13. Thirteen
Thirteen
Kyla
“I cannot believe . . .” I stammered as I watched the new baby calf stumble around. “I did that.”
Abi hummed a laugh that seemed to be stuck in her throat. “You didn’t even get that messy.” She elbowed me.
I turned to glare at her, then down at Rhett’s t-shirt covered in goo that had come from the mama cow. It didn’t take long like I thought it would, but helping bring the calf into the world was exhilarating. Abi pushed the mama’s stomach, while I helped pull the calf from her. With each push the calf gave way and eventually fell to the ground. I shouted, thinking the poor thing was dead, but when Abi grabbed my arm and pulled me to the side I just watched. In absolute amazement .
Within the hour the little brown and white calf was on her feet, stumbling around looking for her mother, and soon she began to nurse.
I took a deep breath, the smell of cows, hay, and manure hitting me. What shocked me the most was that I loved it. Closing my eyes I took it all in, still not believing the last few weeks I had experienced. The ranch was an entirely different world than I was used to. It brought a calmness even I couldn’t describe.
Maybe this could be a summer destination for me each year. I could rent Rhett’s place while he’s away on the circuit and just enjoy living simply. Maybe bring Grace and just . . . live. I imagined myself on the porch, with Grace next to me, as we both read or drank wine and chatted about anything and everything.
This could be the escape we both needed.
“Your mind is racing.” Abi’s voice echoed past my thoughts, pulling me back to reality. “I can practically hear it.”
“I like it here,” I answered simply.
“Well . . .” She trailed off, her gaze going back to the baby calf. “We like you here too.”
“My goodness you are thirsty,” I said to the small cow as she grabbed a hold of the nipple on the large bottle I held. “No wonder why your mama won’t let you nurse, you have a death grip on this thing!”
“Does she have a name yet?” The deep voice that came from behind me shocked me slightly. I wasn’t used to hearing Lachlan. He was normally out on the land, and very stoic. I turned to watch him carry a hay-bale as he walked past me to set it down on top of the rest of the hay.
“Abi told me I couldn’t name her. That she would get a tag and number and that would be that.” I noted, turning back to the calf who still downed the milk in the bottle as if it were her last meal.
Lachlan let out a huff. “She’s getting attached to you.”
“She’s a cow.” I rolled my eyes, grinning at him as he studied me.
I had never truly looked at Lachlan before. He had broad shoulders that led to his chiseled frame, his skin was tanned from the sun, his face was hidden by a full, dark beard and his black cowboy hat shadowed his eyes. He took the hat off, almost as if he could hear my thoughts, and rubbed his forehead with his forearm. I noticed the ink of tattoos on his arms but didn’t study him any further. I met his gaze, his eyes rich and dark as he lifted his chin towards the calf.
“And just like any other animal, cows can get attached to certain people. You seem to have a friend in that calf. So . . .” Lachlan sat his hat back on his head and dusted his hands on his jeans. “Name her.”
Looking at the little cow in front of me, I loved the thought that she was getting attached to me. Her brown eyes widened with each sip she pulled, and her ears perched back. She was only a few days old, but it felt like she had been alive for a lot longer. I was amazed with how quickly she seemed to grow. Then again, I knew nothing about cows. All I knew was she was cute, and she liked to follow me around.
Lachlan must have seen it. I would walk the fence with Abi, and she would trot over and follow us, mooing at me to give her some attention. I would scratch behind her ears and laugh as she groaned, but I figured that was just a cow thing to do. She was basically a big puppy.
“What do you even name a cow?” I asked, knitting my brow.
“Anything but Bessie,” Lachlan answered, letting out a deep breath as he passed me, bending over to get another hay bale.
“Awe, but Bessie is such a good cow name,” I cooed, looking at the brown eyes that were hyper focused on me as she guzzled down the bottle.
“Just remember she will most likely—”
“I don’t want to know.” I cut him off, knowing they had sold cows off to end up in the grocery store. I didn’t want to think about this adorable little calf being sold to become a hamburger.
Lachlan threw the hay on top of the pile, a grunt leaving his lungs. “I was going to say she would most likely become a milking cow, so you’re safe to name her.”
I twisted my lips and focused back on the calf. “Oh, that changes things.”
“Shout out some ideas.” He waved his hand in the air, turning his back to me, his voice fading as he went to grab another hay bale.
“Um . . . Juniper?”
“Juniper?” he parroted, raising an eyebrow at me, stopping the moment his back was straight.
“Okay, not Juniper. Um . . .” I started thinking about books I had read with cows in them; of TV commercials with the laughing cow or some milk farm. All the cows that popped into my head were nameless. “Clarabelle?”
Lachlan tossed another hay bale. “Isn’t that a cartoon character? ”
“I think it’s Goofy’s wife.”
“Goofy’s married?” Lachlan dropped his arms to his side. “To a cow?”
“I don’t know.” I shrugged, pulling the bottle from her mouth, only to have her follow it. “Okay, not Clarabelle.”
Lachlan shook his head as he passed me. “I’ll let you think of names . . .”
“Josie?” I shouted behind my back to Lachlan. I heard him give a slight grunt as he lifted yet another bale. “I like Josie.” I smiled down at the calf who had claimed the bottle again, her eyes now closed as she drank every last drop. “What do you think?”
Lachlan stopped next to me and the calf, one eyebrow arched. “Josie will work.”
“Awe yeah.” I set the bottle down on the fence post and scratched behind Josie’s ears. “You look like a Josie. My little Josie.”
“I’ll tell the guys,” Lachlan mumbled.
I turned back to Josie and leaned into her, letting her bump my shoulder with hers. I started reaching up to pet her again when I could make out the faint rush of dirt and footsteps flying into the barn. I turned to see Stetson trampling through, dirt flying behind him.
“Miss Kyla! Miss Kyla!” Stetson’s voice echoed as he got closer to us, not slowing down for anything.
“Stetson!” Lachlan shouted, almost losing his footing as his nephew came up to our side. “Slow it down or pick up a bale.”
Stetson stopped in his tracks, freezing as he looked up at his cousin. “Sorry, Uncle Lach, but I had to come see Miss Kyla.” My heart rushed, loving how even though Lachlan wasn’t Stetson’s real Uncle, he still called him by that title.
I gave Josie one last pat and turned to Stetson. He was buzzing with excitement as he caught his breath. Lachlan’s gaze met mine before I focused on the little cowboy in front of me.
“You have a cow, my little cousin, and my cousin falling for you,” he grumbled.
“No one has fallen for me,” I retorted, folding my arms over my chest.
“I have,” Stetson answered, turning back to me with his eyes wide. “Mama said you were leaving for your new home soon and Miss Kyla, I don’t want you to leave.”
My lips parted and a small gasp left my lips. Stetson reminded me of some of the kids I taught, and how at the end of the year they didn’t want to leave my classroom. My heartstrings tugged. “Oh Stetson . . .” I leaned down to be eye-level with him.
“So,” he shouted, “I was with Nana Lottie, and I found this.” He held out a small ring in his palm—a simple gold band with a single diamond. Nothing like what David had given me. The ring I wore with him was heavy and large—only there to show status. This ring was perfect in every way that mine wasn’t. Simple. Sweet. Delicate. “Nana gave it to me and told me that one day I needed to give it to the girl I loved and wanted to keep around. Miss Kyla, I want to keep you around so . . .” He held his palm out to me. “Here.”
“Pretty sure a seven-year-old just proposed to you.” Lachlan nodded, reminding me that he still stood next to us .
I glanced up at Lachlan, but then focused back on Stetson, reaching up to place my hand on his shoulder. “Stetson,” I began, but the kid shoved it closer to my body.
“Here, Miss Kyla.”
I gave him a tight smile and took the ring from his palm, slipping it on my left ring finger. I grabbed Stetson by his shoulders and gave his forehead a simple kiss. “Okay, I’ll stay a little longer.”
Stetson gave me the biggest grin before wrapping his arms around my neck, his hat hitting my forehead, forcing it to the floor. He pulled away, the same smile on his face as he scooped up his hat and ran out of the barn. I looked back up at Lachlan, who still stood as stoic as before, his hands on his hips as he looked at the ring on my finger.
“I guess I’m getting married.”
“You might want to go make sure it’s okay with his mother.” Lachlan situated his hat before returning to his task. “Oh, and I’ll be tagging Josie soon, if you want to help.”
“You will not be tagging my cow.” I pointed at him, my eyes narrowing at him. “But . . . I should go find Abi and tell her the news. Keep an eye on Josie for me?”
He turned to Josie and gave me a curt nod. “She’ll be thrilled you’re joining the family,” he retorted sarcastically.
I gave him a wave, turning to see Josie had already occupied herself with something else, and I left the barn. The sun hit my skin, making me wish I had the hat that Abi had lent me on my first day, and I shielded my eyes with my hand as I began the short walk over to the main house. Abi was outside, her horse next to her being guided slowly, her blonde hair braided loosely under her cowboy hat .
“I’ll have you know,” I shouted, approaching her. She spun, giving me a welcoming smile. “You’re looking at your new daughter-in-law.” I stopped and gave her a curtsy.
“I’m sorry, what?”
I held up my hand to show off my new ring. “Stetson proposed while I was feeding Josie.”
“Josie?”
“My cow,” I answered, cocking a shoulder to my ear.
“You have a cow and you’re marrying my seven-year-old?”
“He said . . .”
I was cut off by a honk, and then a few horses neighing. A black SUV came up the drive to the main house, the dust and dirt flying around it, clinging to the shiny paint. The SUV turned and came to a stop, and my stomach dropped.
I knew that car. I had spent many . . . many times in that passenger seat. His pristine Lincoln that he kept in perfect condition. He loved that car more than he loved me. I was certain of it.
How the hell did he find me?
I swallowed as I watched him, sitting in the front seat with that stupid smirk on his face. He waved before turning and getting out of the car.
“Abi . . .” I whispered. “That’s David.”
“David?” Her head jerked towards me. “David David? The David?”
“What the hell is he doing here?” I crossed my arms over my chest, determined to stand my ground. There was no way I would give into him, no way I wasn’t going to stand up for myself. How the hell did he know I was here! ?
He climbed out of the car, and I swear, he made direct eye contact with me.
“Kyla.” He stopped as he raised a hand to his brow. “Is that you?” I heard him shout as he walked around the car, wearing his perfectly tailored suit. He buttoned his suit jacket as he moved a portfolio under his arms.
That was it. That’s why he was here. I wasn’t sure if he was here solely for a job, and I just happened to be here—or if he knew I was here and this was his ploy. My bet was on the latter. He had somehow hunted me down, found out I was on a decent chunk of land, and then decided to use his business to try to weasel his way back into my life.
Too bad that wasn’t happening.
“He’s going to ask you about selling the ranch,” I mumbled to Abi before he got into hearing range. “I guarantee you that’s his idea.”
“What?” Abi whispered back, but the time I had left to answer was quickly taken away when David got closer and closer.
His black suit hugged him in all the right places, places that used to send me into a frenzy. His blond hair was gelled back, with a woosh that flowed from the front to the back. But the sides of his hair were short, nothing you could run your hands through. He hated having his hair touched. And his eyes were just as dull as I remembered. Green with absolutely no spark to them.
I hadn’t seen this man in six—almost seven months—and the disdain I felt for him was even stronger.
“It is! Kyla!” He quickened his pace.
I cleared my throat and shifted on my feet. “David,” I answered .
“I don’t believe it.” That stupid, corny smile that I thought I loved flashing as he reached out to me, not even stopping when I took a step closer to Abi. Was he expecting a hug?
“You knew I was here,” I countered, keeping all emotion from my voice.
“I had no idea. Kyla . . . I . . .” He stammered, most likely trying to remember his line. “I’m here to talk to the owners of Hartwell Hills.” His business smile formed once again. “That must be you.” He turned to Abi. “Hi, I’m David McIntyre.” He stuck out his hand for Abi to shake. She looked at his hand and then at his eyes. Her face was comical. Her lips were twisted up and her eyebrows were furrowed in a pure look of disgust. I was tempted to burst out laughing.
“Hi,” she responded, her voice just as monotone as mine, not taking his hand to shake.
David stood in a stupor for a moment before lowering his hand and clearing his throat. “Are you the owner of Hartwell Hills Ranch?”
“Maybe, who wants to know?” Abi folded her arms and pivoted her stance. While most people stood straight next to him, trying to show more power, Abi was calm and collected. A trait I wish I had had—one I would try my hardest to convey.
“David McIntyre, I’m here on behalf of my company—”
“The ranch isn’t for sale, David,” I interrupted him, forcing him to stop his speech and look at me.
“Now Kyla,” he cooed. “I believe I’m here to talk to Miss Hartwell.” I looked to Abi who muttered not my name under her breath. “And unless you know more about the ranch handlings than she does, I suggest you stay out of this, okay, sweetheart?” My bones rattled at the nickname. His smile made the blow he gave me seem less intoxicating. Thankfully I no longer bought his shit, and by the looks of it, neither did Abi.
I shook my head and looked down at my feet. My arms were still crossed over my chest as I took one more step towards Abi.
David let out a small chuckle, and when I lifted my head, his gaze was heavy on me. “But . . .” he took a deep breath. “I can see you may actually know more than I thought.”
What?
“We’ve only been separated for six months . . . and you’re engaged?”
His voice was different. It wasn’t the professional one he had approached us with. Now, it was thicker—there was anger lingering there. He stared at me, his eyes burning into mine as his gaze followed my arms to my hand.
Shit . . . the ring.
Looking down at my left hand I lifted my fingers from my elbow and curled them into a fist.
“I—” I began, unsure as to what to say.
“Married actually,” Abi answered for me. Both mine and David’s head spun in her direction. “To my brother, so if you have anything you need to say or discuss in front of me, it can be discussed in front of Kyla.”
“Married?” he stammered, his voice breaking.
Taking a deep breath, I figured, why not? If it got him away, I would say I was married. And since both of Abi’s brothers were away, and there was no way I would fit in with Lachlan, David would be none the wiser. He would leave once he found out that they had no interest in his stupid game. I would make sure he knew I was never, eve r going back to him, and that would be that. I would be free, and he would be gone.
“Yes, we’ve been married almost two months now.” I smiled, hoping I sounded like someone who was desperately in love.
“Two months? We were engaged for two years.”
“Well.” I shrugged. “When you know, you know. And with him . . . ” I instantly thought of Rhett. I caught my breath and swallowed. “I knew.”
“Well then.” David rolled his shoulders, looking from Abi to me. “Let me meet him. I’m sure he’d love to discuss the ranches’ potential and future.”
“He’s not here,” I answered honestly. “He’s away on the circuit.”
“Circuit?”
“Rodeo,” Abi answers as if it was obvious. David had never been near a horse in his entire life. There was no way he knew what the rodeo circuit was. But then again, neither did I until a friendship had formed between Rhett and me.
“You married a cowboy?”
“Damn straight she did. Oh look.” A laugh left Abi’s throat. “Speak of the devil.” Abi jerked her chin forward. “There he is now.”
My stomach churned as I lifted my head to see behind the black SUV. Sure enough, there was Rhett’s white Ford F-250 hauling a horse trailer up the drive, creating a hell of a lot more dust than David’s Lincoln did. He wasn’t supposed to be back until tonight—at least that’s what he texted me this morning— but he was here now. And David was here. And the nerves started to build faster than I could stop them. I bit my bottom lip and focused on the truck.
Rhett was driving, his hat on the dashboard as he turned to avoid David’s SUV before he brought the truck to a stop, the ground settling under the weight of the car. Wyatt jumped out of the car first, giving Abi and I a quick glance before making his way to the horse trailer. Rhett’s smile beamed as he rounded the front of the car, his hat now perched on his head. He was looking directly at me, and relief flooded through me.
My breath stammered, my heart shuddered, and I was so glad he was here.
I smiled without thinking, and moved the moment I saw him take a single step. I took off in a run, trying to tell myself this pull was just to fill him in on my little ruse, not that I wanted to be near him. I needed to tell him he was my husband, at least while David was here, but I needed to show David he was. Or else he would never believe me.
“Hey, baby.” Oh, why had he settled on baby? “I was hoping you would be willing to—”
My mind entirely focused on him, I grabbed his neck and pulled him down to me, my lips crashing into his. I lingered there for a moment, savoring the taste and smell of him. The salt on his tongue and the woody flavor that enveloped him. He smelled the exact same, and I breathed him in. His hand found my waist and he gave a slight hum. I pulled away to see him staring at me, his lips parted slightly, his eyes wide and glazed over.
“I need you to pretend to be my husband for the next fifteen minutes.”