“Great discussion. If you enjoyed the scenes I wrote, you can thank yourself. I should probably mention you in the acknowledgments.”
“Don’t you dare.”
“I’m kidding. I wouldn’t do that. Our fight was private and special. That’s when I knew for sure you’re the one.”
“Oh, Rance, no I’m not.”
“I’m afraid you are. That doesn’t mean it’ll work out. I’ve faced the fact it’s up in the air for now. But my gut and my cock agree. I know you don’t want to hear it, Lani-lou, but you’re the one.”
CHAPTER NINE
To Rance’s surprise, Lani hadn’t dinged him for calling her Lani-lou. Or told him he was delusional. Or an idiot. He’d apparently stunned her into silence with that last speech.
If she had more to say, she’d have to make it quick. They’d arrived. As he pulled in, Granny came out on the porch, her green checked apron over her dress, but no coat or hat.
“Doggone it.” He threw the gearshift into park and hopped out. “Sorry we’re a little late! Please go back in. It’s freezing out here.”
“Then ya didn’t have a wreck or somethin’?”
“No. We’re fine.” He slammed the door and started around to the passenger side but Lani was already out.
“It’s my fault, Granny.” She hurried right past him. “I’m so sorry. I’m the one who made us late.” She dashed up the steps. “I hope we didn’t ruin your shepherd’s pie.”
“Just turned off the oven, I did. Texted ya, Rance, but ya didn’t?—”
“Must not have heard it.” He took the steps two at a time and followed Lani though the door. He hung his hat on the coat rack. “Lani and I got to talking. It’s nobody’s fault. We lost track of?—”
“Never ya mind, luv. Ya made it in one piece. Nothin’ else matters, now, does it?” She turned to smile at them. “Take off yer coats, but stay outta the kitchen, both of ya. Turn yer backs ta the door. Don’t be lookin’ ’round. I’ve got ta set the scene.”
“Set the scene?” Lani stopped so quickly that he nearly ran into her.
“My mum use ta set the scene when company came.” She made a shooing motion with both hands. “Go on with ya. Look the other way.”
Lani faced him with a cute little smile. “She means you, too, buster.”
“Right.” He turned and took a step back so he was standing beside her and could help her off with her coat.
Lani lowered her voice. “Do you know what she’s up to?”
“I have no idea.” He hung up her coat and his jacket.
“But you said you’ve had a lot of people over since she’s been here. She didn’t set the scene for them?”
“I guess there’s company and then there’scompany.”
“Apparently.”
“Just so you know, I told her working remotely is out. She understands the program is in jeopardy.”
“It’s always been in jeopardy. You just didn’t realize it.”
“But I do, now.”
She glanced at him. “Do you?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He held her gaze. “But that doesn’t change?—"
“Ya can come in!”
