They were all booked.
“Dennis told me we’re going to have to spend another night here.”GrandmaCecilia walkedup with Jack in tow.
She glanced at Jack and her grandma. “Yes. They can’t fix the tire until four o’clock. And I have more bad news.”
Grandma Cecilia frowned. “What?”
She studied hergrandmother. “There are nocampgroundsavailable tonight. Which means we will spend the night atthe truck stop.”
Grandma Cecilia cringed. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
She snorted. “Unless we find a hotel that allows dogs, then that’s our only option.”
Dennis walked up to them. “It’s not your only option. You are welcome to camp at the ranch.”
Grandma Cecilia’s eyes grew wide. “Are you inviting us to your ranch?”
Dennis nodded. “Yes ma’am. I have a cattle ranch, and you can camp next to the barn.”
Elana shifted her weight. “That’s awfully nice, but we can’t impose.”
Grandma Cecilia elbowed her hard in the stomach. “Of course we can. I can’t think of anything better than camping out with the cows.” Her eyes shone withexcitement.
Dennis chuckled.
Elana shot hergrandmothera look, but she ignored it.
“You both can join my cowboys for dinner outside, and I’m sure Jack will love seeing the horses.”Dennis smiled. “I talked to Earle. Instead of waiting around here until four, you can leave your tire to be fixed, and I’ll send one of my cowboys into town to retrieve it. We can get it back on tonight, and you can head out early if you want.”
Grandma Cecilia clapped her hands inexcitement. “It’s settled. Dennis, I can’t thank you enough for yourhospitality.”
He dipped his cowboy hat and grinned. “You can follow me back to the ranch.”He walked over to VW, took the flat tire out, and carried it to Earle, who took it in the back.
Grandma Cecilia started out the door and stopped. “Elana, what are you waiting for? Let’s go.”
Elana forced a smile andglanced downat Jack. The dog cocked his head. Jack was as nervous as she was about this new sleepingarrangementfor the night.
CHAPTER17
Elana parked the VW near the large red barn and killed the engine. Grandma Cecilia scampered out of the van, and she quickly followed. She walked around to the side and opened the door for Jack.
Without waiting for his leash, Jack jumped out of the van and ran over to the barn fence where a horse was tied.
“Jack! Wait.”Elana ran after him, hoping the dog didn’t agitate the horse.
Jack turned and looked at her like she’d lost her mind. Then he sat and looked up at the horse.
The large animal let out a whinny. Jack barked once.
“Looks like they are having aconversation,”Grandma Cecilia joked.
Elana gripped the leash in her hand. “I need to get this on him, but I don’t want to spook the horse.”
Grandma grabbed her arm as she took a step forward. “Give him a minute. Let’s find out how he reacts.”
Elana shook her head. “What if he runs off?”
Dennis walked over to them and stopped. “I think he’ll be fine. He’s been cooped up in that van for so long, it’s good for him to stretch his legs.”
