Page 24 of The Talk Around Town

An idea wormed its way into his head, almost making him smile. He’d cure her of her fear, if it was the last thing he did.

“It’s a shame. I don’t want to do it, but I don’t really have a choice.” Gabe glanced at his sister, who stared back at him in confusion. He jerked his chin toward the two sitting in the quarantine room, and winked, willing her to get with it. Darby blinked. A small conspiratorial smile tilted her lips for a moment, then disappeared.

“Yeah. Such a pity. It’s a nice-looking calf too.”

Emma looked around, a frown marring her features. “What’s a pity? What don’t you want to do?”

Gabe gestured at the calf, willing it to forgive his next words. He made his expression turn sad. “The calf. Jez has rejected it, so I have no choice.”

Emma’s eyes darkened further, her mouth flattening to a thin line. “What aren’t you saying?” She looked to Darby for clarity. “What is he talking about?”

Darby let her bottom lip drop and wobble a little. Damn, she was good. He’d have to buy her a drink for that performance.

“Gabe means that since Jez refuses, there’s no one to look after the calf. He’s going to have to put it down.”

Emma’s eyes flew wide open, disbelief draining her face to a stark white.

“No,” she whispered. “Y-you can’t. That’s just wrong!” She glanced down at the tiny calf lying in front of her, then back to them, an obvious shine to her wide eyes. “Can’t you just look after it yourself? I mean—”

“No Emma, I can’t. I don’t have the time needed. They have to be fed every few hours. This is a working farm, as well as my veterinary business. I’m running behind as it is.”

A lone tear found its way in slow motion down her cheek to drop off the edge of her jaw. Guilt gnawed at his gut. He shouldn’t be doing this to her, but something told him it was the right thing.

“Please don’t kill her.”

Her soft words were barely audible, spearing him right to the heart. Gabe shoved hard at the unwanted emotions she dredged up. She needed this. How he knew it was beyond him, but he’d committed himself to this course of action so he had to follow through.

“The only way I can think of is if someone takes it and looks after it.” He glanced at his sister. “Darby works and I’m too busy.” He lifted his hands in a show of defeat. “There’s no one left.”

She narrowed her eyes and stared at him, then at Darby. Gabe squirmed a little. They’d been made.

“I know what you’re both up to. If you wanted me to look after her, you only had to ask.”

Gabe jerked a nod. “Perhaps, but you don’t like cows. And it would be a huge commitment.”

Emma’s face lost the slight annoyance that had taken up residence there. “I can do it.”

Emma’s attention went back to the calf, its nose nuzzling her thigh. Those four gently spoken words sent a warmth flooding through him he’d never experienced before. He couldn’t help but smile. He squashed it immediately as Emma’s head turned around, her stormy blue eyes glaring at him.

“I don’t have to go to work yet, so I’d be home at the times she needs. And I have a big yard, with a fence. I’m home all the time doing my renovations. If you just tell me what I need to do, I will. I suppose it would be a start in getting used to these horrid creatures. The small ones, at least.”

Her gaze darted between them, daring them to doubt her, wanting them to believe her.

Darby nodded slowly. “I think it’s a great idea. With some help of course. We’ll need to keep an eye on you for a few days until things settle down, and we’d need to organise a shed or something for the little fellow for night-time.” She glanced at Gabe, her smile leaking out the edges, lending credence to her words. “I think it might work.”

Emma’s shoulders visibly relaxed, her hand going to the top of the calf’s head, her long, slim fingers stroking it.

Darby grinned at them from her position leaning on the half-door beside him. She tilted her mouth to his ear. “You owe me, brother mine.”

Gabe threw an arm over her shoulder and squeezed. “Yeah, I know.” He raised his voice so Emma could hear.

“By the way, Emma? It’s a boy.”

Chapter Eleven

Emma dropped herchin into her cupped hands on the small outdoor table and stared at the newest member of her family.

“What am I going to do with you?” she asked the little calf, his mouth all creamy from the bottle she’d just given him.

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