Staking His Claim (Ranchers of Chatum County 1)

Elaina was surprised by the question even though she shouldn’t have been. She answered honestly. “Probably, but I hope not.”

Janie shook her head and chuckled. “What kind of an answer is that?”

“The truth as I know it.”

“What’s going on, sweetie?”

Elaina moved to the bed and sat down, drawing her knees up to her chin. “There are definite sparks flying around, that’s for sure.”

“But?”

Elaina looked guilty. “I’m pretty sure he thinks I’m younger than I am.”

“How so?”

“He assumed when we met I was eighteen because I told him I was a freshman in college.”

“Ahh.”

“Yeah.”

“And you’ve let him go on assuming it?”

“It seemed the safest route,” Elaina responded.

“What do you mean by that?” her aunt asked.

“He’s Hispanic.” She stated the obvious.

Janie let out a delicate snort. “I hate to be the one to point it out to you, sweetie, but your last name is Ruiz.”

“I understand that. But mom was very meticulous in explaining how it works with Hispanic men. She was married to one, you know.”

“I know that. I also know she was madly in love with your father and he with her. What’s going on in that crazy head of yours?”

“Hispanic men are more—more—just more. More everything. More in control. More macho. More possessive.”

Janie had a dreamy look on her face. “And my sister told you that’s a bad thing?” Her voice sounded incredulous.

“Not exactly. But I guess I took it that way.”

“Elaina, all of that may be true in a general sense. And I would think, certainly true when it comes to Raul. But your parents were deeply in love. They had a wonderful relationship. They were equals in every way. Your mom never fully recovered from losing your dad. I don’t think she was so much warning you, as she was just telling you as she saw it. I know for a fact she never regretted her choice and she loved everything about your father. Baby, you must have misunderstood.”

Elaina thought about it in contemplative silence for a moment. “You don’t think he’s intense?”

“Raul? Absolutely, I think he’s intense. But he’s also a great guy. I haven’t known him very long, but Brian trusts him. Trusts him and respects him. They have a solid friendship, and I know my husband well enough to know he doesn’t give his friendship to just anyone.”

“So you’re saying you think I should what—go for it?”

“That’s for you to decide. I was mostly just curious. But I do think he’s a good man and he’d never mistreat you. Ever.”

Elaina bit her lip and stared thoughtfully at her aunt.

Janie continued, “And with your birthday coming up, and the fact that I’m in full party mode, I don’t know how you’re going to be able to keep your age under wraps for much longer.”

****

Two weeks passed as Elaina tried to come to terms with her feelings for Raul. If only she could talk to her mother one last time. She trusted Aunt Janie, but she desperately needed one last conversation with her mom.