“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” Standing on tiptoe, she gave him a quick kiss, stepped back and shoved her arms into the sleeves of her parka. “Time to feed those critters and see what Mother Nature has done to this place.” She zipped her parka, dug out her gloves and put them on.
“Yes, ma’am.” He put on his hat and gloves.
“Can’t wait.” After unlocking the door, she turned the knob and pulled. Nothing happened. She took off her gloves, braced her feet and gave it all she had. Didn’t budge. “It’s like it’s welded shut!”
“Want me to try?”
She blew out a breath. “What if you weren’t here? What if I couldn’t get out my own front door?”
“You’d have to figure it out.”
“That’s right.” She paused. “Be right back.”
When she returned with her hair dryer, Pete laughed. “Excellent.”
“This is going to work.” She plugged it into a nearby outlet and aimed the hot air along the edge of the door. “I realize that if the power hadn’t come on, I’d have to think of something else, like heating water over the fire and using steam.”
“Regardless, you have the right idea.”
She shut off the dryer. “Maybe that’s enough.” After unplugging it, she put on her gloves. “Here goes.” The door stuck at first, but then with a loud crack, it opened. She stumbled but kept her balance. “Ta-da!”
“Great job. I’ll bring the shovels.”
“Damn, it’s cold out here!” She didn’t pause to look at the wintry scene. They had to get out and close that door.
She stepped quickly over a two-foot drift that had piled against the door and her boots sank through a layer of snow on the porch. Pete came out behind her with the shovels. She turned around to take one so he could grab the knob and close the door.
There. Facing forward, she gasped, sucking in frigid air that made her chest hurt. Snow obscured everything—including the steps and the decorative fence.
Only the curve of the arch and the top of the spruce trees protruded from the thick white blanket. Beyond the yard, drifts had stacked against the barn doors. The top rail of the corral seemed to rest on a cushion of snow and all the posts wore white puffy hats.
Pete wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “What do you think?”
“It’s beautiful, absolutely beautiful. And we have a whole lot of shoveling to do.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Taryn wielded a snow shovel with enthusiasm, which came as no surprise to Pete. Hard physical work had never intimidated her. The trick was getting her to pace herself. Challenged with this much snow removal, she was liable to shovel to the point where she would be painfully sore in the morning.
Once the horses were fed and the stalls mucked out, he talked her into taking time out for breakfast. They left their boots, coats and hats by the door and he started cooking while she changed out of her wet clothes. His jeans were a little damp, but not bad. He’d had more practice at staying dry while shoveling.
Over bacon, eggs, toast and coffee, she brought up the subject of her road, which was currently impassable. “I can’t believe I didn’t plan for this.” She finished her coffee and got up to bring the pot over. “Want more?”
“Yes, please.” More of everything. The blizzard had been a challenge, but he was sad it was over. Didn’t want to wait until Saturday night to hold her again. Her call, though.
“Anyway, I completely spaced the road situation. Did you think of it? That I wouldn’t be prepared if I got snowed in?”
“I knew you didn’t have equipment to plow the road, but I wasn’t worried about it.”
“Why not? Surely the town won’t come out and plow all these rural roads.”
“They don’t have the resources, but if I know my dad, he’s in road-plowing mode even as we speak. That man loves driving a tractor. Once he’s finished his road and Kendra’s, he’ll be over to take care of yours.”
“Well, that’s very nice of him, but now that I’ve experienced a blizzard up close and personal, I want a tractor, too.”
He grinned. “Is that right?”
“Why not? That utility vehicle you mentioned the other day might handle minor snow removal but not something like this. Besides, a tractor would be fun. A big ol’ green machine. What’s the brand everybody talks about?”
“John Deere.”
“That’s it. I want to learn to drive a John Deere.”
“Then I’d be happy to teach you. I’m partial to tractors, myself.”
“Are you saying you’d want to drive it?”
“Heck, yeah. Dad and I used to toss a coin to see which one of us got to plow the road after a heavy snowstorm.”
“Sounds like a love of tractors runs in your family.”
“Yep. My dad says owning a ranch is mostly a good excuse to buy a tractor.”
“I wish I’d figured that out sooner, but I totally agree with him. What’s the point in living in the boonies unless you get to play with all the toys?”
“Good point.” Taryn had just shot past his expectations…again. “After Christmas we’ll go tractor shopping, see who’ll give us a deal.”
“Good. I’m excited.”
“Me, too. I—” His phone chimed. “That’s probably my dad, alerting us that he’s—nope, my uncle. Excuse me a minute.” He put the phone to his ear. “Hey, Uncle Brendan.”
“G’day, mate.” His Crocodile Dundee accent was especially thick this morning. “Just giving you a heads-up that I’m about to start motatin’ your way with the tractor.”
“Dad’s letting you plow?”
His uncle laughed. “Yea, yea. Aced the coin toss.”
“I see.”
“I’m particularly happy about that because I’m hankerin’ to meet your lady.”
“That’s not, um, the designation I’d use.” Should have taken the call in the living room.
“It didn’t work out last night? Now that’s shame.”
“A shame? I thought you were…” He trailed off. Couldn’t go into it.
“Worried? Nah. Quinn convinced me your situation is nothing like mine was. Consequently, I’m pullin’ for you. Chances are you weren’t fully prepared, though. That can be a problem.”
“Everything’s fine.”
“I sense a complication.”
“Not really.”
“She’s right there, isn’t she?”
“Yes.”
“Ah. Sorry, mate. Anyway, forget what I said before. Enjoy yourself.”
Pete couldn’t help smiling at that. “Thanks. I will.”
“Good on ya. We need more hanky-panky in this world. See you soon.”
“Appreciate it, Uncle Brendan.” He disconnected the call. “He won the coin toss. He’s coming instead of my dad.”
“Wonderful! Then I’ll get to meet him.” She glanced at him, a gleam in her eyes. “He was asking about last night, wasn’t he?”
“He was.” He sighed. “I’m afraid we’ll be a topic of conversation for the next few days, especially because everyone will be together so much. I don’t know how to avoid the attention focused on us, and I hope—”
“Pete, I don’t mind.” She reached over and squeezed his arm. “They all love you. Naturally they’ll wonder about this new development. Shoot, I’m wondering about it.”
Grasping her hand, he brought it to his lips. “I’ll never hurt you. I can promise you that.”
She drew in a shaky breath. “I can’t make you any promises.”
“I’m not asking for any. I never expected to be your lover. I thought that was a non-starter. But here we are. Every minute with you is a bonus.”
Warmth flickered in her eyes. “Same here.”
“You are looking so kissable right now, and me with porcupine face.”
“Want to borrow my razor?”
“Thanks, but I don’t dare start kissing you when Uncle Brendan’s on his way.” He pushed back his chair. “Let�
��s clean up these dishes.”
“Alrighty.”
He stacked the plates and carried them over to the counter. “I’ll bring my shaving kit Saturday night, though. I don’t like not being able to kiss you.”
“Might as well bring a change of clothes, too.” She brought over the mugs and the coffee carafe.
“Thought I would.” He started loading the dishwasher. “Wouldn’t mind making up a bed in front of the fireplace again, too. After having sex on a blanket with a fire crackling nearby, a bed seems kind of boring.” He put a mug in the top rack and glanced at her. “Speaking of that, are the blankets and pillows still in the living room?”
“Guess so. I didn’t—” Her eyes widened. “Good grief. We need to get them out of there before your uncle arrives.” She bolted from the room.
He followed quickly behind. It was one thing for his uncle to know something had gone on here. He didn’t need to view the evidence.
“Don’t try folding anything.” She grabbed several pillows. “Just bundle it up and bring it back to my bedroom.” She raced down the hall in her sock feet.
“Got it.” Arms full of bedding, he lengthened his stride. They likely had enough time. Then again, if his uncle drove a tractor the way he did everything, no holds barred, he could already be barreling down Taryn’s road with snow flying every which way.
“Just dump that on my bed.”
He dropped the comforter and blankets on the mattress.
She glanced at him. “What’s left?”
“I’m pretty sure I got it all, but let’s go look.”
She started back down the hall. “I’m glad you remembered. I suppose it’s silly, since he knows we messed around.”
“It’s not silly.” He walked behind her down the narrow hallway. “This is our business. Nobody else needs to know the details.”
She looked over her shoulder. “Thanks for that. I’ve discovered moving to a small town means you’re living in a fish bowl, but some things…”
“That’s my point. People can imagine all they want, but I’m not giving them any help in that department. If we decide to get out some velvet handcuffs and a can of whipped cream, they’ll never hear it from me.”
She stopped so fast he had to backpedal to keep from running into her. She spun around. “What did you say?”
“I don’t know. Spewing some sort of nonsense. Why?”
“Velvet handcuffs and whipped cream? Are you serious?”
“Not really.” He hesitated. “Unless you are.”
Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “What if I am?”
“Then I guess I’d…” She could be joking, but despite that, lust took over his brain, short-circuiting logic. “I’d pick up some whipped cream for Saturday night. The velvet handcuffs might require a trip to Bozeman, and even so, I’m not sure I could find—”
“You’re adorable.”
He smiled. “Not a primo compliment, FYI. People say that about babies and puppies. Kittens sometimes, or stuffed animals.”
“I guess adorable’s the wrong word if you’re willing to drive twenty-six miles on icy roads to buy velvet handcuffs. Never mind adorable. I’m going with crazy.”
“I’d do it for you.”
“Crazy. Insane, bonkers. Take your pick. Fortunately, I’m not into velvet handcuffs.”
“Whipped cream?”
“Goes great on strawberry shortcake and pumpkin pie.”
“How about on my—” A fist thumped twice on the front door.
“Your uncle’s here. We didn’t make a final sweep.”
“You get the door. I’ll make the sweep.”
More thumping on the door. “Pete! You in there, mate?”
She gazed at him. “You didn’t finish your sentence. Whipped cream on your what?”
He laughed. “Tongue.”
“Liar.” She started for the door.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Taryn fell madly in love with Brendan Sawyer. He was so like her parents, determined to take life in big gulps, easy to talk to and tease. As she sat with him and Pete drinking coffee and eating the last of the chocolate fudge cookies, she traded jokes with him as if she’d known him for years.
She pushed the cookie package in his direction with a singsong chocolate is your friend.
He laughed and took another one, giving her a smile and a thank you.
“Tell me, Brendan. How is it that you haven’t given your heart to some lovely Australian woman?”
“There’s the rub, you see. They’re lovely and I’m not. I never could bridge that gap. Whereas my handsome nephew, here—” He gestured toward Pete. “He has a much easier time of it.”
Pete chuckled and shook his head. “Not true.”
His uncle rolled his eyes. “You’re not supposed to contradict me, mate.”
“Why not?”
“I’m tryin’ to make you look like a studly fellow in the eyes of this amazin’ young woman.”
“Never easy.”
“Well, here’s a dandy trick that works every time. Go fire up that tractor and clear some space in the pasture so she can turn out her horses.” Brendan glanced at her. “That’d impress the heck out of you, right?”
“Absolutely. Especially if it includes my first lesson in driving one.”
Brendan’s eyebrows lifted. “Didn’t know you had an interest.”
“After the holidays, Pete and I are going tractor shopping.”
“Well, now.” Brendan looked over at his nephew. “Seems like a tractor lesson will win you even more points.”
“Does seem that way.”
“Then let’s do it.” He stood. “While you two play with Quinn’s tractor, I’ll head into the barn and get acquainted with your horses. Then I’ll take the tractor and go home. Wouldn’t want to wear out my welcome.”
Taryn gave him a smile. “Don’t see that happening.”
An hour later, the horses frolicked in the cleared section of the pasture and Taryn had a new appreciation for the intricacies of driving a tractor. She stood beside the barn with Pete and waved goodbye as Brendan climbed behind the wheel, put it in gear and rumbled out of the yard.
“And that’s my Uncle Brendan.”
“He’s terrific.”
“He thinks the same of you.”
“He said that?”
“Didn’t have to. I could tell by his expression.” He turned to face her. “So how’d you like the tractor? Still want one?”
“More than ever. There’s so much we can do with it. Clearly I’ll need practice before I’m comfortable with the whole gear thing, though. For some reason, I thought it would be like driving a car.”
“More complicated than that.”
“No kidding, but I’m determined to master it.” She grinned. “Your uncle was right, though. You look studly maneuvering that tractor.”
“Even more reason to buy one. I had no idea sitting up on a tractor would improve my image.”
“It’s not just sitting up there. Now that I know the skill involved, it’s a pleasure watching you drive it like it’s second nature.”
“Does it get you hot?”
“Maybe.”
He gazed at her. “Want to do anything about that?”
“I’m tempted, but…no.” She rested her gloved hands on his chest. “I was serious about needing some time to process all this. I can handle feeding tonight.”
Smiling, he drew her close. “I get the feeling it’s time to make my exit.”
She nodded. “Much as I hate to see you go. But I know myself. This has been a big change for both of us. I can’t speak for you, but—”
“I’d call it a welcome change, but I get your point. I’ll take off, give you some space.”
“Thanks.” Relief loosened the slight tension in her shoulders. “You know what? Let me handle feeding in the morning, too. You haven’t taken a day off this week.”
He frowned. “No big deal. We’ve had unusual circumstanc
es. I can certainly—”
“But it’s the holidays. For all I know you have Christmas shopping to do.”
“Hm. Come to think of it…”
“Then it’s settled. You can pick me up after lunch tomorrow so we can watch Josh sit on Santa’s lap. I can’t wait to see how that turns out.”
“Me, either. We’ll have to make a quick trip back here to feed before the talent show.”
“That won’t take long. What a fun day it’ll be.”
“Followed by a fun night.” He pulled her hips against his.
“Mm.” She soaked up the passion in his gaze as delicious heat flowed between them. “That’ll be nice.”
“Tell me about it. We have about a million layers between us and I can still feel you getting hot.”
“And I can feel your—”
“Yep, and that’s why I’m going to skedaddle before that situation intensifies.” Leaning down, he dropped a soft kiss on her mouth. “I’ll check with Gage and let you know when they’re planning to take Josh over there.”
“Perfect.”
“See you then.” Touching two fingers to the brim of his hat, he walked to his truck. It didn’t want to start right away but he eventually got it running. He tooted his horn as he passed by and she waved.
Then she pressed her hand against the hollow ache in her chest as his truck turned onto the newly plowed road. He wasn’t even out of sight and she missed him. Made sense. He’d literally been her lifeline for the past twenty-four hours.
A horse nickered and she turned toward the pasture, grateful for the distraction. Honey Butter stood about ten feet from the gate. He was watching her.
“Are you looking for some attention, big guy?” Walking over to the gate, she opened it, slipped inside and closed it behind her.
The palomino came over and nuzzled her pocket.
“No treats in there this time.” She scratched his neck and combed her fingers through his cream-colored mane. “Good thing you had your close-up two days ago, buddy. You’re looking a little rough around the edges.”
The other five, clearly wondering if they were missing something, wandered toward her. Yesterday she and Pete had scraped off most of the melted snow, but they hadn’t groomed any of them. They could use it.
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