Page 23 of One Heated Summer

Sunny, not one to be phased by facts, shrugged. “We could fire a rocket into the clouds up near space.”

We all exchanged a glance and erupted in laughter before Virginia asked, “Do you have a rocket we’re not aware of Sunny?”

Sunny huffed and as we’d reached the stables, the subject was dropped while we worked silently to bed our horses down for the night. Virginia ensured all the doors were pinned open to allow airflow, the place would have been like a sauna otherwise.

I said goodnight to everyone and made my way back to the ranch house, longing for a refreshing shower. In the cool privacy of my bathroom, I let the cool water wash away the grime and fatigue of the day.

After drying off, I dressed in a clean shirt and jeans and ran a hand through my damp hair while thinking about Harlyn. Despite the long day, I felt a sense of anticipation building within me. I couldn’t wait to spend time with my beautiful lady.

Whistling Sheba, I waited for her to join me and we climbed into my truck. I drove with the windows down, preferring fresh air, even though warm. Sheba sat with her head hanging out the passenger side window, her tongue flapping in the breeze. The fall night was alive with the music of crickets and the distant call of night birds. The road stretched out before me like a ribbon, leading to the one place I wanted to be.

As I pulled into the drive, the sight of Harlyn’s ranch brought a soft smile to my lips. Under the vast Texas sky was where I felt an undeniable connection with Harlyn blossoming.

Sheba padded alongside me, waiting while I tapped lightly on Harlyn’s door, the wooden frame cool beneath my knuckles. It wasn’t long before she appeared, her face lighting up with a smile that made my heart skip a beat.

“Hey, Jensen,” she greeted warmly, stepping aside and inviting me in, patting Sheba on the head as she passed. The familiar scent of her home enveloped me, a mixture of spices and something uniquely Harlyn.

“Hey, Harlyn,” I replied, my voice softer than I intended. “Hope I’m not too late for dinner.”

“Not at all,” she assured, leading me to the kitchen where the table was already set. The aroma of roasted chicken andvegetables wafted through the room, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

Harlyn placed a bowl of chicken on the floor and I watched as Sheba inhaled the goodness before making her way to where Harlyn kept a basket and bowl of fresh water for her in the living room. Any day now I was sure my dog would decide she’d rather be with the lady than with me.

As we sat down, the conversation flowed easily and before long I brought up the topic I was eager to hear about.

“How’s the calf doing?”

“Mira’s doing good and has been taking her feeds from Ebony, the name I’ve given mama, really well.”

“That’s great news,” I said, genuinely relieved, because being honest with myself, after the shock she must have suffered in the fall, I wasn’t sure she’d make it through the first twenty-four hours.

Harlyn nodded, her expression softening. “It’s been distracting having her here, I want to sit and cuddle her all day, but I’ve given her and Ebony space to get used to each other. Mira’s been up on her feet and is moving around a lot more. Cash said if she continues to make progress over the next week we’ll be able to turn them both out in the pasture.”

“Ebony comes when she’s called for feeds?”

Harlyn lowered her head and looked up at me with a guilty expression. “I’ve been tempting her with apples and bananas. Instead of wandering over in her own time, she now comes running.

I threw my head back and laughed. “Why doesn’t your spoiling her surprise me?

“Well…She is doing us a favor by taking care of Mira.”

I sat silent for a moment, watching Harlyn take a bite of chicken. When she noticed, she asked, “What?”

“I was just thinking.”

“About what?”

“I reckon if you had your way all the animals here would be pets with names. You have a natural love and affinity for them.”

“I adore animals, no matter how big or small. Finn would never allow me to have a dog or cat, he said they were filthy creatures who had nothing to offer. That should have been my first clue that he wasn’t a person I wanted to know let alone become involved with.”

“Nothing stopping you from getting a dog now. The woman that bred Sheba often has litters. I could ask if she has any pups for sale if you like.”

“What breed is Sheba? Sorry, I’m not well versed in any outside labradors, poodles, or corgis.”

“Did your parents not allow you to have a dog growing up?”

Harlyn laughed. “Are you kidding? They barely tolerated me!”

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