Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
I grunted.
“To me, our relationship was a huge, insurmountable obstacle.”
I had to ask. “And to Ava?”
“A challenge we could overcome together. And she was right. Her love, our life, is everything I ever wanted or needed.”
“And her family?”
He laughed. “You’ve met them. Some of the best people on this planet. When they have your back, nothing is impossible. Their money doesn’t make them what they are, their hearts do.”
“Sammy and I are just friends.”
“I never said anything about Sammy,” he replied dryly. “I was talking about my little dragon.” He leaned his head back. “I gave her that nickname the day I met her. I should have known right then. I had never done that before.” He paused. “With Ava, I did a hundred and one things I’d never done before.”
I concentrated on driving, trying to ignore how his words resonated. I gave Sammy a nickname. She made me do and say things I had never experienced. She brought out feelings I hadn’t known existed.
But our situations weren’t the same.
Not at all.
Two weeks later, Rachel grabbed my hand. “Oh my God, Luke, can you believe it?”
I slung my arm over her shoulders, giving her a hug. “It looks amazing.”
The bunkhouses were done. Simple. Rugged. Befitting the locale. Each one suited to a certain need. All painted red and white, each numbered. Guests would be comfortable. Good mattresses, soft sheets, and fluffy towels would be the added touch of luxury to the accommodations that was necessary, Sammy assured us.
“This is more than I imagined,” Rachel murmured.
I looked around, still awestruck by Sammy’s vision and the end result. A fire pit with benches placed around it was centered in front of the bunkhouses. A gazebo with tables and chairs had been added for guests to read, eat, or relax. The bathhouse was spectacular, and the other piece of luxury Sammy insisted the spot needed. The family cabin had a small deck with a couple of rockers she had found and painted. She had reused stored items, dug around thrift stores and secondhand shops in the area to add pieces, and turned the unused cabins into useful, good-looking additions to the ranch. Liam had added to the outside space with some new trees and shrubs, making it look inviting. We’d set up a small area for archery, Tim’s favorite hobby. He was eager to teach the sport. There was another building that housed the archery supplies, fishing poles, and lots of outdoor games for people to use if they chose to do so.
“I can hardly wait to see her marketing ideas,” Rachel said.
“I have no doubt they’ll be brilliant.”
“Everything set for tonight?” she asked.
“Yep.”
Tonight was the overnight camping trip for Sammy’s family before they departed tomorrow. My guys had gone ahead and set up the tents, brought up the supplies, and I would be cooking dinner for everyone. There was a fire planned, Jeff and Callie were coming, along with a couple other hands for practice.
“I’m going to miss having them all around. It’s been great.”
“Yeah,” I agreed. “Good people.”
“Especially Sammy,” she added.
I swallowed the thick feeling in my throat. Her family left tomorrow, and Sammy would be gone soon to do the editing and put together the show. She’d be back for the soft opening, but I knew Rachel would miss her. They had grown close.
I couldn’t articulate how much I would miss her. When I tried, my throat closed up, and the words wouldn’t come. Instead, I steered the conversation away from that subject.
“Let’s go listen to the guru tell us her ideas. Then I’ll head up and make sure everything is ready.”
“Okay,” Rachel agreed. “But Luke, you and Sammy…” She trailed off when I shook my head.
“Don’t. We all have our path,” was all I could say.
She shook her head and walked away. “And some people refuse to admit when they’re lost.”
I followed her, unsure how to reply.
Sammy was all smiles when we walked in, talking to someone via Zoom. She looked up as we sat down. “They’re here now.” She moved the computer so we could see the person she was talking to. He was a good-looking man, with an easy smile and warm hazel eyes. Silver strands highlighted his dark hair, and he waved. “Richard VanRyan,” he said simply. “One of Sammy’s many uncles.” He leaned closer to the camera with a wink. “But no doubt her favorite.”
Laughing, we introduced ourselves, and Sammy spoke. “Richard’s a huge marketing and ad guy. I ran some things past him, and he helped me nail down the overall look and streamline the packages.” She smiled fondly, and he grinned at her and winked again.
“Your ideas, kiddo. I just added a little more flair. That’s what I do. This feels like a winner to me. Great concept, fabulous ideas…” He paused. “My biggest piece of advice is an old marketing expression. Underpromise and overdeliver. With Sammy’s help, you’ll knock it out of the park.”