Page 26 of Loved By Tandy

He opens the passenger door. “Did you get a lot written this afternoon?”

“A lot isn’t the right word, but I got part of a chapter done. These characters are staying a bit quiet, which is making it hard.”

Once I’m buckled in, he closes the door and goes back to the driver’s side. “Anything I can do to help?”

“Nope.” I stare ahead, curious and nervous. “I called to cancel, but you didn’t answer.”

“You got something against a free dinner?”

“Why did you invite me to dinner, Matthew? I know you’re the reason I’m going. And I shouldn’t have said yes because?—”

He rests his hand on mine. “You spend most evenings alone, right? I thought this would be nice. And I told Zach that we are friends working together. Nothing more.”

This eases my mind, but only a little. “Well, that’s good. And yes. Unless there is a girl’s night or something special, I’m usually home alone. But now Colt is staying at the house. I made food and left him a plate in the fridge.” I glance down at Matthew’s hand still on mine, and although I should tug my hand free, I don’t. “I am so glad you got to him before he fell.”

“Me too. He’s a good kid. Sorry, young man.”

I laugh. “He’s younger than your grandkids. It probably seems really young to an old guy like you.”

“Says the older woman riding with me.” He squeezes my hand.

I grin, accepting that I walked right into that one.

He parks in front of Zach and Haley’s place. “I’m still getting used to the idea of great-grandkids. Just saying the word makes me feel old.”

“They’re cuties. And the twins both have your green eyes. They’ll be heartbreakers one day.”

The gleam in his eye dims. “I never meant to break your heart, Tandy. I hope you know that.”

“Hindsight is twenty-twenty. It’s easy to see that now. But seventeen-year-old me saw the world through a different lens.” I squeeze his hand before tugging mine free. “I’m not angry with you anymore, Matthew. It’s all water under the bridge.”

“Good.” He slides out and comes around to open my door. “I guess we shouldn’t sit and chat in the truck. It attracts an audience.”

Both little boys have their faces plastered to the window beside the door.

“It appears so.”

Haley opens the door as we step onto the porch. “Come in. Josh and Jeremy are eager to show Grampy their new trucks.” She steps aside. “Zach is out back, grilling steaks.”

Matthew gets accosted by those two bright-eyed little guys, and they both grab a hand and drag him out the back door.

Haley shakes her head. “Zach’s parents sent the boys motorized trucks. They’ve been driving around the yard. I’m just waiting for the first major accident. Can I get you anything to drink?”

“Yes. Anything is fine.” I follow her into the kitchen. “Can I help get stuff ready?”

“I think I’m good. The fries are in the oven, and the salad is dressed and in the fridge.” She pours me a glass of sparkling wine. “I’ve been thinking about your idea, the one you called about. There is a trend of strangers doing a photoshoot together, and I can see that being a fun icebreaker for your matched couples. Would you want it as a regular part of the process or just for some couples?”

“Not sure yet. But I definitely want to do it with the first couple. I don’t even know who will offer themselves as guinea pigs for a matchmaking service. Hopefully, the idea doesn’t die before it gets going.”

“We can rally others to spread the word. One or two happily matched couples will be a big draw for others to participate. And I can’t wait to shoot strangers posing together.” She sips her wine. “Zach and I are glad you and Matthew are on speakingterms. He said he hasn’t seen his granddad this happy since before his grandma died.”

I maintain a casual expression, but inside my thoughts are on a tilt-a-whirl. Is his happiness giving people the wrong impression? “Matthew has been a huge help with the ranch. And he worked with Blake on my renovations. Plus, he leaves chocolates all over my house. How could I not forgive him?”

She laughs. “He’s a sweet talker. Has he had you out to the ranch to ride horses yet?”

“Oh gosh, no. I haven’t been on a horse in over a decade. And I have no plans to change that. There’s no reason to.” I shudder, making a show of it. “I’d probably end up breaking a hip.”

“Don’t say that!” Haley slides the fries out of the oven, then leans out the back door. “The veggie tray is ready.”

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