Chapter 8
CHAPTER 8
Hannah looked past Brody to see a blonde woman with her hair in a ponytail wearing scrubs just exiting the house. Before the woman could close the door, a large white dog rushed past and charged Brody. Hannah held her breath.
Brody crouched and the dog tried to lick his face, but he turned his head away while trying to get the animal under control. The dog circled in his arms, its body almost pushing him over.
The woman approached them. “I’m sorry. She was whining at the door, so I thought we had a visitor.”
Before he could respond, the dog succeeded in toppling Brody onto his butt. “It’s okay girl, I’m right here.”
The woman strode forward with her hand out. “Hello. I’m Amanda Dunn, Brody’s sister-in-law. You must be Hannah.”
Hannah shook Amanda’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Are you going to work?”
“Oh, no. I’m already at work. I’m working with Brody’s dad after his stroke. Though technically, I’m not ‘working,’ since I quit my last job to marry Tanner and help with the dude ranch. But I still wear my scrubs when making Jeremiah do his exercises.” She leaned in and lowered her voice. “He listens to me better when I wear these.”
“I get that. You look very professional in those.”
“And you look like me when I’m not in scrubs.”
Brody spoke from his position on the ground. “Last I knew, Mandy, your hair wasn’t auburn, your eyes weren’t brown, and you weren’t five-foot-seven.”
Hannah and Amanda looked at him as if he’d turned into a werewolf. Did he really think Amanda meant it literally?
“What?” He stood, one hand still on the dog.
She looked back at Amanda and laughed.
Amanda shook her head as if putting up with her brother-in-law was just part of being in the family. “Hannah, I know you’ve been working hard out here in the barn. Would you like to join us for lunch?”
“I’d love to.” It would also take her away from the giant dog who seemed to think the world of Brody.
“Wonderful. I’m making it today and it’s pretty good. Come on in.”
She walked beside Amanda, feeling a little safer with her. It wasn’t that she didn’t like dogs. It was just that she’d been bit by a neighbor’s chihuahua when she was little, so she kept her distance. She still remembered how much the little dog’s bite hurt. She couldn’t imagine getting bit by a large dog.
Just as they reached the porch, she halted. “Wait, I can’t go inside with all this on me. Is there someplace I can wash up?”
Amanda turned around and looked her over. “Just drop your gloves and boots on the porch and you can use the bathroom inside to wash up. That’s what my brothers did at home. I’m sure Brody will wash up out at the barn, and later he can take care of yours.”
After doing as suggested, she followed Amanda into the coolness of the large adobe ranch house. Two things impressed her upon entering. First, the solidness of the structure from the adobe walls to the travertine floor, and second, the casual atmosphere. She’d never been comfortable around wealthy people, so it was a relief to find the Dunns appeared to be down-to-earth.
Amanda pointed down a hall on the right. “The bathroom is the first door on the right.”
She headed straight for the room and quickly washed up. Feeling more presentable, she returned to the entry, where she found a wide archway leading to the kitchen.
As she walked in, Amanda turned toward her. “You can choose a stool. I hope you don’t mind. We always eat at this island. Tanner and his brothers grew up here with their dad, so they don’t have a formal dining area. From what Tanner told me, over there was where the table used to be, but Jeremiah turned it into a den, since it was never used.” Amanda started laying out focaccia bread on a baking tray.
Hannah climbed onto a stool. “What are you making?”
“I actually made my husband’s barbeque chicken salad.” She lifted a forkful before heaping it on the bread. “However, I’m adding my own twist. These Dunn men get stuck in a rut sometimes, so I like to bump them out of it.”
The front door opened and she heard Brody talking. “Now Cami, we have a guest, so you need to be on your best behavior. Agreed?” He sounded like he was talking to a child, not a dog.
Despite her nervousness, she found his actions endearing.
He strode in without his hat and took a seat next to her. “Sit.” The dog immediately sat behind his stool. He turned toward Amanda. “What are you doing? I hope you aren’t going to ruin that barbeque chicken salad. Those aren’t bulky rolls. That’s not even brioche.”
“Nope, it’s not.” Amanda turned to the refrigerator with no explanation.
Hannah swallowed a chuckle at how evasive Amanda was being.
Brody turned his head toward her. “You’ll have to excuse her. She’s starting to cook like Tanner, always experimenting. If you don’t like it, I’ll be happy to make you a normal sandwich.”
She couldn’t help observing that he was being both obnoxious and kind in the same sentence. “That’s okay. I like trying new things.”
Amanda turned back with cheese in her hand. “Brody, you stick to desserts and we’ll handle the rest.”
At Amanda’s comment, Hannah laid her hand on Brody’s arm. “Speaking of desserts, have you figured out Mama Juanita’s Tres Leches cake yet?”
“Not yet, but I’ve only made one attempt. I know what I have to do differently, so I’m hoping I get it this time.”
She released him, but patted his arm before setting her hand back in her lap. “That’s okay. If you even get close, it would be amazing. I’m so pleased I’ll be living nearby to try it.” She leaned in closer and whispered. “You will let me try it, right?”
“I’m hoping you’ll be the final judge.” His gaze held genuine eagerness.
She smiled, very pleased that he still planned to work on it and would allow her to be a part. Even if it was just the tasting part, which was her favorite. “I’d love to.”
“Good. I don’t think asking Mama Juanita would be a good idea.” He grimaced before turning back to Amanda. “Is my brother coming in?”
“He’s on his way.” Amanda took the cookie sheet of open-faced sandwiches and stuck them under the broiler.
Hannah’s mouth started to water. “Amanda, those are going to be delicious.”
“We’ll see. I haven’t made them before, so I make no guarantees.”
The front door opened, and footsteps much like Brody’s but far harder sounded in the entryway. Within seconds, another cowboy strode in. He was slightly taller than Brody, and his hair had no blond streaks, as if it never saw the sun at all. His facial features were much like Brody, revealing him as a brother, but where his were angular, Brody’s were more friendly. “What’s for lunch?” He moved to the sink and washed his hands, splashing water on his face as well.
Amanda answered him. “An open-face broiled barbeque chicken salad and cheese sandwich on focaccia bread.”
The man, who had to be Tanner, dried his face and hands. Then he brushed a kiss on his wife’s cheek before opening the fridge and grabbing a water bottle. “You want one—oh, hello.”
She smiled. “Hello. I’m Hannah Kingsley, your new neighbor. And yes, I’d love a water.”
Tanner handed her the water bottle. “It’s nice to finally meet you. My brother seems to be keeping you busy.”
Brody spoke up at that. “I’m just helping her learn what ranch life is like. I’ll take one of those.” Tanner threw one to him, and he caught it as it was about to go over his head. “Your aim is getting rusty.”
Tanner took two more bottles out and set one next to his wife before unscrewing the cap on his own and taking a gulp. Setting the bottle on the counter, Tanner looked at his brother. “I meant to do that.”
“Umm Brody, I think Cami wants something.” At Amanda’s observation, Hannah glanced behind him to see the dog had placed her paws on the cross-bar of his stool.
He immediately stood and walked around the island, the dog Cami following closely. “I promised her a bone.”
“At this time of day?”
He grabbed a box of dog bones from a cupboard. “She still needs to gain some more weight.”
Cami sat, but her tail swished across the floor as fast as a snake rattle. Taking a bone out, Brody held it as he placed the box back in the cupboard. “Hannah, would you like to give Cami her bone?”
She didn’t move a muscle, but she managed to speak normally. “No. I’m good.”
He must have sensed her hesitancy because he gave her a questioning look before bending to hold out his hand. “Shake.”
Cami lifted her paw into his.
“Good girl.” He let Cami have the bone, and the large dog took it into the den next to the sliding glass doors to enjoy.
“I don’t blame you.” Amanda put on a pair of oven mitts. “Cami can be too appreciative sometimes.”
Tanner pulled out silverware for them all, as Brody returned to his seat. Amanda added sandwiches to plates, and once everyone had a plate and silverware, they gave the new experiment a try, she and Tanner standing on the other side of the counter opposite them though there were four stools.
Hannah took a bite. “Oh, Amanda, this is delicious. I need to try making these.” The melding of different flavors was truly a treat. She rarely cooked anything so interesting, now that she lived alone. How different it was to be part of a family, specifically an adult family where everyone could share chores and enjoy each other’s company. It was something she’d always envied, especially when she was in grammar school. Now she appreciated being a part of it, even if only for lunch.
“I saw you got the wood moved over to the boulder break. Thanks.” Tanner gestured with his fork toward Brody. “I’d forgotten all about it. Between the building inspections and the new shooting range, I dropped that ball. I appreciate you picking it up.”
Brody shrugged. “No problem. Once we get that repaired, we’ll have to start on the birthing pen roof.”
Tanner dropped his fork on his pate. “Hell, I forgot about the roof, too.” He turned toward his wife, his green eyes wide. “I did it again. I told you I wasn’t going manage the dude ranch and the cattle ranch at the same time.”
She patted his shoulder. “You’re doing fine. You’re not doing this alone. We all have your back.”
Though Tanner nodded, it was obvious he was kicking himself for his forgetfulness. Hannah tried to think of something encouraging, but since she was an outsider, anything she could come up with just sounded lame.
“Speak for yourself, Mandy. I’ve had his back for decades. I think it’s time we took off the training wheels.”
Surprised by Brody’s statement, she stared at him as he grinned at his brother.
“At least I know how to ride. Still waiting for you to catch up.” Tanner appeared completely serious.
“I can out ride you, out rope you, and out run you any day.”
Tanner raised one eyebrow. “If you’re so talented, why don’t you oversee the rest of the details in making Dad’s dude ranch a reality?”
Both of Brody’s hands came up as if to ward off evil spirits. “Not a chance. You’ll be running the show. I don’t want to get blamed for any of the missteps you’re sure to make.”
“Coward.”
Brody smirked. “No. Just smart.”
Tanner pointed to Cami who still munched on her bone. “And keeping a half-starved abandoned dog is smart?”
Brody didn’t even hesitate. “At least I have a dog for a pet, and not an obstinate, love-sick heifer.”
Amanda laughed loudly. “You have to admit, Tanner. He’s got you there.”
“Hmph.” Tanner shook his head, but Hannah could see he fought a smile.
The whole conversation was a revelation. Brody had purposefully goaded his brother to distract him from his self-doubt and worry. That Tanner didn’t bring the subject back to his forgotten tasks on the ranch made it clear he was happy for Brody’s help. Yet, the whole exchange had been one insult after another. She found the episode fascinating, especially because the basic motivation was their love for each other.
“What about you, Hannah. Do you have any pets?”
She shook her head at Amanda’s question. “No. My grandmother was allergic to animal fur. I did have a goldfish when I was seven, but it didn’t last long. I was so devastated when I came home from school one day to find it dead, that my grandmother swore to never have another pet in the apartment. She didn’t like seeing me so distraught.”
“Do you like animals?” Brody had turned, and though his question was casual, the focus in his blue gaze was anything but.
“I do. I love going to the Phoenix Zoo.”
Tanner set his plate in the sink. “Speaking of a zoo. Amanda, did Dad tell you his idea about a petting zoo here at the ranch?”
Amanda rolled her eyes. “Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously. Let me show you what he was thinking. Then maybe you can find a good way to talk him out of it. Is he in the therapy room or the office?”
Amanda waved toward an archway on the side of the kitchen. “He’s taking his nap. Show me. I’ll come back and clean up.”
Tanner’s whole body seemed to relax before taking his wife’s hand and walking out of the kitchen.
It reminded Hannah of how her grandparents depended on each other, one always supporting the other, or being honest with each other even when it wasn’t easy to do.
“Will you get a pet now to keep you company?”
At Brody’s question, she turned back to him, having forgotten the original topic. “Actually, I was thinking about it. I’m nervous, though, that I might forget to feed it or hurt it in some way. I’ve never had another creature depend on me to live. It’s a bit intimidating.”
His eyebrows furrowed as he looked at her sideways. “Didn’t you say you cared for your grandparents? It sounds to me like you have a lot of experience in that area.”
“Oh, that’s not the same. My grandparents could communicate with me. Boy, did they ever. But with an animal, you have to guess at what it wants and needs.” She pointed toward the dog who lay with her head on the floor looking out the slider. “Like now, how would you know what your dog needs? Is she sad? Anxious to go outside? Does she want another bone?”
As if she’d said the magic word, the dog’s head snapped up.
“Shh, don’t say the word b-o-n-e. She knows that word and will come over to beg.”
At the thought of the dog coming toward her, she stiffened.
“Are you afraid of dogs?”
His blunt question caused her to give a blunt answer. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I can put Cami in my room if you’re uncomfortable.”
The dog had put her chin back on the floor as if she’d given up on her treat. “No. I don’t want to disturb her. It’s my hang-up, not hers.”
“Did you have a bad experience with a dog?”
“I was bit.” She waved her hand as if it didn’t matter, even though it did. A part of her knew her fear wasn’t fair to all dogs, but she couldn’t seem to shake it. “I was ten and it was only a chihuahua, but it hurt, and after he bit my hand, he went after my feet.”
“Didn’t the owner stop it?” His tone sounded as if he were ready to punch the man in the face.
She shook her head. “It was my fault. I assumed, because it was a small dog, that it liked people. The teenage boy who was walking it thought it was funny that I was bit, praising his dog for protecting him. He said it served me right for touching his dog. I look at it as a lesson well learned.”
“No one should own an animal and allow that to happen.” The words seemed to issue from his clenched jaw.
“It’s okay. The wounds healed. See?” She held up her right hand where there wasn’t even a scar to mark that day’s events. The only scar was in her psyche.
He took her hand in his and examined it. “I don’t know. I see something on your index finger.”
She grinned, loving how sweet he was being. “I was bit on the pinky.”
“That’s what I meant, your pinky.” Though he said it seriously, his lips fought a smile before he released her. “Then I would like to introduce you to Cami.”
Her breath left her and her heart started to race. “That’s okay. I’m fine.”
He stood, shaking his head. “No, you’re not. At just the mention of meeting my dog, your whole body turned as stiff as a fence post.”
She forced a shrug. “Habit.”
He studied her for a moment, and she was quite sure he could tell she was afraid. But he didn’t say anything. Instead, he turned and walked to his dog.
“Cami, would you like to meet Hannah?”
The dog immediately rose, tail wagging and meeting him halfway across the room.
“Cami, sit.” He pointed down at his cowboy boots.
The dog immediately turned around joyfully and sat her butt on his boots. Hannah smiled.
“She’s still learning about personal space.” He grimaced before patting Cami on the head. “I’m going to stay right here and you can come and meet her. She likes everybody, so hopefully she won’t push you too hard. But I promise, she won’t bite.”
Hannah told herself she needed to get off the stool and try it, but her muscles wouldn’t move. “She’s a very big dog.”
He looked down at the dog. “Is she? She seems small to me, because next to the cattle, she’s a tiny thing.”
She refrained from pointing out that such a tiny thing could push an adult to the ground. But he did have a point. The cattle were much bigger. Even the bull she spoke to. Why wasn’t she afraid of the bull? Brody’s dog was much smaller. She hadn’t even been afraid of the horses in the barn, and they were much bigger.
Finally, she forced herself to stand.
The dog immediately stood and wagged its tail as it looked at her before looking at Brody.
“Cami, stay.”
The dog’s butt hit the floor next to him so fast, it looked as if he’d pulled a string.
“Hannah, walk over when you’re ready and let her sniff your hand so she can learn your scent.”
“My hand smells like my sandwich. She might bite it. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Brody shook his head. “She’ll more likely lick you. See?” He held his hand down, and the dog immediately butted her head against it before licking him.
Obviously, the dog was friendly, so why couldn’t she move? Brody stood there patiently, no more than six steps away. The dog kept looking back and forth between her and him. More afraid the dog would lose patience with her than Brody would, she finally took a step.
The dog’s butt came off the floor.
“Stay.” Brody’s command was immediate.
The butt dropped once more, but the tail didn’t stop wagging.
She forced herself to take the next step. The dog didn’t move this time, which made her more confident and she took two more steps. The dog looked at her. It lifted one eyebrow and then the other as if trying to figure out why she was hesitating. Of course, that was all in her own head, but it did make it easier to take the last step.
“Cami, this is Hannah. Hannah, this is Cami. Cami, stay.”
The dog looked up at her, its dark brown eyes focused only on her.
Her pulse became erratic as irrational fear filled her, and she took a step back, trying to breathe.
The dog’s head lowered and it lay down with a soft whimper.
She snapped her gaze to Brody. “Is she okay? I didn’t touch her.”
His gaze softened. “She’s fine. Just disappointed. It’s okay. You don’t have to greet her today.”
Disappointed?
She looked down at the dog, who kept her chin on the floor. Now she felt like she’d been mean. She couldn’t handle that. “Cami?”
The dog’s head lifted off the floor to look at her.
Taking a deep breath, she held her hand out. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Cami looked back at Brody, who nodded.
As if the dog understood, Cami stepped forward and sniffed at her hand then sat.
“She wants you to pet her.”
Hannah wasn’t sure how Brody knew what a dog wanted, but she trusted him, so she laid her hand on top of Cami’s head and patted her. The dog’s white fur was soft and silky. “Hi, Cami.”
The dog lifted her head and licked her hand.
“Oh, that’s wet.” She wiped her hand on her jeans.
Cami stood again, turned around and sat with her back to her.
“Did I insult her?” She looked to Brody, who smiled.
“No. She wants you to pet her some more. But be careful. Once you start petting her, she’ll never feel it’s enough.”
Hannah looked at the dog who lifted her head. Hesitantly, she patted her again and the dog tilted her head more.
“She likes her ears rubbed.”
At Brody’s statement, Hannah rubbed Cami’s ears. The next thing she knew, the dog was pushing her whole weight against her, causing her to step back.
“Cami, come.”
Immediately, the dog walked to Brody and sat facing him.
“Good girl.” He gave Cami a pat. “She likes you.”
The knot in her stomach seemed to unravel. “I’m glad. I like her, too.”
“She’s a great dog. I wish she could come outside with me more, but it’s too hot yet. She has a double coat. Her breed is meant for cooler climes.”
“Speaking of cooler, I need more water.” She walked back to the island and opened her water bottle for a drink.
Brody grabbed his own bottle. “We still need to wash those buckets out. Are you ready for more work?”
She scanned the dirty dishes spread over the island. “Shouldn’t we wash these first?”
“Nope. Today is Amanda’s day. We each take a day to cook and do the dishes. Mine is tomorrow. Don’t worry. She’ll be back out to clean up before my dad wakes up.” He opened his arm toward the front door.
Taking the hint, she took her water with her, noticing two cowboy hats on the entry table.
Brody snatched up his hat and set it on his head before opening the door for her. He hesitated before following her out, when arguing came from the other room. He closed the door and chuckled.
As they walked toward the barn, she had to ask. “What’s funny?”
“My brother. He’s hoping that Mandy will convince my father not to create the petting zoo. But I saw Dad’s plans and Mandy is going to love them. Tanner’s barking up the wrong tree on this one.”
It was odd to her that he would find his brother’s disappointment funny. “Do you think it’s a good idea?”
“It doesn’t matter what I think. But yes, I do think it’s a good idea. Tanner just doesn’t want another project to complete before the opening. He’s already used to being in charge, and between Dad and Mandy, he’s had to cave to everything. Dad’s ideas are well thought-out.”
“Why do you say it doesn’t matter what you think?” She stopped just inside the shade of the barn, concerned by his comment. His opinion should matter among the family. He was an intelligent, experienced cowboy.
He kept going before halting and turning back to look at her. “I’m just one of the worker bees who plans to fly away as soon as I can. I do want my family to keep the ranch, but my interests lie elsewhere.”
She stared at him, hoping he was joking, but was clear he was not. “Will you be leaving soon?”
“That’s my plan.” He gave her a grin before heading into the barn.
Surprised and unreasonably hurt, she remained standing where she was. Knowing that Brody planned to leave, go who-knew-where, undercut her contentment over discovering her inheritance. Suddenly, it didn’t seem the slice of heaven she’d thought it, which made no sense. Brody was her neighbor and though he’d helped her, he’d also argued against her living on her own property.
She still had the rest of his family as neighbors and had already started making friends in town. If Brody decided to go off to pursue his goals, she should be happy for him. Yet as much as she tried to wish him well in her mind, she couldn’t seem to manage it. She’d obviously been leaning on him a bit too much. She needed to learn to stand on her own two feet, because there was no one else she could depend on now.
“You coming, or are you going to stand there like brittlebush, looking pretty?”
She whirled around at his question and started into the barn. “Has anyone ever told you that you can be obnoxious?”
He laughed. “All the time.”