Ellie shrugged. "I had more than she did, but she never complained. I paid our way most of the time, but again, if she needed money, all she had to do was say something."
"Why don't we go back to my house and regroup there. While I enjoy having you here all to myself, at this point I would much prefer to have you at the homestead where I have a little bit of backup. My brothers are back, and, well, to be perfectly honest, this Nita chick doesn't have anything against a family of dragons. They pulled one over on us up here by divide and conquer, but they won't do that as a family."
Ellie stared up at him. "Do I get to ride on your back again?"
He nodded. "The guys took the horses back already, and it's a long walk."
"Oh, I'm not complaining. If anything, I like to ride you."
He winked at her. "That's what I said."
Her cheeks heated up as he put the fire out and locked the cabin. A minute later, she was squealing in delight as they slalomed through the trees back to the house. They landed behind the barn, and Ellie waved at Vinia as they approached the porch.
"I hope you brought your appetite."
Colton kissed her cheek. "How'd you know we'd be here for dinner?"
"A mother knows everything, dear. Come on. Everyone else should be here in a minute."
A beautiful young woman stood in the kitchen slicing bread. Colton introduced Ellie. "My pain in the ass baby sister, Sarah."
"Oh, shut up, Cole. You know your life would be boring without me around." She smiled at Ellie. "It's good to have another female amongst all this testosterone."
"That bread smells amazing."
"Right?" Sarah tossed her a slice. "If I could put that scent in a candle, I'd be a millionaire and we wouldn't have to worry about losing the ranch."
"Sarah," Colton warned. "Not now."
Ellie sensed a little bit of tension, but Vinia moved in to distract them. "Let's get this in a basket on the table."
The meal was a lively atmosphere that made Ellie feel right at home. Vinia made sure to keep her interactive. "Do you have siblings?"
"No, it was just me and my mom growing up. My dad passed away when I was just little, and then I lost my mom a couple years ago. I guess you could say I'm an orphan because all of my grandparents are gone, too."
"Well, you have a family now, whether Cole marries you or not."
"Mother!" Colton covered his face. "I can't take you anywhere."
Sarah excused herself as soon as they were done eating. Ellie sensed the tension when she was leaving.
Vinia grabbed some of the dishes. "Will you be home tonight?"
"Doubtful."
"Where are you going?" Colton was more direct.
"Out." She smiled at Ellie. "Nice to meet you."
Things quieted once Sarah left. Vinia pointed at Colton. "You're going to have to talk to her, you know. You're the only one she listens to."
"Because we know how well that's worked the last dozen times I've tried to get answers from her."
Tyson changed the subject. "You two realize that you got away too easy, right?"
Colton nodded as Ellie frowned. "What do you mean?"
"They kidnapped you. They knocked Cole flat on his ass, which is no easy feat most days. And you two just waltzed right out of there. I don't want to scare you, but they want something so this isn't over just because you got away."
