Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 40566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
“Choco milk, pwease,” Case pipes in. He’s already fast at work coloring on the children’s menu. His tongue out and deep in thought as he colors the animals on the pages.
“You got it. I’ll grab your drinks and then take your order,” I offer, unsure if they’re ready to order their dinner now.
“Sutty eat dessert with us,” the little guy declares.
“Is that so?” Ryland looks from his son to me. My eyes must be as big as saucers, and I’m unsure how to navigate this moment.
“Yep, sure is.” Case is confident in his response. “We eat dinner, then dessert with Sutty,” he reiterates for good measure.
“Alright, well, you have to eat real food first.” I watch as Case puts his hands on his suspenders, pulling them out, and contemplates whether or not he’s going to start a discussion on the merits of having real food first before dessert. I’d never be a good adult in this scenario. Having dessert for dinner sounds like a great idea to me.
“Fine.” Case takes a deep breath. My eyes bounce between him and Ryland. I watch as the older of the Johnson duo holds back his laughter at his son’s antics.
“Can I get the meatloaf special, hold the gravy, and I’ll take green beans as my side.” Ryland takes the opportunity to order, giving his son a moment to himself.
“Of course.” I don’t bother using my pen and pad of paper. Ryland’s order is easy enough, and I’m sure Case’s will be, too. “What about you, bud? Do you want your usual?” Case’s head bobs up and down so fast I’m sure he’ll give himself whiplash one of these days. “Chicken tenders with macaroni and cheese it is. I’ll go put your order in, grab your drinks, and be right back.” Case rarely eats more than one chicken strip, he’s all about the other good stuff. I’m about to head back to the register, checking my other diners along the way, when Ryland’s voice stops me in my tracks.
“I hope you’ll have dessert with us, Sutton.” He lowers his voice for only our small area to hear. It still doesn’t take away the deep timbre or low rasp of his voice. Instead of locking my knees, I’m now clenching my thighs. Ryland Johnson is surprising me at every turn in the road the last couple of times I’ve seen him.
“I’ll see what I can do. Be right back.”
“You do that,” Ryland tacks on, and now I really need to get their order in. I also need to take a deep breath and re-center myself before I do something crazy like admit my feelings toward him. Yeah, nope, that can’t happen. Not yet at least. Not while Shane is still taking up entirely too much headspace.
FOUR
RYLAND
“Ryland.” I’m standing outside of the diner well after it closed for the evening. There was a temptation to hang around once dinner and dessert was done. Sutton took her fifteen-minute break to enjoy the hazelnut cheesecake my sister-in-law Maeve makes. I filed that away for a later date. The way she operates Whisked Away, it could be a while until Sutton’s favorite flavored dessert is put back in rotation.
We paid the bill, Case gave Sutton a hug, which meant he was in her arms, and my boy helped her count the change. A tightening in my chest formed, making me stop to think about keeping her at arm’s length. Then I shook my head, got my shit together, and we headed back to the ranch. Of course, Case insisted we stop by the main ranch to show off his suspenders. One thing led to another, and he told my parents that we went to the diner, had dessert with ‘His Sutty’. The conversation shifted, and Dad kept Case preoccupied while Mom sidled up next to me.
The scheming began. She suggested Case spend the night with them or they could take him home to get ready for bed and one of them would stay with him. Apparently, Mom did her own sort of recon and found out the size of Sutton’s shoes. A quick trip to the nearest mall outside of town, and Mom loaded up. She gave me a bagful of shoes, clothes, and even threw in a couple of scarves, beanies, and gloves. Then came the ‘you should go back into town and give her a ride home.’ I had a seed already planted about doing exactly that, especially with the way the weather is turning. I’d be surprised if a freeze doesn’t take hold tonight.
“Sutton.” She looks dead on her feet, ready to collapse. It’s clear I made the right choice. The drive isn’t too bad, but when you’re back and forth between the ranch and town, it’s a damn bitch along with work. Thankfully, Mom and Dad help out more than they ever should. Plus, whichever brother or sister-in-law is available or in town will pick up or drop Case off, depending on the hour of the day.