Page 138 of Lavender Lake
“No.” She pinched my cheek. “But I’ll have to get over it, won’t I?”
“You know,” Poet said, raising her mug of tea to her lips, “you told us about the ranch. You showed us videos and pictures, you turned the camera around on FaceTime, but nothing, and I meannothing,prepared me for seeing it in person.”
“Agreed, 110 percent,” Wyn added.
After dinner, the four of us sat around the lit fire circle. It was like old times. If felt like when the four of us were in New York, having random moments where we were all together.
“This is nice,” Hadley said. “I love having you guys here.”
“Me too,” I agreed. “Muddy does too. She was so happy she got to add an extra leaf to extend the dining room table. She loves a full house.”
“Muddy is everyone’s grandmother,” Wyn said.
“And just as nosy,” I warned. “So don’t say anything you don’t want her to pry into.”
“Duly noted,” Wyn said with a laugh.
“Your dad is looking better than I thought he would,” Poet admitted.
“He still tires pretty easily,” Hadley said. “But I’m hoping by the wedding he’ll be able to at least sit through the ceremony. I doubt he’ll be awake for the reception though.”
“You two should do the father-daughter dance first then,” I said.
Hadley smiled. “That’s a good idea.”
“So, Jane is nice,” Poet said.
“Yeah, she’s great,” Hadley added.
“How are you feeling about it all?” Poet looked at me when she asked the question.
“Jane and I had lunch the other day. We’re cool.”
Wyn and Poet stared at me like they didn’t believe me.
“It’s calledgrowth. I’m capable of it.”
“Glad to hear it,” Poet said. “Family friction is the worst.”
“Heard from your parents?” Hadley asked gently.
Poet nodded, but didn’t elaborate.
“So how are you going to entertain us for the next few days?” Wyn asked, changing the subject.
“Well, we can do a trail ride,” Hadley said. “Show you the ranch.”
“But Salem won’t go,” Wyn said. “She hates horses.”
“I don’t hate horses. I love horses. Just don’t like being atop them. But I will suffer a trail ride for you girls.”
“You brought swimsuits, right?” Hadley asked.
“Yep,” Poet said.
“Good.” Hadley looked at me. “The hot spring.”
I nodded. “Yes, the hot spring.”
