On Board for Romance by Annalisa Daughety

Author:Annalisa Daughety
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Inspirational Romance, Christian Fiction, Idaho, Farmers Market, Small town love
Publisher: Annalisa Daughety
Published: 2017-07-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Saturday afternoon, Riley loaded Cocoa into her truck and headed toward Blake’s grandfather’s place. It was just on the outskirts of town not too far from Brooke’s farm.

There were already several cars in the driveway when she pulled up to the ranch style house. The home was older, but looked well kept, with impeccable landscaping.

She led Cocoa to the front door, but it swung open before she could knock.

A familiar-looking woman with dark hair stood smiling. “Come on in. I’m Susie Thomas, Blake’s stepmom. Are you one of LouAnn’s daughters?”

Riley nodded. “I’m the youngest. Riley.”

“We were in the same high school class,” Susie explained. “And I still run into her from time to time. I remember when you girls were young. Seems like just yesterday.” She smiled.

“Time flies,” Riley agreed.

“I think the rest of the group is already here,” Susie said. “They’re out back.”

Riley followed her through the house. “I guess Blake has told you that the therapy program is going really well,” Riley said.

Susie nodded. “He seems very pleased with it.”

“I know he worked for a facility in Charleston. He has a real knack for it. The dogs really respond to him. We’ve had three sessions as a group and each dog and owner pair has gone in individually for a couple of practice visits. I think we’re all really enjoying it.”

“I know the residents will be happy to have the dogs around.”

Riley nodded.

They stepped onto the massive deck. “Wow. I can see why Blake wanted to have us over. This is gorgeous.” The front of the house may have been modest but the deck overlooked a huge space, including a pond with its own dock.

“I think this was the selling point of the place,” Susie said. “Blake’s grandparents spent as much time out here as the weather allowed. And I think Blake stays out here a lot now that he’s here.”

“I would, too,” Riley said.

Blake came over, a smile on his face. “Glad you could make it.”

“Thanks for having us over. This is a great place.”

Susie excused herself and went to fill glasses with lemonade.

“Your stepmom is sweet,” Riley said. “Apparently she was in school with my mom.”

“Small world.” Blake looked out over the yard. “Usually at this time of day I start seeing deer out there in the corner near that acorn tree.”

“I love this deck.”

“When I was a kid, this was my favorite place in the whole world. I’m just sorry it took me so many years to get back to it.”

“You’re back now, and that counts for something.”

“Let’s hope so.” He glanced down at her and something in his expression made her heart beat faster.

“What’s for dinner?” she asked.

“I know it’s not very creative, but I decided on burgers. There’s a guy my dad knows who raises cattle. Dad and Susie have been buying grass fed beef from him for a few years and it’s really delicious. He takes a lot of pride in the quality of the meat and I think everyone will love it.

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