Page 15 of Beauden & Yelena

“I’m starving but I don’t want to interrupt this.”

“It’s no problem. We are done with the baking. We just have to wrap them. I’m making creamy tomato soup and grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for the guys. You can have that or I can make whatever you like.”

“That actually sounds delish. I’ll have that too and one of these red ornament cookies?” I ask, hopeful. It looks like it might be red velvet and I love anything red velvet.

“And a cookie,” she says with a smile. “I can have Martha Jean bring it to your room.”

“Oh no. I’ll wait and take it into the great room. I love being around the tree.”

ChapterSix

The emergency wasn’t really one at all. Travis interrupted Yelena and me for something that could have easily been handled by Mitch or Malik. The milking machines were jammed. Because I have so many cattle, we actually use electric machines. The hand milking is only for the guests and their ranch-life experience.

Now that the minor crisis is resolved, I just want to head back to the lodge,to her.Our ride on Midnight Love was better than I thought it would be. After breakfast, I wanted to spend more time with her so after checking on the ranch, I headed back to the lodge. Luckily, she was in the great room.

It all worked out. She really enjoyed it and I like everything about that shit. I was wrong in my initial assessment of her; maybe she could get used to this. Not only does she love my horse but she even tried to warm up to Billy a little.

As soon as I enter my house, my cell vibrates. I pull it out of my pocket and see it’s my mother. “Hey, pretty lady,” I answer.

“Hey, baby. What are you doing?”

“Just walked in the house.”

“You busy?”

“Not really.”

“I know you have guests in the lodge, so if you are, I understand.” Clearly, she wants something. When she does, she does this back and forth.

“I’m not busy, Momma. Do you need something?”

“I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important. Miss Richardson at the Guardian Place called. They don’t have the funds for a Christmas tree this year. I need you to take her two. I promised her I would help with the tree and gifts. I have gifts; I need the trees.”

Although retired, social work is still in my mother’s heart and soul. She works with and volunteers sometimes in Crescent Falls at the foster home. Her and Miss Richardson used to work together on cases when they both worked for the Department of Children and Families. She has the biggest heart and would help the world if she could.

“Just two?” I ask for confirmation.

“Yes. One for the boys and one for the girls.”

“Alright, I’ll take care of it and take them over myself,” I tell her because I know how important this is. “Where are the gifts? I can take them too.”

“We are wrapping the last ones now. I’ll have Kit bring them as soon as we are done. I’m at The Peters’ Ranch with the girls wrapping so give him an hour, okay?”

“Take your time, Momma.”

“Pick two nice, big, pretty trees,” she adds and I just shake my head.

“I wouldn’t give them anything less.”

“I know,” she says. “I can’t help it. It’s Christmas and those babies deserve a good one. They have been through so much. I can’t wait until I have some grandbabies to love on, especially on Christmas,” she says and I don’t utter a word.

She’s been on this grandbaby kick for a minute now. I definitely want children; I just haven’t found the right woman. Although I am the oldest, my brother Kit will probably give her grandkids before me.

“I know you hear me, Beau,” she says.

“I do. One hour. I got you.”

“Looks like you inherited the same selective hearing as your dad. That’s okay. Don’t answer me; you don’t have to because I know you heard me. I want to be a young grandma. Not some old one with no energy to play with them. So, you have about five years.”

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