“You’ve talked to her?”
“We just happened to have a moment alone so I grabbed my chance. She told me to blame her.”
“Ah, no, never her. She?—”
“I’m not blaming anyone. Like I said, it’s your business.”
Meeting her gaze, he dragged in a breath. “Thank you.” And that was how a legend conducted herself when faced with such things. He’d admired her before. Now his regard bordered on worship.
She smiled. “You’re welcome.”
“When did you find out?”
“I’ve known from the beginning. I didn’t believe for a minute that Rance felt ‘left out’.” She made air quotes. “He and Lucky had their relationship tested back in February and they came out of it stronger than ever.”
“That’s what he told Lucky and Oksana when they gave us a lift to his cabin.”
She nodded. “I figured he would. And Sara told me Lani’s in on it.”
“She is. Had to be.”
“Rance must be in his element playing matchmaker and ringmaster at the same time.”
“He’s likely to fail at the matchmaking part. What about Sara’s folks? Do they know?”
“I’m not sure. Andy does because we don’t keep secrets from each other. But I see no reason to mention it to Vanessa and Harry unless they bring it up.”
“I just hope they realize …” He fumbled for the right words. “Sara means the world to me. I would never?—”
“We can all see that. And she feels the same about you. It’s unfortunate that… well, you’re in a no-win situation, aren’t you?”
“I can’t speak for Sara, but I’ve been blessed. Spending this time with her makes me the most fortunate fella alive.”
Desiree’s eyes lit up. “Nicely put. Which brings me to something else. When I mentioned something about thisupcoming call, she laughed and said she wished she could be a mouse in the corner. And I thought why not?”
“I can’t think of any reason. I didn’t know she wanted to listen in.”
“She’s a part of the story, a player from the get-go. Naturally she’s curious to hear how it goes between me and your granny.”
“Then she should be here.”
“Great. I said I’d text her if you gave the okay.” She pulled out her mobile.
He should have thought of it himself. He wished he could introduce her to his oul dear and say exactly how he felt about her. Sara and Granny were the two most important women in his life and they should know each other. Would that ever happen?
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Sara took her phone out to the front porch where Lani sat reading a manuscript. Their parents were at the building site with Angie so they could discuss cabin design and placement.
Sara wasn’t about to go with them when she had the possibility of listening to the phone call. Lani didn’t go because she was in mourning for the family home in Trenton and was pretending the cabin project was a mirage.
When the text came from Desiree, Sara leaped up. “He said yes! I get to listen in.”
“Wish I could. This manuscript is deadly dull.”
“I could ask Kieran if you?—”
“No, don’t. It’s not a performance. That’s Lucky’s truck coming around the bend, so you’d better get in there.”
