Page 110

I packed us lunch and told her to dress comfortably.

I knock and she opens the door with a smile.

Yeah, not used to that.

“Good morning, Grumpy.”

She started calling me that last week while I showed her the land that belongs to Paradiso Ranch. Guess her sense of humor came back and decided to make me its victim.

I don’t mind.

I like this side of her.

Honestly, I think I’m starting to understand my best friend’s decision to marry that young.

Nora is… something else.

I shake the thought away.

“Mornin’.”

She holds up a cup. “Coffee? I made it just the way you like it. I ordered a coffee machine the other day. It arrived yesterday.”

Her enthusiasm over something so simple makes me smile.

I look at her hand and, sure enough, black coffee. Strong and large.

“Didn’t have to.” I take it from her.

“You could say thank you, you know.”

Her full upper lip tips up at the side and there’s a sparkle in her eyes that wasn’t there before.

Progress.

For the past two weeks, we’ve been doing small things together. Hiking, walking, visiting the animals on the ranch. She loved the kittens most, sitting with them for almost an hour the other day while they climbed all over her.

She’s still deep in her storm, still underwater, but she’s swimming now.

That’s something.

I take a sip.

Yep.

Two sugars and the perfect temperature.

“Thanks.” I tip the cup toward her.

“You’re welcome, Grumpy.”

She turns to grab her purse.

And that’s when I notice.

Short jean shorts.

Tanned legs.