Page 45 of Loved By Tandy

“That’s gold coming from the woman who bought a ranch without mentioning anything to her friends. And hasn’t told her only living relative about it. Secrets could be your middle name. Anyway, should I continue?”

“Nope.” I give his hand a squeeze. “But if whatever you’re keeping from me will break my heart, tell me sooner rather than later. It took me a long time to get over the heartbreak the last time. And I’m old, so I might not have the luxury of time.”

“Surprising you isn’t an easy task, but that doesn’t mean I won’t continue to try.” He pulls my hand to his lips and kisses my fingers. “Is that a problem?”

“A surprise, huh?”

He grins and nods toward the crew hanging drywall. “It’s coming together pretty quick.”

I get out of the truck and watch as these guys turn my dreams into a reality. “I forgot to get tacos!”

“No worries. I put in an order with Rueben at the barbecue place. Colt is going to pick up lunch for all these guys in a bit.”

“Give me the bill. I’ll pay for it.” I hold up a finger when Matthew starts to shake his head. “I want to pay.”

“Whatever makes you happy, sweetheart.” He drapes an arm around me. “Construction is far enough along that Dallas will have a great idea of what the inside layout will be.”

“I’m guessing he’s heard about my ranch and probably the matchmaking. And I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he’ll sayyes to my proposal. Because I don’t want him to just be the foreman. I want him to be my partner. When I’m gone, my stuff has to go to someone.”

“He’d be crazy to say no to you.” Matthew checks the time. “Get in the truck. I have one more thing to show you before we meet up with Dallas.”

I buckle in, eager for Matthew to reveal his surprise. But out here, I have little clue what it might be. He drives along the paved roads and branches off toward the hill where I’ll build my place.

He squeezes my hand as we crest the hill. “Surprise.”

Instead of a cleared spot with stakes in the ground, there is a slab. They poured the foundation for my house. “But they said it would be weeks before they had an opening.” I slide out, envisioning the walls and windows. “How did you make this happen?”

“Gordon called me early Monday. They had a last-minute cancellation and a truck full of concrete. With Colt’s help and lots of phone calls, we made it happen. And I did leave you for a while to run out here. Joji stayed at your place while I was gone. You were sound asleep, so she didn’t wake you.”

“That explains why her cheese is in my fridge.” I’m touched that my friends would go to so much trouble to watch out for me.

“Everything is coming together. Construction on the cabins starts next week and then the rec room and dining area.”

I throw my arms around his neck. “There aren’t enough words to properly thank you for all your help. I could not have done this without you.” Cupping his cheek, I give him a quick peck. “You’ve made the process way more fun.”

He drops a kiss on the top of my head and holds me close. “Zach’s parents and my daughter and her husband will be in town next month. We’re all getting together, and I’d like for you to be there.”

The idea of being around his kids makes me nervous. I’m afraid of feeling like the outsider.

“I’d like to meet them. Let me know when and where.”

After a kiss that curls my toes, we head back to the barn. Dallas is playing with Bandit, and Colt’s truck is gone. He’s probably headed to get lunch.

I open my arms. “You made it!”

Dallas gives me a hug, which isn’t something he normally does, but I guess he was worried about me. “This is nice. I heard you bought a ranch and are planning to match people.” He shakes Matthew’s hand, then whips around to look at me. “But if you want me to be your guinea pig, the answer is no. No way. Heck no. Do I need to spice it up any more than that to get my point across?”

“You do not. I was not planning to match you with anyone. You haven’t given the impression that you’d be open to that.”

“I am not. Bachelorhood suits me just fine. But now that we have that cleared up, why did you want to meet? I’m guessing it is something to do with the ranch since you wanted me to meet you here.”

“I’m hoping to open by the end of the year. I want to have cattle and maybe sheep or goats. I’m thinking those little ones that are just so cute. And chickens for fresh eggs. But I’ll be busy running the matchmaking part of the business. And I hired Colt—you probably haven’t met him yet—to handle the horses. I’ll offer trail rides to the happy couples.”

Dallas shoves his hands in his pockets and nods. “Okay? It sounds like you have a good plan for the place.”

“I need a foreman, actually more of a partner really. To run the place, handle the ranch stuff. I’m having a house built for whoever takes the job, and I was hoping you might want it.”

He blinks and adjusts his hat. “You want me to work here at Matchmaker Ranch?”

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