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"Yes. I want to, if that's okay," Everly said quickly.
"Good. Well, I'd like to offer you a promotion."
Everly's mouth dropped open. "What?" She was the receptionist. There wasn't a higher position in that area of the ranch.
"If you're interested, my mom would like for you to consider moving to the event planning side of the ranch. The venue is almost finished, and she's been meeting with couples who are interested in getting married here. That's actually where she is right now. Apparently, lots of people are loving the space and the ranch atmosphere, and she's a little overwhelmed. Plus, she's still going to therapy and has regular follow-up appointments with her doctors."
Excitement swelled in Everly's chest. She hadn’t considered moving to a different position at the ranch, but now it seemed like a perfect transition. "Wow. This is unexpected."
"Is it really? You're great at the check-in office because you're so friendly and welcoming. But you'd also be great at helping couples plan their weddings. So many parts of the planning process can be stressful for the brides, but you're optimistic, and you think quick on your feet. I have no doubt you'd be great at helping Linda at the venue."
"Thanks. I'm still shocked," Everly said. "But, if you remember, I did a terrible job at planning my own wedding."
Ava grinned. "It's not the same. You don't have to make the decisions. You'd give the couples options, and they'd do the picking. You’d just be dealing with the vendors they choose."
"True. That sounds much easier."
"Linda has a job description and list of duties. She's supposed to be coming over to talk to you about it when she finishes the meeting she's in right now."
Everly looked at her plate. "This job sounds amazing, but I don't think I'm qualified."
"Really? You run your own freelance editing business, you know how to talk to customers, and you're extremely organized. Sounds like you're perfect for the job. If you want it. That's the kicker. We're not trying to force you to change positions if you don't want to. Truly, we just don't want to lose you at all. You're a great employee and friend."
Everly's eyes widened. "You'll have to kick me out of here before I leave willingly. I wasn't looking forward to leaving, and I definitely want to stay now."
One of the cowboys stepped around the back of the house. Everly couldn't see his face, but Paul was unmistakable with Thane by his side. The wolf dog strode confidently beside his owner until a sharp whistle drew his attention in the direction of the porch.
When Thane looked, so did Paul. He lifted his hand toward Everly and Ava in a casual wave, but Thane changed direction, parting ways with his owner to join the women.
"We'll take good care of him," Ava shouted to Paul.
Everly tilted her head toward Paul as he walked off. “How are things going with Paul?” she asked.
Everyone at the ranch had been surprised to find out that the older wrangler, Paul, was actually Ava’s biological father. Ava’s mother had kept the secret and married another man who helped raise Ava as his own.
“Great. The more I get to know him, the more I admire him.” Ava sighed. “I just wish I could have known about him years ago. I mean, I still love and miss the dad I grew up with, but I’m glad to have Paul in my life.”
“It’s good that you’re getting to spend so much time together now.” Everly leaned closer to whisper, “Does he actually talk to you?”
Ava laughed and covered her mouth before answering. “He does, though I’m learning that he doesn’t speak unless he has something important to share, and I’m okay with that.”
Everly’s own father was assertive and outspoken, and she’d learned to accept their differences too. It must be the same understanding between Ava and Paul.
Thane greeted each of them with his nose in the air, lifting his head to their hands.
"He's such a ham," Everly said sweetly.
"As if he doesn't get enough attention," Ava added as she stroked Thane's side.
"I always wanted a dog, but we moved around too much."
"Why don't you get one now?" Ava asked.
Everly studied Thane. Why couldn't she get a dog? "You know, I might do that. I'll have to wait and see where I end up. I can't exactly get a pet while I'm living with Ridge and Blake."
Ava leaned forward, propping her elbows on her knees. "That's another thing I wanted to talk to you about. The wedding is coming up, and I'll be moving into Jameson's cabin until we get the house finished."
Everly gasped. "Have you even started yet? I hadn't heard."
