Page 21 of Stockman's Stowaway

Focus, mate.

He shuffled his boots in the dirt, scratching the back of his head. ‘I should mention that in just over a month there’s a campdraft happening in town. And I’m hoping to sell a few native seedlings to buy dog food.’

Mia laughed. It was the sweetest sound. ‘So, you want me to be your nursery hand?’

‘And be my consultant for what type of plants go where. There’s plenty of natural vegetation around, so I’m sure we can scrounge up plenty of native seeds. Hopefully we’ll have excessto sell at the show. You could sweet-talk Bree into donating some of her soil—’

‘It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?’

Cap chuckled. Her enthusiasm was stunning, especially the way the world reflected in her warm eyes.

‘I know, I’m weird.’ Again, she dropped her head, only this time there was a pretty red flush to her cheeks.

‘I like that someone else gets excited over soil like I do.’

‘Really?’ She peered up at him with such hope it did something odd to his heart.

‘My older brothers also think I’m weird, but I’ve converted Ash to my side. But I’m going to speak with Harper about doing up a something to promote the seedlings at the campdraft.’

‘I haven’t met Harper yet.’

‘Bree said you needed space.’ And time to heal.

‘Bree has been amazing. So has Charlie, and you,’ she mumbled shyly, while twisting her fingers.

‘Me? I didn’t do anything. I just want to use you for your brains, lady.’

Lifting that dainty chin of hers, Mia’s smile just got bigger. Holy fates, it was pretty. He had to see more. ‘Hey, what do you know about dog trials?’

‘Not much. Only what my mum did for the show dogs. Why?’

‘Because I want to show off my muster dogs.’

‘Which ones? You have so many.’ She pointed to the pack spread out under the trees.

‘Fern. Atlas.’ He whistled and two beautiful and proud-looking cattle dogs rushed towards him. It was time for the introductions to begin.

‘The blue heeler is Fern. The red heeler is Atlas. He’s the alpha dog of this pack, and my best muster dog. Fern is a close second. I want to use the upcoming campdraft to show them in the muster dog trials.’ He patted his best mates of the pack.

‘To win more dog food?’

‘That’s the plan. Willow, say hello to Atlas.’ He let Atlas sniff around Willow. Fern, doing the same. ‘You should tell Willow to play. You’re her owner.’

‘I am not. Will not, whatever.’ Mia awkwardly crossed her arms at her wrists, barely containing her giggle. ‘So, you want my opinion on planting?’

‘Yes.’ He gave the dogs a nod at how accepting they were towards Willow. After all, they’d all been in Willow’s position before, either rehomed or saved, easily welcoming the newest member to the team. ‘And I promise to not pay you in dog food.’

Again, he scored another sweet giggle. What would he do for a laugh?

‘Bree feeds me enough.’

‘Lucky you. Every night, we’re arguing over who’s cooking dinner at the farmhouse. We’ve only scored an invite to the caretaker’s pizza night once. We’re waiting to be invited again.’

‘But don’t you and your brothers own the station?’

‘We do. When we bought this place, it came with a caretaker’s caveat to protect Charlie. We can’t evict him or charge him rent on his area, but we’d never kick him out. We’re meant to leave him be, because he’s retired, but Charlie knows this place so well, it’s his home, and he wants to work.’

‘And Bree? She said she didn’t work for you.’

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