Read Forever Kisses (Romance on the Ranch Book 7) for Free Online Page B

sat near enough to place his arm around her shoulders. As a young man he'd loved a woman that had done something similar by running off with his best friend, so he could empathize with her.
    He tilted her chin up until she was looking him directly in the eyes. "You know what you need?" He didn't wait for her to answer. "You need a mini vacation. It's amazing how just getting away for a few days can clear the mind. I'm leaving tomorrow for three days in Vegas; why don't you come with me?"
    He saw her eyes widen and he hastily added, "You'll have your own room and if you want to hide away all day, you can. Or we can see some of the sights. I got this special offer from the Bellagio, so the cost is all on me. The only money you'll need is for gambling if you like to gamble. I guarantee you'll come home with a new perspective."
    "Is that why you're going?" she asked.
    He grinned. "Yep. Guess you found me out. I'm thinking about what I want to do with the rest of my life. Whether I want to stay here or move on."
    She leaned against his shoulder. "I think getting away would be good for me. Thanks, Flatfoot. I always knew you were a nice man."

Chapter 8: Meet the Kids
     
    It had taken a couple of phone calls, but Dovie got everything worked out with the Tanners. Now, two days after the job offer, she hadn't heard from Toby. She supposed he knew, well at least she hoped he did. That way, perhaps things would be less awkward. She drove through the gated entrance to the Lazy M after speaking over the intercom to Sarah. Since a tractor had graded the section of road being replaced she had no trouble navigating her van to the main house. As soon as she pulled up, Sarah opened the front door.
    Dovie smiled and waved.
    Sarah rushed down the porch steps. "Since you've chosen to stay in the dorm, we won't unload your baggage yet. When you're ready, I'll just hop in your van with you and show you where to park, then we'll carry your things to your room. But for now, let's go in the house and chat."
    Dovie really liked Sarah and replied, "I'd like that."
    A few minutes later they were sitting on the sofa in the enclosed porch and sipping iced lemonade. Sarah said, "The children and their caregivers arrived yesterday. As I explained in our last phone conversation, there are seven children. The youngest, Benny, is eight years old and has a chip on his shoulder as big as a boulder. His mother recently received a ten-year prison term for drug dealing and she doesn't know who the boy's father is."
    Dovie's eyes rounded. "Oh, my goodness."
    Sarah said, "Yeah, it's terrible. We just hope the boy experiences another way of life on the ranch and it stays with him. Over the years, we've seen successes and failures. It's about fifty-fifty. Maybe he'll be one of the success stories. Only time will tell." Sarah sipped her lemonade and continued telling about each child. When she got to the sixteen year old she said, "Roxy was in a car accident that damaged her spine and although she's able to walk, she has to wear braces and use the assistance of two canes. She was a cheerleader at her high school, and so, like Benny, she's got a boulder on her shoulder. She comes from a loving family who are at the end of their rope trying to help her. She's belligerent and downright mean. At least that's what one of the caregivers said."
    Dovie puffed a breath. "I'm just wondering if I'm the right person for this job. I don't have experience with children or teens. What if I say something to damage their psyches?"
    Sarah laughed. "Honey, all you have to do is be yourself and show these kids that limitations haven't kept you from pursuing what you want in life. That's all we ask."
    Dovie gave a hesitant nod and Sarah continued enthusiastically, "Well, are you ready to meet the children and get moved into your room?"
    Inhaling, Dovie said, "I guess I am."
    Sarah rode with Dovie to the dorm and directed her to the parking space reserved for her. She carried Dovie's