Chapter 11
COLTON HELPED TRENT with early morning milking, finishing just as the sound of the milk truck making its way up the snowy driveway met their ears.
“He’s early,” Colton said. “Let’s get these containers out there. I put the others by the door already.”
Trent followed him to the smaller side door that led to the barn’s storage room with the large refrigeration system they used to keep the milk cool until the Mitchell Creamery truck came to exchange empty sterilized containers for full ones.
“It was a new guy yesterday. Not Luke or Bailey.”
Colton looked surprised. “What? Bailey must be doing well to be able to hire another worker.”
Trent shrugged and placed the last container next to the others.
The truck made a small circle and backed up to them. A pleasant-looking man jumped out.
“Morning,” he said, pulling open the back truck doors.
“Morning,” Colton frowned at him. “You’re new.”
The guy snorted as he lifted out a couple of empty metal cans. “New to the route, but I’ve been working at the Creamery for a couple of years.” He gave Colton a little salute. “I’m Lance, your temporary milk truck driver.”
“Okay,” Colton picked up a full container, “so how temporary?”
“Just until Luke and Bailey get back.” The truck’s taillights illuminated a sly grin on Lance’s face. “Bailey put me and Nicole in charge while she and Luke are off … getting married.” He waited a beat before adding, “They eloped.”
Colton let out a hoot. “Wait until I tell everybody.” Then he stopped the little dance he’d started and looked up at the dark morning sky. “Oh my gosh, they’re dropping like flies. Jackson first, now Luke.” He got wide-eyed and grabbed at Trent. “I guess I’m next.”
Trent stayed calm. “Not if you don’t want to be.”
“But I do … I just keep saying I don’t because Samantha says we should wait … but … oh, man.”
Lance finished the container exchange and gave them another salute. “Gotta go. I’m on a tight schedule. See ya tomorrow.”
Colton mumbled as they walked to the ranch house, pulling his phone out of his pocket.
“I gotta tell Tanner. Heck, maybe Tanner is next, not me.” He glanced at Trent to explain.
“Tanner was here and he found his, you know, love of his life, Lily, at the Olsens’ church.
Now he’s staying at Lily’s.” He stopped suddenly and stared at Trent.
“Or maybe you’re next. Wyatt told me you drove off last night and went to the Clearwater Motor Lodge. ”
“Not what you think,” Trent quickly said and took the porch steps two at a time.
***
Naomi woke early and stared down at the floor where her brother slept next to Ruby, the second pillow under his head and the extra blanket she’d brought spread over both man and dog.
He’d shown her the paperwork last night and they’d stayed up late arguing, but in the end, she’d agreed to sign the papers after she talked with her father.
The problem was she’d have to leave and put the Olsen consultation on hold for a couple of days.
She wasn’t keen on making the long drive twice—it was going to cost a lot in gas—but she couldn’t believe her dad had gotten so bad. She had to see for herself.
First, though, she would drive to the farm and explain to Mr. and Mrs. Olsen that she’d be back as soon as she could. Maybe they’d keep Ruby for her.
Naomi moved quietly, not wanting to wake Ethan—or Ruby, who lay sprawled on her back, paws twitching in what must have been a happy dream. She stepped into the bathroom and splashed water on her face, trying to shake off everything that had happened in the past twelve hours.
By the time she emerged, Ethan was sitting on the edge of the bed, rubbing his eyes. Ruby had climbed onto his lap, tail wagging as he absently patted her head.
“Morning,” she said softly, not wanting to stir his temper this early.
He glanced up and grunted. “You packed?”
“Not yet. I’ll head to the farm first, let them know what’s going on, then come back and follow you.”
Ethan frowned, his jaw tightening. “You’re wasting time. Just call them. You’ve got a responsibility here, Naomi. Our family is falling apart, and you’re worried about some cow people?”
Her temper flared, but she swallowed her retort. “They’ve been good to me, Ethan. I owe them an explanation. And … and maybe they can watch Ruby for me. Otherwise, I’ll be stopping to let her out every half hour.”
He shrugged, dismissing her words, and stood to stretch. “Fine. Do what you want. Just don’t take all day.”
Naomi clipped Ruby’s leash to her new collar and scooped up her bag. “You’ll be ready to go when I get back?”
Ethan didn’t answer, already rummaging through the mini-fridge for a bottle of water.
She grabbed her coat and boots and slipped out the door with Ruby at her heels. The little dog followed her faithfully to the car, her tail wagging in the early morning chill.
“I’ll be back soon,” Naomi whispered, crouching to stroke Ruby’s ears. The idea of leaving her behind tugged at her heart, but she couldn’t take Ruby along on such an uncertain trip. She was sure that Taylor and Mason—or Trent—would look after her. She coaxed Ruby into the SUV.
She drove to the ranch in the dim light of dawn, the roads quiet except for the occasional pickup truck or deer standing cautiously at the edge of the woods. By the time she pulled into the Olsen driveway, the barn lights were already on, casting a frigid glow over the frosty fields.
Sophie was in the kitchen when Naomi knocked and stepped inside. She set Ruby down on the rug. She explained the situation quickly, her words tumbling out as Sophie poured her a cup of coffee.
“Of course, we’ll look after Ruby,” Sophie said with a reassuring smile. “Take as long as you need. Family comes first.”
Naomi exhaled, relieved. “Thank you. I’ll call when I have an idea of when I’ll be back.”
She turned to leave, but as she stepped outside, she nearly collided with Trent. He was just coming up the steps and stopped short, his brows lifting in surprise.
“Where’s Mr. O? Are we going out into the fields in the dark?” he asked.
“Not today. I have to leave. I have to go see my dad,” she said, her voice tight. “It’s … a family thing. I’ll be back in a couple of days.”
Trent nodded slowly, studying her. “Everything okay?”
“It will be.”
Naomi moved to her car, but before she could open the door, Trent, having followed her, stepped closer.
“Wait,” he said, his tone unusually sharp. “You’re not driving all that way alone, are you?”
“I’ve done it before. That’s how I got here.”
Trent frowned, shaking his head. “Not with whatever’s got you this rattled. And the roads are getting worse. Let me drive you.”
“What?” Naomi blinked at him, taken aback.
Sophie had stepped out onto the porch and was nodding, rubbing her upper arms for warmth as icy snowflakes lodged in her gray hair. “Let him drive you. I’ll feel better about your safety.”
Naomi looked between Trent and Sophie, her heart racing. How would her brother react?