Page 14
Story: A Very Grumpy Ranger
I glance up at them. “I was going to take her on a sunset walk through the meadow, maybe have a little campfire picnic set up, but the rain put a damper on that.”
“Yeah, the weather’s going to be rough all weekend,” Milo chimes in as he walks into the room. He tosses me a small box. “Here. Housewarming gift.”
I open it and grin when I see the keychain that reads, 'Home is where the chaos is.'
“Very funny.”
“So, what's plan B for date night?” Milo asks.
“I texted her. We’re doing dinner at my new place. I'm going to cook for her.”
“Damn,” Meyer mutters. “You're going domestic already.”
“I want it to be special. I finally have my own place again, and I want her to be the first person to see it.”
They all exchange a look.
Camden nods. “Okay, then. This is the real deal.”
“Yeah,” I say softly. “Blake’s the one.”
A beat of silence follows my declaration.
“Well, shit,” Meyer finally says. “Don’t screw it up.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I mutter.
“Just be yourself,” Milo says. “Not the grumpy ranger version. The guy who buys her every flavor of Pop-Tarts to see which one she likes best.”
I raise an eyebrow. “I’m guessing you did that for your girl?”
Milo nods, his expression serious. “I had to. Turns out she likes anything with sugar, so the flavor doesn’t matter.”
We all chuckle.
I want to take their advice—I should since all three are happily settled and in love with their girls. But it’s hard to remember it all when I’m so nervous I could throw up at any moment. This is the most important date, the most important bet, of my life.
I check the clock. “I need to go home and get everything set up.”
“Good luck,” Meyer says, raising his beer.
“You’ve got this,” Milo adds.
“Call if you need anything,” Camden shouts as I stand and move to the door.
I nod and grab my jacket, heading out into the drizzle.
I make the short drive to my new place and jog up to the front door. I spent this afternoon unpacking as much as I could. It was easy since I don’t have much. My couches and TV stand were delivered and set up today, and the place looks decent, though a bit empty.
I check the fridge, making sure I have all of the ingredients for dinner tonight. Checking the time, I hurry upstairs to shower and change before driving into town to pick up my girl.
Fifteen minutes later, I pull up in front of her place. Blake is already waiting by the door, bundled in a hoodie and leggings, her hair twisted up in a messy bun. She looks gorgeous, and my heart races as I jump out of the car to greet her.
“Hey,” she says, her smile lighting up everything in me.
“Hey,” I manage. “Ready?”
She nods, and I help her down the steps and into my truck. We pull away from the curb, and I drive slowly as the storm picks up. The rain is coming down fast, the sky dark and gloomy as we drive the backroads to my house.