Page 20 of The Rancher

Remy looks stunning.

I set the mugs down, then hold out my hands to the beautiful woman walking toward me. Her lovely brown hair is pulled back into a braid on one side, showing off dangly silver earrings that remind me of chainmail. Her dress is simple, but the deep blue color makes her eyes pop.

Her fingers flutter over the knee-length skirt. "I didn't pack heels,” she murmurs. “I only own three pairs of shoes, and I didn't think I’d be going anywhere fancy."

I look down to see she’s wearing flat-soled black leather combat boots. With the hint of her purple socks showing at the top, it gives a feminine punk vibe, but a pang zings through me at the idea of her only having three pairs of footwear. She’s mentioned not wasting money. That even extends to personal comfort? That feels too strict to me.

She eyes me carefully. "Wow. You look nice."

“Thank you. You, however, are literally breathtaking." Taking her hand, I twirl her in the living room. "Where we go this evening depends on you, baby."

Her eyebrow lifts. "What are our choices?"

"We could drive ten minutes into Rusty Hill and have dinner at the Silver Gate Café. Or we could drive fifty minutes in the opposite direction and go to the Aadland Sandersville Lodge by the lake." I grin. "We could have a quick nice dinner, or a slower, fancier one." She starts to bite her lip, so I add, "It's a casual lodge. Your boots would fit right in."

I think she's beautiful right when she comes out of the shower, but the little bit of makeup she’s put on makes her lovely eyes look even bigger.

"Why don't we go to Sandersville, since the weather is nice? Then the next time it rains, we could check out the place here in town."

"Extremely logical. I would expect nothing less from my brilliant girl."

There’s a glimmer in her eyes. Pulling her close, I cradle the back of her head and rock her against my chest. “You like it when I say you're mine, don't you?" I murmur.

"I didn't say a word."

"Didn't have to. Your eyes said it for you."

Almost an hour later we walk into the lodge, and I think my heart might explode from pride. “I called ahead, since the dining hall is often reserved for special occasions like weddings on the weekends. But since it's a Thursday, it's regular dining service."

Remy smiles sweetly, but still seems a bit uncomfortable. I flex the arm she's holding to make her laugh.

As we're being seated, the hostess whispers to her, "I love your earrings!"

"Thank you," Remy murmurs, beaming at the older woman.

By the time we’re settled in with sparkling water, a couple of fancy cocktails on the way, Remy looks much more relaxed. It’s a charming room – classy without being fussy.

I squeeze her hand under the table. "Oh, sure. I tell you you're breathtaking and you're still nervous. Another woman compliments your earrings and you totally unclench. Is that some lady thing I'll never understand?"

She nods. "I was worried I was underdressed. Her compliment reassured me I'm fine."

"I love it.” I release her hand to caress her knee, letting my fingers trail along her bare skin. “I also love that at least three guys have casually checked you out, then looked away again as soon as they realize we’re together.”

Remy blushes, bringing some color to her pale cheeks. “Now I know you're teasing.”

"Not at all. That Tim guy from the tiny houses was checking our body language to see if we're together, too."

Her mouth falls open for a split second. "You're joking."

"Why would I joke about that? You're stunning, and men notice these things."

She leans close. "Well then, you should know that if you look around the room, purple dress, black pantsuit, and ballerina bun in beige have all checked you out as well. "

I don’t even look in the direction of the other women. "Thank you, but I don't care." My lips hover at her temple. "I’ve decided. You're the one I want."

"How can you say that? It's only been⁠—"

"My entire life, wondering what I've been looking for? Yes. Then you appear and boom, that's it. I know.” I chuckle, straightening up as I see the server heading to our table. "When you know, you know, baby."