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Finley spent the next few minutes getting us checked in, then asked for a credit card. A few weeks back, I’d opened a new bank account with my fake name and taken out a credit card in case I needed one. I handed it to her, feeling like a criminal. My hands were all sweaty, and my heart pounded. However, the card went through, and I signed the bill just as the bell over the door jingled.
I turned, as I always did when someone was behind me, to see a man about my age walking into the lobby. He wore designer jeans and an immaculate button-down shirt paired with a blue jacket. The tips of his cowboy boots were covered with mud, making his appearance a juxtaposition. Floppy brown hair and hazel eyes, an olive complexion, and a wide, smiling mouth. Good Lord. This was a good-looking man.
“Hey there.” He had a silky voice like warm caramel melting in my mouth. “Welcome to Crescent Moon Ranch. I’m Thad Moon.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said, barely louder than a whisper. John had called me a timid mouse, not just because I was small but because of my innate shyness.
“They’re just checking in,” Finley said from behind the counter. “Staying for the long weekend.”
“Great.” He knelt to say hello to Chloe. “I see you have a Slurfpig. Do you like him?”
“She’s a girl,” Chloe said, still clutching the strange stuffed animal to her chest.
She was protecting it from harm, I thought. An instinct born from her father’s cruelty. I cursed him silently.
“Right, of course. How could I get that mixed up?” Thad said.
“Don’t know. She’s purple.”
“You know your colors?” Thad asked.
“Yes.” Chloe nodded solemnly. “I go school.”
“You’re a big, grown-up girl. Are you excited to see some animals? We have horses and a pig and a whole bunch of chickens.” Thad remained kneeling, speaking to her in a grown-up voice instead of the baby talk adults so often did.
“Yes sir.” Chloe moved closer to him, inspecting his face as if she were memorizing all the details for a quiz later. One hand let go of Slurfpig and she reached over to touch his hair before I could stop her. “Soft.”
He grinned. “Thank you. I’ve been using a new conditioner.”
“Mama gives me that too,” Chloe said. “Are you having turkey?”
“For Thanksgiving? You bet I am. How about you?”
“I don’t know,” Chloe said.
“Well, I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll find out where you can get some turkey, okay?” Thad asked.
“Okay.” Chloe looked up at me. “Mama likes turkey.”
Thad straightened. “Even more reason to find some, then.”
I found my gaze locked to his for a moment before I came to my senses. “Is the restaurant open for Thanksgiving dinner?”
“Yes, we have a buffet that day,” Thad said. “My brother’s the chef at the Bunkhouse and believe me, you’re in for a treat all weekend.”
“Wonderful,” I murmured.
“Let me walk you to your cabin,” Thad said. “And show you around.”
I thanked him, said goodbye to Finley, and followed Thad and Chloe out the door. They were holding hands. Apparently, my daughter found him as beguiling as I.
* * *
That night, I lay awake in our cabin listening to the sounds on the ranch. There weren’t many. An occasional hoot of an owl and the sounds of geese heading south. We’d only been here for an afternoon and evening, and already Chloe seemed more relaxed. She’d giggled during our trip to see the animals and even agreed to sit on a horse with Soren Moon, the brother who took care of the animals and ranch activities, behind her. We’d had a wonderful dinner at the restaurant, splurging instead of eating the meager supplies I’d brought with us.
I was falling for this place fast.
Did I have to leave Bluefern and the ranch? I’d noticed they seemed short-staffed during dinner. I had waitress experience. No references, unfortunately. No internet presence. Would they hire someone like that?
