Carter's Cowgirl (Quinn Valley Ranch Book 8)

by Melissa McClone

  Carter shrugged. “Maggie will find out in April.”

  “April?”

  “That’s when Charlie is covering the deliveries for the regular salesperson who’ll be on vacation, so they’ll get to meet in person.”

  Oh, wow. Avery’s lips parted. Meeting for the first time would be so romantic. “Is Maggie excited?”

  “I think so.” He sounded nonchalant, but maybe guys didn’t care about stuff like this. “She keeps bringing up April. That tells me she can’t wait to meet him.”

  “I hope there are sparks between them.”

  “As long as the guy isn’t a jerk.” Not surprisingly, Carter’s tone screamed protective older brother. “The voice crush has been fun for Maggie since she isn’t dating anyone.”

  “What about Ivy?” Avery asked. “Is she dating someone?”

  “Ivy goes out but never is with anyone for long.” Carter laughed. “Maggie claims Ivy only dates to get material to write songs.”

  Avery gasped. “Is that true?”

  “No idea, because she rarely sings them in public. But it’s probably more one sister teasing another.” Carter put together two pieces of the puzzle. “Ivy might jump to conclusions, but she would never hurt anyone on purpose. Not after what she’s been through.”

  Doing an Internet search on his youngest sister had flitted across Avery’s mind, but she hadn’t because whatever happened had been rough on the entire family. It was no one’s business, especially not Avery’s, to drag up the past.

  That left one sibling. “And then there’s you.”

  “Yep. Though I may have earned an honorable mention thanks to you.” Carter winked before reaching for his cup. “If not for Ryder, our branch of the Quinn family tree would be hurting big-time with our lack of…coupling.”

  “Getting married when you’re a Quinn sounds like a competition.”

  “It’s not, but until Grams stops wanting us to fall in love, we’re stuck with the lectures on the merits of being part of a couple and the matchmaking attempts.” He sounded resigned to the fate. “Ivy thinks Grams has a wall chart with our twenty-five names and relationship statuses listed so she can keep track of us.”

  Avery pictured a large whiteboard. That brought a giggle. “Your family holidays must be so interesting.”

  “Interesting and loud,” he joked.

  A familiar longing for a family of her own welled inside Avery. She reached for another puzzle piece. “Must be nice, despite your grandmother’s mission.”

  “Yes, it is.” He scooted closer. “You haven’t talked about your family, but if you want to, I’m here to listen.”

  Not knowing how to respond, Avery fiddled with the puzzle piece. “Mine is…was…the polar opposite of yours. Like the difference between the weather in the picture on the puzzle box and what’s outside your front door.”

  Though hers was bleaker than the winter storm.

  “That’s okay,” he said sincerely. “Not every family is the same.”

  But it wasn’t okay. Not really.

  Still, she didn’t mind telling him this part. “I mentioned I’m an only child. My aunts and uncles live on the East Coast, so I’ve only met them twice. My cousins are just names I’ve heard. I don’t know them.”

  “On both sides of your family?”

  She took a breath and then exhaled slowly. “My father took off when I was little. I don’t remember him.”

  Carter placed his hand over Avery’s. His skin was warm and rough, but his touch comforted. “If talking about this is too difficult for you…”

  “It’s fine.” For years, she’d carried around the memories on her own, but not talking about what happened hadn’t helped. Maybe the time had come to discuss the past, however painful it had been.

  New year. New you.

  “When I was twenty, my mother threw me out of the house.” A rush of sadness washed over Avery, but the wave wasn’t as high this time and the confusion from that dark time no longer swamped her.

  “Why?” Carter asked.

  “My mom accused me of trying to seduce my stepfather, and she informed me I was no longer welcome in their home. I considered him my dad. I wasn’t trying to do anything of the sort.”

  As Avery pressed her lips together, a heavy silence bore down on her. Carter, however, focused on her with no judgement in his eyes or on his face. Only compassion. Affection.

  He squeezed her hand. “You weren’t.”

  Carter didn’t see what her mother had…or former boss’s wives or other coworkers. He saw only her. And that seemed good enough for him.

  His belief in her gave Avery courage to continue. “My stepfather went to a rodeo to watch Mercury and me compete. He asked my mom to go, but she said no. When we arrived home, it was late, but that didn’t stop my mother from making horrible accusations, then telling me to pack my things and get out of the house because I was no longer her daughter.”

  Carter laced his fingers with hers. “I’m so sorry.”

  Avery wouldn’t let what happened drag her down. Never again. “It was…hard.”

  “What did you do?”

  “I packed and moved everything to the front yard while my stepfather tried to talk to my mom. She wouldn’t listen. Said she understood him being captivated by my female wiles. And she forgave him.” Avery’s voice cracked. “I didn’t even know what she meant by that.”

  Carter let go of her hand, wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and pulled her against him.

  She sank against Carter, soaking up his warmth and his strength. “I was so scared because I had no idea where I would go or what I would do. I worked at my stepfather’s farm, lived there, and drove one of their cars. But just like that, my family…the life I’d known…was gone.”

  He smoothed her hair with his free hand. “I wish things would have been different for you.”

  “Me, too.” She nearly laughed. “After all these years, I still can’t understand what she was thinking, why she acted that way, or what I might have done to make her believe I was…or could…do that to her.”

  “Jealousy, fear, who knows, but that isn’t how a parent should react. No matter what the circumstances.”

  “I was over eighteen, but you’re right. She could have handled things differently.” Avery blew out a breath. “The only bright spot in the nightmare was my stepfather. He had me sleep in the barn that night. When I woke up, all of my things were in a pickup. He’d found me a job at an organic farm in a different county—one that included room and board. He gave me the title to the pickup and a horse trailer. Told me to take Mercury with me. Handed me what cash he had on hand. And apologized for what happened.”

  “Did you talk to your mom before you left?”

  “I tried, but she wouldn’t even look at me.” As Avery drove away, she’d glanced back, but no one had been there. “I never saw or heard from either of them again, but I still have the truck and trailer. I’ve taken good care of both.”

  Carter tapped the tip of her nose. “Someone has the practicality of a farmer.”

  “It can come in handy.” Avery expected him to let go of her, but he didn’t. That made her happy because she enjoyed being so close to him. “Thank you for listening and not blaming me for what happened.”

  He brushed his lips over her hair. “You did nothing wrong. You were innocent. Your mother should be ashamed.”

  His words comforted her as much as his touch. Not since Avery’s stepfather had anyone seen the good in her. Knowing Carter did nearly overwhelmed her.

  She took a breath. The tightness in her chest loosened. Her eyelids growing heavy, she snuggled against him. “I’m so glad we met. Became friends.”

  She’d never had a friend like Carter Quinn, and she didn’t want to lose that.

  Lose him.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  When Avery woke on Monday morning, the snow was still falling. She enjoyed spending the day doing chores and planning for the farm’s future with Carter,
but she missed his touch. The way he’d held her last night had felt oh so right.

  Friends.

  Something she’d been reminding herself of for the past twenty-four hours. But hope grew that maybe there could be more between them once she finished her job here.

  The snow stopped falling that night, but a strong wind blew, leaving snowbanks and causing trees to topple. The plows had cleared the streets of Quinn Valley, but not the rural areas, according to David, Carter’s younger brother, who had called to check in.

  On Tuesday, she sat at the desk in the office paging through a printout of the revised report she was working on. The business plan would be next. Everything was coming together nicely. The only problem—she might finish her work early. That meant she had no reason to stay.

  Ruff lay at her feet. She bent to pet him.

  “It’s too bad I have to leave on Friday. I think I could get used to the snow and cold temperatures.” A paw moved as if asking for more rubs. “Not that I’ll be back soon.”

  A weight pressed against Avery. This was the first time she hadn’t wanted to leave a client. Though Carter was so much more than that.

  Or could be.

  She shook the heaviness aside. “Maybe someone around here will hire me, so I can visit.”

  Eyes closed, the dog stretched out—a mass of fur and limbs and a contented exhale.

  She half-laughed. “Not that you care as long as someone rubs you.”

  But Carter might. That brought a smile.

  And a worry.

  Avery hoped he wasn’t too cold. He’d wanted to do something in the barn while she worked on the report.

  Ruff sat. His ears perked.

  “Is Carter on his way to the house?” she asked.

  Lazy from his nap, the dog lumbered to the living room.

  “He’ll be coming in through the kitchen, not the front.”

  Ruff didn’t appear deterred.

  As he continued toward the entry way, she followed. “Do you want outside?”

  A knock sounded. That was odd. Unless Carter’s hands were full.

  She opened the front door.

  An older woman in a knitted cap, knee-length parka, and snow boots stood on the porch with a casserole dish in one hand and a grocery bag in the other. “You must be the Avery everyone is talking about. I’m Gertrude Quinn. Carter’s grandmother.”

  A shiver ran the length of Avery’s spine. She clutched the door handle, but she somehow opened the door wider. “Please come in, Mrs. Quinn.”

  The woman did.

  As soon as Avery closed the door, a smiling Mrs. Quinn handed over what must be tonight’s dinner. “Put everything away while I take off my things. Otherwise, I’ll be sweating like a pig.”

  Not knowing what to say, Avery bolted to the kitchen. Should she text Carter? Hightail it to the barn? Another idea popped into her mind. She opened the back door for Ruff. “Go get your daddy.”

  Sending the dog would be the best way to get Carter’s attention. He didn’t always hear his cell phone when he was working, or he turned it off so he wouldn’t be disturbed. The man didn’t consider his phone a lifeline or an appendage, which she appreciated.

  Avery placed the casserole, asparagus, and stuffed figs into the refrigerator. She set the tin of brownies, a loaf of home-baked bread, and a bottle of red wine on the counter. Mrs. Quinn and her friends went all out for the meal.

  “You’re as lovely as Ruby said.”

  Avery jumped. Her hand flew to her chest. She took a breath, trying to calm her on-edge nerves. “Thank you.”

  Mrs. Quinn’s gaze zeroed in at the items on the counter. “You know your way around Carter’s kitchen.”

  “I’ve been staying here.” Avery spoke fast. She took another breath. “The, um, heater in the bunkhouse broke, and the part had to be special ordered, so here I am.”

  “Can’t have you freeze.” Mrs. Quinn sat at the kitchen table. “This house is a better place for you. All those farm workers care about is having good food, a hot shower, and a bed. Though sometimes the shower is optional.”

  “The house is nice.” Avery glanced at the coffeepot. There was some left over from earlier. “Do you want a cup of coffee or hot chocolate?”

  “Hot chocolate, please.” Mrs. Quinn studied Avery. “Tell me about yourself, dear.”

  The endearment sent a rush of warmth through her. No one had called her that in a long time. She pulled a mug from the cupboard. “I live in the Central Valley of California, but I spend most of my time traveling to the farms that hire me.”

  “You own your own business.”

  It wasn’t a question, so someone had filled Carter’s grandmother in on a few details. “Yes. I’m a consultant.”

  “Where does your family live?”

  A lump burned in Avery’s throat. Even if she’d wanted to answer, she no longer knew if her mother and stepfather were still on the farm. “It’s just me and my horse, Mercury.”

  Compassion filled Mrs. Quinn’s eyes. “Well, you’ll just have to make your own. Blood isn’t the only measure of a family. Frannie and Ben Martin, God rest their souls, were second parents to Carter. They loved that boy so much.”

  Nodding, Avery spooned cocoa mix into the cup, added hot water from the kettle, and then stirred. “Here you go.”

  Mrs. Quinn took the drink. “I’ve heard you’ve been working hard. Sit and relax for a few minutes.”

  Avery did, but she doubted she could relax. The woman was pleasant, but her mission to marry off her grandkids meant she was likely here with an agenda.

  “How long are you staying in Quinn Valley?” Mrs. Quinn took a sip from the cup.

  “My contract with Carter ends on Friday.” Avery’s departure time was still up in the air. She wasn’t ready to think about that yet.

  Mrs. Quinn’s lips parted. “That’s not long.”

  “No, but it’s the time we thought he needed me here.” Now, though, Avery wished she were staying longer, even though she had a job lined up in Arizona. “Carter will have a plan to help him achieve all he wants.”

  “A plan,” the woman repeated.

  “A solid plan.”

  “He may need more than that from you.” Mrs. Quinn placed her cocoa on the table. “Do you follow up with the farmers who hire you?”

  “Yes, we have weekly phone meetings the first three months, then monthly ones after that.”

  His grandmother sighed. “I suppose that’s better than nothing.”

  “Carter knows what he wants. He’ll do fine without me.”

  Mrs. Quinn didn’t appear convinced. “I hope you’re right about that.”

  “I am.” Avery had no doubt. “Your grandson is one of the kindest, hardworking individuals I’ve ever met. This land is a part of his heart and soul, giving him life as much as the oxygen he breathes. He won’t fail.”

  “That’s quite a testimonial.”

  “It’s well-earned.” Avery raised her chin. “My plan might give him a push in the right direction, but he would have succeeded whether I came here or not.”

  “Oh, I disagree.” A grin tugged at the woman’s lips. “You coming to the farm has made a big difference. Trust me.”

  Avery wasn’t sure what kind of difference, but the compliment made her sit taller. “Thank you.”

  “Do you plan on returning to the area soon?”

  “No.” Avery forced her shoulders not to droop. “Not unless someone else hires me.”

  Mrs. Quinn’s eyes twinkled. “There are plenty of farms in the area. That could happen. Especially once word gets out about your services.”

  Avery hoped that happened. She fought the urge to cross her fingers. “Guess we’ll find out.”

  The back door opened. Ruff bounded into the kitchen followed by Carter, who was red-faced and breathing hard as if he’d ran from the barn. “What are you doing here, Grams? You never come until later.”

  “Cabin fever.” The woman’s gaze bounced from Aver
y to Carter. “Once I heard the roads were plowed, I needed to get away from the ranch. I’m so glad I did. I’ve been getting to know Avery.”

  Concern crossed Carter’s face. “I hope the visit is going well.”

  Avery nodded. “It is.”

  A smile erupted on his face, dimple and all. “Good.”

  “Great.” His grandmother sounded positively giddy. “But I’m sorry to hear Avery is leaving so soon.”

  Carter’s smile faltered. “On Friday.”

  “You’ll do fine on your own.” Avery didn’t like how the light in his eyes had dimmed. “And remember, I’m only a phone call or email away.”

  He nodded. “There is that.”

  “And don’t forget video chats,” Mrs. Quinn added. “Almost like being together.”

  Avery found herself nodding. She and Carter could use all forms of communication technology to discuss his farm, but what about their growing friendship? Would that be enough? Would it even matter once she left the farm and Idaho?

  She wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer.

  * * *

  Wednesday brought clear skies, but the temperature remained below freezing. Carter had errands to do, and he wanted more time with Avery outside of the farm. A trip into town would achieve both. He double-parked along Main Street in front of Fresh Brew, the local coffee shop. “I’ll be going to the feed store first.”

  “I’m headed to the souvenir shop.”

  Thinking about her leaving on Friday hurt his chest. “Let’s meet at the coffee shop when you’re finished.”

  “Sounds good.” She hopped out of the truck.

  Buying what he needed didn’t take much time. He went to the grocery store to pick up a few items before parking and heading into Fresh Brew.

  One step inside and he froze.

  His cousin—his flirt-with-any-woman, bad-boy-wannabe cousin—Dusty Quinn was standing way too close to Avery.

  Every one of Carter’s muscles tensed. His nerve endings stood on end.

  What was Dusty doing? The guy was a chiropractor, so he was used to being close and putting his hands on patients, but surely he knew better than to crowd someone’s personal space in public. Yet, here he was encroaching on Avery’s.