Page 54 of A Rancher's Love

By suppertime on Tuesday her brain was full of ideas. She was also completely settled into the cottage, which seemed very unreal.

Her phone rang, and she grabbed it, sticking it under her ear as she hurriedly pulled on boots and her coat. “Hey.”

“Hey, yourself,” Tucker said, his deep voice stroking her skin in a caress. “I’ve only got a minute, but wanted to let you know I’ve been thinking about you.”

“Is this a sex call?” Ginny teased. “Because that’s totally on my bucket list, but I’m heading out the door right now.”

“Girls’ night out at Luke and Kelli’s. I heard.”

The man had connections. “How’s your man-bonding going?”

The sheer happiness in his voice said it all. “Luke is solid as always. Hysterically funny, and I still occasionally feel the urge to kill him. Then while I’m in the middle of debating exactly how to commit said murder, Jack spouts these gems of wisdom and I drop whatever I’m doing to take notes.”

“I bet he’d repeat everything as often as you’d like.”

“You’d be right. They’re good people,” Tucker told her. “And we’re sharing tight quarters, so I’m calling you quickly while they’re out of the room. Hope to be back late tomorrow.”

She didn’t bother to tell him about the change of living arrangements. He didn’t need to worry about it right now. “And then a whole new game starts.”

He swore softly.

Ginny laughed. “You’ll do great. I’ve got to run. Drive safe, and I’ll see you soon.”

She hurried across the distance to Kelli’s house, meeting another familiar friend on the doorstep.

“Brooke.” Ginny gave her a hug then leaned away to examine her closely. “So, this is whatmarriedlooks like on you.”

The tall mechanic grinned. “It’s been a blast. But let’s get inside before I freeze my butt off.”

“I’m supposed to be the one complaining about how cold it is after not having experienced winter in Canada for three years,” Ginny said.

An instant later there was no need to worry about the cold. In fact, Ginny stripped off not just her jacket but the sweater she’d put on underneath. Luke and Kelli’s house was far warmer than the little cottage. Ginny would have to figure out a way to deal with the heating issue.

The sound of voices and laughter beckoned, and as soon as they got their boots off, Brooke grabbed Ginny by the hand and led her into the house proper.

“The star of the show has arrived,” Brooke announced.

“Ginny.” The shout went up from everyone at the same time, the hands thrust in the air already holding filled glasses.

Ginny took a deep breath and looked around, putting names to faces. And then for the heck of it, she said them out loud, pointing at each in turn. “Kelli, Rose, Brooke, Tansy. Although two of you have changed your last names since the last girls’ night out I attended.” Those were her friends from way back. Now to the newcomers. “Diane and I met on Christmas Day. And you’re Yvette Wright, veterinarian.”

Yvette waved.

Then Ginny examined the final woman in the room who was at least a few years younger than the rest of them but confidently coming forward with her hand outstretched in greeting. Beautiful dark skin, a mass of curls that bobbed freely around her head.

“Charity Gruzing, yes?”

Charity looked shocked but pleased. She glanced toward the other women. “You’re right, she’s got that spooky voodoo woman vibe.” She shook Ginny’s hand. “Do I have a nametag on somewhere?”

“I have two nieces in your ballet class,” Ginny reminded her. “They spent the afternoon singing your praises and doing pirouettes into my walls.”

“Ah, yes, Sasha and Emma are very…enthusiastic.”

“You have more patience than me,” Yvette said. “But you honestly seem to enjoy working with the kids, so good for you.”

“You’re pretty patient yourself,” Charity returned. “I saw you convince that abandoned dog to get in your truck.”

A story which it seemed most of the women in the room had not yet heard. Which meant to Yvette’s embarrassment, Charity proceeded to recite the entire story while Brooke took Ginny to grab a drink.