Page 50 of Keep You Safe
There had been plenty of times toward the end of Melvin Lovelorn’s life when I’d had to handle things more or less on my own, trusting that I was making decisions that would preserve the ranch’s future for Maverick and the others who counted on it. I wasn’t at all worried, but Maverick scrunched his face like he wasn’t so sure.
“You sure you can work together with Adler?” he asked in a low voice, like Adler might reappear at any moment. “I know he’s not your favorite person.”
Oh, how wrong Maverick was, but now was not the time to illuminate him. “We’ll be fine.”
“If you’re sure.”
I was beyond sure that somehow, against all odds, Adler had become my favorite human, and I was also certain we made a good team, but I kept my voice mild. “We’ve kept the dogs alive together.”
“True.” Maverick offered a tentative smile. “I’m glad you kept the dogs. Adler would be heartbroken if they left.”
“Yep.” At this point, so would I. And not to mention how heartbroken I’d be when Adler moved on from the dude ranch project. Adler working less as a hand was the first of many little losses, all of which I needed to silently bear.
“Maybe you can teach the dogs to herd llamas.”
I made a startled noise. “Llamas?”
“Or baby goats. Adler keeps batting around ideas for a wider variety of animals for potential guests. Chickens, if we can figure out how to keep them warm year-round. He’s got Kat considering mini horses too.”
“Why am I not surprised?” I groaned.
“He’s Adler.” Maverick gave a knowing smile. That was indeed one way of putting it. Adler was a force of nature, able to drive me up a wall even as I appreciated his unique gifts. “Thinking of how to entertain guests is his calling in life.”
“Certainly seems intent on keeping himself busy,” I agreed. All Adler’s grand plans would undoubtedly make for happier guests and more income for the ranch. I remained irritable about essentially turning the place into a city-slicker summer camp though. “And more work for the rest of us.”
“When I’m back, we’ll talk about adding hands for spring and summer,” Maverick promised.
“Sounds like a plan.” I waved him toward the door Adler had exited through. “Worry about Colt right now, not the ranch. I’ve—we’ve—got this handled.”
“Thanks,” Maverick said as he left.
I, of course, had far less certainty than I was letting on. Not about the work or about keeping the ranch going. I had enough confidence in my years of experience there. Nor was I worried about Adler’s ability to pitch in. Rather, my back prickled at the notion of working together, sweat gathering at the base of my spine despite the chilly temperatures. We would indeed handle things for Maverick, but whether the price would be what was left of my sanity and heart remained to be seen.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Adler
“Doyou have everything you need for school?” I asked Willow as I entered the house right as both girls were leaving, clad in thick winter coats and gloves and toting backpacks.
“Yes.” Willow gave me a well-deserved eye roll because I’d been asking the same question every day since Maverick and Colt left for DC. Willow was quite possibly more put-together than I was. Between the girls, the bunkhouse, covering for Maverick, and my existing chores, I was more than a little scattered.
“Did you eat?” I asked. I’d been intending to get over in time to make sure they ate more than a granola bar, but I’d been waylaid with questions about who was mucking what from Reindeer, who’d overslept through the morning meeting with Grayson.
“Mom made French toast.” Hannah gave me a small, pleased smile.
“Excellent.” I held the door open for them. “Go on then. Don’t want to miss your bus.”
“Hope they don’t freeze out there.” Coming up next to me, Faith tightened her thick gray robe. “I also made coffee if you didn’t already get yours at the bunkhouse.”
“I did, but I could use a refill. Long day already.” Closing the door, I followed her back over to the coffee maker. “How are you doing?”
“Better than expected.” She rinsed the breakfast plates before loading them into the dishwasher. “I know Maverick is worried about me, but honestly, it’s kind of nice to be needed.”
“I know the feeling.”Amen to that.I might be busier than ever, and I would never wish bad news on Colt or his family, but I’d also gained a deep sense of satisfaction from being able to help. “Have you heard from Maverick?”
“Yeah. Colt’s brother has a TBI and a long road ahead of him, but he’s in DC now with a good team of doctors.” Faith moved from the dishes to put the syrup and butter in the fridge. She’d placed a careful list of daily chores and a rough schedule for herself on the front of the fridge. “The brother will likely end up with a medical discharge, but his overall prognosis is good.”
“I’m glad.” While the fridge was open, I snagged the milk for my coffee refill. I might be more used to cowboy living now, but I was never going to take my coffee black.
