Harlequin Heartwarming March 21 Box Set

by Claire McEwen

  That was her, letting him know that this situation between them was purely professional. He owed it to her to keep it that way, if that was what she wanted. “I bet we’ll work well together. We always got along when we knew each other before. Even before things between us got serious.”

  She nodded once, keeping her eyes fixed on the road ahead. Wes waited for an answer but it didn’t come. He used to be able to read every expression on her face, but she was chewing gently on her lower lip in a gesture he didn’t recognize and he couldn’t begin to decipher. Worried? Thoughtful? Hungry? He had no idea.

  They were almost to Haley’s stable. It was probably best that they were going to be so busy today. Being near Emily again had opened a seam in his heart and old feelings were pouring out like water through a cracked dam. What would Emily do if Wes said what was really on his mind—that he’d always loved her? She’d probably shove him out of the truck and drive off. And rightly so. Even in his own mind the words made him sound like some kind of stalker. Plus, he was grown enough to know that his feelings for her were all based around the girl she’d been. That might have nothing to do with the woman she was now. But man, did he look forward to getting to know her again.

  Emily glanced his way. “Just to remind you, I’m still taking applications for this vet position.”

  She sure was determined to keep him in his place. But humble pie tasted good when she was the one dishing it out. “I’m on trial. I realize that. Have you had a lot of applicants?”

  She shook her head. “Nope.”

  He nodded. “I see. So I’m here today because you’re getting desperate.”

  She laughed then, just a short sharp sound, but he relished it anyway. “Something like that.”

  Wes grinned at her brutal honesty. “At least I’m clear on where I stand in this hiring process.”

  Emily turned down Haley’s driveway and glanced his way, still smiling slightly. “And don’t think that just because you work your magic on Two Socks again, you’re all set. We’ve got all kinds of animals on the agenda today. You need to be great with all of them.”

  “No pressure or anything.”

  “You were gone a long time, Wes Marlow. You need to prove that you deserve to be here, riding in this truck with me.”

  “How long will it take, this proving thing? Are you thinking a month? A few? Or are we talking years?” He shot what he hoped was a charming smile her way. “Just wondering.”

  She parked the truck near the barn and cut the engine before she looked his way. When she did he saw a hint of mischief in her eyes that sparked a glimmer of hope in his heart. “Longer than a week, I can guarantee that.” She released her seat belt and jerked her head toward the door. “Come on. Let’s go check on your first Shelter Creek patient.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  EMILY WAS GRATEFUL that Wes had such a good bond with Two Socks. Her head was in such a muddle that she was happy to let him remove and replace the dressing on the horse’s leg. She told him she was observing his work, but really she needed a moment to pull her thoughts into some cohesive order. All weekend, while she’d been here checking on Two Socks, catching up on her paperwork at the office and helping out at the wildlife center, she’d been wondering what possessed her to even consider working with Wes. Horse whisperer or not, he was a confusing complication, and that didn’t make him a comfortable work partner.

  But what choice did she have? He was a good vet. She’d called a few of his references this weekend and listened to them all rave about his skill with animals and clients, his vast medical knowledge and his professionalism. And despite refreshing her job announcement and trying to connect with some veterinarians on a networking website, there was no one else asking to come work with her in Shelter Creek.

  Wes hadn’t been wrong when he joked that she was desperate. The truth was, she was exhausted. She’d been working nonstop for the past few years and she craved some time off. To get it, she needed someone she could rely on.

  Though Wes certainly hadn’t proven to be reliable in the past.

  She’d spent Sunday evening with her parents. Over lasagna and salad they’d encouraged her to use this trial week to listen to her instincts about him. To trust her own judgment. She’d wanted more guidance than that from them, but they seemed determined to stay out of it. Maybe they were being cautious, trying not to get hurt by Wes again. Or maybe they were determined to let her make her own decisions.

  She’d never hired another vet before, but she was pretty sure that an ex-boyfriend who’d broken her heart wasn’t an ideal candidate.

  As if he could read her thoughts, Wes straightened from where he’d been crouched by Two Socks’s leg and gave her a warm smile that sent her pulse skittering. No. Her pulse was just fine. Perfectly normal. Emily pulled her phone out of her pocket and pretended to check something on it to give her heart a moment to settle.

  “Want to come take a look?” Wes waved her over and Two Socks didn’t even flinch at the gesture. He seemed completely relaxed with Wes doing the bandaging. “I bet in a week or so Haley can start taking him on some walks.”

  Haley, who’d been holding Two Socks’s lead rope, beamed at Wes. “I’m so happy with his progress.”

  Emily walked a big circle around the gelding’s hind end for a better view of the wound. Wes was right, it looked great. All the inflammation was gone, the scrapes were scabbed over and the stitched area wasn’t swollen at all. “Wow. Well done, Two Socks and Haley. I agree with Wes. Another week of rest and then he can start moving around more.”

  Wes’s smile wasn’t just because she’d agreed with him. She could tell from the quiet satisfaction in his expression that he was truly gratified to see the horse doing better. “This is a great way to start the day, Haley. He’s made an amazing recovery.”

  Haley ran her hand along her horse’s neck. “Well, it’s thanks to both of you.”

  “Just be careful not to push things too fast,” Emily cautioned. “Keep him in his stall. He can walk in the aisle of the barn a bit, or for a few yards on paved surfaces, but that’s it for now.”

  “Will do.” Haley pulled a piece of carrot from her jeans pocket and fed it to Two Socks. “I’m so glad he’s going to be okay.”

  After they said goodbye to Haley and were back in the truck, Wes turned to Emily. “I like it when things go right. That doesn’t always happen in our line of work.”

  She nodded, steeling herself against this more gentle side of him. It seemed like he’d become a genuinely nice guy and she didn’t want that. Didn’t want to feel good feelings, because what if good feelings led to great feelings? Feelings like the ones that had been crushed when he went away?

  “We’ve got a long day ahead. I’m sure there will be ups and downs.” But it turned out to be a morning of mainly ups. The sick calf they visited at a ranch out on the coast wasn’t sick, after all. It was having trouble nursing effectively, so they worked with the rookie owner on how to feed it from a bottle. Sheep vaccinations were easier than usual, because there were two of them doing the vaccinating. They had one more visit before they had to be back at the clinic for afternoon appointments there. It was one that Emily wasn’t looking forward to.

  “This next ranch is Fred Corrigan’s. Do you remember him?”

  Wes shook his head.

  “My dad used to call him the most ornery rancher around Shelter Creek. He owns a dairy farm and he’s getting up in years. It’s too much work for him these days and that makes him even grumpier.”

  “Doesn’t he have any kids to help him keep the business going?”

  Emily shook her head. “Sadly, I think he scared his kids away from the family business. His son works at a tech company in San Francisco and his daughter started her own ranch out by the coast. She raises dairy goats.”

  “Ouch. That must have been a blow to dear old dad.”

&nb
sp; They pulled up by the big white barn. Even from the truck, the stench of cow was thick. Too thick. Emily peered through the windshield. The air near the barn was thick with buzzing flies.

  This was the day Emily had to talk with Fred about hiring some help. Or retiring. Every time she’d come out here recently, she’d found his ranch getting more run-down. Now it had clearly reached a tipping point. A filthy dairy ranch wasn’t safe for anyone.

  Emily got out of the truck, realizing that she should have mentioned something to Wes about what she’d noticed here on previous visits. He came around the side of the truck, took in their surroundings and slapped on the straw cowboy hat he’d brought with him today. A hat that made him look far too handsome. He glanced her way, and she opened her mouth to say something.

  Before she could, Fred shuffled out of the barn and waved. He had arthritis and his walk seemed more stiff than usual. His stooped back and hesitant gait pulled at Emily’s heart, even though he rarely had a kind word for her.

  The old rancher glared at her as she approached him. “I just about fell asleep, standing around waiting for you, young lady.”

  “We are running five minutes behind schedule today, Fred. I can see how that might feel like a lot of time to wait when you’ve got so much to do. Let’s get started.”

  Fred looked from Wes to Emily, his brows lowered in suspicion. “Who’s this cowboy?”

  “This is Wes Marlow. He’s a veterinarian visiting from Texas. He’s considering a move to Shelter Creek. Wes, this is Fred Corrigan.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Wes offered his hand and Fred reached out to shake it.

  “Texas! It’s too hot out in Texas. You’re smart to come out west. Are you going to work with this young lady?”

  “We’ll see what she says after a trial period.”

  Fred jabbed a gnarled finger in Emily’s direction. “Of course you’ll have him stay. You could use some muscle on jobs like this.”

  Emily opened her mouth to answer but Wes jumped in first. “I’ve seen Emily work. She’s plenty tough. I’m sure she’s capable of any job out here.”

  Fred shrugged. “She tries real hard, but we both know that doctoring livestock is best suited for a man.”

  Wes took a slight step forward. “I think your views on women are a little outdated, Fred.”

  Her skin felt so hot there might be smoke coming out of her ears. Emily didn’t like Fred writing her off because she was a woman, but she also didn’t need Wes Marlow jumping in to rescue her. Or both of them jabbering away about her, like she wasn’t even here. “Hang on,” she interrupted. “We’ve got a bunch of heifers who need exams and vaccinations today. Fred, you’ve never had cause to criticize my work. There’s nothing you’ve needed done that I haven’t been able to do. End of discussion.”

  They both stared at her, and if she weren’t so mad she might have laughed. They reminded her of a couple of rams butting heads, who’d suddenly run right past each other. “Now let’s get started. Wes and I have to get back to town for some afternoon appointments at the clinic.”

  Fred glared at her and jerked his chin toward the bar. “Well, cowboy, let me show you my prize heifers.”

  Wes fell into step beside him and off they went, Fred talking far more animatedly to Wes than he’d ever spoken to her.

  Fred was still living in another era. He’d certainly been born in another era. Looking around at the faded paint and leaning fences, Emily wondered if Fred had lost his love of ranching, or if he simply couldn’t keep up with it, now that he was older. It was sad to see things falling apart. She’d been worried about him the last time she was out here, but at least the barns had been clean. The closer they got to the old white building, the thicker the smell of manure and urine became.

  Walking behind the two men, Emily could hear Wes continuing to defend her. “I’m happy to get to work with Emily. I’ve known her a long time. She’s one of the best veterinarians I’ve ever worked with.” Great. He felt so sorry for her that he was telling fibs, trying to boost her currency with her client.

  It wasn’t just that Wes felt sorry for her, though. Every rancher they’d met today had accepted Wes and his competence as a veterinarian without question. Emily had faced so much more scrutiny when she started—so many comments about her size and her strength and her experience. She still got those questions and judgments. But Wes—over six feet tall, obviously strong and looking all tough in his cowboy outfit—just got a nice to meet you, attentive listening and respectful nods when he spoke.

  Well, she’d learned a long time ago that she’d meet up with a lot of sexism if she wanted to be a large-animal vet. But still, it burned. And somehow Wes trying to defend her stung far worse than anything Fred had said. Everyone knew Fred Corrigan was mean and inappropriate. But having Wes feel sorry for her, and try to make it better for her, was pure humiliation. The other night he’d said he understood what it felt like to be underestimated. But he was underestimating her now.

  She had to let it go. They had work to do. They’d reached the barn and the stench almost knocked her over when they stepped inside. Flies were circling in small tornadoes above piles of cow manure. The barn hadn’t been cleaned in at least a couple of days.

  Fred seemed oblivious to the mess. He was pointing out one of the heifers tied in a row along a railing inside the barn. Wes was making a show of listening attentively, but he glanced back at Emily, a worried expression in his eyes. She was the one in charge, so she’d have to bring up the subject of the filth around them.

  “Fred, I’m sorry to interrupt. The heifers look great, but what’s going on in this barn? It’s usually a whole lot cleaner.”

  Fred didn’t snap back at her the way she’d expected. Instead he had the awareness to look chagrined. “My hired hands quit the other day. All three of them. Said they could get better pay and nicer treatment over at Jace Hendricks’s place.”

  Jace was married to Emily’s friend Vivian, whom she’d seen at the coffee shop last Friday. Just before she first saw Wes. “Have you advertised for any more help?”

  “Nope.” Fred shook his head emphatically. “I’m starting to think hiring folks is more trouble than it’s worth. They just up and leave again.”

  Probably because you’re so mean to them. Emily didn’t voice that thought. Fred had been grumpy and bossy for decades; he wasn’t going to change now. She looked around thoughtfully, trying to ignore the smell. “Have you spoken with Annie Brooks? She’s head of the Ranchers’ Guild. I bet she could figure out how to get you some help.”

  “That woman?” Fred snorted. “Always meddling, that one.” He crossed his arms over his skinny chest. “I can handle things myself.”

  “A dairy business is a whole lot of hard work,” Wes said gently. “No one could handle all of it themselves. You need some extra hands around here, Fred. Let Emily and me help you figure out what to do. Even if it does mean calling this meddling Annie Brooks.”

  Annie was a tough-talking sheep rancher whom Emily adored. They were in a book club together, The Book Biddies, and it was true that Annie got involved in a lot of people’s business. But when she did, things always turned out for the better.

  Fred rambled on, “It is a lot of work. That’s part of the problem. All these young ranch hands, they don’t know what it means to work hard. They want breaks and time off and health care and all these extras.”

  “Those extras will probably keep them working here longer.” Emily took a step closer to Fred. “I think it’s something to consider. You need to keep up with what other ranches are offering their workers.”

  Fred turned to his new best buddy, Wes. “What do you think?”

  “You never know, Fred. If you offer those things, they just might stick around. They might even do a good job.” Wes used a joking tone that Emily would probably never be able to get away with around Fred.

>   “Humph.” Fred looked at them shrewdly. “I doubt it.”

  “You won’t know until you try,” Emily reminded him.

  Fred looked from her back to Wes. “You really think this will work?”

  There he went again. Needing to hear a man say the same thing she’d just said. Wes obliged. “I think it’s good business.”

  “Fine,” Fred mumbled. “Emily, you can call Annie. But that won’t help the state of my barn today.”

  Now Emily could laugh. “Fred, are you kidding? You know how Annie is. I’m going to step outside right now and call her. I’ll bet you she’ll have people here cleaning this barn within the next hour or two.” She gestured toward the heifers. “Meanwhile, how about we do the exams for these ladies in the pen outside. The one that attaches to the cattle chute?”

  Fred bristled. “My heifers are well-behaved. You’ve never had to use a chute with them before.”

  “It’s never smelled like this in here before, Fred. Come on. It’s a beautiful day. Let’s bring them outside.”

  Fred looked at Wes. Of course. Wes nodded in response. “I have to agree with Emily on this one, Fred. Let’s lead these beauties out into the fresh air.”

  Emily’s shoulders relaxed a notch as she walked to her truck to get her cell phone. It was good to get a break from the stench and the sexism in the barn. Fortunately, she was able to reach Annie on her first try. She explained the state of Fred’s ranch. They both suspected that if the barn was in such a shambles, the rest of the ranch couldn’t be much better.

  “I need to get inside his milk room and take a look at his equipment,” Annie said. “If things aren’t clean, he could cause some kind of health crisis.” She paused thoughtfully. “I know a great dairy farmer south of here, on the coast. Maybe I’ll have him meet me there and take a look.”

  “Don’t get Fred all defensive, Annie, or he might not work with us.”

  “Oh, you leave Fred Corrigan to me. I was friends with his late wife, God rest her soul, and I will invoke her name if he gets out of line. Irma was one tough lady and I suspect her passing last year is one reason Fred’s ranch seems to be falling apart.”