“Who names a dog Lollipop?” his father grumbled. “He looks like a mop head, and his bark sounds like a chew toy.”
The kitchen filled with laughter, India’s included.
“Now, Dad, you can’t blame the dog. He may not be much of a working dog, but he loves the girls all the same.” He didn’t know why he was defending the ball of fluff, but he was.
“And that’s why I tolerate him,” his father agreed. “Anything for my girls.”
Brody saw wistfulness on India’s face again. He didn’t know Woodrow Boone personally. His father was convinced the man was the lowest sort of life form on the planet. But Brody held out hope that wasn’t the case. He didn’t know how or when, but Brody hoped there’d come a time when Woodrow Boone became the man his daughter and grandson needed him to be.
Chapter Fifteen
“You win again,” India said, laughing. “Scarlett, you’re up.”
Scarlett had been watching their epic checkers showdown in growing dismay. Cal was a supercompetitive checkers player. Scarlett had made the mistake of saying she wanted to play the winner.
India normally did her best to avoid dinner at Fire Gorge, but this week had been nonstop, and getting a free dinner—with no cleanup—was too good an offer to pass up. Even if it was with her family at Fire Gorge ranch.
Tanner lay at Cal’s feet, snoring softly. The dog had kept her and Cal smiling all week. He was so happy to be home, he didn’t seem to mind that he’d lost his eye. Besides the occasional misjudged corner or step, it didn’t seem to bother him. And any time he did stumble, he remembered the next time. Cal was on top of the world, showering his best friend with brushings and extra treats. Which was one of the reasons she’d need to go to the grocery store soon. But there’d been no time to shop this week.
After Cal’s wonderful riding lesson, they’d picked up Tanner and headed home to four messages from teachers—which kept her week full. When she wasn’t substitute teaching, she was at the shop poring over her textbooks and minding the store. And she’d managed to fit in a Monarch Festival committee meeting in her spare time—when all she really wanted was a nap.
When she fell into the bed at the end of each day, Brody’s texts were waiting for her. From sweet to sexy, he made it clear he wanted to see her again—the sooner, the better. It was tempting. Her body was more than willing, aching in fact, but the reality was far more complicated.
Especially now that her heart was involved. How could it not be? She’d always known he was special. Even young, Brody Wallace had the ability to bring folks together and ease their worries. Watching her son enjoy both Brody’s and Vic Wallace’s company had almost made her believe there was a way for their families to come together.
“Tonight is the final installment of our special piece on Fort Kyle’s soon-to-be-mayor, Brody Wallace. Join us for a visit to the Wallace ranch and meet the folks who helped make him the man he is today.” Jan Ramirez smiled into the camera.
India stared at the television.
“Thank goodness that’s almost over,” her mother said. “In the paper and on the news, Brody Wallace is everywhere. And it’s put your father in a foul temper.”
India glanced at her sister. Scarlett rolled her eyes and went back to setting up the checkerboard.
“Mom?” Cal asked.
“What?” she asked, jostled from her thoughts.
“Gramma asked if you want tea or lemonade or water with dinner,” Cal repeated.
“Oh, tea, please,” she said, smiling up at her waiting mother.
“You all right, India?” her mother asked. “You seem worn out. I was wondering—”
“We were wondering,” Scarlett said. “Why not let Cal spend the night with me tonight? We’d have fun, wouldn’t we, Cal?”
Cal nodded. “Tanner, too?” Tanner lifted his head long enough for Cal to rub him behind the ear.
“Of course. Tanner, too,” Scarlett agreed. “We can play checkers and you can show me that video game you like to play.”
“It’s a game app, Aunt Scarlett.” Cal sighed.
Scarlett chuckled. “Fine. You can get the tablet and show me how to play that game with the knights and dragons.”
All three of them looked her way, waiting for her answer.
“Dinner ready yet?” her father asked, stalking into the dining room. “I’m starving.”
They followed him into the dining room, took their seats among the dude ranch’s guests and began passing around platters of food. Fried chicken, corn on the cob, fluffy dinner rolls, macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes with cream gravy. India took small helpings and loaded up on salad.