Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76628 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76628 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
“Oh no, this is one of my favorites. I take it you’re not a Seattle Mariners fan?”
“I like him already.”
Turning, I caught sight of my mother. “Why, Tina Marshall, are you saying you’re not a Mariners fan?”
My mother stroked Ranger’s neck lovingly. “Indeed, I am. How’s it going?”
“Good. He’s one hell of a smart horse. Doesn’t seem to mind the idea of something on his back. I think I’ll have him saddle trained in no time.”
Smiling, she looked the horse over. “Good. He’s a pretty boy, and his momma is missing him.”
My phone vibrated in my back pocket. Pulling it out, I said, “I need to take this, it’s Bradford.”
“Of course, I’ll keep Ranger company and tell him all about the Boston Red Sox.”
Rolling my eyes, I swiped the screen. “Hey, what’s up?”
“I’ve got good news and bad.”
Rubbing the back of my neck, I decided to get the bad news out of the way. “Give me the bad.”
“The building we were hoping to rent? They sold it. I guess that’s why they never got back to us—they already had buyers on the line. The new owners are planning to open a toy store.”
I should have been upset by Bradford’s news, but something inside me felt a sense of relief. Ever since Morgan and I got together, my future felt like it was shifting. I was starting to suspect my love of brewing beer had mostly been a substitute to keep me busy while I waited for something I could never put my finger on. I still enjoyed brewing…but now I knew what that something was. Morgan.
“A toy store?” I asked.
“Yeah,” Bradford laughed. “But Lance wants to keep selling your brew at the restaurant.”
Smiling, I said, “That’s great. I really appreciate you going the extra mile for me, Bradford.”
“Nonsense. You make a damn good beer, and Lance knows it.”
“Thanks, dude.”
“And the good news,” he said. “Have you heard of Rockies?”
“The new bar that recently opened?”
“That’s the one. The owner was in here last night with his wife. He ordered your beer and loved it. Wanted your information before he left.”
“No shit,” I said. “That’s crazy.”
Bradford mumbled something to someone. “Sorry, had to answer a question. Listen, I hope you don’t mind, but I gave him your number. I hate to say it, Ryan, but our dream of opening our own place might be slipping through our hands. Things are going so good for me here at Le Vacher, Lance has been talking about bringing me on as partner. I’m not sure I should turn him down on the chance we may or may not be able to open our own place anytime soon.”
I cleared my throat. I needed to be equally honest with Bradford and tell him where my own head was at lately. “Dude, don’t pass up the chance to be a partner. The idea of owning our own restaurant was great when we first came up with it, but to be honest, right now, I’m so focused on Morgan and our relationship—and this bullshit stalker she’s dealing with—that I can’t even think of starting a new venture.”
“Fuck, I forgot about that. How’s she doing? I should probably have Savannah reach out to her. Do you think maybe she could help? Before she made anchor, she was an investigative journalist.”
Glancing back to make sure everything was okay with my mother and Ranger, I replied, “Morgan’s okay…for now. The guy seems to go quiet for a week or so, then does something to scare the living shit out of her. I wish we could figure out who the hell it is.”
“Dude, I can’t even imagine. If someone was doing that to Savannah, I’d want to rip his fucking head off and shove it up his ass.”
“Exactly. I hope the police catch him before Blayze or I can get to him. Or Brock. Hell, Morgan’s father would probably gladly go to prison for killing the guy.”
“I’d feel the same way if it was my daughter. At any rate, if you or Morgan ever need anything, you let us know.”
Smiling because I really did have some awesome fucking friends, I said, “I will. Hey, what are you and Savannah doing Sunday? Blayze and I were thinking of taking the girls four-wheeling. The boutique is closed. I wasn’t sure if you’re working or not?”
“I actually have Sunday off, and that sounds like a hell of a lot of fun. Being able to spend more time with Savannah would be great.” A heavy pause followed before he continued, “I bought a ring.”
“No shit!” I said with a laugh. “Dude, you’re going to ask her to marry you?”
“I am. Just trying to figure out when and where to do it. I want it to be special for her.”
“How soon are you planning on doing it? The place we’re thinking of four-wheeling has a beautiful overlook of the Bitterroot Mountains. I’ll even film it on my phone if you want.”