Page 17 of Loved By Tandy

“I think we need to talk about it, Tandy.” I lean down so that I’m eye level with her. “Please.”

“Fine. If you have something to say, just spit it out.”

“I was not expecting you to crawl in my window that night. My parents were on the other side of the wall. My brain felt like it was about to explode when you started slipping off your coat and it became obvious there was nothing under it. I panicked. SoI got out of there the fastest way I could. The same way you came in.”

“And you managed to drag my coat out the window and kick over the stupid ladder, and I had to sneak downstairs to get out. I was humiliated and horrified. What if your mom or dad had woken up?”

“I didn’t plan for that to happen. Shoot. I left wearing only boxers. Thankfully, it was dark, and I snuck back in before daylight. But I’m sorry. And that bedspread. I can’t tell you how many times my mom asked what happened to it. For the record, I didn’t realize that I’d gotten tangled with the coat until it hit the ground, but I was afraid to go back. Because the coat was on the ground, and you were in my room… without it.” I rub my face. “I just wasn’t ready for what you wanted, Tandy. Never told a soul what happened that night. I was too embarrassed. What kind of seventeen-year-old runs away from that? And I didn’t mean to knock over the ladder. Didn’t know I had until I got back later. I’m shocked the noise alone didn’t wake up my parents.”

“Yeah. I hovered in the corner for a bit until I trusted that the coast was clear. And I never told anyone either. I was young and stupid, but I learned from my mistakes. And I made sure to never put myself in a position to be rejected so brutally again. I thought you wanted to marry me.”

I meet her gaze, wishing the ache in my gut would go away. “I never meant to be brutal, Tandy. And I heard you say something about marriage as I climbed down, but my brain didn’t process it until I was half a mile away. I needed time to think. Because… I guess it doesn’t matter now.”

“Oh no. It matters. Say it.”

“I wanted to marry you, Tandy, but I didn’t think you’d stay in town. We didn’t want the same things. You talked about New York City like it was a person you were dying to meet. You shined a little too bright for this dot on the map. I’d resigned myselfto the idea of your leaving. But after what you said that night, I tried over and over to talk to you. Started calling early the next morning. But you up and left town without a word. After a few months, your little sister told me to stop calling and quit sending letters because you weren’t coming back. So I moved on. I thought we both had.”

“Life works itself out.” Tandy walks to the minifridge. “Want pie? I have a couple of slices of peach in here.”

“Sounds delicious. I’ll make us some coffee.” It’s quiet while I start a pot brewing. “Did you get married? Were you happy?”

Her shoulders sag, but then she squares them up and looks at me. “I never ended up getting married. I called off the engagement. Three engagements actually. Different times to different men. But I’ve been happy. And you clearly were. Your family is well-loved around here.”

I slide a mug toward her. “Truce?”

She nudges the pie closer to me. “Yeah, and if you’re serious about helping me with the ranch, I accept. I’ve been afraid I’ll choose someone and then find out I can’t trust them.”

“I’d be honored if you trust me with this, Tandy.” I pull out a chair for her.

She eases into the seat and looks up at me. “But no funny stuff. This is a business arrangement between old friends.”

“Understood.” I drop into the seat. And while we enjoy our dessert, she tells me about what she wants on the ranch.

Her passion for this project is a bit contagious, and it’s funny that I’m excited about matchmaking. Maybe while we’re working together, I’ll learn why she broke off so many engagements and never made it down the aisle. I’m not sure I want to know the answer, but it might help me understand her even more.

I’ve heardthrough the grapevine that there is a photoshoot happening today. Tandy has wrangled some new cover models, and my granddaughter-in-law is doing the photoshoot. My grandson, Zach, mentioned that he was going to be there so that he could watch Haley work.

And I decided to join him.

I park beside Tandy’s red truck, and as soon as I step out, I know I’m in the right place. The shirtless guys hanging around are way too pretty for ranch life.

Zach is leaning against a tree with his arms crossed, and Haley gives him a quick peck before walking toward the group of models.

I ease up beside my grandson. “You smokin’ a brisket again tomorrow?”

“How’d you know?” He grins.

I nod toward Haley. “She’d love you even if you weren’t a master with the smoker.”

He chuckles. “I hope so, but right now is not when I want to test that theory. I liked it better when Lilith was doing these photoshoots. Why’d Tandy have to drag my wife into this?”

“You don’t need to worry about ripped abs and sculpted pecs. Haley probably doesn’t even notice.”

Zach cuts a glance at me. “You aren’t helping, Granddad. Why’d you come?”

“To see Tandy. I’m helping her with her new ranch.”

He turns to face me. “Really? Haley tells me it’s some sort of matchmaking business.”

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