Page 13 of Reuniting with the Rancher

Shaking himself out of his stupor, he texted the therapist from Silver Creek and arranged for him to stop by later in the week. Then he took a moment to set the plate on the nightstand and covered her with a blanket, kissing her on the shoulder. Stunned at his own actions, he almost ran out of the room trying to put distance between them.

Draven and Rayne,buddies from his time recovering at Silver Creek Ranch, were putting the final touches on the beds while their women, Cashea and Billie, sorted out bedding.

Raina and her granddaughter went to work in the kitchen, making moves around him and Caleb as they got to the bottom of the slow drains in the kitchen and bathrooms.

“It’s no use Boogie. I think we’ve got to dig up the pipe out back. I bet it’s gonna need to be replaced. Ever operate a backhoe before?”

The kid’s eyes were wide with excitement, and despite everything going on, Grey couldn’t help but smile back.

“Well, whatever you’re going to do, do it quick,” Raina fussed. “I can’t believe you forgot to have this cottage cleaned and aired out. Some way to welcome someone you’re paying peanuts of their worth.”

“Lily’s not pampered princess,” he said with a laugh. “She once shoved her purse in front of Caleb so he could throw up in it.”

“Eww, really?” Caleb looked horrified.

“Yep, right in the middle of the Dollar Store. She was buying Christmas presents, and that’s when we discovered you were allergic to fruit punch.”

“It’s the dyes,” Caleb muttered, scratching the back of his head as he snuck a glance over at Raina’s granddaughter.

“Well, her luxurious sheets say otherwise,” Cashea said, as she came out of the bedroom. “That’s a bed fit for a queen. Makes me want to pull a Goldilocks.”

The reminder of the difference in her life now slid the smile right off his face. “Yeah, we should… we should get to it.”

LILY

For the first time in months, she had a restful sleep. It was like her brain shut off and she just drifted in darkness for… checking her watch…SIX HOURS?! She sat up so quick she forgot where she was for a moment.

Ivy.

She looked around again at the turquoise and lime room with a wide grin. It was preteen perfection, with its bed full of stuffies and bookcases full of books and awards. Ivy was a smart cookie who loved animals. Lily wouldn’t be surprised if she became a veterinarian.

Thoughts of Caleb were the only thing that got to leave the room. The still house and setting sun that greeted her made her nervous, and she set out to find her Boogie.

“Your chariot awaits, Dr. Belmont,” Raina said as she looked up from the book she was reading and waved her over to the very nice golf cart she sat in. “I’m supposed to take you back to your cottage if you’re ready.”

Lily grinned as she limped over, grateful for the ride. She’d overdone it the last few days and, being without a reliable physical therapist, she felt like she was going backwards on her progress.

“Want to drive? Get used to using it?” Raina offered.

“Oh, I’ve driven these before on tour–tour of wineries n’ such,” Lily corrected as she slid onto the driver's seat and Raina scooted over.

“What are you reading?” she asked to further distract Raina from her slip up.

“Rereading Michelle Midnight’s series again. She hasn’t released new books now in forever. They are my comfort reads.”

“I haven’t been able to read for pleasure in years. I’ll add them to my list.”

As she came around the bend, the cottage came into view and she smiled big. The porch was now a cozy oasis with the chairs and all weather rugs she’d selected. Pretty plants in colorful planters offered cheery pops of colors.

“The boss wanted to help you all get settled, especially after you had to spend yesterday cleaning. It was supposed to be ready when you arrived.”

“Oh gosh, thank you,” she said quietly. She quickly parked the cart and moved inside with Raina pointing out the additions Greyson and his friends had made to the home. Seeing her artwork carefully set against the longest wall, she smiled.

“You gotta feel the vibe first,” she whispered to herself.

“We ran into one problem,” Raina said, as she rushed ahead of her to the kitchen. “The slow drains are because of tree roots in the drainpipe. Caleb has been quite the helper to Grey. That’s one good kid.”

“He’s the best,” Lily agreed as she looked out the window over the sink. “He’s not old enough to operate a tractor!”

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