How long has this been going on? She opened her door, stepping away from the truck so Simon wouldnt overhear.
For the last six months. Whip hasnt paid us on time. The checks dont clear. It takes most of a month to make good on em, and then it starts all over again.
I cant blame them. Id walk off, too. She didnt add that shed had the experience of holding a worthless paycheck in her hands followed by a long stint of unemployment. It was a hollow-stomached experience she wouldnt want for anyone. Thanks for staying, Milton. I appreciate it.
No problem. The thing is, I cant milk all these cows on my own. Im gonna need help.
I know. She blew out a sigh. Is there anyone you can call in?
No one who will come without cash in the bank. Your pa has burned a lot of bridges over the past few years. Hes gotten old and cantankerous. He winked to soften the truth. Ill make a few calls and see what I can come up with.
Thanks, Milton. She checked on her son, still buckled up, craning his head to get a good look at the cows. Their udders were full, they had to be milked and couldnt wait. Ill call you as soon as I can about the money.
All right. Milton strolled away. Spotting him, the cows mooed harder, making so much racket that she couldnt hear herself think.
Simon watched her with wide eyes as she climbed behind the wheel. The door didnt shut on the first try. She had to give it a good slam before it caught. No matter what, the cows had to be milked. Just one more thing to add to her list, which was getting very long and overwhelming.
Im trusting You, Lord, that this is all going to work out. She didnt know how, but she had faith. She gave the pickup some gas, yanked hard on the wheel and bumped across the county road and up the driveway. Clouds of dust rose up behind her, fogging the air and cutting off all view of the barn in her rearview mirror.
It had been a long time since shed worked in the dairy and her skills might be a little rusty, but that was okay. Shed look at the books while she fixed supper and afterward head down to the barn to help Milt.
I cant believe Im back, she thought. Right back where I started. Shed grown up miserable here, but it surely had to be different this time. It wasnt as if she were staying.
Leaving was nonnegotiable. And if Hunters face filled her thoughtshigh cheekbones, straight blade of a nose, magnetic deep violet eyesthen that was all the incentive she needed. That man had torn apart her heart, leaving nothing but pieces. He wasnt going to do that again. And thats exactly what he would do if he ever found out the truth.
Mom? Simons voice bumped along as the truck bounced over ruts in the driveway. I can help with supper if you want. I know youve got a lot to do.
Why, Id appreciate a helping hand. That put a smile on her face. You can be in charge of the pizza.
Im good with pizza. But I sorta heard what that man said. I could help with the cows, Mom. I know I could.
I dont want you having to work in the barn the way I did when I was your age. She swung the pickup across the edge of the lawn and circled around, nosing it toward the driveway before shutting off the engine. It coughed to a slow stop. Im sure God has a plan in mind. Dont worry, it will all work out.
Okay. Simon unbuckled. Mom?
Yeah?
Bein heres not so bad. I just want you to know youre not alone. He dropped to the ground and manhandled the grocery bag off the floor. Im gonna help you. You left your friends behind, too.
Thanks, kiddo. She let the Montana breeze blow through her hair as she gave the door a good slam. Judging by the shape everything else was in around here, she sure hoped the oven worked or supper would be quite a challenge.
* * *
Hunter barely heard his cell ring over the noise. Whenever his family got together, noise was a given. He left his sisters talking at the picnic table over their desserts and hiked across Lukes back deck to get a little privacy. He shouldered through the back door where there was bound to be some quiet. Hello?
Hunter? Glad I caught you. Milton Dennings voice crackled over the line. Sounded like he was in the barn with the roar of machinery in the background, making him hard to hear. Dont suppose youre lazing around with nothin going on by any chance?
Me, lazing? He glanced out the kitchen window where his familybrother, sisters and half sistersroared in laughter about something. Something obviously hilarious. Whats up? Are you running low on milk replacer again? I got a bag you can have
Thanks, but thats not my biggest problem, not right now. Miltons words rumbled with severity. Im in the middle of milking without a single hired man.
Milking? He glanced at the clock. Shouldnt you be done with that by now?
Yep, and Im not even halfway through The phone cut out on Miltons end, leaving only static and crackle. just the two of usbe past bedtime when we finish up if I dont get more help.
This wouldnt have something to do with Cal stopping by looking for work, would it? He leaned against the counter, his thoughts drifting to Millie again. He gritted his teeth, trying to banish the woman from his mind. I suppose its inevitable your men would try to find another position knowing Whips condition.
Thats not it. Money trouble. I cant afford to pay you, but we can work something out. Maybe trade man hours or something. Milton blew out a frustrated breath. His phone crackled again. I need help tonight. Im too old for this. Should have retired years ago, but I saw how Whip was. Hes been sick for a long time, he was just too stubborn to admit it. Someone has to look after the cows and fight for the hired men.
The thing is, its almost my bedtime. He glanced at the clock above the stove. Seven-eighteen. Im up at four for the morning milking.
I know what Im asking, but Im struggling here. Miltons tone stung with wounded pride.
That had to be a tough thing for a hardworking man to admit. Hunter blew out a sigh, did his best not to let the image of Millie into his mind, the one of her standing in line counting coupons, looking too thin and poor and worn-down. He couldnt stop the lurch of his heart, just like he couldnt stop hurting for her.
So, her plans hadnt worked out. It surprised him his bitterness had gone, leaving only regret in its place. Unaccustomed to the ache dead center in his chest, he pressed the heel of his hand there and rubbed.
Sure, Ill come. It wasnt as if hed have to see her. She wouldnt be in the barn. Millie had Whip and her son to take care ofbest not to think about the boyso shed be busy up at the house. It would be just him, Milton and the cows. Let me tell Luke. Im guessing hell want to volunteer to help you in the morning.
What? Why, that would be Christian of him. Of both of you. Milton swallowed hard. You dont know what this means.
Hey, remember when I hired on at Whips place? You showed me the ropes. You taught me everything you knew about cows. This is the least I can do for you. Hunter disconnected, pocketed his phone and checked the window again.
Judging by the way everyone was gaping and pointing at him, Luke had likely told them about his run-in with Millie. Great. He rolled his eyes, shouldered through the door and hiked up the walls around his heart. No way was he letting anyone know, even those he loved most, exactly what having Millie back in town meant. Pain seared with each footstep he took toward those hopeful faces.
Judging by the way everyone was gaping and pointing at him, Luke had likely told them about his run-in with Millie. Great. He rolled his eyes, shouldered through the door and hiked up the walls around his heart. No way was he letting anyone know, even those he loved most, exactly what having Millie back in town meant. Pain seared with each footstep he took toward those hopeful faces.
We just heard the news. His half sister Colbie preened from the picnic table.
And now he gets a call and hes going out. Look at him. His sister, Brooke, gave a flip of her dark hair, violet eyes warm with optimism. Those are his truck keys.
Milton has a problem at the barn. Best to act cool, as if he didnt know what on earth they were talking about. He glanced past Colbie and Brooke to where his brother sat beside the twins, who were the youngest of the group. Luke, I told him youd pitch in come morning. Hes alone over there.
With all those cows? Lukes brows shot up with concern. Tell him Im in.
Good. Best to leave before they bring up Millie again. Nell, their dear old dog, lifted her head off her paws, her eyebrows quirking with a question. She was a good herd dog, but shed already put in her work for the day. Why dont you stay here, girl, and keep an eye on all those troublemakers?
She panted in agreement. He stroked her head on his way by her bed on the edge of the deck.
Hey, Hunter! Lukes voice sailed across the yard on a warm wind. Say hi to Millie for us.
Yeah, say hi! the sisters chorused.
That would be hard he quipped as she wants to see me even less than I want to see her.
He turned on his heel, his boots crunching in the gravel as he headed to his own little house sitting at the end of the driveway. So, his family thought there was a possibility of a reunion? Really? Didnt they know him by now? Through all the years hed been a bachelor, including the long decade Millie had been gone, had he once taken an overt interest in a lady?
No. Because he knew where romance led. He knew that love ended. Sure, a marriage may survive, but love? It was too fragile to last. That was the plain and simple truth and nothing on earth could ever convince him differently. Hed seen it in his parents marriage and in his own life, thanks to Millie.
Agony shot through him with a crushing intensity that stopped him in his tracks. He pressed his hand to his chest again, reeling with the pain. If he didnt know better, hed fear it was a heart attack, but it was simply the old death throes of the love hed once had for Millie, remaining like a ghostly pain long after the wound was healed.
A little help, please, Lord. He reached out in prayer, hoping the Father above would understand. Hunter opened his truck door, climbed onto the seat and turned the engine over. It hummed quietly as he whizzed down the windows to let out the heat. He knew God had a plan in bringing Millie back to the valley. Her father was dying, and she had issues with her father that she deserved to have resolved before he passed on. Hunter didnt begrudge her that. He alone knew how hard the man had been on his daughter.
But that didnt mean Millies path had to cross his ever again. Hunter slid the gearshift into Reverse, swung around and nosed down the hill. His family called out to him as he rumbled by, and he did his best not to hear their helpful advice as he waved. Thankfully, he left them behind in a cloud of dust when he pulled onto the county road.
No, with Millie in the valley again, his options were clear. Avoid her. That was his new goal in life. He couldnt go walking around in this kind of torment. He drew a shallow breath, hardly able to get air with the pain pushing in on him.
He could use the crowd at church as a barrier between them. He could send Luke to town for groceries. And as for this evening, hed keep to the barn with Milton and everything would be all right. Problem solved. If he played it right, hed never have to see Millie again.
When he reached the Wilson dairy, things were just as hed expected. The rusty pickup Millie had driven to town was parked neatly at the house across the road. Lamplight shone in the windows. No doubt she was there, finishing dishes or maybe watching TV with her son. No need to worry.
He pulled beside the barn and cut the engine. The hot evening air met him. A giant herd of cattle lowed the moment they saw him. Their unhappy bellowing followed him as he stalked away from the truck.
A shadow moved in the dark depths of the barn. Milton, probably come to say how relieved he was. Hunter tugged down the brim of his hat. The slanting rays made it hard to see who stepped out of the darkness to greet him.
Hunter McKaslin. Millie burst into the sunshine, burnished by it. What are you doing here?
The bigger question is why arent you over at the house?
Because Milton needs help. Thats why youre here. She nodded, as if putting it all together. Thats why he didnt tell me who hed put calls in to, and for good reason.
Dont get worked up. I know that look
What look? She glared, like a warrior woman ready for battle.
Glaring eyes. Chin tipped up so high you can barely see me over your nose. He planted his hands on his hips. It wont do any good to try and get rid of me. I gave Milton my word.
He doesnt need your help.
You mean, you dont.
Youve helped enough. The earlier humiliation at the grocery store returned. Hed been a witness to the fact that shed been unable to pay for all her groceries, and that hed given the truck a push still rankled. I cant be obligated to you. You get that, right?
Doesnt change my intentions.
How would you feel if the circumstances were flipped? What if you needed my help?
Darlin, Id never accept a womans help.
And I cant accept yours. This is too much. You know full well I cant pay you.
Thats right. He squared his hat on his head. Im not doing this for money. Im here for Milton, not you.
Oh. A slap couldnt have stunned her more. She should have known. Humiliation swept through her, remembering the days when Hunter had shown his sweet side always doing for her, always helping. Crazy that shed just assumed...well, of course things had changed. Sorry.
If I run the second carousel, can you keep up? Brash, Hunter shouldered past her toward the door.
She nodded, listening to the beat of his boots against the cement and wishing she was anyplace but here. Being beholden to the man was going to be a bitter pill.
Dont worry, Freckles. His voice rumbled low with a nostalgic warmth. Youll hardly know Im here.
Why did her pulse skip at the hint of his grin? Thats what you used to call me when we were...
Close?
I was going to say in love. She shrugged. Water under the bridge.
Ill say. He shrugged a what-can-you-do? Ill take the present over the past any day. How about you?
Absolutely. The past is a bummer.
Then well leave it floating down the creek with the current. How about it?
Sounds good. Its probably heading toward the ocean about now.
Or floating on the tides to Fiji. We were a long time ago, Millie. I say we forget about it.