Chapter 17
CHAPTER 17
TANDY
I have only the vaguest recollection of crawling into my bed. The shower is running so someone is here. Probably Matthew. That sweet man hasn’t left the house since he found me sick. How long ago was that?
The water stops and a couple of minutes later, Matthew strolls out wearing my bathrobe. He grins when he realizes that I’m awake. “Good morning. Feeling better?”
“Make sure you keep that robe closed. I don’t want you flashing me.”
“You’re back to your old self.” He pulls the top apart just a bit. “Aren’t you curious about my rivels of wisdom?”
Yes. But I’d never say that to him. “Go get dressed, Matthew. And try to avoid climbing in or out my windows.”
Laughing, he saunters out of the room. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
I throw the covers back and slide out of bed. As I walk toward the kitchen, I holler, “Where did you sleep?”
“You really were out of it, I guess.” He pokes his head out of the office, the doorframe blocking the view of his bare chest. “You made it very clear that you were not going to share a bed with me. Ever. I slept in here. So did the cats. I think they’re starting to like me.”
“Because you feed them whenever they beg. Of course, they love you.”
He disappears into the office, then emerges buttoning his shirt as he walks toward me. “Speaking of love?—”
“No.” I shake my head. “Whatever I said when I was sick can be blamed on my fever. We are not going to talk about love.” I head straight for the coffee. There is a freshly brewed pot. And breakfast is on the table. I whip around to face him. “How long have you been up?”
“A while. And back to what I was saying?—”
I put my hand up. “Was I unclear?”
“Completely. But we can talk about that later. What I’m trying to tell you is that Dallas has been calling and texting, wanting to know how you are. He’d probably appreciate it if you gave him a call. I haven’t rescheduled yet.”
Now I’m embarrassed. “I’ll call him.” I pour coffee into the Charlie Brown mug waiting next to the pot. “Did I say anything when I was in and out?”
“A few things. Nothing embarrassing. And you never mentioned love.”
“Whew. We’re okay then.” I sit and start shoveling food onto my plate. “I’m starved.”
“Figured you would be. You ate like a bird the last three days.”
My fork clinks against the plate when I drop it. “Three days? What about the ranch?”
“Colt has been awesome. He’s been helping. We’ve spent lots of time on the phone. And they made progress on the foreman’s house. Work didn’t stop. It’s all good.”
“You didn’t have to stay, but I appreciate that you did.”
He leans close and kisses my cheek. “Let’s eat.”
Over breakfast, he fills me in on all the progress made. He’s told me some of this already, but I only have blurred memories of those conversations. But I distinctly remember telling Matthew that I would never sleep with him and the reason why. He didn’t bring it up, which is probably for the best. I was more honest than I should have been, but it’s how I feel.
But I’m choosing to focus on the bright side, the things I didn’t say. Like telling Matthew Gallagher that I love him.
Showered and wearing my bright yellow jogging suit, I climb into Matthew’s truck. “Dallas will meet us out there in an hour. I’m hoping this goes well.”
“What did you tell him about the meeting spot?”
“Nothing. I just sent him an address and told him to meet me there. I just wasn’t sure what to say. He’ll probably think I’m still fuzzy from being sick.”
I hold Matthew’s hand as he drives, and we talk about the ranch: what’s already been done, what needs to be done, and when things should be finished. I’m so happy Matthew is on this project with me. Without him, it wouldn’t be anywhere near as close to completion.
When I slide out of the truck, Colt rushes up and wraps me in a hug. “Good to see you, Miss Tandy.”
I give him another squeeze. “I wasn’t that sick. Matthew tells me you handled things out here while he was busy playing nurse.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Colt tips his hat. “But with lots of his help. We were practically on the phone the entire time they were?—”
Matthew steps in front of me, then glances over his shoulder, giving Colt a warning look. “We need to get over to the foreman’s house if you want to see it before Dallas arrives.”
Matthew is keeping a secret. And I’m very curious, but I do want to see the house before Dallas gets out here.
“Let’s go then.” I wave at Colt. “Thanks for everything.”
Once we’re back in the truck, I clasp Matthew’s hand. “I’m not sure what you’re keeping from me, but I don’t like secrets.”
“That’s gold coming from the woman who bought a ranch without mentioning anything to her friends. And hasn’t told her only living relative about it. Secrets could be your middle name. Anyway, should I continue?”
“Nope.” I give his hand a squeeze. “But if whatever you’re keeping from me will break my heart, tell me sooner rather than later. It took me a long time to get over the heartbreak the last time. And I’m old, so I might not have the luxury of time.”
“Surprising you isn’t an easy task, but that doesn’t mean I won’t continue to try.” He pulls my hand to his lips and kisses my fingers. “Is that a problem?”
“A surprise, huh?”
He grins and nods toward the crew hanging drywall. “It’s coming together pretty quick.”
I get out of the truck and watch as these guys turn my dreams into a reality. “I forgot to get tacos!”
“No worries. I put in an order with Rueben at the barbecue place. Colt is going to pick up lunch for all these guys in a bit.”
“Give me the bill. I’ll pay for it.” I hold up a finger when Matthew starts to shake his head. “I want to pay.”
“Whatever makes you happy, sweetheart.” He drapes an arm around me. “Construction is far enough along that Dallas will have a great idea of what the inside layout will be.”
“I’m guessing he’s heard about my ranch and probably the matchmaking. And I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he’ll say yes to my proposal. Because I don’t want him to just be the foreman. I want him to be my partner. When I’m gone, my stuff has to go to someone.”
“He’d be crazy to say no to you.” Matthew checks the time. “Get in the truck. I have one more thing to show you before we meet up with Dallas.”
I buckle in, eager for Matthew to reveal his surprise. But out here, I have little clue what it might be. He drives along the paved roads and branches off toward the hill where I’ll build my place.
He squeezes my hand as we crest the hill. “Surprise.”
Instead of a cleared spot with stakes in the ground, there is a slab. They poured the foundation for my house. “But they said it would be weeks before they had an opening.” I slide out, envisioning the walls and windows. “How did you make this happen?”
“Gordon called me early Monday. They had a last-minute cancellation and a truck full of concrete. With Colt’s help and lots of phone calls, we made it happen. And I did leave you for a while to run out here. Joji stayed at your place while I was gone. You were sound asleep, so she didn’t wake you.”
“That explains why her cheese is in my fridge.” I’m touched that my friends would go to so much trouble to watch out for me.
“Everything is coming together. Construction on the cabins starts next week and then the rec room and dining area.”
I throw my arms around his neck. “There aren’t enough words to properly thank you for all your help. I could not have done this without you.” Cupping his cheek, I give him a quick peck. “You’ve made the process way more fun.”
He drops a kiss on the top of my head and holds me close. “Zach’s parents and my daughter and her husband will be in town next month. We’re all getting together, and I’d like for you to be there.”
The idea of being around his kids makes me nervous. I’m afraid of feeling like the outsider.
“I’d like to meet them. Let me know when and where.”
After a kiss that curls my toes, we head back to the barn. Dallas is playing with Bandit, and Colt’s truck is gone. He’s probably headed to get lunch.
I open my arms. “You made it!”
Dallas gives me a hug, which isn’t something he normally does, but I guess he was worried about me. “This is nice. I heard you bought a ranch and are planning to match people.” He shakes Matthew’s hand, then whips around to look at me. “But if you want me to be your guinea pig, the answer is no. No way. Heck no. Do I need to spice it up any more than that to get my point across?”
“You do not. I was not planning to match you with anyone. You haven’t given the impression that you’d be open to that.”
“I am not. Bachelorhood suits me just fine. But now that we have that cleared up, why did you want to meet? I’m guessing it is something to do with the ranch since you wanted me to meet you here.”
“I’m hoping to open by the end of the year. I want to have cattle and maybe sheep or goats. I’m thinking those little ones that are just so cute. And chickens for fresh eggs. But I’ll be busy running the matchmaking part of the business. And I hired Colt—you probably haven’t met him yet—to handle the horses. I’ll offer trail rides to the happy couples.”
Dallas shoves his hands in his pockets and nods. “Okay? It sounds like you have a good plan for the place.”
“I need a foreman, actually more of a partner really. To run the place, handle the ranch stuff. I’m having a house built for whoever takes the job, and I was hoping you might want it.”
He blinks and adjusts his hat. “You want me to work here at Matchmaker Ranch?”
“You’re all the family I have left, and the way that Beau talks, you are a fantastic ranch hand. I need a good cowboy for this job. I’d draw up paperwork making us equal partners in the endeavor.”
He scratches his head. “It’s tempting.”
“And even though I’m having a house built, if there is a spot you like better, I can have another place built, exactly how you like it. You can fence off a few acres to have your own space.”
His lips curve into a smile. “You are trying really hard to convince me.”
“I am. It would mean the world to me if you partnered with me.” I inch closer to Matthew. “This guy has been a huge help with the construction out here, but he doesn’t want to run a ranch. After this job, he’s going to retire for real. Am I right?”
Matthew tucks an arm around my waist. “Plan to. Might do a little matching on the side.”
Dallas laughs. “As long as that isn’t part of my job, I’ll take it.” He sticks out his hand.
I ignore the hand and throw my arms around him. “Your mama would be so happy.”
“She would. I can almost see her smiling from up above. Family meant everything to her.” Dallas sighs. “This isn’t what I expected. And I’m not even sure how to break the news to Beau, Clint, and Garrett. But this is perfect for me. I’d be a fool to turn down the opportunity.”
“Want to see the ranch?” Matthew hooks a thumb toward the truck.
Dallas grins. “Absolutely.”
My sister would be thrilled to know that Dallas and I are staying connected with more than just the occasional phone call. Our parents left a lot to be desired, but as sisters go, she was a great one, years younger, but awesome none the less. It’s been years since her death, and I still miss her.