Harlequin Love Inspired March 2021--Box Set 1 of 2

by Marta Perry

  “First of all, I’ve never thought of any woman as a ‘broad.’ Second—” he stepped closer “—I apologize for doubting you. Not only are you smart, you’ve got more gumption than most men I know.”

  The sincerity in his voice had her needing to change the subject. “About Monday. I open the store at seven.” She reached for another box and sliced it open.

  “Oh.” He sounded disappointed.

  “Why not let Sadie spend the night with me Sunday? That way she can just come to the store with me for a while before I run her to school.”

  “You sure you want to keep her all night?”

  “Why not?” After hearing that Crane’s would, in fact, be moving into the area, she could use the distraction. “We’ll have fun. We can do a bunch of girlie things.”

  He shifted from one booted foot to the other, his interest obviously piqued. “Such as?”

  She shrugged and tucked the tool away. “Bake cookies, paint our nails, do each other’s makeup.”

  A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Can I be there when y’all make cookies?”

  Times like these, she was reminded that Mick was a big kid himself. “What if they’re mermaid cookies with pink and purple sprinkles?”

  “I’m pretty sure my taste buds are color-blind.”

  She couldn’t help laughing. Being with Sadie would make for a nice distraction. But Christa still had to come up with a plan. Because if she didn’t have a home improvement section up and running well before Crane’s opened their doors, she could kiss her business goodbye.

  * * *

  “I can’t wait to sleep over at Miss Christa’s tonight.” Sitting at Mick’s kitchen table Sunday morning, Sadie scooped another spoonful of fruity breakfast cereal from her bowl. “We’re going to have so much fun.”

  “I’m sure you will. But we have church first, so eat up.” Mick took another swig of his coffee, hoping Christa remembered about the sleepover. He hadn’t seen or spoken to her since she’d extended the invitation on Tuesday—something that bothered him more than he cared to admit.

  Sadie wasn’t the only one who enjoyed spending time with their neighbor. And that left him feeling rather befuddled. Because while no other woman had ever captured his attention the way Christa had, he doubted he could hold hers for very long. The only reason she was a part of his life was because of Sadie. The two of them shared a special bond that had nothing to do with him. And he’d do well to remember that.

  His phone vibrated against the table, and his pulse shot up a notch when he saw Christa’s name on the screen. Why would she be calling now when it was almost time to head out for morning worship? Maybe she wanted a ride. Or had changed her mind about tonight. That would break Sadie’s heart.

  “Aren’t you going to answer it, Uncle Mickey?”

  “Huh? Oh, yeah.” He picked up the device and tapped the screen. “Hello?”

  “Mick, it’s Christa. I think we have a problem.”

  His gut tightened. She was backing out. He never should have said anything to Sadie. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m not sure, but there’s a lone cow in the pasture behind my house that doesn’t look so good.”

  He only mildly relaxed. “What do you mean?”

  “She’s out there all by herself and she just seems…agitated. She lies down for a little bit, then stands up. Her belly is pretty swollen. I think she’s pregnant.”

  Standing, he began to pace. “What does she look like?”

  “She’s got that mottled brown, black, reddish hide with a white face.”

  He shoved a hand through his still-damp hair. “Brindle. And yes, she’s pregnant. Any idea how long she’s been there?”

  “Ever since I woke up a few hours ago. Hold on a sec. I’m going to go outside and try to get a closer look.”

  “Make sure you stay on your side of the fence.” The last thing he needed was for Christa to tangle with an ornery, pregnant cow.

  “Give me a little credit, Mick.” She didn’t say anything more, but he could hear the door opening and closing and the sound of birds outside. “All right, let me—ooh, yes, she’s definitely pregnant. And I’m pretty sure she’s in labor.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “There are hooves protruding from her—”

  “Yeah, I get it.” He roughed a hand over his face. “Sounds like she’s in distress.”

  “Which means?”

  “That we could lose the calf. Maybe the mama, too.” He grabbed his jacket from the hook by the door. “I’m on my way.” He ended the call as Sadie finished her cereal. “Put on your boots and jacket, Sadie. We need to check on a cow.”

  Minutes later, they were in his utility vehicle, making their way up the drive toward Christa’s place. Mick prayed nature would take its course and the cow would deliver without any assistance from him. His concern for the cow aside, if he was forced to step in, he didn’t know what he’d do with Sadie. He couldn’t keep relying on Christa. It wasn’t fair to her or Sadie. Besides, it made him long for things that could never be.

  Sucking in a deep breath of morning air, he forced himself to calm down as they emerged from the woods and continued toward the farmhouse. The morning sun seemed to be taking advantage of a cloudless sky, threatening to send temps climbing higher than usual this time of year. Then again, Texas weather was just crazy enough to give them an ice storm one month and summertime heat the next.

  Despite his concern over the situation, he found himself smiling when he spotted Christa leaning against the back-porch rail, coffee mug in hand as she stared into the pasture, wearing sweatpants and an oversize flannel shirt. She straightened when she saw them, and as they drew closer he noticed the worry that etched her brow.

  He brought the UTV to a stop several feet from the porch steps.

  Sadie promptly unbuckled her seat belt and hopped out. “Miss Christa!” She hurried up the steps and threw her arms around the woman as Mick continued around the front of the porch for a better look at the cow.

  “Good morning,” he heard Christa say. “How’s the arm?”

  “Good. I don’t even have to wear my sling anymore.”

  “That’s good to hear.”

  “Where’s Dixie?”

  He turned then to see his niece peering up at Christa.

  “Inside.”

  “Can I go see her?”

  “You may. However, do not let her outside.” Christa’s voice was firm. “We don’t want her scaring the cow.”

  Sadie’s expression turned serious as she glanced toward the cow, then back to Christa. “I promise.”

  “All right then.”

  While Christa opened the door for Sadie, Mick again focused on the cow that lay atop what remained of the hay he’d put out Friday. It had rolled onto its side, but as Mick looked on, it returned to its belly and struggled to stand, its breathing labored. Making it to its feet, it turned, allowing Mick to see the calf’s hooves, just as Christa had said. And the cow’s udder looked as though it was ready to burst.

  Sensing Christa beside him, he said, “Doesn’t look like Sadie and I will be going to church today.” He met her concerned gaze. “I don’t want to intervene with nature unless I absolutely have to, but at the same time, if I wait too long, I could lose both the mama and her calf.”

  “What are you going to do?” Christa was beside him now.

  “Wait. Keep an eye on her. See how she progresses. I may need to call Bum, because if I have to step in, I’m gonna need his help.”

  “Guess I’d better put on another pot of coffee then.”

  “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for church?”

  She puffed out a laugh. “You don’t think I’m going to miss watching this calf be born, do you? I mean, I have a vested interest here.”

  “You do
?”

  “Not as much as you, but I’ve been watching her all morning, hoping she’d deliver. I’ve never had the opportunity to see someone or something give birth before. The closest I came was when Laurel had Sarah-Jane. But even then, I had to leave the room for the delivery.”

  He couldn’t help grinning.

  She watched him. “What?”

  “You’re cute when you get all riled up.”

  “Stop.” Placing a hand on his chest, she gave him a playful shove. “I’ve been so engrossed in Bessie here that I haven’t even showered yet.”

  He gave her quick once-over, thinking she looked pretty good to him. “You know, I sometimes forget that not everyone has the opportunity to witness life’s beginning and end. I can see why you’d be excited.”

  “Thank you.” She took a sip from the cup she still held, though the brew was probably cold by now. “Besides, you can’t monitor this cow and keep an eye on Sadie. I’ll keep her busy. You just let me know what’s happening and when.”

  Did she have any idea how wonderful she was? She had a knack for reading his mind and anticipating his needs. And then going out of her way to help him. He could get used to that.

  Except it wasn’t about him. It was Sadie Christa cared about. He was a simple country boy. A rancher with little to offer but his heart. And he’d had that tossed aside enough times to make him quit trying to give it away. So, he’d best pry it off his sleeve and tuck it away. Because Christa was out of his league.

  Just then, the cow bellowed.

  Mick turned to see it puffing. Time was no longer on his side. Whether he wanted to or not, he had to make a move.

  CHAPTER TEN

  So much for distancing.

  Christa had done her best to stay away from Mick and Sadie since talking with him at the store Tuesday. And it had been one of the hardest things she’d ever done. Even though she knew she’d be seeing them today, she’d missed them more than she expected, revealing a problem she’d never had before.

  She was growing attached. Not only to Sadie, but to Mick. Christa had never met a guy like him. He didn’t seek to impress. He was comfortable with who he was and loved what he did. Sure, his new role as a parent had him feeling a little insecure, but he was coming along, and she had no doubt he would continue to strive to be everything Sadie needed him to be.

  Right now, though, Christa found herself wishing she hadn’t called him about his cow. Maybe it was the fact that she’d been thrilled to have an excuse to do so. Did she not realize she was putting her heart on the line?

  Arms crossed, she trained her gaze on the brindle-colored cow struggling beneath a low-hanging branch of a live oak near the edge of the pasture as Mick called Bum. His deep concern for the cow warmed her and his voice did strange things to her insides. Deep and rich with a country twang that exuded humility and authenticity. Mick was the kind of man she used to dream of, long before reality had jaded her.

  Truth was, she wasn’t the kind of woman guys wanted to marry. Brody said she was too intimidating. Driven to get her way, no matter the cost. Strange how that had never stopped him from pursuing her and leading her on. Though it did explain why he’d made all sorts of plans for his future without ever mentioning them to her until his bags were packed.

  “Bum’s on his way.” Mick dropped his phone into his breast pocket as he addressed her. “I need to run down to my place and get Drifter.”

  She nodded. “Sadie will be fine here.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She all but glared at him. Why did he keep questioning her when it came to Sadie? “Yes, now go.”

  Returning to the house, she found Sadie and Dixie sprawled out on the kitchen floor as Sadie rubbed the dog’s belly. Christa put on another pot of coffee and had just pulled a pan of canned cinnamon rolls out of the oven some thirty minutes later when she heard a noise outside.

  “What was that?” Beside her, Sadie’s eyes were round.

  “I don’t know. Let’s go check it out.” Christa turned off the oven. “Dixie, you stay, girl.”

  Taking hold of Sadie’s hand, she led the girl outside where Mick’s truck was easing into the pasture, pulling a livestock trailer.

  “I thought he was going to get his horse?”

  “Drifter’s in the trailer.” Sadie pointed.

  “Hmm.” Christa had no idea what was going on. This was a completely new experience for her, as it was for Sadie.

  The cow that had been lying down when they first came out stood and stared at the truck. Would she run? Could she?

  Movement out of the corner of Christa’s eye had her turning to see Bum’s green utility vehicle pulling into the drive. He continued alongside Mick’s truck as Mick got out.

  “What are they going to do?” Sadie clung to Christa as they made their way off the porch.

  “Sweetie, I’m afraid I don’t know any more than you do. But I think it’s best we stay on this side of the fence.” Looking down, she saw the girl nodding, her expression filled with wonder.

  She understood just how the kid felt. Her own heart was pounding wildly in her chest. The men seemed to be talking forever, and she wished she could be out there to hear what they were saying. With Sadie in her care, though, keeping her safe had to be Christa’s first priority.

  When Mick moved to the trailer, she noticed he’d changed out of his church clothes. Probably a good move on his part. He opened a door on one side and urged a saddled Drifter out into the pasture. After exchanging a few more words with Bum, he pulled himself into the saddle and gathered a coiled rope in his hands.

  Christa couldn’t help thinking what a handsome specimen of cowboy Mick made. He was the real deal. Not like those guys whose boots would never see any mud and wore hats that were always pristine.

  Mick set his horse into motion, moving in the direction of the cow.

  The bovine watched his every move. She did not look happy.

  Then Mick began to twirl his lariat until he had a wide loop spinning in the air. The cow tried to make a run for it, but Mick sent the lasso flying, landing it squarely around the cow’s neck. He cinched the rope around his saddle horn and waited as Bum repeated the move with a second rope. After a brief battle of wills, the now secured, and probably exhausted, cow relented and lay down.

  While Mick remained atop his horse, Bum hopped into Mick’s truck and moved the trailer until it was positioned closer to the cow.

  Surely they weren’t going to move the poor thing while she was in labor.

  “I can’t see.”

  Christa lifted Sadie into her arms and continued to watch as the two men attempted to urge the cow to her feet and into the trailer.

  “Hold up!” Bum hollered, then motioned for Mick to join him.

  Squatting, Mick seemed to study the unborn calf.

  Bum moved to the cow’s head and grabbed hold of one horn while placing a steadying hand atop her back.

  The next thing Christa knew, Mick took ahold of the calf’s hooves and pulled it out.

  “Yay!” Sadie clapped. “Uncle Mickey gotted the baby.”

  He got it all right, but from Christa’s vantage point, things didn’t look good. The calf wasn’t moving.

  Mick kneeled beside it and vigorously rubbed the wet, furry body. Moving to the head, he appeared to blow into its nostrils. A few moments passed, then Mick walked away.

  Christa’s heart twisted. Was it dead? Should Mick have tried harder to save it?

  The cowboy motioned for her.

  With Sadie still in her arms, Christa made her way along the fence line, out the gate and around to the other side. Drawing closer, her gaze locked on to the unmoving calf. It just lay there, wet and still with its eyes closed.

  She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat and took two more steps.

  Suddenly the ca
lf lifted its head as though looking right at her and Sadie.

  “It’s alive!” The words spilled out as her heart filled with unexpected joy.

  “Yes, he is.” Mick came alongside them. “It’s a bull calf.”

  “He was so still.” She looked up into Mick’s weary yet smiling eyes. “I was afraid.”

  “Yeah, well, he’s pretty exhausted.”

  Christa couldn’t help looking at the mama. She lay on her side, her breathing slowly returning to normal. “I think they both are.”

  “I ’spect she was in labor for quite a while,” said Bum.

  A pained expression passed over Mick, and Christa had a pretty good idea he was blaming himself. Wondering if he’d ever find the right balance between ranching and caring for Sadie.

  “We’ll need to move them both down to the barn where I can keep an eye on them. Sometimes when a delivery is tough, a cow will reject the calf.”

  “What do you do then?”

  “Either bottle feed or introduce a nurse cow.” He glanced from cow to calf. “I hope she’ll accept him.”

  Christa found herself longing to smooth away the worry lines that creased his brow. “You did a great job.”

  “Thank you for letting me know. I wasn’t aware you paid attention to my cattle.”

  “Are you kidding? That’s one of the things I love most about living in this farmhouse. I get to live on a cattle ranch without having to do any of the work.”

  That made him smile. “Well, if you’d ever like to pitch in…”

  “I might be down for a bottle feeding or two. Should it come to that.”

  “I want to feed it, too,” said Sadie.

  “You do?” Mick gathered his niece into his arms.

  “Uh-huh.” Sadie nodded.

  Christa had never seen a more beautiful sight than the dirty, rugged cowboy loving on the precious child left in his care. Despite his tough exterior, Mick had a tender heart. He worked hard and loved deeply. Sadie was blessed to have him.