To her own delight, Ella proved to be a quick study. Within five minutes, they were ready to go. When they reached Cassie’s restaurant, Cody tied the horses to a hitching post and offered Ella his arm. She slid her hand into the crook of his elbow. “Chivalrous.”
“According to Miss Hattie, this is a date. I have to be chivalrous.”
She smiled. “It’s nice seeing a new side of you.”
“My mother made sure to teach me good manners. The orphanage might have taken some of it out of me, but then Miss Hattie took over once I started ranching.” He smirked. “She made sure I knew how to treat a lady.”
“And now she’s making you use those skills.”
Cody chuckled. “So it seems.”
They made their way into the café. Cody pulled out a chair for Ella, seating her as properly as any man in Boston had. She raised a brow. “You do know what you’re doing.”
He settled into his own chair. “I’m rusty. It’s been ten years since I’ve had a date. At least I know you won’t leave me.”
The words sounded teasing, but his eyes held a hint of vulnerability. Ella laid her napkin on her lap without releasing his gaze. “I’ll hold to our vows.”
He nodded slowly. “As will I.”
Cassie appeared at their table, breaking the connection between them. “Howdy. I’m happy to see you two. And a little confused. What are you doing in town?”
“Miss Hattie decided we needed an evening together.” Ella smiled at her friend. “So here we are.”
“That woman knows what she’s doing. Playing matchmaker, she is.” Cassie grinned.
Cody rolled his eyes. “Not much point in that. It’s not as though we can be unmatched after marrying.”
Cassie pushed his shoulder. “Not matchmaking for marriage. Matchmaking for love.” She waggled her eyebrows. “By summer’s end, I’m telling you.”
Ella blushed.
Cody looked between her and Cassie, brow furrowed. “Huh?”
“You’ll see, brother. Now, what can I get you two?”
Cody looked at Ella. “Are you ready to order?”
She nodded. “Coffee with cream and shepherd’s pie sounds wonderful.”
“I’ll have the same, minus the cream.”
Cassie smiled. “See, you’re already acting like most married couples, ordering the same food.”
Ella tipped her head. “Is that a thing?”
“I think she made it up.” Cody raised his brows. “Didn’t you, Cass?”
She shrugged. “All I know is, Travis and I do the same. Therefore, it must be a married people trait.”
Cody laughed. “I don’t think that’s how it works.”
“I’m gonna believe it until proven wrong. I’ll go get that coffee now.” With a toss of her curls, Cassie sauntered off.
Ella leaned an elbow on the table, resting her chin in her hand. “Has she always been so perky?”
“Yeah. She’s been my sunshine in an otherwise dreary couple of decades.”
“You two have a strong relationship, don’t you?”
