"Mrs.Fitz will enjoy the company," Dan said."I'm glad you decided to stay with her."
"Though my wife, Shannon, and I would have loved for you to stay in one of our cabins, the one closest to the main house," Chase said again."But I agree with Dan."
"Does she often have stay-over guests?"Lacy asked.Because everything was ready for one, she wondered if she did.
"If we have a blizzard, she's prepared to open her home to anyone in need," Chase said.
"Oh, how lovely."Lacy couldn't imagine doing that, afraid she would meet dangerous people, if she did, at least with her luck.
They headed back to the shop, ordered special lattes and scones when they arrived, then wished her well, Chet giving another hug and kiss to Ava, and left.
"Your home is beautiful, and thanks so much for giving me the chance to stay there," Lacy told Mrs.Fitz.
"I'm so glad to have the company."She was all smiles, looking like she genuinely meant it."We can decide on what we want to eat for dinner when we get home."
"Or we can make something here," Ava said.
"True.I often do that.It's easy to fix something light here and take it home for dinner," Mrs.Fitz said.
Later that afternoon, while Lacy was cleaning pots and pans, she heard one of the ranch hands had returned.
"You're back, Rory," Ava said, sounding surprised.
"Uh, yes, uh, I thought I would get one of your hot Reuben sandwiches.”
"Okay, sure.So what would you like with that?"
Rory kept looking back at the kitchen.
Ava chuckled."All right.”Without waiting for him to answer, she said, “Potato chips and a pickle."Then she headed to the kitchen."Hey, I think Rory is here to see you, Lacy."
Lacy shook her head."I'm not dating.Not after what I've been through."
"He just wants a Reuben and chips.Ask him what he wants to drink.You'll make his day," Ava said.
"All right."Lacy didn't want to get Rory's hopes up because she really had no plan to date anyone anytime soon.What if Timothy thought she was still here, even though the tracking devices were on their way to Denver?She had stopped here.He might try to locate her—shoot, her car.Timothy could see it parked out in front of the shop."I need to hide my car, Mrs.Fitz."
"Of course you do.I should have thought of that right away.Ava and I can't leave the shop.We’re too busy this time of day, but Rory can go with you and return you here in his truck.Just park your car in the garage.Here are the keys to the house."
"Thanks so much."
"No problem.I should have thought of it when Dan and the others were here."
Lacy hated to ask Rory for help.He might feel that she wanted him for more than that, or that she was a damsel in distress, which she was, but she hated feeling that way.She left the kitchen and greeted him."Uhm, I have a request for you if it's all right with you."
"I overheard.Sure, I'll drive over there with you and then come back for my meal."
"Thanks."
"My pleasure."He followed her in his pickup truck, and when they arrived at the house, she went inside, found the garage, opened the door, and parked her car.
Once she closed the garage door and locked up the house, she climbed into Rory's truck.
"I guess you're having a bit of trouble," he said.
"Some."
"Well, we're all here for you."Rory didn't press her to learn what it was all about, and she appreciated it.
