“She’s absolutely wonderful,” Julia stated as they all stood on the porch and waved a farewell as Annie headed home.
“We wouldn’t have lived past the age of ten if it weren’t for her and Henry,” Graham acknowledged. “Seth especially. He was always up to mischief.”
“Annie is definitely a gem. Well, the clinic is closed tomorrow, so I’ll be around if you need me,” Alice told Graham. “I’ll walk the garden in the morning and then after that I’m yours for whatever work.”
Graham nodded.
“And me too.” Julia raised her hand. “I can help with something too. I have no idea what, but I’m willing to.”
“You can ride with me,” Graham said. “You can see some more of the place.”
Julia’s heart skipped at the invitation and when those navy blues looked at her, she felt her smile widen in response. She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but she thought they looked softer than they usually did. Perhaps Graham was warming up to her after all.
He loved weekends on the ranch. Yes, there was still work that needed to be done, but the pace was slower. Restful. He’d sleep in, which typically meant to around seven, cook himself a good breakfast, enjoy his coffee on the porch, knock out any projects around the house, and then he’d drive around the ranch and check the progress of whatever work his brothers’ worked on during the week. It was peaceful, soaking in the fresh dew, the sunrise, the beauty of the land. It also set his mind at ease to come up with a game plan for the next week before checking out completely for the rest of the weekend. He’d make a list, set it by the door and his work boots, and come Monday morning, bright and early, the work he loved would be waiting for him. On his way to his truck he loaded a bag of mineral. If he was to ride around and check on the cows, he might as well check the mineral and the water troughs while he was at it.
“Morning, Graham.” Julia’s voice drifted over to him. She sat on the front porch of the guest house, a cup of coffee in her hand, and fuzzy slippers on her feet.
“Mornin’.”
He wasn’t sure if he should walk over and talk to her, or if just going about his business was the right thing to do. She pardoned him with a simple, “Have a good morning.”
“You too.” He nodded in farewell as he climbed behind the wheel of his truck and set out towards the first pasture. Elbow draped over the open window, the cool breeze of the morning completed his morning wake up routine by crisply teasing his face. It would be another couple of hours before the heat of the day would start creeping up. He aimed to be finished by then. The summer sun was brutal in west Texas, temperatures climbing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit without delay. Summers called for early mornings, long lunches inside out of the sun, and then once the heat of the day began to decrease, another round of work would proceed late into the evening or night. There were just some days it was too hot to be outside working. Thankfully, the routine of the ranch wasn’t new to him or his brothers, and most of them were able to make those early mornings on time.
He reached the first water trough and also peeked into the mineral bin. Nothing more than an oversized tire cut in half and flipped inside out, it served as the perfect serving bowl for cattle. He hopped out, poured some mineral in the tire, peered into the water trough and though he felt it a little lower than he’d like, wasn’t alarmed. It’d been a hot few days. Water levels would be somewhat low depending on how much water the cattle were consuming. He made a mental note to check water levels at all the water troughs to be sure. Clint hadn’t mentioned low water levels, and it was Clint’s responsibility to check the troughs every other day.
His cell phone rang, and Hayes requested his presence at the horse stalls. Mineral and troughs would have to wait. He redirected himself towards the stalls and pulled up in time to see their newest acquisition bucking his brother off the saddle and causing him to land hard in the dirt. An annoyed grunt and growl had Hayes pushing himself to his feet. “I hate ‘im.”
“He’s still fresh. It’ll take some time.”
“Nope. I hate ‘im. I don’t say that about a lot of horses, but this one… he’s hopeless. I know we got a good deal on him, but I just don’t see him being a good workin’ horse, Graham. He doesn’t trust me. He doesn’t trust Lawrence. And Lord help us if he even lays eyes on Clint. He has a hard enough time riding any way.” He rubbed his backside, no doubt a sore tailbone from his fall. “I’ve been working him for about twenty minutes. I think that’s it for this mornin’. I don’t want to completely tick him off.”
“That’s fine.” Graham watched as Hayes eased his way towards the horse and grabbed the reins. The horse tugged against his pull, but then fell into step once he realized he would receive a bucket of oats, a good brushing, and a low-key rest of the morning.
Hayes was great with horses. He was great with any animal, really. So for him to question their latest buy concerned Graham. They needed a couple of younger horses to be reliable enough to handle working cows. Graham loved his horse. But Trisket was aging out, and fast. She was eleven years old, not too bad for a horse. But they’d worked a lot of hours together, and he wanted his horse to have a relaxing retirement. Easy rides around the pastures, not working cattle.
Hayes emerged from the barn swiping his sleeve over his sweaty forehead. “What’s the plan this mornin’?”
“Ridin’.”
No other explanation was needed. Hayes knew Graham’s routine.
“Thought I might head to Sheffield. I need some food in the house. Hadn’t had time for much shoppin’.”
“That’s fine. As far as I know, not much of anything going on this morning. But I think we are expected to go bowling this evening.”
“I heard about that.” Hayes grinned and wriggled his eyebrows. “From what Al said, it was you and Julia who came up with that plan. Together.”
“We both hate dancing. It was an easy alternative.”
“Right.” Hayes winked. “She sure is a pretty thing. And sweet too. Pretty sure I got a toothache just talkin’ to her the other day.”
Graham snorted as Hayes unapologetically smiled. “Too bad a woman like that wouldn’t enjoy life out here.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Look at her, Graham. That girl is all city from head to toe. I bet she uses fancy shampoo on that glossy hair of hers and her high heels probably cost more than a ton of feed.”
His brother was probably right. However, Graham was more annoyed with himself for being disappointed at the obvious observation.
“But hey,” Hayes slapped Graham’s shoulder. “maybe she’s got friends.” He grinned. “I’m headed for a shower. See you this evening.”
Hayes wandered to his truck and Graham sat a moment and watched the few horses in the pen circle about and graze. Maybe he should make a stop by the feed store and talk to Philip about upping the concentrates order for the horses. He’d call and see when Hayes last placed the order. Taking on a new horse meant an increase in food supply and he hadn’t asked Hayes if he’d seen to that yet. He probably had. Hayes was detail oriented, but Graham still needed the peace of mind in the moment. He dialed Philip’s number and his brother answered on the second ring. “It is Saturday, Graham. My day off. What’s up?”
“Right, sorry. Just wanted to see if Hayes altered our horse concentrate numbers recently?”
“Yes. Last week.”
“Good. Good deal.”
“You could have asked Hayes,” Philip yawned into the phone.
“He just left. I forgot. You were the next best thing.”
“Glad I could help.”
“So, not sure if Alice told you, but we’re all going bowling tonight if you want to join.”
“She mentioned it.” Philip stretched and walked from his kitchen island over to his coffee pot for a second cup of coffee. “I’ll aim to be there. Glad you guys are taking a night off.”
“It happens every now and then.”
“When a pretty face comes
to town?” Philip chuckled. “I don’t blame you. Clean up nice tonight, Graham.”
“I should say the same to you.”
“I’m not trying to impress Julia,” Philip stated.
“And I am?”
“From what Al told me you aren’t really having to. Seems Ms. Julia finds you fascinating as is. None of us get it, of course, but we all find it amusing.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve been a hospitable host. That’s it.”
“Okay.” Philip shrugged in indifference, the action reflecting in his tone on the other side of the line. “Whatever you say, big brother. See you later.” He hung up before Graham could lay into him more.
“Brothers,” he muttered under his breath, annoyed, once again, that everyone seemed to think he pined for Julia McComas. The last thing Graham Hastings did was pine for a woman. And a prissy one at that. But he liked the idea of Julia maybe taking a liking to him. Was that wrong? Maybe it was. He was just never really the likable sort. Clint never had a hard time catching a lady’s eye. And Philip seemed to be doing alright. Maybe it felt a little nice to be the brother to catch this particular woman’s eye. It was certainly a new feeling, but thinking about Julia on the front porch this morning, he realized he kind of liked the feeling. And that bugged him too.
∾
“You should just plant one on him.” Alice walked from her bedroom to the cozy living room rubbing a towel through her damp blonde hair. She sat in the chair opposite Julia. “A big smooch that knocks his socks off.”
“I’m not going to kiss a man I barely know.” Julia rolled her eyes.
“Why not? It’s obvious you two have something going on.”
Julia scoffed. “I think I’m just distracted by a handsome face. I’m sure it’s nothing. Tonight, when we’re hanging out with the other brothers it will seem like nothing.”
“You think so?” Alice shook her head. “I don’t think so. Even from my view last night it was clear there was some electricity bouncing between you and Graham. Annie saw it too.”
“I’m not here for romance.” Julia tossed her magazine on the coffee table and then snuggled back into the chair with a blanket.
“There’s nothing wrong with a little vacation romance.”
“Alice, he’s your friend. More like family with the way you act around these guys. I don’t want to interfere with the relationship you guys have, nor come in and be a quick little fling. It’s not my style. And I can tell it is not Graham’s either.”
“So, say it’s not a fling.” Alice held up her hand to pause Julia’s interruption. “I mean, I wouldn’t mind having my best friend close by.”
Julia laughed. “Right, and what could I possibly do in Parks for work?”
“You could work at the clinic with me.”
“Ah.” Julia grinned. “Now I see where this is going.”
Alice tossed her head back and forth as if jostling an idea loose. “It’s not my only motive.”
“Well, I’m glad I was able to help you yesterday. And it was fun. But I love Santa Fe. It’s my home.”
“Oh, but think of it Julia. You and Graham.” Alice stood and walked her towel back to her bathroom. “He’s all broody and handsome and you’re like a ray of sunshine and beautiful. Match made in heaven.” She walked back into the room and plopped back into her chair.
Julia pointed to the kitchen counter at a cup of coffee that she’d prepared and had cooling. Alice hopped back to her feet with a smile, grabbed the mug, and eased back into her chair. She took a satisfying sip. “Just how I like it.”
“I don’t think Graham is interested in anything other than this ranch.”
“Oh, he’s interested in more than that,” Alice mumbled as she sipped her coffee. “Whether or not he’ll act on it is the question. You’ve got to give stronger signals.”
“Me?” Julia looked dumbfounded. “Again, I’m not looking for anything from him or anyone. And if he is interested or wants to get to know me better then he better start talking. He barely says a word, Alice. How is anyone supposed to get to know him when he’s so closed off.”
“He’s just got a lot on his plate. And he’s a bit rusty when it comes to socializing with the human race outside of his family,” Alice defended.
“And? You want me to start seeing a man who barely speaks to me all because he’s shy, busy, or has too much responsibility and is too proud to share any of it with his brothers? This already sounds like it is off to a successful start.” Julia rolled her eyes and stood to walk to the coffee pot for a second cup of coffee. “I will admit, I find him attractive. A woman would have to be blind not to. All the brothers are good looking. And he seems like a nice man underneath that glower of his, but that’s not enough to turn my head at this point.”
“What would be enough?” Alice asked. “In the years I’ve known you, you’ve only had two serious relationships. And even then, they both only lasted a year.”
“I’m picky.” Julia walked back over and sat. “Nothing wrong with that. And I could easily toss that back at you, Ms. I’m-too-busy-because-I-birth-horses-and-sleep-in-barns.”
“Hey, I have my fun. I go on dates here and there. Just because I haven’t found a serious relationship doesn’t mean I’ve closed myself off to the opportunity of having one.”
The crunch of gravel had both women glancing out the front window to see Lawrence, Seth, and Sloppy emerge from Lawrence’s truck.
“Wonder what they’re up to.” Alice walked to the front door, opened it, and yelled. “What are you ruffians doing today? It’s a little early for shenanigans, isn’t it?”
Ruby smiled and darted over to the porch. “We’re going to ride horses this morning.”
She waved towards Julia inside the house as she walked out onto the porch. Lawrence tipped his hat towards them on his way into Graham’s as Seth walked up and draped his arm over Ruby’s shoulders. She shrugged him off and unoffended, he leaned against the porch post. “Mornin’ ladies.” He grinned.
“Morning.”
“We’re here to raid Graham’s coffee on the way to the stalls.”
“He left hours ago,” Julia said. “There may not be any. If there’s not, we still have some.”
“Much obliged, Jewels. Can I call ya Jewels?” he asked, slipping by them and into the guest house. Lawrence emerged from Graham’s house with a shake of his head.
“Why does everyone raid Graham’s coffee?” Julia asked.
“It’s the best.” Seth poured the remainder of the pot into his thermos. “He buys that fancy stuff online.”
Julia’s brow arched in surprise.
“Yeah, has it shipped in,” Lawrence added. “Not sure where he came across it, but Graham’s a coffee snob.”
“Why don’t you guys just order yourself some?” Julia asked.
“And not annoy him?” Seth shook his head. “No. It’s better this way.” He grinned.
“You guys are getting a bit of a late start this morning.” Alice glanced at the clock. “It’s almost ten.”
“It’s Saturday,” Seth replied. “Not all of us wake up at the crack of dawn on Saturday.”
“Only when we need to.” Lawrence set about brewing another pot of coffee. He took Ruby’s thermos and set it on the counter by his. “Besides, I woke up early to go pick up Slop.”
Julia noticed the slight cringe from Ruby at him using her nickname.
“Do you come out here often, Ruby?” Julia asked.
“Every now and then when the brother’s have time to deal with my amateur abilities in the saddle.”
“You’re getting better,” Lawrence encouraged. “Takes practice.”
“You’re better than I would be.” Julia smiled. “I’ve never ridden a horse before, so I’m sure you’re leaps and bounds ahead of me.”
“Never ridden a horse?” Seth draped his arm over Julia’s shoulders and squeezed. “We need to remedy that. Suit up, Jewels, I’ll take ya for a
spin.”
“Um no.” Alice removed his arm from her friend’s shoulders. “Julia and I have a full day planned.”
“We do?” Julia asked and then slowly nodded as Alice widened her eyes her direction and bobbed her head up and down real slow. “Ah, yes, we do,” Julia agreed. “Super busy.”
“Well, maybe another time.” Seth winked. “Come on, Lawrence.”
Lawrence finished filling his and Ruby’s thermoses and walked towards the door. “Thanks for letting us bum some brew.”
“Anytime.” Julia smiled and waved as they all left.
“So why did you not want me riding with Seth?”
“Of all brothers in the saddle, Seth has had the most accidents.”
“Gotcha. Thanks for the save, then.”
“Don’t mention it. Besides, he was making googly eyes at you.”
Julia laughed. “He was not.”
“You’re female, Jewels,” she stressed the nickname. “Seth was definitely making googly eyes.”
“He’s too young for me.”
“Age is but a number,” Alice chuckled. “And Seth isn’t good at math.”
Laughing, Julia and Alice split their separate directions to head to their bedrooms and change into their clothes for the day. Julia, despite realizing Seth was young, enjoyed the pep to her step that only came from a man’s complimentary attention. Though she reminded herself to be cautious around Seth so as not to encourage more of it. Graham, on the other hand, she wondered what would gain more of his consideration. Now that was a question for the ages, she thought.
The women were out and about somewhere when he’d darted home for lunch. Which was fine. He’d been able to grab a brief nap in his favorite recliner without interruption. Rested and rejuvenated, he opted for finishing his mineral run and water trough checks. He loaded up the bed of his truck with more bags of mineral and he’d just made it as far as the western pasture when he came across a dry trough. He took a deep breath as his frustration towards Clint swelled inside his chest. He’d wait to hound his brother once he knew what the problem was. He stepped out of the truck and checked the float valve. It wasn’t hung up. Maybe the valve was clogged and that was preventing the water from flowing. He took the valve apart. No clog. He leaned back on his haunches in the grass and looked up at the sky, praying for more patience.
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