“Lawrence is probably about to head to town here soon. Ride with him.” Graham stood and grabbed his hat off the table and placed it on his head. “I gotta get back out there.” He let them follow him out as he waved down Lawrence as his brother turned to head down the main road towards the highway. Lawrence slowed his truck to a stop.
“Got room for two women in there?” Graham asked.
“Always.” Lawrence grinned and tipped his hat to Julia before looking back to his brother.
“They’re going to stay at the guest house.”
Lawrence’s brows rose in surprise. “Alrighty. Load up.” He reached across his truck and opened the passenger door.
Graham turned and Alice was already walking around the hood of the truck to climb in. Julia stood near the porch, admiring his horse he’d tied there on his rush into the house. She cautiously placed her hand on its cheek. When the horse did not react, she smiled and brushed it gently, until his horse began nuzzling her hands.
“Well, nothing better than a beautiful woman loving on your horse.” Lawrence grinned over at Alice. “You going to break her trance, or you want to gawk at her a bit longer?”
Graham squinted at his brother as he walked over to his horse. “Your ride is leaving.”
“Oh.” Julia pulled her hands away. “He’s beautiful.”
“She.”
“She’s beautiful,” she corrected.
“Thanks.”
Sighing, Julia looked up at him. He sensed she wanted to say something else, more than likely scold him or insult him, but she held her tongue and just nodded before walking towards the truck. She gave a small wave as Lawrence directed them towards town.
It was Julia’s first introduction to the brother, Philip. He seemed closer to Graham in height than the other brothers, but his slight, lanky frame mirrored more towards Clint. He was handsome, like the others. Dark headed, dark eyes, a groomed beard. Life outside of the ranch seemed to treat him well. And she was surprised to find out that he didn’t actually live on the ranch. He lived in town. She wasn’t aware any of the Hastings brothers ventured away from the ranch.
Lawrence leaned on the counter as he and Philip discussed feed, protein, and something about cake.
“Ten tons of 20% range cubes. And that comes with our friend and family discount, right?” Lawrence asked with a grin.
“As always. I can have the auger truck bring it out tomorrow.”
“Good deal.”
Julia wasn’t quite listening as she sat on a stool and waited patiently by studying what all the store had to offer.
Philip slid her a bottle across the counter. “You’ll want some of that on hand if you’re staying at the ranch.” He grinned as she read the product label.
“Skunk spray?” Concern had her glancing at the brothers.
“Rumor has it there’s one that lives behind the guest house. Best be prepared just in case you get sprayed.” Philip winked.
“And this will take away the smell?”
“A bit,” Philip said.
“We could always dunk you in a barrel of tomato juice,” Lawrence offered and both brothers laughed as she curled her nose.
“Possums. Skunks. Anything else I need to worry about?”
“Graham,” both brothers said and then laughed at her worried face.
“He’s a bear,” Philip explained. “And living so close to him… well, let’s just say he likes his space.”
“I don’t plan on knocking on his door every hour of every day,” Julia stated.
“But hey, you’ve already seen that side of him and survived, so you may do alright,” Lawrence encouraged.
“Why is he like that?” Julia asked, curious as to why Graham would have a reason for the chip on his shoulder.
Lawrence shrugged as if he’d never thought about it or didn’t care one way or the other.
Philip tilted his head and pondered her question. “I think it’s the responsibility aspect that does it to him. He’s always breathed that ranch, even as kids. And when our Momma and Daddy died, he took it upon himself to make it work. He’s the oldest, so he feels obligated to keep it running. Even with the oil money, he’s bound and determined to keep that place operating like it’s life or death if it doesn’t succeed. But he also loves it, so there’s no talking him into selling or stopping.”
“Been there, done that,” Lawrence chuckled as Philip nodded in agreement.
“Really? You guys almost sold it once?”
“No. The conversation ended before it could even get started,” Lawrence told her. “Graham’s too attached to it. We all are, I guess, except for Philip.”
“Hey now.” Philip pointed at him. “I love the place. It’s just not the life I wanted or want.”
“You must love it enough to still be in the same field of sorts.” She waved her hand around the place.
“Sort of my compromise.” Philip chuckled.
“I see.” Though she didn’t, but she planned to ask Alice later.
“Philip helps us save a pretty penny by giving us supplies at wholesale.” Lawrence placed his hat back on his head and straightened to full height. “He’s helpful, in his own way.” He shook his brother’s hand.
“Well, it was nice to meet you, Philip.” Julia shook the man’s hand as well. “Maybe I will see you around the next couple of weeks.”
“You know where to find me.”
Alice walked up to the counter and dumped a handful of items on the counter for Philip to ring up. “I’m hurrying.” She matched Lawrence’s annoyed stare and fished in her pocket for a wad of cash she tossed on the counter. “How’s the girl, Philip?”
He smiled. “Fine.”
“When you going to introduce her to the fam?”
“Not for a while.”
“Good call,” Alice encouraged. “Wouldn’t want to scare her away.”
“They aren’t that bad,” Julia defended and had Lawrence draping his arm over her shoulders and kissing her cheek.
“She likes us,” he beamed.
She nudged for him to release his hold and he obliged with a sly grin.
“I wouldn’t go that far,” she corrected him. “I’m just… getting used to all of you.”
“And it’s only been a day,” Philip laughed. “Just wait. Once that charming polish wears off, they get real interesting.”
“Polish?” Lawrence cringed. “I am what I am. What you see is what you get.”
“Family motto, it would seem,” Alice baited. “If you boys tried just in the slightest, you’d all be married by now. Settled down. But instead, you act like a pack of wild wolves and have the hygiene of them too.”
“Says the woman who slept in a barn last night,” Julia chimed in.
“For the sting!” Lawrence raised his hand for a high five and lowered it upon seeing Julia’s serious face. Philip grinned behind the counter.
“Yes, well, a night I don’t plan on repeating for a while.” Alice took the bag Philip handed her. “Thanks, Philip. Ready?”
Julia offered one last wave and followed Alice out the door, half listening to Lawrence and Alice nag one another about certain grazing conditions in the northwest. Why that was relevant at the moment, Julia didn’t know, nor did she quite care. She was exhausted. When they collected her bags and Alice’s— well, Alice’s empty laundry basket Graham had used for the possum was stuffed with fresh clothes and that’s what Alice deemed a suitcase— they were headed out the door and back towards the ranch.
She felt a tap on her leg when they pulled in and realized she’d fallen asleep with her head against the window. Praying she hadn’t snored or talked in her sleep, both fears but never confirmed, she slid out of the truck, thankful for a welcoming home to sleep in.
Graham stepped out of the guest house, his good hand stuffed in his pocket and his bandaged hand tucked towards his middle. She knew it had to bother him, especially after he’d torn it open just this morning, but he seemed somewhat…
normal. He still wore a scowl, but she’d slowly grown accustomed to that. He’d smiled that morning, and she’d had to check herself when she saw it. It was fleeting but devastatingly handsome. Who knew he had dimples? She didn’t. And they only seemed to emerge when he smiled.
He walked up to the truck and hoisted her bags over the side. He eyed Alice’s basket and just gave the familiar shake of his head at her habits as he led the way inside. The small white house mirrored the large family home in that it had navy shutters and a red front door. It had a small porch with two wooden rocking chairs and table between them. The potted plants and flower beds gave it a storybook quality that had Julia’s hopes rising. She prayed the inside was as nice as the outside and when she walked in, she felt instant relief. It was bright and cheerful. The colors were neutral, but welcoming, with bold touches here and there. She noticed a few western odds and ends, but they meshed well with the overall feel of the place.
“There’s one bedroom there.” Graham pointed. “And the other there. They share the bathroom.”
He started for one bedroom with Julia’s bags as Alice carried her basket to the other. Julia followed him. Her room was light and airy. A queen-sized antique bed frame was covered in a pale yellow spread, a quilt draped over the end. A wooden bench sat at the end of the bed and Graham laid her bags on top of it.
“This is beautiful, Graham. Thank you again for letting us stay here.”
“No problem. Hasn’t been used in a while, but I had Annie swing by and freshen the place up for you.”
“Annie?”
“Cleaning lady.”
She now understood why it looked the way it did, complete with fresh flowers in a vase on the vanity by the window.
“It’s heavenly,” Julia admitted.
“I imagine anything would be after your night last night.”
“It was interesting, that’s for sure,” Julia admitted.
“Well, you made it. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?”
“Sometimes,” she said. “How’s your hand?”
He glanced down at the bandage. “Fine.”
She knew that was all she was to get out of him, so she let the subject drop and walked towards the window of the room and gazed out at the view behind the small house. Open pastures as far as the eyes could see. Calm. Peaceful. And surprisingly not freaking her out at the moment.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it then.” Graham walked back into the main room of the house and intercepted Alice.
“She still awake in there?” Alice asked. “She fell asleep on the way here.”
“She’s a ghost walkin’, Alice. You should know better.”
“I know,” Alice sighed. “I’ve just been so busy lately I didn’t have time to prep my place for company. It sort of snuck up on me. Thankfully, Julia’s always been a tough nut to crack, so she’s still here.”
“I’m guessing you didn’t bring food either.”
Alice cringed. “I didn’t think about that.”
“I figured.” Graham walked towards the pantry and opened the door. “I had Annie grab some essentials.”
“I’m beginning to think Annie is an angel.” Julia’s voice had them both startling.
“Some days she is. Been with us a long time. You may see her around. She buzzes in and out periodically. If you need anything, just let her know. She’ll take care of it.”
“I can’t imagine needing anything right now but a hot bath and a nap, and thanks to you, I can do just that. Thank you again.” Julia gently placed her hand on his arm, stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
Graham’s neck flushed as he took a step towards the door, placing his hat back on his head. “Don’t mention it. See you two around.” He walked out without a backwards glance.
“Scared him off already.” Alice giggled as they watched him hurry towards the barn, his quick, long strides eating up the distance in short time. He barked something at Seth as he passed the garden, the younger brother offering a wave over his shoulder in acknowledgment.
“He’s so tall.” Julia continued her perusal as Alice stood to the side amused.
“Oh yeah, and super hot.”
“Right?” Julia agreed, before realizing what Alice had just said. “Wait, what?”
Alice laughed. “Caught ya. You like Graham.”
Baffled, Julia shook her head. “No, not at all. I just appreciate his kindness.”
“Kindness, my butt,” Alice chuckled. “Or his, I can’t quite tell what you’re looking at now. Kindness and Graham aren’t usually in the same sentence,” Alice stated.
“Um, he’s letting us stay in his guest house. I’d say that’s kind.”
“It is. And I’ll admit, I’m surprised he offered. But I wouldn’t set your hopes on Graham Hastings.”
“Who said I was setting my hopes anywhere? I’m only here a couple weeks. I was just… admiring his… build,” Julia admitted.
“You mean checkin’ him out,” Alice pointed out. “Well, I admit, it’s hard not to. All of them of are pretty. Long legs, beefy muscles, heads full of hair… potential heartbreakers if they ventured outside of Parks. But all of them are rough around the edges, their manners a bit crude. Course I imagine that’s because their momma died when they were rather young and old man Hastings never remarried. The only woman to ever put up with all of them was Annie. Guess you could say she was their mother hen when need be. But she also knew her place.”
“They seem to have turned out well enough,” Julia added. “And all have been respectful and kind to me since I arrived.”
Alice shrugged. “We’ll see what you think after a few days out here with them.”
“And what about you?” Julia asked. “I know this wasn’t exactly what you planned.”
“I’m okay with it,” Alice admitted. “Truth is, I’m about tired of my house. It’s got some issues.”
“A few,” Julia agreed with a smirk.
“I’m just tired of sinking money into it. And besides, if my dad walks on the practice I may as well start looking for a place in Sheffield any way.”
“He’s planning on retiring?”
“Yep. At the end of the year, so he says, but I have a feeling it will be sooner.”
“So that’s why you called me,” Julia realized.
“I was feeling a little… overwhelmed. I mean, I already take most of the calls any way, but he runs the office and takes care of local pets and the like. We’re a team. I’d have to find someone to replace him. And not to mention a secretary or something because the one we have isn’t dependable. And a bookkeeper, because he does all that too. Just not sure if I want to run the practice.”
“Seems like he has full confidence in you if he’s already told you his plans of retiring and expecting you to take the reins.”
“Oh, he’s all about me running the place, I’m just the one questioning it. I mean, look at my life, Julia. I’m here, there, and everywhere. I sleep in barns. I haven’t bathed in two days.”
“Two?!” Julia tampered down her reaction when Alice flashed an “I-know-its-gross” look her way.
“I’m not an organized person,” Alice admitted. “Like, at all. Having him anchor the clinic while I’m out and about just works. I can’t imagine it not being like that.”
“Well, you have some time. It’s only June. Plenty of time to find some help.”
“It’s not easy around here, though. I mean, who wants to live in Sheffield? Or Parks? Or any of the other itty-bitty towns around here? Not many people.”
“I think you need to stop stressing about it for now. The right person will come along.” Julia walked towards the pantry. “He even bought cookies? That’s it, I’m in love.” She grabbed the box of chocolate chip cookies and opened them, offering one to Alice before taking a bite of her own. “Guess I could have stopped by the grocery store.”
“You can do it tomorrow if you want. I’ll be in Sheffield most of the day. You’re welcome to co
me with me. Check out the clinic, see dad, get groceries, and then we can head back here in the evening. I’m grounded at the clinic tomorrow, so I won’t be driving all over the place.”
“Sounds like a plan. Now, if you will excuse me. I think I’m going to indulge in the bath facilities and then take a long nap.”
“Go for it. I’m going to work the garden a bit and then I won’t be far behind you.”
Julia clasped a hand to her forehead. “I forgot about the garden.”
“No worries. Looked like Seth was about done. I’m seriously just walking over there to see if I can steal some squash and zucchini.”
Julia grinned. “Alright. See you in a few hours.” She disappeared in her room, shutting the door and breathing in the scent of fresh laundered sheets, fresh picked flowers, and fresh air that only came from being out in the country. When she walked into the bathroom and spotted the oversized garden tub with fresh flowers and ivy spilling over the window ledge behind it, and candles staggered around it, she thanked God for this small slice of heaven. She also thanked Graham.
Evenings on the ranch were one of his favorite sights to see. The sunsets full of vibrant reds, oranges, purples, and pinks always amazed him. Like snowflakes in winter, each had their own special design, no two ever the same. It was also one of the reasons he loved to walk the grounds one last time before calling it a day. He’d checked the horses, and all were fine with their oats and freshly cleaned stalls. Hayes saw to that. The garden was freshly picked and packed thanks to Seth. Lawrence had ordered feed. Clint helped Calvin finish clearing the fence line in the east pasture, and all the cattle were out to pasture thanks to the entire team of brothers. Now Graham navigated his way towards the chicken coop. He wasn’t sure if Annie had checked on the hens or not when she buzzed in earlier in the day. He’d had quite a list for the faithful woman to knock out before Julia and Alice arrived, that he wasn’t sure if she’d remembered to gather eggs. He circled around the back of the guest house towards the hen house, the evening breeze affording a nice reprieve from the day’s heat. The small wooden and wired hut housed fifteen chickens that on a good day would provide him with eleven to a dozen eggs. He and his brothers were hardly ever without eggs. Though the rest of their kitchens may be empty, eggs were always available. He reached for a basket by the door.
Graham Page 5
