My Cowboy Prince

Chapter 3

Luke's truck rolls to a stop in front of a quaint house nestled at the very edge of town. The words Grandma Bea's Bed & Breakfast, written in a white classic font, hangs from a wooden post nearby. The charming aesthetic of the house looks like something straight out of a storybook as it bathes in the last golden rays of the now setting sun.

"Is this the part where you gooble me up and swallow me whole?" I shoot Luke an amused smile.

The man looks confused for a moment before his pink lips break out in a mischievous grin. "Nah, I'm 'bout to plump ya up first,"

I feign shock, "no you wouldn't."

"Gimme a week, tops." He laughs as he cuts the engine. "On a serious note though. I figured ya might take a likin' to some genuine Texan hospitality, Amelia," he explained as he gestures out to the acres of bare land that seem to stretch for miles. This place looks to be a ranch, or at least it was. "This here is a mighty special place."

Before I can respond, Luke hauls over my suitcase into his lap before stepping out of the truck. Following suit I exit the vehicle with my carry-on bag. The soft crunch of small rocks beneath our boots put me a bit at ease as we make our way up the gravel path and to the expansive porch. The space is adorned by sweet smelling potted flowers and two rocking chairs that sits next to each other. This rustic elegance is such a far cry from my impersonal high-rise apartment back in New York.

I love it.

"I'll go back for the other once ya settled,"

I manage a mere nod to convey my gratitude. This place is so stunningly surreal I am yet to form words to speak.

A sweet aroma of freshly baked bread and the hum of soft laughter filled my senses as Luke push open the polished oak door. He gestures for me to enter first, I silently do aware that he's closely behind me as he too enters the building.

My eyes scan the rustic but modern interior in awe. The warm, golden glow of the interior lights cast such a cozy ambiance over everything.

At the small receptionist desk, there is an elderly woman manning it. She is wearing an infectious smile and a cute  blue dress. Her blue eyes sparkle even more as she spots Luke, showcasing the affection she holds for him.

"Luke!" She exclaims dashing around the desk to wrap him in a hug. They hold each other for a moment before her gaze settle on me. "An' who's this lovely young lady?"

"This here's Amelia," Luke introduce me, his broad hands settle on my lower back as he guides me forward. "She's a friend from the city."

"Nice to meet ya, Amelia," the woman extends a hand towards me to which I politely grasp. Her grip is firm and warm as we shake hands. "I'm Bea, but you can call me Grandma Bea, like everyone else does."

A chuckle escapes my lips, her welcoming demeanor is setting me a bit at ease. "Nice to meet you, Grandma Bea."

"Likewise dear," she replies in a kind tone before turning back to Luke. "Didn't ya get them reins for Buttercup? What'd Jackie say?"

Luke run a hand through his dark hair, his eyes hold an apologetic glaze. "I'm afraid I couldn't get to Jackie's, Grandma. Had a bit of an unexpected detour on the way." He cast a glance my way, his soft gaze holds a hint of amusement. "Turns out our city girl here had a bit of car trouble out on the back roads. Ya know how it is, Grandma Bea. Just couldn't leave her stranded out there."

My heart flutter a bit at the kind statement, his tone holds no regret despite missing a seemly important errand. I am beginning to really appreciate the depths of his character. Mhm. He's quite the quessential charming kindhearted cowboy.