Page 38 of Relentless

Holding a sliver of hope that everyone had left for the day, she planned to quickly fill a mug and promptly escape back to her room without being noticed.

Of course, that wasn’t the case.

Hesitating before coming around the corner, she heard Maeve and Oakleigh conversing in the kitchen. The two were absorbed in a discussion of ranch business, which wasn’t even remotely interesting to Harper’s snooping ear.

What grated on her nerves more than anything washowMaeve talked to Oakleigh. Her tone wasn’t like a boss talking down to her employee. Rather, she spoke to her as though she were a business partner and an equal.

“Dallas and the boys are stuck in Alcott with Peaches,” Maeve informed her. “I’ve sent Sawyer and Crew to get thesleds from storage.” She paused, taking a long drink of her coffee. “And we need to discuss this roostersituation.”

“His name is Nugget, Maeve,” Oakleigh asserted, holding her chin high to indicate that the issue wasn’t up for debate. “Wouldn’t it be nice to have farm-fresh eggs?”

“Oakleigh,” Maeve articulated with a heavy sigh. “There’s at least a dozen ranches around heresellingfarm fresh eggs. They’re practically giving them away.”

“Well, now we’re one of them,” Oakleigh stated unapologetically. She took a long sip of her coffee, setting it down gently beside her on the counter before carefully bringing up the next subject. “And I suppose the airport is closed?”

Maeve nodded. “Which means we do the best we can with our houseguest.”

There it is.

Harper felt her blood pressure rise as she stepped around the corner into the warm glow of the kitchen. She cleared her throat, hoping to catch the shame dash across their faces over their reprehensible gossip.

She was disappointed yet again.

Maeve went to the stove and pulled a coffee mug from the high cabinet. She tipped the heavy percolator, filling the mug with dark black brew.

“It’s a good thing you like your coffee black,” Maeve remarked. “With this weather, I don’t know when we’ll have a chance to stock up on groceries.”

Harper carefully accepted the brimming mug of coffee from her hands. “And just how long do you think the airport will be down?”

Maeve shrugged, “It’s hard to say, really.”

Harper took a long sip of her coffee, noting the airport closure at least gave her a moment to figure out her precarious financial situation.

“I couldn’t help but overhear about the snowmobiles,” Harper pivoted. “Remember all the family trips to Aspen, Oakleigh?” she reminisced, taking another drink from her mug. “You used to love racing around while we hit the slopes.”

“I remember being left at the lodge with the nanny whileyouhit the slopes,” Oakleigh bit back, letting the resentful comment hit its mark despite the noticeably sharp glance from Maeve.

“And just who do you think you’re talking to, young lady?” Harper slammed her mug hard on the kitchen island, causing coffee to slosh over the rim.

“Easy on the mugs, ladies,” Maeve implored, stepping between them. “We’re not doing this today.”

Before things could escalate, the front door opened and closed with a loud bang. Oakleigh’s handsome cowboy paused to hang his hat on the hook and kick off his boots before going through the living room.

Oakleigh brushed past Harper without a word. Going straight to Crew, she wrapped her arms tightly around his middle. Leaning her head on his chest, she quietly whispered.He responded by pulling her close, pressing his lips to her brow with a comforting kiss.

Harper rolled her eyes, knowing preciselywhoher daughter had the audacity to vent about.

“All right, enough of that,” Maeve announced, stepping into the living room. “Crew, how was your ride this morning?”

“Afraid another fence is down,” Crew stated, running his fingers through his shaggy blonde hair. “This bear has it out for our herd.”

“Go help Sawyer mend that fence,” Maeve instructed. “That takes first priority.”

Harper quietly observed Maeve command the room. She couldn’t deny that they were alike in that way. However, there was something different about her younger sister. She drew people in and made them feel valuable. Maeve had been instilled with a natural spark for leadership, an attribute that Harper had always envied.

Harper often got her way, but it always required raised voices and a few well-placed threats.

Maeve turned her attention to Oakleigh, “You and I are going to work on the barn,” she said, raising her hand before Oakleigh could interject. “I know you hate it, but I don’t want any complaints.”

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