Page 65 of Meant for Her

“What’s that?” her mom asked.

“If Luke and Ryan agree, how about if I show them the ranch. If they learn something, it might please Dad that they are trying to be like him.” That sounded lame when she said it.

“They are welcome to come anytime. Maybe if your father interacts with them on a ranching level, his respect for them might grow. But don’t hold your breath that he’ll be in favor of this union anytime soon.”

That didn’t sound hopeful. “I’ll see if the men are willing to give it a try.”

“You do that, dear. I’m guessing you won’t be stopping by?”

It was almost creepy how much her mother could read her mind. “I guess not, but I want to pass your idea by the men.”

“I hope your plan works. I know you. When you want something, you’ll go after it, no matter how hard it might be.”

This time Malia smiled. “You know me well.”

“Good luck, sweetheart.”

“Thanks.”

Malia disconnected and headed home to clean up and change. The men would be expecting her at some point tonight. Unfortunately, her work schedule couldn’t be relied upon. If some big trauma occurred, she always stayed to help out.

Just as she pulled into her driveway, her cell rang. She pulled it out of her pocket. It was Ryan. “Hi, there, cowboy.”

“Nurse lady. You coming over tonight? Luke made dinner.”

“That sounds wonderful. I’m starving. I’m about to walk in my house. As soon as I clean up, I’ll be right over.”

“Hurry. I miss you.”

He was so sweet. “I miss you too.”

Malia rushed inside and didn’t waste any time. She jumped in the shower, forcing her mind to remain quiet while she cleaned. After drying off, she took some care to pick out a nice outfit that didn’t screamtake-me-now. She’d been serious about wanting to eat dinner. If their definition of dessert landed them upstairs, that was fine by her.

After she pulled on a pair of jeans, a white sweater, and a tall pair of boots, she dabbed on some makeup and was ready to go. Twenty minutes later, she was pulling up to their house. At first, she thought she’d eventually get used to their bumpy entrance road, but so far that hadn’t happened.

She parked and rushed up to the door. Ryan answered right away.

“Come in, our beautiful mate.”

He was definitely the more romantic of the two. “Thank you.”

It seemed as if they decided to dress up a little too. His jeans looked fairly new and his slightly wet hair implied he, too, had showered.

“I smell something delicious.”

“Let’s see what chef Luke has prepared for you. Come into the kitchen.”

Malia followed Ryan. It wasn’t quite the same as her mom’s kitchen, but it had the same domestic feel.

He looked over his shoulder. “I hope you like salmon.”

“I do.”

“Ryan,” Luke said. “Pour Malia a drink, and I’ll put the fish on a plate.”

Malia sat at the kitchen table. Ryan was acting normal, but Luke was not. It was almost as if he was trying too hard to be like a Granger. To point that out though, might not set the right tone for the evening.

“I have some news from my private investigator cousin.”