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“Okay, here we are...” I nod toward her window and drive slower. “On the right is the pool and lounge area, and next to it is the huge bonfire. They light it every Friday night and have a s’mores party for everyone.”
“That sounds delicious. I haven’t had one of those in years.”
“Probably since we made them in high school, huh?”
“Yep. Serena would love them, though.”
“The barn and pasture for the trail horses are down that way.” I point. “The trail rides are behind the cabins up the hill to the left. Wilder and Waylon do them twice a day.”
“I bet they’re a hoot to have as guides,” she says with a knowing grin. “In a non-charming way.”
“Mm-Hmm.” I roll my eyes.
“They were in one of those bridal party videos too. I recognized their faces but didn’t wanna say anything in front of them. They were rippin’ off their shirts and givin’ lap dances like a cowboy straight outtaMagic Mike.”
I groan at the imagery. “Of course they were.”
“I thought you joined a ranch strip club.” She fails at holding back a laugh when I shoot her a murderous glare. “There’s five cabins, right?”
“Yeah. The two larger ones sleep up to twelve people and the other three sleep up to six.”
“That’s a good number.”
“Yeah, not too many at once, and even at the bare minimum, enough to keep the staff busy. Wanna stop and look around or go to the main house?”
“I’d love to meet the Hollises if you don’t mind going there?”
“Not at all. When you come back with Serena, we’ll go ridin’ as a family.” I glance over and notice a red tint over her cheeks.
“I’d love that,” she says.
Me too.
Once I park in front of the two-story sage-colored house, we get out and meet in front of my truck.
“This is the perfect country house.” Laney admires the immaculate landscaping and wraparound porch filled with rocking chairs and hanging plants. “I wonder if they sit out here a lot.”
“Gramma Grace and Dena do after supper. They like to read and enjoy the peace and quiet after the kitchen’s cleaned up and everyone’s left to do their evening chores,” I tell her. “That’s been their mother-daughter tradition ever since she moved in three years ago after her father passed away.”
“Oh, how sad. How many live here?”
I start counting on my fingers. “Gramma Grace, Garrett and Dena, Landen, and Tripp. Also Mallory, who took over Noah’s bedroom when she moved in last year. You haven’t met her yet, but she’s their little cousin.”
“The twins live in the ranch hand cabins by you. Where’s Noah stayin’?”
“She has a cottage about half a mile away. Noah likes having her privacy and being away from her brothers.”
She laughs. “Understandable.”
Grabbing her hand, I lead her up the porch stairs and open the door. “Knock, knock. Comin’ in,” I call out.
“Is that my favorite Texas cowboy?” Dena asks.
Chuckling, I shake my head. “Always tryin’ to butter me up, ain’t ya?”
“Well, I gotta.” She turns around from the sink and smiles at me, then notices Laney and her eyes widen. “I was wonderin’ when you were gonna let me meet your guest.”
“Laney, this is Dena Hollis. Dena, this is Laney Bennett.”
