Royalty at the Ranch by Tanya Hanson

Author:Tanya Hanson [Hanson, Tanya]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Fiction, inspirational fiction, Clean and Wholesome Novels, Religion and Spirituality
ISBN: 9781522304029
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2022-09-06T00:00:00+00:00

6

Even alone up here in an aspen grove and tall spires of pines, the little cabin ahead of us was dressed up like a Christmas elf. Antlers hung above the front door wore a fur-trimmed red hat. Pinecone wreaths stood sentinel at each window. Around us, a mild breeze spun an angel song in our ears.

“What’s this? Who lives here?” Brodie, who’d been raised in a palace, seemed awed by the humble little place.

I dismounted, and he followed. We looped our reins over a rustic post. “Nobody. This is Homestead Lodge. It’s kind of a rest stop. This is still Hearts Crossing land, but the family has a contract with the forest service to make sure elk have enough fodder during the winter months. So we have permission to take sleighs through the national forest. Sometimes paying tourists want to help, or see the herds. We’re about half-way up to Blessing Ridge, which has the best view of the herds. Folks can stop in here to warm up. So let’s do that ourselves.”

Like everything else at the ranch, the little cabin was unlocked. We stepped inside, and because we’d already been out in the cold air for an hour or more, the temperature inside was do-able. The fireplace, already prepared with dry windfall and kindling (including dozens of pinecones) came to quick life with a barbeque starter.

“Wow. This is great.” Brodie walked to a small table made from burl wood. “But I can’t believe it’s unlocked. It’s miles from anywhere.”

“Well, we don’t exactly store our crown jewels here,” I said, and Brodie laughed at my first royal joke. “But yeah. In case anybody gets lost or there’s a sudden blizzard, hikers or snow-shoers can refuge here, too. And—” I looked at him probably flirtier than I should have— “it’s the one place we can escape my ten thousand relatives.”

He looked straight at me, and I flushed.

I rushed on. “Um, there’s power, and a microwave. Would you like some cocoa?”

“Yeah. But only with marshmallows.” His laughing eyes dared me.

“You got it. Make yourself at home.” I headed toward the little kitchenette area, and Brodie unzipped his jacket and settled into a buffalo plaid upholstered couch.

I dumped instant cocoa into mugs and poured bottled water over it. When the chocolate was hot, I brought us two mugs-full, and sat by his side. There were other chairs, but I couldn’t help myself. Figured if he’d wanted to sit apart from me, he’d have taken a single chair first. “I’m sure somewhere on Gram-Elaine’s agenda will be a time when everybody’s sleighed up here. We’ll be making pinecone wreaths or stringing cranberries and popcorn before long.”

“Sounds about right,” He grinned at me over his cup. “This would be the place to do it.” True to a prince, marshmallow stuck nowhere on his magnificent face. Which sobered quick. “Now, about Ilka.” His neck tightened as he swallowed hard.

“No, Brodie, you don’t have to. I’d really none of my business.”

He looked somehow surprised. “Of course it is.

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