Page 67 of Loved By Tandy

Matthew waits to discuss the ranch until I set the tray of lemon bars and brownies on the table. “Okay, so the other reason I wanted to chat.”

I shake the can of whipped cream, then ask, “Who wants some of this on their brownies?”

Eli holds out his plate. “Yes, please.”

Once everyone has their mouths full of dessert, Matthew continues. “This place is too big for just me, and Tandy is building a house on Matchmaker Ranch. Soooo…” He exhales. “I planned on leaving it to the both of you. But if you want it sooner than after I die, it’s yours. There are two houses. Y’all can arm wrestle for them.”

Eli shakes his head. “Nope. I will not arm wrestle Zach. I might hurt him.”

Zach shoots his younger cousin a dirty look, which makes everyone laugh.

“I’m not asking for a decision tonight. And if moving out here isn’t in your plans, I understand. I just need you to be honest with me.”

Zach and Haley exchange a look. As do Eli and Delaney.

Then Zach says what I’m guessing they’re all thinking. “It’s weird to think of you not living on the ranch.”

“It is for me too in some ways. But I’ll just be down the road a few miles.” Matthew clasps my hand. “Never too old to try something new.”

I’m staringat the cabin near the river. Amazed at how much this whole ranch has changed since Matthew volunteered to help me. “It’s perfect.”

“They’re still working on the inside. And I told them to prioritize your house, but it won’t be long until you’ll be hosting love birds here.”

“Cami put up the website so that potential matches could apply to come, but no one has signed up yet.” I didn’t think there would be a stampede, but zero applicants is a bit discouraging.

Matthew drapes an arm around me. “Give it time. Love works in weird ways.”

“True.” I check the time. “We need to go.”

“People won’t be at the house for another hour.” He shrugs. “What’s the hurry?”

“I need to take a shower and do my hair and at least some light makeup. You don’t want them to think you picked me up off the side of the road.”

“No one will think that.” He laughs. “But let’s go.”

At the house, I hurry into the shower. I’ve tried not to let on how nervous this visit makes me, but there is a knot in my stomach. Lilith calls as I’m putting on makeup, and I put in an earbud to keep chatting while I dab on a bit of eyeshadow and apply mascara.

Lilith and I haven’t chatted as much since I stopped working at the venue. Matthew and Matchmaker Ranch have taken up most of my time.

“Fill me in, Tandy. I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages,” Lilith says, after we exchange a bit of small talk.

I take a last look in the mirror before walking toward the door. “I’m really happy. Matthew makes me happy.” I slip out of the room and listen for voices.

There are some outside, but it’s quiet in the house.

Lilith gives a little squeal. “I knew it. I’m still curious about your history, though.”

“Since we were high school sweethearts, he knows exactly what pleases me. Yesterday, I came home and found a Big Hunk in my bed.” I round the corner and bump into a woman who looks very much like Catherine’s picture. “I’ll talk to you later, Lilith.”

The woman, who I’m guessing is Donna, stares at me.

“Hi, I’m Tandy.” I extend my hand.

Without saying a word, she turns and walks away.

Now that knot in my stomach is the size of a watermelon. I need chocolate and maybe something a little stronger.

CHAPTER 28

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