Page 16 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

“It’s lovely.” They cruised along the drive toward a sprawling single-story house with a wide, welcoming verandah, and low-pitched roof. Wood featuring and hanging flower baskets added color and character.

Cindy drove around the back, where a greenhouse and sheds were located. “We’ll unload here.”

“Okay.” Becky hopped out of the SUV, glad to stretch her legs, and drew in a deep breath. The air was cold and dry, but somehow different to Kansas. A faint aroma she associated with cattle lingered in the dusty breeze. The sun was closing in on the western horizon. A light cloud cover previewed pastel-toned displays of God’s handiwork. She was blessed to have an opportunity to spend the weekend here.

“You made it.” Cindy’s mom walked over from the veranda and hugged her daughter, then embraced Becky in a warm hug. “Come on in. We’ll have refreshments outdoors and watch the sunset. Dinner is beef stew.”

“Sounds great.” Becky helped carry their luggage inside and admired the open plan design. A large-screen TV was surrounded by sofas and recliners, and a twelve-seat dining table filled the living area closest to the kitchen. Family photos were on prominent display on the shelves, with men in cowboy gear a common theme. Becky spotted a photo of a younger Sam holding his cowboy hat.

Cindy’s mom, Lori, made a beeline to the kitchen beyond the dining area. The modern space was enormous, with a generous-sized marble topped island and breakfast bar with wooden stools in the middle. A functional eight-burner cooktop, twin ovens, and large fridge were surrounded by cupboards, and there was plenty of space for food preparation. A slow cooker exuded a lovely rich beef aroma. Her stomach grumbled, and she couldn’t wait to taste the stew.

A door off the kitchen opened into a large pantry with floor to ceiling shelving. Mum would love this kitchen. Becky loved the expensive espresso machine on the counter.

Lori placed three mugs on the counter beside the machine. “Girls, what would you like?”

“Decaf latte please,” Cindy said.

“Same for me. Thank you.” Despite their plans to cook late into the evening, decaf was a better option. She was limiting her caffeine intake and not having anything caffeinated after four in the afternoon.

“You’re welcome. Cindy can give you the tour while I whip these up.”

Becky followed Cindy along a long hall to a well-appointed guest room. French doors opened onto a verandah that wrapped around the homestead. Horses grazed in a nearby field. The wide-open spaces reminded her of Australian farms.

She returned to the kitchen with Cindy and carried a coffee mug to a door facing west. She was glad she’d worn her favorite sweater, a long cable-knit design Mum had hand knitted. She curled up in a cushioned chair on the veranda, pulling her sleeve cuffs over her hands, and cradling her latte.

“Have the boys already left?” Cindy asked.

Lori nodded and sipped her hot tea. “Their plans changed this morning, and they’ll be back Monday morning.”

Cindy smiled. “It’ll be quiet without them.”

“Sam called, and he’s arriving after dinner. I’ll put stew aside,” Lori said.

Becky nodded, her attention drawn to the stunning sunset colors lighting up the wispy clouds. This place was peace and serenity wrapped up in a pretty package. She was a million miles away from her problems in Australia.

Cindy’s three older brothers were out of town for a friend’s wedding. Sam would fill in on the ranch and help his uncle.

“Girls, I have everything ready for you to cook tonight. A few days in the freezer, and your meals will travel well in the cooler bag back to Gilead.”

Cindy smiled. “Thanks, Mom.”

“I appreciate your hospitality, and your kitchen.” They’d brought a supply of glass storage containers to fill her freezer multiple times. Nutritious frozen meals, shared with Cindy, would be a time saving blessing during the passion play season leading up to Easter.

“You’re welcome.” Lori stood. “Enjoy the sunset while I finish our dinner preparations.”

Becky stretched in her seat, content to chat with Cindy about her childhood experiences on the ranch. One older brother was enough when Becky was growing up, and she couldn’t imagine three of them bossing her around.

Cindy’s dad, Joe, stopped by the veranda and updated them on his day. It was thankfully uneventful, other than fixing a broken water pump at the dam. A different world to her city life in Sydney. Water was a precious commodity on a working ranch.

Dinner was served. Becky sat beside Cindy at one end of the dining table, opposite Cindy’s parents. The tasty beef stew, chock-full of fresh and wholesome ingredients, filled her stomach and satisfied her appetite.

She dabbed her mouth with her napkin. She loved the informality and the easy way Cindy related to her parents. In hindsight, she should have accepted Cindy’s invitation to visit the ranch for Thanksgiving instead of moping around campus by herself. Those hard days were behind her, and she appreciated the warm welcome and exceptional hospitality.

Joe smiled. “Sam’s working with the ranch hands from dawn. We’ll be out all day, and back at sunset.”

“A long day in the saddle.” Cindy wrinkled her nose. “Glad it’s him, not me.”

“You’re more capable than you think,” he said.

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