Owned Forever by Willa Edwards Read Free Book Online Page A

Not this weekend. In the years to come, about something really important, maybe—but not today.
    “I’d be happy to.”
    Grant picked up their bags, one in each hand, and walked toward the tailgate. Danny and Kate’s parents talked quietly on the sidewalk, asking about what he was doing now and how was he enjoying being back at home. A step behind them, Kate cast Grant an apologetic glance over her shoulder, but he only smiled back at her.
    “We’d better get heading home.” Daniel ushered Kate’s parents toward the truck. “If we stay here much longer, the FAA will think we’re coming up with a plan.” Kate’s parents laughed along with him as Dan opened the door for Margo.
    Safely concealed behind the vehicle, Grant rolled his eyes. Kate’s parents might fall all over Danny, but nothing excused the cheesy jokes.
    If only her parents had any idea what they did at night. Grant grinned. What a shock it would be to them what sweet Danny participated in between the sheets or on the kitchen counter. He could only imagine the wide-eyed stare Margo would give him, the way she’d clutch her chest with shock. He’d be the one giving her a superior haute look then. Wouldn’t that be great!
    He tossed the suitcases into the back then lifted the tailgate, locking it into place. He looked up just as Kate’s mother stepped toward his truck. Margo gave an indignant look as she hoisted herself up into the truck’s wide back seat. Grant rolled his eyes. Clearly lifting herself into a truck back seat was below Margo Baker.
    Grant shook his head, walking toward the driver’s side door. Kate and Daniel filed into the truck on the other side. It was going to be a very long ride home. At this rate, it was going to be a very long weekend.
    Why couldn’t they have eloped? It would have been so much easier.

Chapter Five
     
     
     
    “This is our new place.” Daniel threw the door open to their cabin, ushering their motley group inside. Kate stepped in first, followed by her parents, with his mother and Grant taking up the rear. The enthusiasm they’d had just an hour ago noticeably absent from them all.
    The tour of the grounds had been filled with complaints and backhanded compliments, and he could feel all their patience running thin. His definitely was. He only hoped the rest of the tour went a little easier. At least they were inside now, so Margo couldn’t complain about the smell or the bugs.
    “The foreman’s cabin was built at the same time as the farmhouse,” Daniel explained, stepping farther into the empty room that would very soon be their living room. “But since my parents took over the ranch, the cabin hasn’t been used, since we didn’t employ a foreman. My father preferred to be in control of his own ranch. He believed no one could do the job better than he could.” Certainly no one cared about the ranch as much as his father had.
    “And he was right.” His mother smiled back at him.
    “So it was a little out-of-date and run down. But between the three of us, we fixed the place up.”
    “It will be a nice little place for us.” Kate downplayed their home, but the smile on her face showed she loved their house. Daniel’s chest expanded at the sight. That’s what made working on this place so rewarding, not that he’d done as much as Grant had. His brother was much handier than he was. But Daniel had made a point of doing as much as he could, from balancing the budget to negotiating with the local businesses for the supplies they needed. He wanted Kate to know this wasn’t just her place—or Grant’s—but all three of theirs.
    “It looks fantastic.” His mother smiled.
    “It’s really coming along.” Kate grinned over at Grant, who stood just in the doorway. “I really love the kitchen.”
    Daniel noticed the smile Grant returned to her, the two of them sharing a look. Without him. Again.
    If his mother noticed the exchange, she didn’t mention it. “The cabinets are beautiful.