“It’s beautiful. I’ve never been to Montana, but it’s certainly breathtaking,” Elana added.
“I’m glad you approve, Elana. Now why don’t both of you come inside and have some homemade apple pie. Hattie made it from scratch yesterday before she went home for the weekend.” Ronald turned toward the house.
“That sounds wonderful.” Grandma Cecilia linked her arm through his.
Elana glanced down at Jack. “What about Jack? Is he allowed inside?”
Ronald nodded enthusiastically. “Of course. He can play with Nelson, my yellow lab.”
They walked across the yard toward the house.
Elana swallowed as she took the first step up to the massive front porch.
Maybe her grandmother was right. Maybe anything was possible if you just believed hard enough.
CHAPTER30
Elana forked the last bite of apple pie into her mouth and sighed. “Tell Hattie that was the best apple pie I have ever eaten.” She finished it off with a sip of hot coffee.
She looked over at the fireplace where Jack had made friends with Nelson. They were lying side by side playing tug-of-war with an old bone.
Ronald nodded. “I will do that. She has today and tomorrow off, but she’ll be back after that. We’re having a large dinner, and she is cooking. I want to introduce you both to my ranch hands.”
Grandma Cecilia beamed. “That sounds wonderful. And we will help Hattie, so all that work won’t fall on her shoulders.”
Ronald snorted. “You can offer, but Hattie prefers to have the kitchen all to herself She’s been cooking for me for years now and is pretty set in her ways.”
Elana laughed. “Sounds very strong-willed. Much like someone I know.” She cut her eyes at her grandmother, who shot her a look.
“Let’s get your stuff inside and I’ll show you to your rooms. Then I’ll give you the tour of the land.”
Grandma Cecilia looked at Elana. Ronald caught their exchange.
He narrowed his eyes slightly. “I just assumed you’d both be staying here.”
Grandma Cecilia cleared her throat. “I rented the cabin for a few more days. I thought Elana would enjoy some time to herself since she had been stuck in a van with me for nearly a week.”
Elana bit back a smile. She knew what her grandmother was doing. She was the one who wanted privacy. She wanted to be alone with Ronald.
Who could blame her?
“I hope you don’t mind. I was going to spend the night at the cabin with Jack,” Elana stated, backing up her grandmother.
“Of course not.” He blushed a little when he looked at her grandmother. “This will give me and Cecilia time to catch up.”
Elana looked away. She hoped that talking was all they were going to do.
She stood and carried her plate to the sink. “I’ll go grab your things, Grandma Cecilia.”
Ronald shook her head. “I’ll get it. I insist.”
Grandma Cecilia stood and nodded. “I’ll go with you. Ronald, you don’t mind if Elana takes a tour of the house?”
He smiled broadly. “Of course not. Have a look around, Elana. We’ll be back shortly.”
Elana watched the couple head outside. She ran over to the window just in time to see Ronald reaching out to hold her grandmother’s hand.
Her heart melted at the sight.
