Page 62 of Brands

“Hey, Dev? I’m gonna go say bye to Millie.” I hope he heard me.

Pushing out of the hot barn into the cold spring air is a nice change from sweating by cow butts all morning.

It’s a bit of a punch to the gut to see the trailer parked at the loading ramp.

But what I didn’t expect was Blue’s truck to be attached to it.

As I get closer, the front end drops and I can hear it settle over the ball.

Then the crank of the jack being wound up.

Stepping around to the front, I catch Blue furiously spinning the handle before he glances up.

A broad grin splits his face and his thumb jerks to the back where I can’t see. “Clay? I think I got it.”

Oh.

“Alright!” Dad’s voice drifts from the far end. “Let’s check the brake lights.”

Blue looks over his shoulder, then steps over the hitch towards me.

His fingers wrap behind my neck to crash his lips over mine.

I’m breathless when he pulls away. “Sounds good, gimme a sec,” he yells at my hidden father.

“I had to go to the sale barn anyways,” he whispers. “Figured this would make it easier to see you again.” Witha wink, he moves to the driver’s side and flips the lever on the dash.

“How’s that?” he calls to my dad, all nonchalant like he didn’t just flip my doubts on their head.

My heart races in my chest. Is he being for real?

Or is this a ploy he pulls on all of his girls?

Fuck, I wish I knew.

“You’re good.” Dad saunters alongside the wheel well, ignoring the loaded cows jostling inside the heavy trailer. “Lib? Millie’s near the end.” He gestures behind him.

Shit, I’m supposed to be upset.

“Are you still sure about this?” I cross my arms, pinning my baggy overalls to my belly.

“No, but there isn’t another choice.” Dad’s mouth thins and he turns away from me. “Thanks again, Blue.

My nails dig into my palms.

Don’t fight back. Don’t get mad. I have a plan.

Operation Moo is underway.

I have to turn away so he doesn’t see my smirk.

Millie’s wide eyed with her legs splayed, but she moves her nose close enough for me to scratch it.

“Hey, big momma. It’s okay. I promise I’m gonna save you.” A knot forms in my throat as I step away.

This is the day when everything changes.

My dad is going to be so angry Idid this.

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