by Liv Brywood
“Bring the flour sifter,” Betty said.
Daisy grabbed it and carried it to the kitchen table. She pushed sexy thoughts about Greg out of her mind. She’d have plenty of time to think about what she’d like to do to him later.
She sat across from Betty. The older woman’s ropy hands worked a paper towel full of Crisco around the edge of the biggest pie pan Daisy had ever seen. But with all the men in the house, no wonder she had such large pans.
“How’s everything going so far?” Betty asked as she measured out a cup of flour.
“Good. Greg says we’re right on track with the harvest.”
“Is everyone holding up okay?” She handed the cup to Daisy. “Go ahead and sift that, dear.”
“We’re doing great,” Daisy said. “I can’t thank you enough for letting us stay here.”
“I wouldn’t have turned you away. Besides, the timing worked out well. I hate having to hire strange men to help around the farm. It gives me the willies.”
“I know what you mean,” Daisy said.
“Greg says you lived in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco for a while,” Betty said.
“Yeah, a couple of years.”
“He said your parents disowned you.”
Daisy looked up sharply. What had possessed Greg to tell her that?
“It’s okay,” Betty said. “Joseph doesn’t know. I’m actually surprised he allowed you to stay. He hates hippies.”
“Why?” Daisy asked while shifting in the chair.
“Right after we got married, a group of hippies jumped him outside a bar. Beat him up good and took all of his money. We had to eat beans for a month,” Betty said.
“Oh, I’m so sorry.”
“You didn’t do it, dear.”
“I know, but I’m sorry that happened to him,” Daisy said.
“Me too. I think it changed him more than he’d like to admit. I know it made me worry a lot more when he’d leave for work. When we bought the farm, I was so relieved.”
“It’s beautiful land,” Daisy said.
“I love it. I grew up in Helena and always dreamed about living by a lake surrounded by woods.”
“You got your wish.”
“And the man of my dreams,” Betty said.
“I hope I find someone who will sweep me off my feet,” Daisy said wistfully.
“You will. Sometimes they’re staring you right in the face and you don’t see it.”
Daisy flushed and dropped her gaze to the flour sifter. A heated flush worked its way up her cheeks as she thought about Greg. She’d never met someone so self-assured. He didn’t have any of the insecurities of men their age. Most of her hippie friends pretended to love having a life of freedom, but deep down, she suspected they were just as worried about the future as she was sometimes.
“Have you ever been in love?” Betty asked.
“What? Oh. No. I mean. I liked someone once. But no,” Daisy stammered.
“Greg seems to have taken a liking to you. He can’t keep his eyes or his hands off of you,” Betty said.
“Oh, that’s nothing. He’s just being nice.”
“I don’t know,” Betty said with a grin. “I think he’s sweet on you.”
“I don’t think his dad would like that very much.”
“When I met Joseph, my parents had a fit.” Betty laughed. “They wanted me to marry a businessman so that I could live in a big house with lots of servants. I couldn’t ever picture life like that. I would have felt trapped. Joseph gives me far more freedom than most men. I’m very blessed.”
“I grew up in San Francisco. My dad’s a police officer. I’d say we lived in an average house. I also never dreamed about living in a mansion. What would I do all day?”
“Sit with the other old biddies and gossip about who burned their crumpets,” Betty said sarcastically.
“No way,” Daisy laughed. “My mom dragged me to a few tea parties. I hated every second of it. I prefer to be outdoors. I love fresh air and huge skies. I’ve never seen a sky so big in my life.”
“Big Sky Country, that’s what we call it here.”
“I’d love to live somewhere like this,” Daisy said.
“Do you want to have a family?” Betty asked.
“Of course. Doesn’t every woman want one?”
“Not everyone,” Betty said. “I think that’s why the women’s movement is gaining ground. They’re not only fighting for equality, but they’re fighting for the right to be equal to men.”
“Well I’d burn my bra with them, but I don’t have one,” Daisy joked.
“Another thing my son’s noticed.”
“I’m sorry. But those things are so constricting.”
“Wait until you have to put on a girdle.”
“Ugh,” Daisy said. “Never.”
“You’re a bit on the curvy side. You might want one on your wedding day to hold everything in,” Betty said.
“My wedding day’s a long way away considering I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“You’re beautiful. Men will line up to call on you if you settle down long enough to let them,” Betty said.
“Thank you.” Daisy finished sifting the flour. “What comes next?”
“Butter, salt, and water. Let me show you.”
As Betty measured out the other ingredients for the crust, Daisy’s mind wandered back to what she’d said. How was she going to find a husband if she was always running from one Be-In to the next? At some point, she would have to settle down. Even some of her most resolute hippie friends had ended up married and living according to societal norms. Was she destined for the same fate?
***
Several days later on Sunday morning, Greg woke up at sunrise and rushed to finish his chores. He didn’t have much to do on Sundays because his dad insisted it be a day of rest. But he had plans for today.
After cleaning up after the horses and checking the crops, he hurried back to the house. He washed up and slipped into a fresh pair of jeans then hurried into the kitchen.
“You’re done early,” his dad said as he peered at him over the Sunday paper.
“I was thinking that maybe I could take Daisy horseback riding today.” Greg’s heart pounded in his chest as he waited for his father’s response.
“Remember what I said about her?” his dad asked.
“Yeah. But it’s just a ride. Nothing more,” Greg assured him.
“Make sure it stays that way and be back in time for supper.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you.”
The front door opened. The patter of several pairs of feet sounded in the entryway. River, Meadow, and Andy filed in with Daisy coming in last. She’d changed into a flowing paisley romper. A crown of purple wildflowers decorated her golden brown hair. His heart stopped. She was so beautiful that he wanted to pull her into his arms and never let go. They hadn’t been able to spend a lot of time together, especially alone, but he planned on changing that today.
As they took their places around the kitchen table, he slid into the seat next to Daisy. Andy’s eyebrows knitted together but he moved to the other side of the table and took Greg’s usual seat.
Samantha and Aaron joined them as well as their father. Betty walked over with a huge casserole dish filled with eggs and bacon. She placed it on two rooster-shaped trivets before hurrying back to the stove. When she returned, his stomach rumbled at the scent of her sausage gravy. He had no idea how she made it but it was better than any gravy he’d ever had.
She grabbed a tray of biscuits and set it on the table. Then she took the seat next to her husband. She slid her hand into his, then reached for Samantha’s hand. As they all joined hands, Greg reached for Daisy’s. The softness of her skin turned his bear to mush. The creature swooned and begged Greg to claim her. But as he bowed his head for grace, he shook it. As much as he liked her, he couldn’t be too hopeful. She was a free spirit and he didn’t know what it would take to tame her, but he wanted to know. He wanted to k
now everything about her but he couldn’t do it with her brother always watching and intervening when he tried to talk to her.
“Dear Father,” his dad began. “We thank you for this bountiful table and for bringing these fine people into our lives. May you bless us all with the will to work hard and the strength to get through the harvest. Also, keep my sons safe.” His voice broke. Greg looked up to find his father mashing his lips together as if trying to hold back his emotions. “Just keep my boys safe, Lord. Amen.”
“Amen,” everyone said.
“Please pass the biscuits,” Daisy said.
Greg lunged for them at the same time as River. He all but yanked the tray out of the other man’s hands before turning to offer them to her.
“Thank you,” she said.
After she’d taken a biscuit, he dropped two onto his plate. When he handed the plate back to River, he was rewarded with a dirty look. Greg shrugged and reached for the gravy. He slathered his plate with it before returning the bowl to the table.
“What does everyone have planned today?” his mom asked.
“Meadow and I were thinking of swimming across the lake,” River said.
“It’s a lot wider than it looks,” Greg said between bites.
“Maybe we’ll just swim halfway then,” Meadow said.
Over the last few days, she’d come around and had finally started helping out. Good thing, because his dad had been ready to kick her out. Then River would have bailed too. He’d turned out to be a pretty good worker and Greg didn’t want to lose the extra help.
“What about you Daisy?” his mom asked.
“Oh,” Greg said. “I was going to ask if you’d like to come horseback riding with me.”
“She’s never ridden before,” Andy said, as if that would stop him.
“I’ll teach her how to ride,” Greg said.
“That sounds fun,” Daisy said.
Andy glared but stuffed a piece of bacon in his mouth. Greg hunched over his food and shoveled it into his face. He wanted to get her out of there before she changed her mind. But after scarfing his food, he had to wait another ten minutes until she’d finished.
He tapped his foot impatiently until his mom caught his eye. She cocked her head to one side and he stopped. Impatience coiled up his spine. He couldn’t wait to get her away from everyone.
When she finally stood to clear her plate, he snatched it away from her. “I got it.”
“Okay,” she said slowly.
He regretted his overzealousness. He didn’t want to annoy her. Today was supposed to be about getting to know her. He also wanted to find out if all the times he’d caught her looking at him meant something. It had to, right? People didn’t just stare at each other without reason… right?
After she’d washed and dried her dishes, she turned to him.
“I’m ready to go if you are,” she said.
“Great, let’s go.”
He ignored his father’s stern look as he ushered her out of the kitchen. As soon as they walked outside, he relaxed and took her hand. She smiled and laced her fingers through his. Today was going to be great.
When they reached the barn, he reluctantly released her hand. He walked past several stalls until he found Clover. The gentle Appaloosa whinnied as he approached. The white and brown spotted horse lifted his head over the gate. He nuzzled Greg’s hand.
“No carrots yet, boy. But if you’re good, I’ll give you a whole bunch,” Greg said.
“You talk to them?” Daisy asked.
“Of course. Clover responds to the tone in my voice. If I yelled at him, he’d get spooked. You don’t want a jumpy horse when you’re going riding,” he said.
She stepped forward and ran her fingers down the horse’s nose. “Hi, Clover.”
The horse pushed up against her hand. She snatched it back.
“It’s okay,” he said. “He’s just trying to get you to pet him.”
“I don’t know…”
“What?” he asked.
“I’ve never ridden before and I don’t want to do something wrong,” she said.
“You won’t. Clover’s the sweetest horse of the bunch. I wouldn’t put you on him if he wasn’t. I’ll go get the saddles,” he said.
“Which one are you riding?” she asked.
“Thunder.” He pointed at the spirited animal in the stall across from Clover’s.
“He’s huge,” she said.
“A gentle giant. I’ll be right back,” he said.
He jogged over to the tack area and grabbed a western saddle and a bridal. As he strolled back toward Daisy, he watched her stroke Clover’s muzzle. The horse chuffed then sneezed. Daisy yelped and hopped back. He couldn’t help but laugh.
“I have horse snot on my hands,” she said as she held them away from her body.
“There’s a bucket of fresh water in the back. You can use it to clean up.”
“I don’t mind getting my hands dirty, but I draw the line at bodily fluids,” she said with a laugh.
“I don’t blame you,” he said. “I also don’t like getting doused but it happens more than I’d like to admit.”
As she wrinkled her nose up, his heart kicked. She was even beautiful when she scrunched up her face.
While she headed back to wash her hands, he carried the saddle into the stall. He slid it over Clover’s back and cinched it around his belly. After sliding the bit into his mouth, he pulled the bridle over his head and secured it.
“Good boy.” He patted him on his flank.
Daisy skipped back to the stall and held out her hands.
“All clean,” she declared.
“Great,” he said. “Let me throw a saddle on Thunder and we’ll be on our way.”
“Okay.”
As soon as he’d readied his horse, he returned to Clover’s stall. He unlatched it and pulled open the gate. The horse ambled out and stood just outside.
Greg smiled. It had taken months to get Clover to trust him. Someone had been abusing the gentle creature before he’d found him lying on his side in the field. If he ever found out who had been hurting him, Greg would beat his ass.
“How am I supposed to get all the way up there?” she asked.
“I’ll give you a boost.” He bent down and locked his fingers together. “Just put one foot here and I’ll help you.”
“Okay,” she said in a skeptical tone.
As she stepped into his cupped hands, he lifted her up. She started to teeter to one side. He quickly grabbed her bottom and shoved her into the saddle.
“Thanks,” she said. “I don’t think I could have gotten up here without some help.”
“I’m always happy to help,” he said. Getting a handful of her curvy butt was a bonus.
“You’re a good guy,” she said.
“Thanks, ma’am.” He flushed and dropped his gaze to the floor. He kicked a piece of hay to help release his nervous energy.
“I can’t wait to get out there,” she said.
He took the comment as his cue to climb up on Thunder. Once he was in the saddle, he steered the horse toward the barn door.
“When we get outside, pull up alongside me and we’ll walk together,” he said.
“How do I make him turn?” she asked.
“You give a slight tug on the reins on the side you want him to turn toward.”
“And if I want him to stop?”
“You pull back on the reins,” he said. “But not too hard. The slightest tug will make him stop in his tracks. If you’re not prepared for it, you might go ass over teakettle.”
“I love your expressions,” she laughed. “I’m excited about today. We haven’t really had much time alone yet.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” he said.
But he’d been doing more than just thinking. He’d been fantasizing about riding off into the sunset with her. All of the Western movies he liked to watch seemed to end the same way—with the hero and his girl riding off into
the sunset. He’d always wanted to do that with someone special. If today went well, maybe he’d finally get the chance.
Chapter 8
Daisy turned her face into the sun. When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed the balmy summer afternoons. A breeze rustled through a pair of quaking aspen trees. Her hair flowed behind her as the wind caressed her face. The scent of pine and juniper filled the air. She wished she could bottle the scent and carry it with her forever. She never wanted the day to end.
They’d been riding for over an hour when Greg brought his horse to a halt. She carefully pulled back on the reins until Clover stopped.
“I was thinking we could take a break here,” he said. “Since you’ve never ridden before, be careful when you get down. Your knees might buckle.”
If she collapsed, it wouldn’t be because of the ride. It would be because she’d swooned at his feet. She’d never been so affected by a man. But Greg’s sexy smile melted every last bit of strength in her body. She wanted to dissolve into his embrace. But he’d probably think she was a crazy person if she did.
She swung one leg over the back of the horse, then attempted to slide down his side. Her foot dangled beneath her. Where on earth was the ground? She swiped it back and forth trying to make contact. The motion threw her even more off balance and she toppled backward into Greg’s arms.
“Hang on there, hon. I guess I should have showed you how to get down from there,” he said.
As her feet found purchase, she twisted in his arms. The rush of his masculine scent intoxicated her. She leaned against him and wrapped her arms around his back. His hands spanned her waist as he pulled her tightly against him.
“Tell me you feel it too,” he whispered.
“Feel it?”
She knew what he meant, but she was afraid to acknowledge her feelings for him out loud because that would make them real. And if they were real, she’d have to deal with them. And if she had to deal with them, she could get hurt.
He reached for her face and cupped her cheeks in his hands. The intensity in his gaze sent a flood of warmth straight to her core. She trembled as he angled his head down. He gave her a questioning look. With only a breath of space between them, their magnetic attraction was enough to pull them together.