“Bite me,” she said, laughing.
“Come over here so I can, pretty lady.”
It was probably the longest kiss in history. And the least satisfying. But it pushed Raney another step closer to the magic words that she hadn’t yet been able to say to him.
CHAPTER 21
The next morning over breakfast, Raney and Len made shopping lists. Normally, Raney would have waited until the first of the month to replenish the ranch supplies. But not knowing when they’d have to go to Lubbock, or how long they’d be away, she decided to get it done a few days early.
The first list was for groceries and miscellaneous items for both the main house and the workers’ quarters. Raney gave the housekeeping and grocery list to Maria. She usually made the bimonthly run to Guthrie, which was bigger than Rough Creek and had a larger selection of stores to fill the order.
The grain and feed list she sent down to Glenn. He would fill it at the co-op out on the highway, or order what wasn’t available there.
The last list was for personal supplies for the family, last-minute nursery items for when the baby came home, and a few things Len wanted Raney to get for her, since she didn’t want to go to Rough Creek until her eyes looked less clownish. It also included a stop at the dry cleaner’s and a haircut for Raney.
A half hour later, Raney closed her notepad and sat back with a sigh. “Done.”
Len studied her over the rim of her coffee cup. “I had no idea how much work running this place could be. I see you going over ledgers in the office, working ranch problems with Hicks, talking to the accountants and lawyers, dealing with the house, the workers’ quarters, the insemination program, and all the cattle and horses here on the ranch. But I rarely see you take time for yourself or friends. You’re amazing.”
Raney shrugged, both embarrassed and pleased by the praise. “I like doing it.”
“Aren’t you lonely?”
An image of Bertie flitted across her mind but Raney pushed it aside. “Sometimes. Mostly I’m too tired to think about it.”
“Dalton could help you.”
“He is helping me. Both with training and taking over the AI program. He joked about it last night, but he’s doing a great job.”
“He’s in love with you, you know.”
Raney looked away. “Maybe.”
“How do you feel about him?”
Raney gave a brittle laugh. “Conflicted. After Trip—”
“Dalton is nothing like Trip.”
“I know. I’m just not sure I’m ready yet. Especially after what happened.”
Len smiled. “You mean you’re not ready to trust again.”
“That, too.” Hoping to end her sister’s interrogation, Raney slipped the notepad and pen into her purse, then rose from the table. “If you think of anything else you want me to get in town, text me.” She started for the door.
“Raney,” her sister said.
With reluctance, she stopped and turned back.
“I like Dalton. I like the way you are when you’re with him. You seem happy. Confident. I wish you’d give him a chance.”
“I will. I am. It just takes time.”
“Don’t wait too long. Happiness doesn’t always last. Grab it while you can.”
Raney sensed her sister might be talking about herself, as much as warning her about her hesitancy with Dalton. Were things that bad between her and Ryan?
“Well, that’s my lecture for today,” Len said, rising from her chair with a self-conscious laugh. “Call Mama before you go.”
“One lecture is all I need.”
“I meant call to see if she has anything to add to the list. And to check on Joss.”
“Right.” Raney pulled her cell phone from her purse, put it on speaker, and punched in Mama’s number. “Hi, Mama,” she said when her mother answered. “I’m running errands today. You want me to pick up anything?”
“Brochures for another cruise.”
“Seriously?”
“No. But I am getting tired of doing nothing.”
“How’s Joss?”
“I’m a little concerned. She had a few pains overnight. I doubt they were contractions since they were very irregular and widely spaced, but I worry.”
“When do you see the doctor again?” Len asked. She looked worried, too.
“At one.”
“Call us if she decides to admit Joss, or thinks she’s going into labor.”
“I will. This is dragging on too long. I’d feel better if she were in the obstetrical unit being monitored.”
“She’ll be fine, I’m sure.” But Len didn’t look sure. “Keep us posted.”
After the call ended, Len asked if Raney had a bag packed. “This might happen soon. We should be prepared for an overnight stay. I’ll pack stuff for Mama, too.”
Raney headed upstairs. She had just finished packing when her phone buzzed.
“Hey,” Dalton said. “Hicks told me you were going into town. Mind if I go with you? Timmy’s birthday is coming up and I wanted to get him something.”
“Sure. But I may have to go directly on to the hospital if Joss is admitted.”
“Is she in labor?”
“Maybe. We’re not sure.”
“What about Len? Is she going to town, too?”
“No. If Joss is admitted, she’ll drive her own car to Lubbock.”
“Then we’ll take my truck,” he decided. “Meet me at the back gate.”
* * *
A few minutes later, Raney tossed her bag into the backseat and climbed into Dalton’s dark blue truck.
He glanced at the bag, then at Raney. “We eloping?”
“You know me. I like being prepared.”
“If we’re eloping, you won’t need all those clothes.”
Raney gave him a look. One that told him they probably weren’t eloping. He loved her looks, whether they were scolding, smirking, or smoldering. He especially loved seeing that banked fire in her blue eyes when he ran his hands over her beautiful body.
“You’re not working Rosco today?”
He shifted into gear and headed toward the main
