Page 57 of Steadfast

She went through the extensive checklist for caring for the ranch’s biggest celebrity. It was almost humorous that the huge, gruff animal with an anger problem was spoiledso delicately.

Wade nodded respectfully as he acknowledged each of Maeve’s concerns, this time taking the toothpick out of his mouth when he spoke to his boss.

Maeve gave the fierce bull a firm pat on the shoulder, dodging a quick swing of his sharp horns. She had tangled with Big Slim once before, but she wouldn’t risk it again.

“See ya at Nationals, Big Guy,” she said with affection and a touch of reverence for the beast.

Maeve felt chilled to the bone in the horrid weatheras she finished up the last few chores of the day.

When she finally got her own opportunity to walk into the warm comfort of the ranch house, she was greeted with the aroma of dinner cooking on the stove. The fortifying scent reminded her of the days when Ruth would ring the dinner bell, and they would come home from a long day of fixing fences or herding cattle to a feast on the table.

She peeled off her heavy, soaked suede jacket and made her way to the fireplace. The hissing, popping logs in the fire were radiating warmth as she attempted to bring some relief to her stiff, frozen fingers.

Oakleigh came from the kitchen, now looking uncharacteristically fresh and cheerful. She wore a long apron over her cozy sweatshirt and yoga pants, and her hair was pulled up into a messy bun.

“What’s all this?” Maeve asked.

“It’s our way of saying we’re sorry—you know, for all the arguing today,” Oakleigh answered.

Paisley and Mia stepped by her side, each donning aprons.

“And for all the complaining,” Mia chimed in. Clasping a pair of tongs, she clicked them twice before putting them into a serving dish of steamed carrots.

Paisley carried a pot of mashed potatoes to the dining room table and proudly presented the delicious meal they had assembled for the family. “I hope this smooths things out.”

“Oh, you guys must bereallyfeeling guilty,” Maeve raised an eyebrow.

“Nailed it,” Paisley said, averting her gaze.

“You didn’t have to do all this,” Maeve said, emotion edging into her voice. “But I’m thankful you did. I’m way too tired to cook.”

That evening, they each set their differences aside as they gathered as a unified family at the table. Even Sawyer and Oakleigh held hands in a temporary truce while Maeve prayed, asking for God’s blessing over the dinner. They passed around the serving dishes, each scooping as much as they wanted onto their plates. The warm, comforting food seemed to take the edge off their stressful day.

The conversation was equally rich, and the hearty laughter was soul filling. Maeve looked around her table, observing the cohesive teamwork she longed for. She knew that God had answered her meager, desperate prayer that day.

At the end of the table, Mia’s phone chimed with a loud notification. She pulled it from her sweater pocket and swipedher finger across the screen. Giving an exasperated eye roll, she slammed it down on the table.

Oakleigh tilted her head curiously, “Mia, what’s wrong?”

“It’s an email,” she whispered, “—from my mom.”

Chapter 18

When Pigs Fly

Maeve had just begun clearing the dinner table that evening when Crew and Sawyer shooed her away. They not only forbade her to help but kept her from the kitchen entirely, without a doubt knowing she would ultimately take charge.

“Is this a total ban, or can I at least get to the stove for some coffee?” she asked, tapping her fingers on the kitchen island.

They finally relented, fully aware they couldn’t keep her from the coffee pot even if they tried. She poured the coffee grounds into the percolator and leaned back on the counter, waiting for the water to boil.

“On second thought—” Sawyer patted his hands on a dishtowel, “I’ll finish this up. You go relax.”

Raising an eyebrow, she gave him a playfully condescending smile. “You’re taking over the coffee, too?”

“Just for tonight,” he replied, giving a quick nod toward the living room where the women were sitting on the couch. They were deeply immersed in what appeared to be a seriousdiscussion. “I just get the impression that your strengths are needed elsewhere at the moment.”

Maeve glanced down at her feet as she considered her options. She knew they needed some guidance, but after the long day, it felt like a burden. She was physically exhausted from hard work in the harsh elements, and it seemed like all she had been doing lately was put out fires. She took a breath, gathering every ounce of emotional strength she had left.

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