Free Sunset Surrender by Charlene Sands

to make my grandson feel needed. Letting him take care of Blackie was a very good idea.”
    Logan again? Why did everyone think the man a saint? But in this case, Sophia couldn’t begrudge his kindness to the boy. “Boys and dogs go hand in hand.”
    Constance glanced at her watch. “He should be back from walking the dog soon. He gets up early on school days to feed and walk Blackie.”
    “Shall we go over this month’s menus now, before he gets here?”
    “Certainly. Can you handle coffee?”
    “It smells delicious.” She stroked her tender stomach that was begging for something warm and comforting. “I would love some.”
    Constance poured them both a cup and they got down to business. Sophia had some ideas for a summery theme for next month’s menu. But she had to be delicate about making suggestions. Stepping into Ruth’s shoes, and trying to make changes this early on, could ruffle feathers. Even so, Sophia was determined to have a hand in everything going on at Sunset Ranch. She remembered her mother’s prowess and how involved she’d been with every aspect of the lodge.
    Ten minutes later after a productive conversation with Constance, Edward walked through the kitchen doors, wearing a backpack and a shy smile. Sophia waved at him as he shuffled his way over to his nana.
    “Edward,” Constance said, “have you fed and walked Blackie already?”
    He nodded and slipped Sophia a guilty glance. She reassured him with a friendly smile that said their little secret was safe, not that she’d ever tattle on the boy to Logan about their encounter yesterday, or anything for that matter. “Hello, Edward. Good to see you again.”
    “Hi.”
    “Is your lunch in your backpack?” Constance asked.
    Again, he nodded.
    “Okay then, off you go. You don’t want to be late for the bus.” Constance took his hand and walked him to the door. He reached up to give his nana a big hug, Constance squeezing him tight and kissing his forehead before letting him go. “Have a good day at school, sweetie.”
    Right before he strode out the door, he turned to Sophia and gave her a wide smile. “G-goodbye.”
    Touched by the boy’s consideration, she tipped her head. “Bye, Edward.”
    Sophia finished her coffee and concluded her business with Constance, bidding her farewell and walking away from the kitchen’s savory scents. In the well-designed lobby, her heels clicked on the stone floors as she headed toward her office. She still had difficulty believing that she owned any part of these elegantly rustic surroundings, yet each morning before she got out of bed, she reminded herself that half of the lodge belonged to her.
    Luke appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and walked alongside her. “Mornin’. Hey, can I speak with you a sec?”
    “Good morning, Luke. I was going to call you this morning. How did your horse do last night?”
    “She’s gonna be okay. It was a tough delivery, but she managed. Her foal is real fine. You have to come see her.”
    “I will. You must be relieved.”
    “Surely am, but I think the mare might’ve struggled less than you did last night. I heard you had it rough after I left Kickin’.”
    “Oh,” she said, her shoulders slumping. She wasn’t thrilled she’d been the topic of discussion between the two brothers. Logan must have spilled all the beans with glee. “I see your brother told you I didn’t handle the Number Three well.”
    Luke’s face twisted with self-recrimination. “I should have never brought you there.”
    “Oh, no. It’s not your fault. I should’ve known better. This has been a trying week for me, coming back here and dealing with all the changes in my life. Next time I’ll do better.”
    “ Next time? Honey, if you think I’m taking you back anytime soon—”
    “I’m going back, Luke. One day.”
    His shoulders lifted in a dismissive shrug. “I’m just grateful that Logan was there to help you.”
    “Yes, your brother is my knight in shining