“There he is. We’ve been wandering around looking for you.”
Shit. I spaced my mom and Grace coming over to check out the ranch and having dinner here with me.
I spin on my boots, trying not to look like I forgot. “Mom. Grace. I’m glad you’re here.”
“You forgot, didn’t you?” Grace asks, crossing her arms over her chest.
“What? No.” Of course they can see through my lie. “I got stuck on a work call.”
“Ranch work or Seattle work?” Mom pecks my cheek.
“Seattle work.”
“Doesn’t matter.” She waves me off and hooks her arm through my elbow. “Now, show us what you’ve been doing.”
I give the two of them a tour of the lodge, some of the guest rooms, and take them out to the barn.
“There’s still a lot of work to do,” I say.
“Kade.” Mom turns wide eyes on me. “You should be proud of yourself, Kade. I know Verne would be.”
I kick at a rock in the dirt and blow out a breath. Gas lamps light up the trail as night starts to settle in.
“Really? Sometimes I can’t help but wonder if he’d hateall these changes we’re making. ‘Too modern or fussy,’ he’d say.”
“If he didn’t trust you, he wouldn’t have left you the ranch,” Mom says.
“It’s a night and day difference,” Grace agrees. “If I didn’t have a degree in teaching, I’d come work for you.”
“Is this you asking for a job?” I laugh.
“God, no. The last thing I want is to work for you.”
“What love from you two.” Mom rolls her eyes.
I laugh, draping an arm over my sister’s shoulders and heading back toward the lodge.
“C’mon. We have a new tasting menu we’re trying out and I want your opinion on it.”
“You know I’ll never say no to trying new foods.” Mom claps her hands, following the two of us.
“And maybe you can finally tell us what’s going on with you and Presley,” Grace says.
“Is this why you guys wanted to come over?”
“I wanted to see the ranch,” Mom says.
“Yes,” Grace answers at the same time.
I shake my head, opening the door for them. “You know, I forgot how nosey you can be, sis.”
She gives me the smile that only annoying siblings can give you. “You know, if you were more open about things, I wouldn’t have to be so nosey.”
“Leave your brother alone.” Mom swats at her. “Let him keep his business to himself.”
“You get to eat tonight.” I laugh, pointing at Mom.
“Rude,” Grace exclaims. “And to think I helped you choose a gift for Poppy.”
