Because this is the father of the man I believe you are going to marry in the near future. The end of that thought caught her by surprise. Interesting how her hunches went at times.

Roxie said accusingly, “You got sunburned this morning.”

“I know, haven’t had to use the sunscreen yet this year and didn’t even think about it. I put the aloe vera on.”

“Your skin is so much like your father’s. He was close to a redhead; you both got the translucent skin.” She slowed down and turned to the right as per Lola’s instructions. Roxie had named the woman on the GPS so she could yell at her in a more personal way. Sometimes even Lola made mistakes. “Will there be a lot of people there?”

Loren shrugged. “How should I know? Nate offered to pick us up but—”

Roxie finished the sentence for her. “In case things got uncomfortable, you wanted a way out.”

“How did you know?”

Roxie rolled her eyes. “I’m your mother. A mother learns things by the time her youngest child is twenty-six years old.” Good thing. Well, if Mr. Richard Owens was anything like his son, this would be enjoyable.

“You have reached your destination on the right,” said Lola mechanically.

“Must be right on the lake.” The paved driveway wore the manicured look of a good yard service. She turned in and clicked off the GPS. “Take a nap, Lola.”

Loren snorted. “You have a love-hate relationship with that GPS system. It’s just a device.”

“Looks like a park.” A pond off to the right caught her attention. “Look at that gazebo. You’d think we were in New England. Quaint.”

One more curve and the house came into view. Roxie’s years in real estate quickly estimated the value, the architect, and the taste of the man who was hosting them. Looked like he had done very well for himself or he was in debt up to his eyebrows. She had a strong feeling it was the former. She mentally clicked off the business side of her brain. She was here to enjoy herself, not to help the owner sell.

A huge fluffy white dog came bounding across the lawn, followed by Nate. Both were wearing wide grins.

“Welcome, glad you made it all right.” He opened Roxie’s door for her and went around to open Loren’s. “Meet Sophie. Believe it or not, she is still a puppy.” He laid his hand on her head. “Easy, girl, you needn’t scare the company.” Roxie climbed out and stood straight to look around.

Loren let the puppy sniff her hands, up her arms, and kiss her chin. She cupped her hands around the jawline and snuggled her nose into the fluff. “Oh, you are something else. What a beautiful girl.” She grinned up at Nate. “I think she likes me.”

“How could she not?”