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“I guess I could do that,” Elise said.
“Good, I think so too,” Garrett said. He picked up his menu. “Now let’s do what a normal married couple would do and order food and enjoy a dinner out.”
Elise nodded and began to study her own menu.
“What do you like to eat at Italian restaurants?”
“I really haven’t been to eat at one in a long time. My parents had a favorite one in Timberline. That was their date night spot.”
“That’s nice that they had a special place.”
Elise smiled. “I always thought it was cute. I’m sure it was a little hole in the wall, but they loved it and enjoyed going together.”
“That’s what matters. I don’t remember my parents going to a specific restaurant.”
“Your dad probably liked your mom’s cooking more than any restaurant.”
Garrett laughed. “That’s true. I do remember that they would go on date nights where they just went for a drive, or they would go for a moonlit horse ride. Those were Mom’s favorites.”
“That sounds nice.”
“When was the last time you rode a horse?”
Elise tilted her head as she considered the question. “I don’t know exactly. It’s been a long time. Maybe when we were in high school. Remember when we would come out on Saturdays and go for rides?”
“Sure do.”
“The Macklin boys always liked to act like the pros telling everybody what to do.”
Garrett held up his hands. “Hey, can you blame us? We’ve all been riding practically since we were born.”
“I know, but you didn’t have to be so competitive about it.”
Garrett snorted. “Have you met us? Competitive is our middle name. But you’re distracting me from the point. When we’re back home, would you like to go for a ride?”
Her face lit up. “Actually, yes, I would. I was a little jealous that the boys were going to ride while we’re gone.”
“Elise, you live on a ranch now. All you have to do is ask.”
“Good thing I bought those cowboy boots then,” she said.
“You did?” Garrett’s eyes flew wide open. “I was going to take you to buy some.” He leaned over and glanced under the table. “You’re not wearing them?”
“No. I was saving them for tomorrow when we went to the auction.” She shrugged and cut her eyes away from him. “I guess I wanted to surprise you.”
“Well, I am surprised. And when you put them on, I’ll pretend to be surprised again.”
Elise let out a giggle, and she looked and sounded so much like the girl he had known all his life.
The waitress came then and took their orders. The rest of the dinner felt comfortable as Elise let herself chat with ease. Garrett smiled the whole time. He’d never known he could enjoy the company of a beautiful woman so much.
23
After dinner, Elise followed Garrett’s lead when he suggested they go for a walk around some of the shops. She tried to convince herself to relax at dinner and enjoy herself. It had worked a little bit, although she still wasn’t sure how this was supposed to work. How could she act casual on a date with her husband who she didn’t actually date before they were married?
“It’s strange seeing you in a shopping center,” she said to Garrett.
“Oh? Why?”
