with.” Design ideas were already fluttering in her mind.
“I agree. It’s a good change. Diane will like it too.” He pressed his hand to her leg. “Thank you.”
She couldn’t deny the feelings that came over her when they touched. She leaned into him.Will being just friends really be enough?If he kissed her now, she wouldn’t stop him. She might not leave at all. She lowered her gaze, wishing he’d tip up her chin and kiss her.
“Reece and Ross are going to set up some events to raise money. I’ve got Ronnie Dwayne’s college fund. I never stopped paying into it since the day he was born. Nice chunk of change to seed the account.”
“I’d be happy to design shirts, or maybe offer a painting if that would help.”
“That would be great.”
“You should put up a few of those beautiful feathers with the stones on them. Maybe even turn one into a necklace?”
“So you can bid on it,” he teased.
“I would.” She hoped he’d say yes. “Reece and Ross are smart. They could figure out how to take it online to expand the reach. I think some unique and one-of-a-kind things are important.”
“I don’t want people knowing I make those feathers. I do it for the joy of it. It would ruin that.”
“People love you, that would drive the price right up!”
