Redemption Ranch

Tyler shrugged and pulled out a couple of dollars from his wallet. Riley grinned, took the money and raced to the counter before anyone could object.

Leaning across the table, Beth whispered, “I hope his mother isn’t going to be mad at us.”

“Don’t worry. Susan will be grateful when she sees her son grinning and eating and trying to get his way.”

Riley appeared at the table with the fried pie. “Cherry.” He quickly unwrapped the treat and took a bite. “’tis good,” he mumbled around the crust and cherries.

“I have a weakness for the coconut,” Beth admitted. “They make their own pies.”

Riley nodded and downed the rest of the pie in a few bites, followed by gulps of his soft drink. “I could use another one of those.”

“I think you’ll get Tyler in trouble with your mom if you’re on too much of a sugar high. She might not want to trust Tyler again.”

Riley studied Tyler, considering, then nodded. “Okay.”

Tyler’s gut eased. He wanted to establish a relationship with Riley, but Tyler didn’t want to alienate Riley’s mom, either.

“But, you might win some points if you brought a fried pie to your mom,” Beth added.

The boy’s shoulders straightened. “I like that idea, but I don’t have enough money.”

“Not a problem. I’m going to get a pie for myself and save it for my breakfast tomorrow,” she whispered in a conspiratorial tone.

With the speed that only a thirteen-year-old boy could have, Riley jumped up and ran to the window. Tyler pulled another bill from his wallet. When Beth opened her mouth to object, he nodded his head. “My treat.”

Her gaze locked with his, and he felt her response down to his toes.

“Thanks.”

“Not a problem.”

Beth slipped out of her chair and joined Riley at the order counter.

Tyler watched Beth, rattled by their unspoken exchange. It was only a fried pie, he told himself. But for Tyler, he knew he’d crossed some invisible line. He couldn’t identify it, but something in his heart had changed.

* * *

“How did you start at the ranch?” Riley asked as they drove back from the burger joint. Riley sat between Beth and Tyler in the front seat of the truck.

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