by Jayna Morrow
“Of course.”
He stood. Even Holden, with his wealth of annoying habits, knew when he’d pushed someone to their limits.
He took her hand to help her out of her seat, and she controlled her breathing by drawing in a deep breath and holding it.
The ride home in Holden’s flashy sports car was a bit awkward. She could get used to the luxury of it, though. In no hurry, he kept a slow pace the entire way.
“I heard about the donation you made to Sweet Home High. What is it that you do for a living?” She hoped turning the conversation on him would ease her spirit. The trip back home was longer since there wasn’t much to see at night.
“Me? I dabble in a little of this and little of that. I own a company with a few employees. And since I’m the boss, I can take off and help my brother out every now and then.”
“I guess I’m blessed by that.” He glanced at her, and she rolled her eyes. “I thought the Hearth siblings were at odds? What did Gabriel have to do to convince you?”
“You get right to the heart of the matter. I like your style.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“We’re not all at odds. That was Gabriel and Garrett. Estranged is a better word. Or locationally challenged.”
“Locationally isn’t a real word.”
“I invented it. I guess you could say I’m an inventor.”
“Go on.”
“Gabriel manages our family property. Sometimes, he calls in favors. That’s all.”
“I see. That’s my home, there.”
He pulled up to the curb of her townhome. “Nice place.”
“Thanks. It’s new. Gabriel wasn’t too happy that I supported the new construction in town by purchasing this townhome, but I’ve always wanted to live downtown. I walk to dinner in the evenings. It’s wonderful.”
“I like this.”
“What?”
“The sparkle you get in your eyes when you talk about something you love.”
7
Holden straddled a young calf while trying to hold onto a clipboard full of paperwork. The veterinarian had shown up early to prepare for her upcoming vacation and Holden had been assigned the role of assistant.
Irelynn played nearby with a group of calves as if they were oversized puppies. He liked seeing her in such a lighthearted mood, with nothing on her mind other than frolicking with animals. She dashed to and fro, chasing the pint-sized cows and letting them chase her, her blonde waves bouncing behind her. Every so often, she’d capture one around the neck and plant a kiss on a wet nose. The calf would reciprocate with a messy lick across her face that sent Irelynn into giggles.
Giving up on the rambunctious calf, he tossed the clipboard to the ground. Irelynn assured him helping the vet with the calves was the best job of all. So far, he’d done the grunt work while she had all the fun. He was hot and sweaty and wanted a shower before bed. And it wasn’t even lunchtime.
The vet finished with the vaccinations for the calf.
Holden released the little fellow, took up the clipboard, and checked off a few boxes beside the correct tag number. He leaned back and stretched his spine. He’d been in a hunched over position for too long. Maybe he’d get to call it a day early...Nah. He let out a ragged breath, twisted side-to-side, and his back popped. He flinched.
“That didn’t sound good.”
“I’m too young to be feeling this old.” He retrieved his water bottle from the utility vehicle parked a few steps away and took a long drink of the cold water. “I don’t understand why the mother cows don’t have a problem with you getting too close to their babies.”
“They trust me. I played with them when they were babies, too. Still do.”
“Playtime wasn’t on the schedule when I worked here.”
“No, it’s new. I incorporated the practice when I started working here. Hearth Dairy Farm has always been a humane dairy, but the practice of interacting with the cows and calves was a new idea that more and more dairies were catching on to. Recent studies showed that happy cows produced more milk. So all the employees take turns playing with the cows from the time they are born. They trust us and follow us around like oversized dogs.”
“That is something.” He offered her a bottle of water. She shook her head. “Well, I gotta take the vet here back to the main building.”
“I can drive myself back.” Doctor Lucy smiled. “You can ride back with Irelynn when y’all are finished, uh, playing chase with the calves.”
“Good idea.” Irelynn brightened. “Come chase some calves around, Holden. It’s wings for the soul.”
Holden contemplated the offer for a moment.
“I’ll see you next month, Irelynn.”
“Goodbye, Doctor Lucy. Have fun on your vacation.”
The veterinarian climbed into the vehicle. “I sure will. Y’all take care.”
“Just what I wanted to do today—chase cattle.”
“You like to run and this counts as a workout.”
“It also gives others a good argument for insanity.”
“Sanity is overrated. But don’t worry about it. You couldn’t keep up with me anyway. I do this regularly.”
Couldn’t keep up with her? That sounded like a challenge to him. This was an attempt to bait him. He wasn’t falling for it. “I’ll sit right here until you’re done.”
She rolled her eyes and took off after the nearest calf. Irelynn struggled to catch its tail, but it jumped like a wild bull at a rodeo and spun around. Once she grabbed it, the calf jolted forward and pulled Irelynn to the ground. She lifted her head up from her perch on hands and knees and grinned.
“You put on quite a show, Irelynn Rafferty.”
“Who said anything about putting on a show? I’m enjoying myself. Don’t you ever cut loose without worrying about what other people think?”
He answered with a half-smile and lifted his eyebrow in a teasing manner. “I’d like to show you what I do to cut loose. Are you game?”
“Um, I’m not sure.”
“Come on,” he pleaded, a little too eagerly. She sat in the pasture, cross-legged and picking at the grass. “I’m not taking no for an answer. Do you own any clothing that doesn’t bear the dairy logo?”
“Of course I do, but I’m expecting a call from Emerson. I have to check on Gabriel’s house and then head home.” She rose from the grass and dusted off her pants. “I’m not comfortable going out with you again.”
“Irelynn.” Holden’s soothing tone was like a caress. “Emerson hasn’t called you all day. I saw you check your phone at least ten times already. Is your plan to sit around and wait for him to acknowledge you?”
“Is that such a horrible thing? I have plenty to do at home. If he doesn’t call, then I’ll accomplish a lot on my to-do list.”
“You should come out with me. If he calls, then you can leave.”
“If he calls, he’ll ask what I’m doing. I don’t think he’ll be too keen on the idea of me spending time with another man.”
Holden refrained from shaking his head. She needed a wake-up call. How could he show her how special she was?
“It might make him see what a catch you are if he does. But, you two can sort out the details later. You and I are friends, and this isn’t a date. I want to show you a good time.”
He didn’t like her way of thinking. It reminded him too much of himself in his younger days. He’d made it clear that they were friends spending time together, even though he hoped for something different. But he wouldn’t give up. For the next week or so, she was stuck with him.
A smile crept across her face. “You’re right, Holden. Nothing like a little jealousy play to get him back on track.”
That wasn’t what he had in mind, but he’d have to make the best of it. “What time should I pick you up?”
“If you’re willing to check on Gabriel’s place, then I can be ready much sooner.”
“Of course. I’m taking you somewhere
nice, so dress as glamorous as you like.”
“I’ve never had a glamorous occasion before. This should be interesting.” She gave a calf a pat on the head and climbed into the vehicle. “Six thirty, OK?”
Holden sat in the passenger seat next to her. “OK, I’ll pick you up. We’ll eat a gourmet dinner. Then I’d like to give you a tour of Sweet Home.”
“I’ve lived here all my life.”
“Then you can give me a tour, familiarize me with the places that have importance to you. And I’ll add a few of my own. I’ve been away for a long time. I’m sure there are a lot of new sights you can show me.” He gave her another chance to back out, but she remained thoughtful.
“I’d be happy to take you on a tour. Sweet Home has gone through a lot of changes over the past two years.” The expression on her face didn’t give much away. “As for a personal tour, well, Sweet Home holds as much heartache as happiness. I don’t want to get into that.”
She pressed the gas and took off in the direction of the main building, cattle frolicking along beside and behind them. They arrived a short time later, and another employee met them at the entrance with a message for Irelynn to call Gabriel.
“Why didn’t he call me on my cell phone? I’ve had it with me the entire time.” She reached into her back pocket and then patted the pocket of her dairy shirt, but it wasn’t there either.
Holden helped her check the floorboards. “You must have dropped it in the pasture while playing with the calves.”
“Oh, no! I’ll never find it.” Irelynn covered her face and closed her eyes. “I run this dairy from that phone. All my appointments, urgent emails, pictures, messages, phone numbers. Of course, I have most of that information other places, but it’ll take weeks to set everything up again.”
“Take a deep breath. I’ll go back and search for it.” He got in the driver’s seat. “You go call Gabriel from the office phone. Tell him I’m working out the kinks in the system, and I’ll have this place running itself by next week.”
She wrinkled her nose. “What does that mean?”
“Tell him, word-for-word.” He gave her a little salute and sped off.
8
Irelynn sank into the chair behind her desk and straightened the day’s clutter. Since she’d been out in the pastures most of the day, a short stack of reports and memos filled her inbox. She took a few minutes to file the papers and prioritize the memos to make sure nothing urgent was overlooked. Satisfied that everything was in order, she picked up the receiver.
Gabriel answered on the second ring. “Good grief, Irelynn. I thought I’d never see the day when I couldn’t reach you.”
“Sorry. I lost my phone. Holden is out in the pasture now, searching for it.”
“Holden? Holden’s out in a pasture, hunting for your cell phone?”
“I hope that’s not a problem. He was with me, so he had a good idea of where to look. Plus, he offered. He’s been…more than accommodating.” The long silence on the other end of the line worried her. “Gabriel? Are you still there?”
“Yes, I’m here. Momentarily stunned. Take advantage and enjoy his help while it lasts.”
“Thanks, I will. But why are you shocked he’s being so helpful? You sent him to help in the first place.”
“You needed help, and I didn’t have any other options, so I called in a favor. That doesn’t mean he’s the best choice. Holden’s been out of the business for a long time.”
“So he told me.” She leaned back and swiveled left and right. “I assumed he was fibbing to get out of doing certain jobs.”
“Don’t let him pull the wool over you. He’s been gone a long time, but he’s also the mastermind behind the success of the dairy. He’s quite a thinker.”
“Oh, he’s a thinker, all right. Do you know how many times he’s called and texted me to give suggestions on how to run this place? I’ll give you a hint—I may have to upgrade my cell phone plan!” Gabriel’s hearty laughter erupted, and she held the phone back. “You know, it may be a blessing I lost my phone out in the pasture.”
This incited more laughter.
She waited until he regained control.
“Even though he’s driving you batty, is he helping?”
“Very much. He’s checked off everything on Randy’s list so I can remain behind the scenes here in the office. Though he has lured me out a few times.”
“Like today? Y’all were out in the pasture?”
“Yes, the vet made an early visit before leaving on vacation. I played with the babies while Holden helped with vaccinations and such.”
“Sounds like everything is in capable hands, and I need to relax. I can count on you for everything, although your self-doubt had me worried. Sparrow reminded me to have faith and trust. I thought that you could handle my duties along with yours and that Randy could handle everything outside the office. But Sparrow believes God has a bigger plan for you. It looks as if she’s right. Randy is too sick to work, and you’re having to come out of your shell and work with someone...well, different. I’m proud of you.”
Irelynn blinked away the sting behind her eyes, warding off any tears. The old Gabriel would never have given her a line of mush like that. She refrained from jumping up and down. If only her mother valued her other abilities. “Thank you, Gabriel. It means a lot to me that you appreciate my efforts. I’m trying.” She hadn’t a moment to doubt herself with the demanding Holden Hearth around. “Now what were you saying about Holden being the mastermind behind the success of the dairy?”
“Oh, he hasn’t told you? That figures. Holden always manages to get into everyone else’s business without revealing much of his own.”
Come to think of it, she didn’t know much about him. “We’ve stayed so busy around here, and conversation has been almost inclusive to dairy business.”
“But nothing about his business?”
“He mentioned a business with a few employees; that’s all.” Questions raced through her mind. “I take it he left out a few key details?”
“Not surprised,” he said. “Irelynn, he can be quite a handful. I’m glad you two are getting the opportunity to work together. Holden needs this homecoming, and you have enough patience to deal with him.”
Raven squealed in the background.
“Sorry, Raven has also been quite a handful. She’s back on a semi-regular schedule and loving paradise. We’re enjoying our visit.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Another loud squeaking noise, followed by giggles. “Now what were you saying about Holden? I have a message from him, by the way.”
“Let’s have your message first.”
“He said to tell you that he’s working out the kinks, and he’ll have this place running itself by next week.”
“Very funny. Let me warn you that Holden fancies himself a comedian. Those cows aren’t gonna milk themselves. I don’t care if he is a genius. There ain’t no way. I’m interested in hearing his theories though.”
“What do you mean he’s a genius?”
“I mean he’s a bonafide Renaissance man, an Einstein, a virtuoso, a certified member of the elite intelligence club.”
Irelynn thought of the silly, almost simple man who’d entered this building and started in on how he knew more about coffee than cows. “And to think...” She sighed deeply. “All this time he’s led me to believe he knows very little.”
“I’m sure he didn’t mean any harm.”
“Oh, no, I’m sure it’s fun and games to him. A genius and a wise guy. Anything else you should warn me about?”
A pause, and uncertainty, appeared in their conversation.
“He hasn’t done anything to hurt your feelings, has he?”
“No, nothing like that.”
She wasn’t telling him everything, and he was onto her because he clicked his tongue and mumbled over the line.
She couldn’t tell him how, in two days, Holden had managed to pull her out of her shell more than anyone el
se. She couldn’t tell him how special Holden made her feel. And even though he annoyed her at times, she couldn’t tell Gabriel about the seed of doubt he’d planted in her heart about Emerson. She couldn’t tell Gabriel about the glimmer of hope Holden created that she deserved better when it came to relationships either. That was something that made her heart flutter.
Gabriel broke the silence. “Nobody knows Holden better than I do. He’s like a big kid. When other boys outgrew comic books, he couldn’t let go. Eventually, he did trade his superhero cape for a white lab coat, but that didn’t stop his comic book, fantasy, superhero world. He combined science with science fiction and took off from there.”
Comic books and beakers?
“I am so flabbergasted right now. The Holden Hearth who walked into this building two days ago doesn’t resemble the sci-fi nerd you just described.”
She thought about his bulging muscles, gorgeous brown eyes, and the gleaming, red sports car he drove. Then she remembered how he’d downplayed his knowledge of the business and withheld personal information, though he’d offered opinions on her personal life. It was a disguise.
“He doesn’t want to resemble a sci-fi nerd in any way. He hates that stereotype. That’s why he left Sweet Home. He was tired of the teasing and taunting, of being referred to as the genius boy science nerd. All superheroes have an alter ego, usually a nerdy one. Holden’s case is the opposite. He’s a nerd who disguises himself as the most eligible bachelor in Dallas. He puts on a big show, and a lot of that has to do with his eccentric personality. Spend significant time with him though, and you’ll see. He can’t help it. His true self starts tinkering with things, then it’s off to the laboratory. It ain’t a bad thing, but Holden can’t stand it. Until he learns to balance his inward and outward tendencies, he’ll never find self-acceptance.”
She understood what it was like to hide part of herself from the world. But Gabriel knew nothing about that side of her. “Sounds like a tough thing to do.”