Elana grinned. “I think I can see why you’ve fallen in love.”
Her grandmother turned in her seat and reached for her hand. Taking Elana’s hand in hers, she gave her a squeeze.
Ronald climbed in the truck and gave them an amused look. “I’m guessing you two were talking about me.”
Grandma Cecilia lifted her chin and smirked. “It’s girl talk. None of your business.”
He chuckled and started the engine.
As they pulled out of the driveway, Elana gazed upon the massive land that might be her grandmother’s new home.
CHAPTER31
Elana stuck her head out of the window as Ronald gave them the tour of his ranch. They didn’t have to drive far before she began to see cattle.
A group of cowboys were herding the cattle to the east, and even Jack let out an excited bark when he spotted them.
“Sounds like Jack likes cattle,” Ronald joked. “I bet he would make a great cattle dog and help herd.”
Elana grinned. “I don’t know about that. Maybe in his youth. He has some age on him now. But he seems to have been a little more active since we started heading into the mountains. What do you think, Grandma Cecilia?”
Her grandmother turned in her seat to look at her. “Jack seems like a different dog now. I think it’s the mountain air. Or maybe he just likes to travel.”
Jack put his paws on the console and gave her grandmother a lick on the face. She let out a laugh.
“How old is Jack?”
Elana shrugged. “I don’t remember Ethan telling us. I’m guessing nine or ten. His owner was an older gentleman who was put in a nursing home. Jack went to the dog rescue.”
Ronald reached over and petted the dog. Jack nuzzled his hand.
Jack approved of Ronald. To Elana, that was a good sign.
“Jack is also very protective of Elana. Why, just yesterday he saved Elana from a potential kidnapping,” Grandma Cecilia stated.
Elana closed her eyes. “Grandma Cecilia. I don’t want to talk about that.”
Ronald brows furrowed. “Tell me you have a gun to protect yourselves.”
Grandma Cecilia shrugged. “Didn’t think I needed one. I mean, Jack tore into that guy who grabbed Elana.”
Ronald looked horrified. Elana was humiliated.
“Did you two go to the police? Make a report?” Ronald asked.
Elana shook her head. “No. I didn’t want to. When he grabbed me, Jack jumped on him and bit him until he let me go. After that, we left. I didn’t want to stay there anymore.”
Ronald nodded. “That’s understandable. I’m glad you had Jack with you. But you need to think about something else for protection. Even if it’s just bear spray.”
Her grandmother chuckled. “We don’t have bear spray in South Carolina.”
Ronald nodded. “Bear spray is better than pepper spray. Elana, I’ll get you some for your trip home.”
Elana nodded.
“Now, let’s talk about something more pleasant. Have you camped out on a ranch before?” Ronald asked.
Elana was relieved he had changed the subject.
