Page 43 of Levi

As he was working on one of the stalls, he heard a familiar sound outside and smiled. It was Mr. Barton on his backhoe, clearing the roads for everyone. This was a common routine whenever it snowed and people were always grateful for his help.

Finishing up with the last stall, Levi leaned his rake against the wall and went outside to see Mr. Barton operating his backhoe to push away snow. Levi walked toward him and when Mr. Barton noticed him approaching, he turned off the machine and climbed down.

“How are you doing, son?” Mr. Barton asked as he shook Levi’s hand.

“Cold. And you?” Levi replied.

“I love this weather.” Mr. Barton grinned. “I finally have something to do now that I’ve sold all my pigs and hogs.”

Levi nodded in understanding. “Everyone is grateful for your help, Mr. Barton. How are the roads?”

“Clear now.” Mr. Barton chuckled.

“That’s good,” Levi said. “Although I don’t plan on going far, it’s nice for those who do.”

Mr. Barton shook his head. “Clifton is packedwith people today. You know how it goes after Christmas. Everyone rushing to make returns.”

“I guess they think the stores won’t wait a few days for returns.” Levi shrugged, not really understanding why people couldn’t just wait a little longer.

He then thought about how different his own childhood Christmases had been, simple and modest, with only one gift from his mother because that’s all she could afford. But it didn’t matter to him, he learned to appreciate what he had. He was reminded of this as he thought of the land and home that were now his, thanks to an incredible gift from Cody and Addison.

“I’ll let you get back to work, Mr. Barton. I’d offer you a cup of coffee, but I don’t have any made,” Levi said with a smile.

“No worries, son. Cody already brought me a cup. It’s in there,” Mr. Barton replied, pointing to the enclosed cab of the backhoe.

Levi chuckled. “You’ll need it after being out in this.”

Mr. Barton chuckled as well, “Nonsense, son. The cold air is good for you.”

“If you say so. I’m heading back into the barn to finish my work. You have a good day.”

“You too.”

Levi turned and walked toward the barn, glancing over his shoulder as he heard the backhoe starting up again. He shook his head, knowing that the older man loved helping out everyone.

As he entered the barn, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He stopped to check it and grinned when he saw a message from Kinley.

Any idea how the roads are?

Mr. Barton is here clearing the yard and said they’re clear now.

Great. I need to get home and feed my cat. She probably thinks I abandoned her.

Okay, I won’t be much longer. I’m working on the last stall now.

Alright. Hurry up, cowboy.He chuckled at the cowboy emoji.

Levi smiled as he put his phone away. He really hoped they could talk and it not end up her not wanting to be with him. It’s how his past relationships always ended when the woman wanted more than he could give. He hoped it wouldn’t be like that with Kinley.

After finishing his work, he put the tools away, and drove back to his cabin.

Chapter Eight

Once they entered her home, Levi helped her remove her coat and hung it on a hook, then removed his and hung it beside hers. He turned to look at her to see her staring at him and he knew he had to tell her. He had to be honest with her, or their relationship was doomed.

After she got them both a cup of coffee, he took her hand and led her to the sofa. He took a deep breath, blew it out, and looked at her.

“Tell me about your ex and why you divorced, first.”

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