Page 34 of Follow My Heart

Faith hopped out of the back of the cab. “Grandpa.”

Al leaned down and gave her a hug. “It’s good to see you.” When she pulled back, he said, “Ya’ll are coming tomorrow, right?”

I wondered if Al was worried Ryder would get called into work, or if Stacy would insist he bring Faith home.

“We’ll be there around lunchtime. I want to get this tree up and decorated before we come.”

“What a nice idea.” I loved the thought of decorating the tree on Thanksgiving day. My parents made us wait until after the holiday.

“What are your plans for tomorrow?” Al asked.

“I was planning on taking my grandfather out to eat.” I wasn’t a great cook. I hadn’t attempted a turkey yet, and there were only the two of us.

Al frowned. “That won’t do. Come with Ryder.”

“I’m sorry?” I looked from Al to Ryder, trying to gauge his level of seriousness.

“We’ll have plenty of food. You can enjoy your Thanksgiving with the Calloways.” Without waiting for an answer, he waved as he walked away. “It was nice to meet you.”

I stood there flabbergasted. “Did he just invite me to Thanksgiving dinner?”

Ryder chuckled. “It looks like it.”

We got into the truck. “I don’t know what to say.”

“He didn’t like the idea of you eating at a restaurant on Thanksgiving, and he assumes that if I brought you here to the family lot, you’re important to me.”

Wait. Was I? This wasn’t just a friend helping a friend? I was almost afraid to ask.

“Ask George if he’ll come.”

I sent Grandpa a text.

Ryder’s family invited us over to their farm for dinner tomorrow. Are you up for that?

I’d love a home-cooked meal.

I looked up from my phone, still a little shell shocked. “He said yes.”

Ryder grinned, and Faith said, “Yay,” from the backseat.

“Are you sure we’re not imposing?” I asked him, hesitant to let the joy flow through me just yet.

“You’re the one who’s going to regret your decision as soon as you see our big crazy family. It’s loud.”

“Very,” Faith agreed. “But different than my other grandparents. They’re so quiet, and all they do is talk about the neighbors. The Calloway side is fun.”

“Because of your siblings?” I asked Ryder.

“That, and we’re more relaxed, less uptight.”

“I see.”

Ryder leaned over to touch my knee. “You’ll have a good time. I promise. And I won’t leave you to the wolves. I’ll stay by your side.”

I settled into the seat for the drive. “Spending time at your house will be better than a restaurant.”

“That’s the idea,” Ryder said.

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