Page 19 of Holiday Hire

"Won't the boys need me Saturday night?"

I almost tell her yes so the riders can keep their drool in their mouths.

Willow orders, "Tell her she's free to have some fun, Alexander!"

She's only here for a week.

"Alexander!"

I cave and wave my hand in the air. "Nah. Go have fun with Willow."

"Yes!" my sister exclaims.

"Okay, but I'm not on the market," Phoebe says.

Relief hits me, but it's short-lived.

She still has a boyfriend.

Why am I thinking like this? This woman isn't here to date, nor is she my type.

I refocus on the road, barely hearing the rest of the conversation, trying not to imagine Phoebe with some smug Californian or one of the riders. Both situations irritate me.

I don't care who she's with unless it affects my kids. Since she's staying only a week, her dating life will never intrude on them,I remind myself, pulling through the ranch's gates.

"Do you ever get used to those?" Phoebe asks.

"The gates?"

She stares at the side mirror. "Yes. They're so grand and beautiful. Are you still awestruck, or has it worn off?"

"They've always been here, so I don't think any of us have ever been awestruck," I admit.

"That's a shame," she states.

Curious, I glance at her. "Why is that?"

She softly smiles. "Beauty should be appreciated, shouldn't it?"

I ponder her statement, then shrug. "I guess."

Her smile widens. "I know my first project with the boys."

I arch my eyebrows. "Oh? What's that?"

Her gaze darts across the ranch, and she declares, "We're going to find beauty in the places they take for granted. That way, they'll have a different perspective about the ranch."

"How are you going to do that?" Willow questions.

Phoebe's expression lights further. She confidently answers, "Not sure yet, but I'll find a way."

I park the truck and turn off the engine, wondering if maybe there's value in Phoebe nannying the boys, but then I shake that thought off.

My family underestimates me. I'm more than capable of taking care of my children on my own. If I don't prove them wrong, they'll never stop interfering in my life. Before I know it, Mom will be inviting all the single women to the house again, trying to marry me off.

I get out of the truck and go around to open Phoebe's door, but she jumps out before I get to it. A strange feeling hits me, and I realize it's disappointment.

What the heck is happening to me with this woman?

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