The Rancher's Fake Girlfriend - Leslie North Page 0,32
she climbed the steps of the Radford ranch house’s porch. Aria was skipping beside her, clutching a grocery bag filled with supplies. Willie met them with happy wags. “It feels deserted here.”
Chad shrugged. “Out to dinner? Running errands? But don’t worry, they’ll all find their way back here soon enough and you’ll wish that we were still alone.”
She hoped so. Hannah loved the messy, joyful chaos of the Radford family. She never realized how much she craved feeling like she belonged somewhere. And to someone. She’d lost her dad when she was in high school, and her mom just after she graduated college. John had kind of taken over everything after that—but even when they’d been together, even when they’d become parents, she’d never felt fully secure in her role in his life. She’d been a satellite, hovering around him, only ever a second priority while Green Spaces had always come first. She’d felt like she was always being forced to “prove” her commitment, her loyalty. The idea that she could belong, fully and completely and just as herself, was entirely new. But God, it was everything she wanted—for herself and her daughter. Watching Chad interact with Aria almost made her forget that it was all an act.
But then again, the way he cared for her child wasn’t fake. Chad doted on Aria and the little girl ate it up. Aria needed a positive male influence in her life, especially after what they’d been through with her ex.
“Hey,” Chad said, interrupting her before she slid deeper into troubling memories. “Did you hear me?”
“What?”
“I was asking what ice cream flavor we should start with. Chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla? Aria votes for chocolate, I vote for strawberry. You could be the tie-breaker.”
They were at the ranch to use the vintage ice cream maker in preparation for the Cattlemen’s family festival the next day. Chad swore the secret to the famous Radford ice cream was in the hand crank mixer that had been in the family for ages, and in a move that was both strategic and sweet, had offered to bring three flavors to the fundraiser.
“Ooh, tough one,” she said as she unpacked the grocery bag. “But I’m not going to be much help as a tiebreaker, because I want to start with vanilla.”
“Mommy, no!” Aria pouted. “Chocolate.”
The screen door swung open and Shane, Matilda and Drew walked in. “Y’all voting on ice cream flavors? Start with strawberry, no question. Those fresh berries put it over the top.”
Hannah beamed as Matilda walked over and gave her a welcoming hug.
“Nice to see you, friend,” Matilda said. She turned to her stepson. “Hey, Drew, are you going to help with the churning?”
“Oh yeah!” He pulled up his sleeve and flexed his arm to make a muscle. “I’m the best at it!”
Aria was standing beside the seven-year-old, looking up at him with an expression that was pure hero worship.
“Let’s go, people,” Chad said, clapping his hands loudly. “Strawberry it is. Shane, you get the ice. Ladies, you’re on hulling duty. Kids, warm up those arms because you’re going to be churning for a while.”
The kitchen buzzed as everyone fell into their assigned duties. By the time Jett, Noelle, and Lucy arrived home, the work was in full swing.
“What’s this?” Jett asked, pulling off his hat and scratching his head as he took in the scene. “Why didn’t anyone tell me it’s ice cream night? I’d have skipped lunch if I’d known I had this to look forward to.”
“Sorry, Jett, but most of this is going to the Cattlemen’s picnic tomorrow. If you want some, you’ll have to buy a ticket,” Hannah said as she washed strawberries and handed them to Matilda to hull.
“Crafty move, Chad. Everyone knows our ice cream is the best in the county. You’re really working hard to win that seat, huh? I’m assuming this was your idea, Miss Social Media?” he asked, turning to Hannah.
She shook her head. “This was all him. I’m just a worker bee.”
“Buzzz!” Aria laughed from the ice cream churner.
“Wait a sec, you folks didn’t think to include the queen of confections on this project?” Noelle asked, shifting Lucy on her hip. “I agree that your classic ice cream recipes are amazing, but I think we can make even more money if we include some of my bourbon caramel sauce. Let me put Lucy to bed and I’ll get to work.”
“I’ll do it, babe,” Jett said as he took the sleepy toddler from Noelle’s arms. “You can