Page 61 of Cowboy's Sinful Bargain

"I'll let my boys know."

I nodded to Miko to hang up once again, but he gave me a peculiar look. "Fox in the henhouse?"

"That means someone is trying to take something that doesn't belong to them like a fox does when it breaks into a henhouse."

"Ah." Miko nodded as if he understood, but he was still frowning. "Is that really a thing?"

"It is."

"This isn't going to turn into some big fight is it?" Miko asked. "I don't want anyone getting hurt."

"It shouldn't turn into a fight," I answered, really hoping I spoke the truth. "I just don't want your First Uncle thinking he can come in here and intimidate us into giving you up becausethat is never going to happen. You belong to me now and to the Cross Creek Ranch by default because of your father. We're not giving you up."

That, at least, put a smile on Miko's face.

It was easy enough to get through town, but I was kind of surprised when one of the cars broke off and headed in a different direction. The other one stayed right behind us. They weren't even trying to pretend that they weren't following us. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not, but I would have preferred they both went away.

When we turned and went up the driveway to the Walker place, the black sedan stopped at the end of the driveway. I kept going, driving up to the main house.

The sheriff's SUV was parked in front. I parked next to him and climbed out before going around to Miko's side of the vehicle. As amusing as I found it when Miko had to slide out of the truck because of his smaller size, now was not the time.

I opened the door and lifted him out, setting him on his feet, and then grabbed his hand and walked with him to the front porch. As soon as we climbed up the steps, Cooper stepped out of the house.

"Glad you could make it," he said. "Ethan and the vet are in the barn with Mimi. He'd be out here to greet you, this being your first time and all, Miko, but he refuses to leave Mimi's side."

"I understand," Miko replied. "Where is barn?"

I cocked an eyebrow at his poor English, making Miko flush.

It was a cute reaction.

"Everyone is in the barn," Cooper stated. "This is Mimi's second birth with King. We're all a little excited, but it's not going easy for her, which is why I guess the vet called for you. Her first birth was a lot easier."

"What can you tell me about her condition?" Miko asked as we headed for the barn.

"She's pretty agitated. Doc says her labor is taking too long and he can't calm her down enough to help her with the birth. He doesn't want to give her a sedative because of her blood pressure. It's too high. He's afraid if she doesn't give birth soon, we may lose both of them."

"Any excessive bleeding?"

"You'd have to ask the vet," Cooper replied. "I've been waiting for you to arrive so I haven't been to the barn for a few."

"I need hot water and towels," Miko said, "and I might need someone to run into town for some herbs."

"Colby keeps a fully stocked greenhouse," Cooper stated. "He might have what you need here. Just tell me what it is and I'll have him check. If he doesn't have it I can send someone into town."

Miko perked up. "Greenhouse?"

I almost smirked at the twinkle of wonderment in his eyes. "Would a greenhouse help you, Miko?"

Miko nodded rapidly. "Hai."

"I'll talk to your father about putting one in back at the ranch, but you'd have to pick out the plants. I'd have no idea what I was looking for."

Miko nodded again, a smile gracing his lips.

Things seemed relatively quiet when we reached the barn despite the small crowd of ranch hands hanging around one of the stalls. Someone had strung extra lights around the stall, brightening it up.

When we reached the stall gate, I hung back with Cooper and watched Miko go in and start talking with the vet and Ethan. I didn't understand everything they were talking about, but there was a sudden flurry of activity.

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