Page 63 of The Wedding Ranch
He didn’t ask to come in, but his face brightened when she said “soon.” Or maybe she’d just hoped it had. He turned and walked away, lifting his hand in a wave as he got into his truck.
She stood there as he backed out of her driveway, wishing she hadn’t already told him she’d be busy the whole weekend. Waiting until next week to see him again seemed like such a long time.
Lorri had just fed Mister when the doorbell rang. With her mind still on the day with Ryder, for a half second she hoped it was him, but she knew it would be Pam. Lorri ran to the door to let her in.
Pam stood there with a rolling suitcase in one hand and a large picture frame hanging over her shoulder with a roll of wrapping paper and a huge spool of white satin ribbon in the other. “I was so hoping you’d still be out.”
Lorri hugged Pam. “I haven’t been home long.”
“Good!”
“What all do you have there?”
Pam lifted her arms.
“Since you created their gift and Bobby crafted the frame, I thought I could at least wrap it really nicely.” She tapped Mister on the head with the tip of the wrapping paper tube. “I love this dog. He’s gotten even bigger.”
“You think?”
“Definitely.”
“Come on in.” She snagged the rolling bag from Pam and led the way to the guest room. “You’ll be in here.”
“I love what you’ve done with this place. It’s even prettier than when we toured it when it was the model home.”
“New start.” Lorri smiled appreciatively as she took the frame. “This is going to look great. The stain is perfect. Bobby does such great work.”
“I’m glad you like it. He had fun messing with it.” Pam walked over to the armoire in the corner. “I love the antique touches here and there.”
“Thanks. I’ve got kind of an eclectic mix going on, but I think it works.”
“It does. Now, enough of the small talk. Tell me about your date with Ryder.”
Lorri pressed her lips together unable to hold back her smile. “We went on a picnic, and then rode horses down to an old mill. It was amazing.”
“I can tell by the look on your face you had a really good time.”
“I did. It was so easy. Oh my gosh, gorgeous. Nature. The creek. He was a complete gentleman.”
“Well, don’t hold that against him.”
“Stop it. He earned points for that.”
Pam opened her suitcase and took a small bag from the top and handed it to Lorri. “Here. This is for you. A little hostess gift.”
“You didn’t have to do that.” Lorri held the shiny purple bag. “But thank you. What’s in here?” She reached in and lifted out a long box tied with a ribbon. Her brows pulled together as she lifted it and shook it. Something clanged around inside. “I have no idea what this is.”
“That’s why it’s in a box. So you’ll be surprised. That’s how it works.”
Lorri tugged the ribbon and peeked inside. Three very nice paint brushes lay nestled inside. “Thank you. This is perfect timing, too.” She took them out, enjoying the feel of the smooth wooden handles and the weight of the long brushes in her hand. “Nice balance. I love them.”
“You’re special. You deserve only the best, and I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to tell you about Craig before Stacy blurted it out over lunch. I really am. I hope you can forgive me. It’s really been bothering me.”
“Well, stop worrying about that.” She waved her hand. “It doesn’t matter. We’re divorced. He can do what he pleases. I really don’t care.”
“You seem far better off without him.”
“I am. I love my home. I’ve made friends—none as good as you, and I miss you, but I’m doing okay. And I’m trying new things. I rode a horse today.”
