“That would be grand.”
The Raccoon emptied out and Rio rode back to the Victorian in Luis’s truck, hopping in the backseat with Cole. Did Luis realize how much Rio idolized him? Kat had done a good thing by advocating for this new arrangement.
While Luis searched for a parking spot, she checked out the situation at the Victorian. The double doors were propped open again and lines for Rance and Desiree already stretched into the circular drive. If Oksana had one, it was contained within the house.
“Hey, guys, I was hoping for shorter wait times this afternoon, but that’s not what I’m seeing.”
Luis slid his truck into one of the last remaining spots. “I say we get our books and pick a line.”
She nodded. “I agree. Do you know where the books are stored?”
“I had a chance to ask Lucky when we first went into the Raccoon, while you were talking to Desiree. They’re in the kitchen. In the pantry.”
“Do you know if he included any of Oksana’s?”
“He set aside some of hers, too. He knows it won’t be in high demand because it’s not a Western, but he said she’s a great writer.”
“She is. I bought the first one because Desiree promoted it in her newsletter. It was terrific. I was a miserable tween girl so I can relate.”
“I was a miserable tween boy,” Cole said, “and I have no desire to revisit that time in my life.”
Rio snorted. “Same here.”
“I dunno, guys.” Luis glanced toward the back seat. “Lucky told me he’s enjoying that series. The books help him understand where his wife is coming from.”
“Makes sense for him,” Rio said. “He’s in love with the author. If Sophie writes a book, I’ll read that.”
Cole laughed. “Let me guess. Sophie’s your girlfriend.”
“For now, anyway. We like each other but it’s not serious.”
“Good for you. Take your time. Anyway, I’m sticking with Desiree’s and Rance’s books. But what’s this about a stash in the kitchen? How are we supposed to pay for them?”
Luis glanced over his shoulder. “You’re not.”
“That’s ridiculous. The authors should get paid. Besides, some of the proceeds go to Hearts & Hooves.”
“You’re welcome to make another donation to H&H if you want, but the McLintocks are giving us these books as a token of their gratitude.”
“For what, exactly?”
“The Bridger Foundation is renting them space at a very reasonable rate. We also paid for the renovation and hired Angie’s crew to do the work.”
Cole let out a whistle. “Now that I’ve seen that renovation, I have a fair idea what it’s worth. You deserve some free books. Maybe free books for life.”
“Nah. One time is plenty. Doing something Dad would have loved means a lot to all of us. We’re grateful to them, too. It’s win-win.”
“Alrighty, then.” Cole opened his door. “Let’s go fetch those books.”
“Let’s do.” Jordan piled out with the rest of them, her anticipation building as they started walking toward the house. Her fingers itched to get hold of those books.
Luis lengthened his stride. “Guess we’re race walking.”
“Because I’m excited.”
“Ever been to a book signing?”
“Nope. You?”
