The Moon and Stars Ranch was how they made their full-time living, growing not only acres and acres of oats but fresh vegetables as well. It was a fantastic night. She’d done it. Becca had made a new pair of friends, and she really, really liked them. She tried not to celebrate outwardly, but it felt nice to spend time with other people, not that Carla wasn’t great.
“You mentioned during dinner that you’re single. How is that possible?” Monty asked as they cleared the table together. He was so good-looking with his sandy blond hair falling onto his forehead that it almost hurt to look at him.
She scrunched up one eye. “Probably because I’ve been married to my job for far too long. I’m good at it, but sometimes in my line of work, the men ascend the rankings faster than the women, so I fought like hell to make sure I stayed relevant. Plus, my last relationship wasn’t the best.” Monty winced. “Yeah. Then when I heard The Jade was going up, I leapt at the chance to open the property. I like the idea of a slower pace as my priorities shift. I want to do a few things for me.” She handed a plate to Stephen.
He studied her. “You could date.”
“I could. Who knows? Maybe I’ll meet someone organically.” She tried not to think about Joey. “I’m not in a rush.”
“Oh, I feel like a challenge has been extended,” Stephen said to Monty with a bounce of his eyebrows.
Monty nodded back seriously. “Oh yeah. A gauntlet has been thrown down. We shall prove our skills.”
She laughed. “No. No gauntlet. Nothing to prove either.” She winced apologetically. “Setups can be awkward. Forced.”
“Or magnificent. You’re forgetting the potential. We’ll keep our eyes open.” Monty offered a wink. “You do the same with your mind.”
“I’m terrified and trying not to be.” But there’s Joey, her mind supplied.
When it was time to go, Becca felt a ball of excitement gather in her chest. Her palms were hot, and there was a smile on her face she couldn’t erase. This was the start of a new adventure, and her life would likely never be the same. Monty leashed up Sky and sat with him for a few moments, whispering to him privately. Becca was touched by the love these men showed each dog and grateful she’d come to them for Sky.
Monty stood and grinned at her. “I think he’s all set for his new home.”
Becca took the leash he offered her and knelt down. “Want to come with me?” she asked him.
He didn’t answer outright, but the way he shifted his two front paws back and forth said he was excited. She gave him a few reassuring pets, kissed his cheek, and they were ready. She thanked the guys with hugs and promised she’d call with any and every question. In fact, they insisted.
With Skywalker riding shotgun, Becca drove them home.
Home, she thought happily with one hand on Sky’s warm back. Soft tunes played on the radio. The stars shone brightly overhead as if smiling down on the new little family. Yes, it was definitely starting to feel like home.
Chapter Six
Every time the door to the tasting room opened, the savory aromas wafting in from Jolene, the food truck outside, nearly brought Joey to her knees. Gabriella had been up early prepping everything she would need—homemade pasta, her arancini filling, cured meats. Her prep even included a crisply ironed white chef’s coat.
“I can’t make good food if I don’t look good,” she’d said earlier that morning as she’d stood next to the pretty blue truck, admiring the sky.
“You always look good,” Joey said, still a little sleepy. “You’re literally one of the prettiest people I’ve ever seen in person. Even first thing in the morning, which is not fair, so I hate you. I’m not apologizing either.”
“So we’re fighting?”
“We can be done now. I’ve forgiven you.”
“That was close. I adore you, so it cancels out the hate. Bam. What do you think of that?” She placed a hand on her hip. “I do love the morning, though. I use it to plan menus. It’s perfect for creating.”
“What are we having today?” They’d discussed a rotating menu for the truck, offering different items each week but using it to figure out what the fan favorites were for the eventual restaurant menu. They’d have the better part of a year before all the moving parts lined up and the restaurant was a reality. It