“Let her be.She’s not going anywhere.”
He wiped his hand down his face and then turned to Dottie.“I know what you’re doing.Saying things like you just did, and I want to thank you.I need all the help I can get for her to want to stay here.”
“I see the way that woman looks at you.I would bet you a thousand dollars she won’t be going anywhere.”
He felt his heart lighten, and it was easier to breathe.The optimism filled him with hope, and it was something he desperately needed.
Blake walked over to Dottie and hugged her tightly.
“Thank you.You’ve always looked out for me my whole life.In fact, you were a mother to me.The only one I ever had, and I am so thankful.”
He grinned when he heard her sniff.She hated to cry.
“Stop.You’re being too mushy, and it makes me want to vomit.”
He threw his head back and laughed, feeling light-hearted at that moment.
He released her and stepped back. “I just had to get it said.”
“Well, that doesn’t mean I’m not going to quit if you get too bossy,” she snarked.
He snorted.“All right.I’ll probably fire you again, too.”
“Fine by me,” she grunted.“Now, get out of my kitchen.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
He heard Dottie whisper, “That’s the boy I raised,” and he grinned.She was right about that.
Blake made his way up to his own room to shower.He placed his hand on her door.
“Hopefully, someday soon, we’ll be showering together.”
Chapter Thirteen
Hanna stood under theshower spray and let the warm water ease the muscles in her back and legs.She’d forgotten how many muscles it took to stay on a horse, but she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
