Page 60 of Luke

She spluttered out another laugh. “You’re so bad, but also so very good.”

Luke grinned. “Let’s go, baby.”

“I’m ready.” She switched on the light above the stoop, took his hand, and descended the steps with him.

Once they were settled into the truck, Luke started the engine and drove them to the Hartland Restaurant.

They walked into the restaurant and were directed to their table. The hostess took their drink orders before leaving them alone. Bryce looked around.

“It’s a lovely place.”

“Yeah, it is. I don’t come here often, but we’ll definitely come back.”

“Hello, I’m Marco, your server. Do you need more time?” He set their drinks on the table.

Luke looked at Bryce.

“I do, please,” she replied.

“No problem. I’ll come back.” The server walked over to another table.

Bryce perused the menu. “Everything sounds delicious.”

“Everything is,” Luke said with a smile.

“Oh, I love seafood. I think I’ll order that.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” She nodded and laid the menu back on the table.

“You’re so beautiful,” he said, and grinned when she blushed.

“How was your trip to Whitefish?”

Luke let out a deep breath. “I went there to talk to Mr. Hancock’s son. I believe he’s responsible for the theft.”

Bryce gasped in shock. “He stole from his own father?”

“I believe so. It’s hard to imagine. But his father told me that if his son did do it, he should face the consequences like any other criminal.”

“You really respect him, don’t you?”

“He’s a great guy. Kind and considerate. I promised myself I’d stay in touch with him after this case is over.”

“That would be nice of you. Is he alone?”

“He has some ranch hands, and he thinks very highly of his manager, Rafe.” Luke smiled. “He told me he plans to leave the ranch to Rafe one day. Apparently, Rafe had a tough upbringing with a father who didn’t show him any attention, and Mr. Hancock took him under his wing.”

“I’m glad he has someone who cares about him.”

Luke leaned back in his seat. “Tell me about your mother.”

Bryce let out a sigh. She always hated talking about her biological mother.

“She had me when she was sixteen, and my sister Brenda when she was fifteen. She never wanted us. Just liked to screw around. My childhood was pretty rough because I knew she didn’t want anything to do with me. I ran away when I was fifteen and ended up in foster care until I turned eighteen.”

“What happened to your sister then?”

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