Total pages in book: 248
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
Ally was willing to bet most would stick with Ma and Pa. She’d never seen anyone more suited to the titles.
The smile Ma swept around the table was cordial and sincere. Pa simply nodded his head, obviously happy to let her take the lead. “The Second Chance Ranch has been running for close to forty years now, and in that time, it has helped so many people learn and grow. About eight years ago, we switched to working specifically with romantic partners who needed to reconnect.”
Carter’s hand settled on Allegra’s thigh, and she gave him a quick glance, but couldn’t tell what he was thinking.
Ma continued, and her tone changed to something less familial and more professional. “This world is hectic and crazy, and sometimes love just isn’t enough to hold things together. Distance grows, communication flags, and problems that pop up aren’t always dealt with.” She shrugged. “We offer a somewhat … unique path to growing closer and revitalizing your relationships.”
Pa hooked an arm around her waist, as he took over. “We run five or six of these sessions most years, and we’ve seen just about everything. I can tell you there’s no problem you can’t work through, if you both want it, and we’re here to help you do just that.”
It was clear they’d given this speech so many times that the swapping back and forth was choreographed. Ma was up again. “Now, some of the things we’re going to ask you to do might seem a bit outlandish … but we ask that you trust the process. You are the fiftieth group to come through these doors, and I can assure you that we know what we’re doing. Well, we’d have to by now, wouldn’t we?” She laughed and elbowed her husband gently.
Allegra leaned over and whispered, “Unique and outlandish? What exactly are they going to have us doing?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know, Ally. The program was different when I was here, but they’ve always been really good at helping people, so let’s ‘trust the process’ like they asked.” He squeezed her thigh.
He seemed to trust them, but even he was shocked when printouts were passed around the table and he scanned down the list of rules. She watched his eyes widen, and hurried to pull the sheet over so she could see. The very first rule made her mouth drop open. She reread it several times, sure she was somehow not understanding.
She wasn’t the only one.
“Uh, excuse me Mr. Pren—uh Pa,” someone called from the other end of the table. “I don’t understand … does this say couples are … that we can’t … um.” His voice trailed off, but others had the same question.
Allegra was staring holes in Carter, but he didn’t look her way.
Pa seemed to take the upset in stride. He smiled. “I know. I get it. You’re shocked and confused, but you read it right. Couples will be housed separately for the first week, and we ask that you refrain from any sexual contact.”
There was an explosion of voices. Almost everyone had something to say, including her. “But we’re here to grow closer. How can we grow closer if you keep us apart?” was what Allegra wanted to know.
Ma fielded that one. “We won’t be keeping you apart. You’ll be working with your partner. You’ll see each other for meals and activities too, and the week will fly by, I promise. If you all behave yourselves and follow the rules…” She shot a stern but motherly look around the table.
Allegra couldn’t help squirming, and she wasn’t the only one. Ma had clearly nailed the mom warning stare.
“Then week two will start with moving you into cabins with your partner,” Pa finished.
“But why?” someone asked. It didn’t matter who, since it was what everyone wanted to know.
“There are a few reasons we do this, but we’ll let you figure it out for yourselves. I expect you’ll realize pretty quick what the main goal is in separating you.” He chuckled as he leaned down to whisper something in Ma’s ear. She dimpled and the creases around her eyes deepened as she laughed.
“Carter!” Allegra hissed at him. This wasn’t what she’d signed on for, and she wasn’t sure that picking their next vacation was worth all of this.
“It’s just one week,” he reminded her. There were similar conversations being had around the table and their hosts just let them talk it out.
“Now,” Ma said finally, as the voices died down. “Tomorrow is the official start. We have several more couples arriving, and then we’ll have a full house. For today, we’ll just let you get settled and do a little exploring. We have packets for each of you, here.” She tapped a stack of glossy folders on the table in front of her.
Pa began passing them down, as she continued. “All our amenities are listed, mealtimes, and everything you might need to know is in here. But if you need anything, you’re welcome to hunt us up, or ask any of the staff. In the meantime, before we get you sorted into your rooms, you can ask any que—”