“I understand why my brother always sounded different when he talked about working out here. He seemed, I don’t know…settled.”
Ryan’s gaze drifted back toward the livery. “This place does that to you. Gets under your skin when you’re not paying attention.”
“Is that what happened to you?” Her steps slowed as they reached the end of the street.
He hefted one shoulder in a casual shrug. “Pretty much. I came down here thinking it was temporary. Do the show, help out the cousins, and head back to Oklahoma. Then one day Irealized most of the things I cared about were here instead of there.”
“Your brothers?”
“Brothers. Aunts and uncles. The projects.” He nodded toward the old building. “You spend enough time breathing life back into something like that and it’s hard to walk away.”
In only one morning she was already beginning to understand what he meant. Her gaze drifted to Ryan stopping to answer a question for one of the crew about an order of lumber. The man had an easy going manner that worked well with brothers and employees alike. Shifting to take a spot in line with a handful of other crew members, the gentle aromas of onions, cilantro and brisket wafted in her direction, making her stomach rumble and her mouth water. Was everything about Farraday Country always so… perfect?
Chapter Seven
“I’ll see you and raise you two.” Ruth Ann flipped her gray braid behind her back and tossed a few chips into the pot.
“I’m in.” Sliding her cards closed and setting them on the table in front of her, Dorothy added her two chips.
The table of the Tuckers Bluff Ladies Afternoon Social Club went silent as Eileen stared at her cards.
“Any day now, Eileen.”
“Hmm?” Glancing up, she realized it was her turn and she hadn’t a clue what was happening.
“Ruth Ann raised the bet, Dorothy is in, what about you?” Sally May huffed.
“Oh. Yes.” She reached for two chips and put them in the pot. “I’m in.”
Heaving a deep sigh, Sally May shook her head and put her cards face down on the table. “We haven’t been friends for over thirty years for me not to know when something is turning around in that little head of yours. What’s up?”
“Nothing.” Eileen went back to studying her cards and wondering why without even a single pair she’d stayed in this poker hand.
“Try again.” Dorothy smiled and leaned back in her chair. “We’re in no hurry.”
“All right, if it will get this game moving faster. I was thinking about Gray.”
“Is he all right?” Dorothy leaned forward, her brows knit with concern.
Beside Eileen, Sally May reached over and touched her friend’s hand. “Is it serious?”
“No. No.” Eileen shook her head. “Gray is healthy as a horse. All the dogs are fine. It’s just…”
“What?” Ruth Ann threw her hands wide palms up.
“I think he may be up to his old tricks.”
“Disappearing?” two voices echoed.
She shook her head again. “No. Not that.”
“Matchmaking?” All the ladies at the table now watched her wide-eyed.
“Maybe.”
“Oh, don’t stop there, woman.” Ruth Ann crossed her arms. “Spill.”
“All right.” She set her cards down, glanced around her, and then lowered her voice as she leaned into the table. “You know we have a houseguest for a few weeks.”
