“Why?”
“You saw Francine. I didn’t think much of it, but Brice said a woman scorned is the worst enemy to have. It’s why I kept them. You can watch them if you want. I don’t exactly care, and I didn’t then.”
“No, it’s okay. I don’t want to see.”
“If they start, I’ll take care of them, Raven. I’m not having them talk shit about you.”
She held her hands up in surrender. “It’s fine. I’m not going to have them talking like that about you either.”
“You don’t think I’m a dumb-ass rancher.”
“Do you think I’m a dumb-ass cook?”
“No,” he said.
“Then don’t go thinking things that are not true.” She patted his chest. “Go and get dressed. Mom’s waiting for us.”
Twenty minutes later they were pulling up outside of her parents’ house. They were not even out of his truck before the front door was open. A kind-looking woman, similar in appearance to Raven, came out. She was much older, of course. Behind her was a stern-looking man who clearly wanted to kill him.
“It has been too long already.”
“I only got back last week.”
“It’s still too long,” Miranda said. She looked toward him. “You don’t have to be frightened, Drew. I hid his shotgun.”
He laughed, knowing she probably had. Clark Howard did not look happy. “He’s not coming in my house.”
“Seriously. You’re going to do that?” Miranda asked, hands on hips.
“I’m not having any man with that reputation anywhere near my girl.”
“We talked about this. If you feel that way then pack your bags and leave, but don’t be a hypocrite. You had the same old bad reputation, and I still took you in. I still do. I cook for you, clean for you, and everything else.” Miranda stepped up to him.
Clark glared at him. “Take your shoes off before you step in here, boy!”
“Dad, stop it.”
“It’s all right.” Stood outside, he removed his boots, and waited to come in.
“Socks too!”
“Dad!”
“Clark!”
Socks came off. “It’s no problem. I heard your pork roast, Mrs. Howard, is the best.”
Miranda chuckled. “Call me Miranda. Mrs. Howard reminds me too much of Clark’s mother, and she was a handful.”
Raven giggled. They stepped inside the house, and Drew knew that wasn’t going to be the end of it.
“Have you asked her to marry you yet?”
“Dad!”
“It’s his right, dear. Don’t worry, I’ll keep him in check. Let’s head on into the kitchen.”
“Leave us men to have a nice long chat. That is, are you a man or a boy, Drew?”