Page 21 of A Mile of Ocean

It was one reason to stay busy.

Because the ranch still had to keep going. There were no days off to mourn. The stock came first, always had. He desperately needed to get away and put some distance betweenbeing a tower of strength for everyone else and a blubbering mess.

That opportunity presented itself on Sunday afternoon when Savannah stopped by to offer her condolences and any help she could provide. She carried a nine-by-twelve-inch ceramic dish with colorful flowers decorating the outside.

Trent was by the barn. His hat tipped low over his eyes as he worked. He looked up as she approached, a hint of surprise crossing his face before his usual stoic expression took over.

“Didn’t expect to see you back so soon,” he said, wiping his hands on a rag. Should he tell her that her presence was a balm to his weary soul?

“Am I interrupting?”

“Nope. I’m happy you came.”

Savannah noticed his ripped body. He had the kind of bulging muscles that only a man who worked outside could keep. There was no gym for this hunk.

“I’m just being neighborly,” she replied with a smile. “I brought a baked spaghetti casserole. I wanted to make sure you got through the initial shock. I see you did.”

“It’s been a hectic couple of days. I thought you might be worried about me showing up on Wednesday and came to see if I had reconsidered.”

“Nah. Nothing like that. I won’t let you back out now.”

He grinned. “You don’t have to worry about that. Want to go for a walk?”

“Only if I get to see this garden you’re so proud of,” she said, waiting for him to lead the way.

“We’ll get to that. I thought you might want to see our new puppies. Trilby had her babies last night—eight of them.”

Savannah’s face melted into mush. “Oh, I want to see them. I’ve been coming here since January and remember seeing dogs scampering in and out. But I didn’t know any were pregnant.”

“We have four border collies—Locke, Lotus, Taco, and Trilby. And now babies,” Trent added, rounding the corner of the haybarn. He walked toward his office, a contemporary, high-tech facility, located in the hub of outbuildings. He opened the door to show off the area with floor-to-ceiling windows and a skylight that brought in tons of natural light. Two dog beds had been set up so Trilby and Taco could be alone in a cozy environment with their offspring.

“As you can see, the new parents have taken over my workspace,” Trent pointed out as several puppies yawned sleepily beside their mother.

This was no typical office, she realized as she took in the surroundings. It was like a six-hundred square foot apartment with a kitchenette, a bedroom, and a bathroom. “This is the best office I’ve ever been in.”

“Sometimes, I’m working here late into the night. The accountant is always under-appreciated.”

“Like teachers,” she remarked, turning her attention back to the little family nestled together. “Will Trilby mind if I pick one up?”

“For now, you should probably keep it to gawking or petting,” Trent said with a laugh. “Taco might not mind, but Trilby is more protective.”

Savannah set the casserole to the side and knelt to the floor, gently stroking one of the tiny puppies on the forehead. “They’re adorable. You must be so proud of Trilby.”

“Yeah, she’s a great mom. Takes after her own mother.” Trent’s voice softened as he watched the little pups squirm and nuzzle. “Her mother, Tessa, was my constant companion as a kid. Well, Tate’s, too. She went everywhere with us.”

“Have you named them yet? Are you keeping all of them?”

“That’s eight weeks down the road. I haven’t given any thought to names yet. We’ll probably keep them.”

“Aww.”

The two lingered momentarily, entranced by the sight of the new life before them, until Savannah stood up and brushed off her jeans. “I’m so glad I saw them when they’re this tiny. It made my day.”

Trent smiled warmly. “Anytime. Let’s head outside; it’s too nice a day to be cooped up here. I’ll show you the garden.”

They walked out of the barn, the fresh air filling their lungs. The sun had begun its descent into the afternoon sky, generating a swath of golden sunshine over the landscape. Trent led the way along a worn path that meandered through the property.

As they strolled, Savannah noticed the peace of the countryside, a stark contrast to the turmoil she knew Trent was experiencing. The tranquility of the surroundings seemed to offer a temporary escape from the burdens he carried.

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