Page 316 of Conveniently Wed
“What’s so funny?”
Aundy gasped and spun around in the saddle, yanking Bell to a stop. The horse sidestepped and jerked her head, but obeyed Aundy’s command. She looked across the fence at Garrett. A smile lingered on his handsome face as he leaned on the saddle horn with his hat tipped back and his eyes glowing like liquid metal.
“You startled me,” Aundy said, her voice a little breathless from being caught off guard and seeing Garrett again.
Erik’s closest neighbor had to be one of the most attractive men she’d ever seen, with an easy-going personality and engaging smile. It would be so much easier to deal with one who was short, homely and cranky. One like Marvin Tooley.
“Sorry.” Garrett rubbed his hand along Jester’s neck. He’d been out riding, checking the fence line, and was surprised to see Aundy on Bell. He knew Dent was teaching her to ride, but didn’t realize she’d taken to it so quickly. Then again, the widow from Chicago seemed to be a farmer at heart. He observed that she’d rapidly picked up whatever knowledge anyone shared with her concerning ranching and farming.
When he saw the smile on her sweet lips break into a laugh, the sound penetrated his heart so deeply, he felt the need to rub his hand across his chest to release the ache. “Something must have made you laugh.”
“It did.” She turned Bell around so she headed the same direction as Garrett. They rode together on either side of the fence. “I’m not particularly fond of the chickens and one little rooster has declared me a sworn enemy. What made me laugh was picturing my sister gathering the eggs.”
“She doesn’t like chickens?”
Aundy grinned. “She’s never seen a chicken. At least before it was ready to be fried or baked.” The man who married Ilsa would have to be wealthy enough to hire a cook. While her sister received the same training from their mother that Aundy did, she abhorred cooking, especially anything that had once been alive. The girl much preferred to sew than anything else. With her dislike of noise, dust and smells, life on the farm was going to be an even bigger adjustment for Ilsa than it was for Aundy. “Ilsa is not fond of the outdoors.”
“Really? I assumed sisters would be alike. Is she tall like you?” Garrett pictured a younger version of Aundy — a tall girl with freckles on her nose and blonde hair in braids.
Aundy laughed again. “Goodness, no. My sister looks like a girl should. Petite, ladylike, delicate. She’s perfect.”
“She can’t be perfect,” Garrett teased. “You just said she isn’t like you.”
His words made her cheeks throb with heat and flush a becoming shade of pink.
“What people view as perfect back in the big city might not be as perfect out here in the country. A woman not afraid to learn something new, to get her hands dirty, to do what needs done without complaint, I’d call that close to perfect.” Garrett cast an approving glance toward his spirited neighbor.
She never complained about anything and made great strides the last few weeks learning about farming. His dad thought she was smart and clever. He tried to block what else his father said from his mind because the comments about “hanging on to a gal like that” echoed his own sentiments on the subject.
There was very little about Aundy he didn’t admire. Except maybe the way she could clamp her lips together, lift her chin, and be so stubborn even he backed down. Just like she forced him to do when she told him to quit sending over his hands. He knew Dent and the men were struggling, but he wouldn’t gobehind her back and send some of his men over after she’d asked him to refrain. It was hard not to get involved, but he was trying to mind his own business.
Determined to see her home, Garrett stopped Jester and opened a gate in the fence, leading the horse through before closing the gate.
“I’ll ride home with you,” Garrett said, trying to think of some excuse to escort her home. “I’ve been meaning to ask Dent something, so if you don’t mind, I’ll do it now before I forget.”
Pleased to ride alongside Garrett, Aundy nodded her head as they continued toward the house.
“I’m ready to sell the cattle,” Aundy blurted, taking him by surprise.
Unsure he’d heard her correctly, he turned his gaze from the path ahead to look at her. “Are you certain?”
“Yes.” Aundy released a soft sigh Garrett would have missed if he hadn’t been watching her face so attentively. “Dent and I discussed it earlier this afternoon and we agree it’s what needs to happen if we’re going to keep the farm. Apparently, working for a woman is something akin to selling your soul to Beelzebub, so we’re just going to have to figure out how to run this place with a smaller crew.”
Garrett couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped at her comment, causing her to glance at him with a raised brow, although she smiled.
“I’d sign on to work for you without thinking twice.”
“Thank you, Garrett. I appreciate that.” From their vantage point on top of the hill behind the barn, Aundy looked over the farm with pride. She loved this land with a possessive fierceness she’d never imagined she could feel. “However, since you’re in charge of Nash’s Folly and a very busy man, I’ll have to make the best of things. I do have a favor to ask, though.”
“Anything,” he said, meaning it. He’d do anything for the woman riding beside him. Although he’d known her for only a short while, he felt like she’d been part of his life for a long time, like a cherished friend.
“Would you contact the man you said might be interested in buying the herd? It would make me feel better to keep them together. I know it’s silly, but… I…”
“I’ll get in touch with him as soon as possible.” Garrett reached out a hand and placed it on Aundy’s arm. She could feel the heat of his fingers searing her skin even through his glove and her sleeve. “And it isn’t silly. I’m certain he’ll want them all. If not, I’ll see if I can find another buyer.”
“I appreciate your help with the matter. Perhaps you or your father could advise me as to a fair asking price.” She had no idea what three hundred head of cattle would be worth, along with their newborn calves.
Garrett stated a number that made Aundy shoot him a wide-eyed look, indicating her shock at the amount.
