"Everything is good here and taking food advice from a pregnant woman probably isn't the smartest move."
They found a quiet table in the dining room and ordered drinks. Sarah reached across the table and took her mother's hand. "What's up? You're nervous."
"I want to go home."
The way she blurted it out caught Sarah off guard. "I figured you might, but I didn't expect you to make the decision right away."
Vinia slumped in her chair. "I forgot how beautiful it is there. And I went to visit the old house, and some of our old friends are still around. I love the ranch, but I really miss my home."
"Then do it. I'm sure the boys will understand. Or maybe they'll want to come, too. I don't understand what the problem is."
"Do you want me there? You're starting a family, and you and Luke deserve time alone without me or your brothers constantly interrupting. And, Sarah, you'll be a queen."
"It's just a word, Mom. A title. It's not who I am. Luke doesn't plan on flaunting his power or ruling with an iron fist. I want you there. I don't want to have to fly to come see you. It doesn't bother me in the least."
The waitress brought their drinks and took their orders.
"I am so proud of you."
Sarah's eyes widened. "Me? Why?"
"I get why you didn't tell us about Luke," Vinia answered. "And I suppose I have to say that you're right, we wouldn't have understood. But when you found out you were pregnant, you were willing to do it on your own. You didn't break down and blame the world, you just stepped up and accepted that you'd be a single mom."
"That's not brave, that's just reality."
"Either way, it's commendable, and I love your spirit."
After dinner, they walked outside and looked up at the stars peeking out. "I'm going to miss the sky," Sarah lamented.
"There's a sky at the gardens, too, you know."
"Yeah, but they're not these stars."
"So, bring your daughter back here with you to visit. It's a benefit of being a dragon."
Vinia made coffee when they got home. "I don't know what to do about the ranch. If the boys decide to go, should we sell it?"
"Do we have to?"
"Not if we can find a better solution."
Colton came into the kitchen and grabbed a mug. "I thought I smelled coffee."
"We were just talking," Vinia informed him.
"About moving back home?"
Vinia's brow raised at Colton's question. "How'd you know?"
"Cause me and the others have been talking about it. We were pretty sure that you wanted to move back. Were we right?"
Vinia nodded.
"We do, too. All of us. Ellie is done with her soap opera contract. Danielle can wrap up her cases here. Joey can fly back and forth for the rodeo thing. Valerie is homeschooling anyhow. It's all doable."
"What are we going to do about the ranch?" Sarah asked.
"I don't think we should sell it, so I was thinking about Ezra."
