“What is it?” she asked, her curiosity innocent.
“It’s a surprise.”
“Do we have time for—”
“Those two have a to-do list longer than the drive to town since Ronnie stopped by. Trust me, we’d only be in the way until they’re wrapped up for the day.” Hudson stuffed his wallet in his back pocket and grabbed his keys off a hook. “C’mon.”
“Do I need to bring anything?” she asked, reaching for her purse. “Boots or gloves?”
“Not a thing.”
She waited until they were on the gravel road headed west before she asked, “Do I get a hint?”
Hudson smirked, enjoying her eagerness too much to spoil it. “What fun is there in that?”
“You’re killing me, you know that?” She slipped her phone out of her pocket, no doubt to check whatever email she’d forgotten about over lunch. He doubted she’d get a signal this far from civilization. Her frown confirmed it.
“I was like you once,” he said. “Glued to my phone and every email that came in, no matter what time of the day.”
“Old habits.” She dropped her cell into her purse and zipped it shut. “I guess it’ll only get worse.”
“You sure you want that promotion?” Hudson dared to ask. He hadn’t planned to push the subject at all. But his ability to be supportive was waning. Yes, he wanted Reese to stay. But
more than that, he wanted her to be happy and fulfilled. He saw firsthand what a director position could do to a person. How it could completely consume their life and steal every ounce of energy from them.
“Of course I do.” She turned a smile to him, but it didn’t fully reach her eyes. “It’s everything I’ve been working toward. I’d be foolish to turn it down.”
Hudson wasn’t satisfied with her response, but they were at Andy Marshall’s ranch. The chorus of yipping effectively ended their conversation. For now.
“What is this place?”
“Another ranch.”
“There this much barking on all the ranches?” She narrowed her eyes at him, but the twinkle of excitement danced in them anyway. She had to suspect why they were here. A glance out the window and Reese saw an outdoor pen with fluffy little dogs. “Do we get to play withpuppies?”
Hudson knew many things about Reese, including her abundant love of all things furry and cute. Maybe it was cruel to tease her with puppies when she could never have one of her own in Chicago.Or maybe it’s a strategy. He dared Ronnie to get upset about his straying from today’s itinerary. “Buddy of mine has a litter of Australian shepherd pups inside the barn. They won’t be ready to leave for a couple more weeks, but he promised me first pick.”
Reese’s almond eyes grew twice their size, filling with pure joy. “You’re picking out a puppy?”
Pushing his truck door open, he said, “You’re going to help me.”
Andy Marshall waved to them from the barn door, waiting for them to catch up. “Hudson, good to see you.” They shook hands but his eyes were on Reese as he awaited an introduction. Though he’d never mentioned Reese to his buddy, Andy was among many who constantly badgered Hudson about settling down and ‘joining the club’ with the rest of them.
“This is Reese Calloway. Ronnie’s friend from Chicago.”
Andy flashed him ayeah right, that’s not alllook before turning his attention to Reese to complete introductions. “You two ready to meet the gang?” The yipping grew louder as they entered the barn.
“How many puppies do you have?” Reese asked, the excitement in her voice contagious. It was one of his favorite things about her. It was impossible to be around her andnotfeel happy. She could erase a grumpy mood like it never existed.
“Seven with this litter. Three girls and four boys.”
Reese squealed in delight when Andy opened the door and allowed her to step into the penned-off area first. A heavy layer of hay covered the barn floor, and several brightly colored toys were strewn about in pieces.
“Try to pick me out one that chews the least,” he said to Reese.
“You wantmeto pick out your puppy?”
He hoped it would betheirpuppy. The first addition to a family he desperately wanted to start with her, but he kept those wishes to himself. “I trust your judgment.” He winked at her. “Don’t screw it up.”
