Page 47 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

Beau carried the doughnuts out in multiple loads. “What do you normally do with what’s left at the end of the day?”

“Most days, I take what’s left to the firemen. On Saturdays, I set them aside to take to church the next day.” I picked up the last two bags. “I’ll help you carry these out.”

“Thanks.” After everything was loaded, Beau tipped his hat. “See you later.”

I waved, then ran inside and sent a text to Garrett.I sold out early thanks to your dad. I’m going to clean up a little, but I can meet you out there in thirty minutes.

He replied right away.Great. I’ll meet you at the main house.

After putting up a sign, I raced through the shop, getting it ready for tomorrow morning as quickly as possible because I wanted to hurry out to the ranch... to Garrett. It was easy to admit how excited I was when my heart wasn’t being risked. We were friends who enjoyed spending time together. I was happy with how things were, and one day if—more likely when—he met someone who sparked romance in his life, I’d step back and let him find his happily ever after.

I couldn’t pretend that wouldn’t hurt, but I could avoid thinking about it.

My phone buzzed as I hung up my apron.

Bring your swimsuit, and we can soak in the hot tub. Garrett sent a happy face emoji.That’ll warm us up after we walk.

I sent a thumbs up. While I liked the plan, I definitely wouldn’t be snuggling with him in a hot tub where anyone and everyone could walk by and see. People would get the wrong impression.

When I jumpedout of the car, a dog trotted up to me. Instead of jumping up and trying to lick my face, this dog sat, patiently waiting to be scratched. “Hi there. Aren’t you a good dog? What’s your name?”

“That’s Blue.” Garrett squatted beside the dog and gave him a good rub. “He is a great dog. His one flaw is that he doesn’t like other dogs around, but he does tolerate the cats.”

“He seems sweet. Maybe if I’d grown up with a dog like this, I’d feel differently about man’s best friend.”

Garrett laughed, and I realized what I’d said.

“No pun intended.” I shifted the bag on my shoulder. “I can’t wait to see more of the ranch.”

“Great. I’ll put your bag in the guest room, and then we’ll go. Mind if Blue tags along?” He tucked my bag under his arm. “Want to come in?”

“I’ll wait out here.” I knelt in front of Blue. “You aren’t so bad. I think we’ll be good friends.”

Parker walked around the corner of the house, a doughnut in each hand. “Hey, Tessa. I’m seeing you out here a lot. Is that because you and Garrett are—”

“Friends.” I finished the sentence to eliminate any confusion.

“That is exactlynotwhat I was going to say, but I’ll remember that.” After taking a bite of a doughnut, he grinned. “Y’all have fun. And these doughnuts are thebest.” Chuckling, he walked toward his truck. “Catch you later, Tessa.”

“Bye, Parker.” I jumped when a hand touched my shoulder. “Oh, Garrett. I didn’t even hear you walk out of the house.”

“I can be vewy vewy quiet.” Garrett winked then dropped the tailgate on his truck. “Hop up, Blue.”

The dog obeyed, his tail wagging.

“How far away is it?” I buckled into my seat.

“Not too far, but the walk is partially uphill, so I want to conserve energy for that.” He pulled away from the house, and not long after we passed the ranch hands’ cabins, he turned and left the road completely.

We drove through a field of flowering weeds and along a line of trees. A mile or more down the road, he stopped.

“See the hill beyond these trees? That’s where we’re headed.” He grabbed a backpack out of the back seat. “I brought water.”

“This ranch is so big. It’s a wonder people don’t get lost.” I petted Blue as he eased up beside me.

“I’m still learning my way around. Just wait until we get up the hill. You can see the entire ranch.” Garrett headed into the trees.

I stayed beside him. “You haven’t said how the conversation went.”

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