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"The best."
"And you'll take care of her," the older man said. It wasn't a question. It was an order. One Blake didn't mind obeying.
"Yes, sir. I promise."
A few seconds of silence passed before Mr. Chambers spoke again. "Everly speaks softly."
Blake's brow furrowed, unsure what Mr. Chambers was getting at.
"Just make sure you listen carefully. She's too polite to say everything outright."
Blake nodded. "Yes, sir. I understand."
Everly's quiet demeanor was often mistaken for shyness, but Blake knew she just chose her battles well. When David had cheated on her, she'd stood up for herself just as she should have.
She was brave. She just didn't make unnecessary waves.
But why was Mr. Chambers warning Blake? He always listened to her. He even picked up on the unspoken things Mr. Chambers was referring to.
Blake knew her better than anyone, and she knew she could be honest with him.
Didn't she?
"Everly's dad isn't here to do the honor, so I'll take the liberty of asking about your intentions with our Everly."
Blake tried to contain his grin. Mr. Chambers was like a grandfather to Everly, and he had Blake's undying respect. "I plan to date her, ask her to marry me, have some kids with her, grow old with her, and love her through every minute of it."
Mr. Chambers grunted. "I believe that'll do."
The thought of having everything with Everly had Blake's adrenaline jumping into action. They were only beginning, and their endless future waited ahead.
***
Blake parked the UTV between the main house and the check-in office. He was still getting used to Everly's new job at the ranch. She'd been in that same office for years, and he often caught himself heading that way before remembering her new office was on the other side of the hill.
"Care to join me for a cup?" Mr. Chambers asked.
"Decaf?" Blake asked.
Mr. Chambers looked over both shoulders before answering. "The real stuff, but don't tell Ava."
Mr. Chambers's granddaughter worried about him constantly. In her defense, she hadn't witnessed his charisma for the last five years. The old man was younger than most fifty-year-old men.
Blake lifted an honest hand. "I won't tell a soul."
Satisfied with the day's work, Blake spent the next half hour sitting on the back porch of the main house in silence. Mr. Chambers liked to sit here every day, and who could blame him? The place had a gorgeous view.
When Mr. Chambers had drained his cup, he rose to his feet and patted Blake on the shoulder. "Well, I've got to run. I'm meeting Ava and Linda for dinner in town. Feel free to wait here for Everly."
"I'll take you up on that." He lifted his mug. "You care if I have another cup?"
"Help yourself."
Blake followed Mr. Chambers inside where they said their good-byes. Blake had just picked up the carafe when his phone rang. Hopefully, it wasn't Everly calling to tell him she'd be late.
Blake saw the name and answered the call. "Hey, man."
"Long time no talk," Rob Oakley said. "How's the ranch life?"
