“Would you like to know more about your mentor?”
“Yes, Sir.” Palmer did really want to know lots more about him.
“He aged out of foster care just like you. I think he will know exactly how to help your heart because he’s been exactly where you are. He’s newer to the Ranch, but he’s accepted a full time job teaching here.”
“He was in foster care too?” Palmer asked. That gave her a bit of comfort while she navigated all of the new.
“He was and he is already delighted with you.”
“Really?”
Palmer’s shoulders lifted at the idea of someone enjoying her. That was new.
“He is. That’s why I wanted you to come to the Big House for dinner tonight. I would like you two to meet on official terms.”
Palmer’s red curls bounced up and down as she nodded her head rapidly. “Yes, please! Yes, please. Who is it?”
“You already have met him, just not officially. I think you would be a wonderful match with Master Beau.”
Palmer searched her mind and smiled when she pictured the large man with crazy curly hair. She’d loved his lecture. She wasn’t sure she’d ever escape her trauma, but it was nice to think there was a chance.
“I went to his class.”
Master Derek nodded. “You did, sweet girl.”
“He seems really nice,” Palmer added.
“I believe he is very nice, and perfect for your Little heart.”
“I’ll meet him again tonight?” Palmer asked.
“Yes, ma’am. Sadie and I will come get you after class and you can do your homework at the Big House and then we will all have dinner together.”
Excitement so big and bright bubbled in Palmer’s belly that she launched into the Ranch Master’s arms and hugged him tightly. “Thank you, Master Derek! Thank you!” She didn’t miss the way Master Derek’s eyes were glossy when she pulled back from their hug.
“You are welcome, sweet girl. I want you to understand, though, this isn’t a punishment. You’re not getting a mentor because you did anything wrong, okay? It’s because I want to be able to give your heart and your body what they need.”
Chapter Three
Beau was so nervous it was ridiculous.
“I am a grown man, a self-made millionaire. I have fifteen million followers across four social media platforms. I am very handsome,” he chanted to himself as he put mousse in his curls. He should not be this nervous, but every time the sweet redhead crossed his mind, it felt like bears were doing the macarena in his belly.
Studying his reflection, he decided he looked about as good as he was going to. Straightening his button up, he fixed one wayward curl and grabbed the soft blanket he’d gotten for Palmer at the Ranch giftshop. It wasn’t dark out yet, but he took the tunnels anyway, wanting to learn his way around the Ranch. Finding the golf carts Sam told him about, he climbed in and navigated his way to Derek and Sadie’s home.
After parking the cart, he walked up the path to the Big House. It was absolutely beautiful, much like everything at Rawhide Ranch. It was two stories with a huge porch and beautiful landscaping work. Beau wondered if Sadie had worked with Lucas Morrow to create the beautiful flower displays at the foot of the house. They had been made to look free and wild, but surely that had taken a lot of time to make them so beautiful.Daisies and wildflowers spilled out of garden beds on either side and Beau felt like the mix of flowers was a great representation of all the different people on the Ranch. None of them looked alike, but somehow they all fit together.
Climbing the stairs, he took a deep breath. “It’s just dinner, Beau,” he reminded himself.
Before he could knock, Derek opened the door for him wearing a “Kiss the cook” apron.
Beau laughed. “Hopefully, I can be excused from kissing you.”
Running his hand across the bright red apron, Derek chuckled. “Sadie made this for me in Home Economics. It’s my favorite.”
Damn it, Beau couldn’t wait to wear silly things his future Little one made him. He knew that Little one might not be Palmer, but he was happy to give her what he could.
“Girls, Master Beau is here,” Derek called from the stairs.