Page 56 of One Summer Day (Prosperity Ranch 1)

Finally, Heidi rejoined the group, and the chitchat moved to things that didn’t have Macie wanting to hurry back to the ranch. Still, Macie had never been so glad to have lunch over when Heidi announced that it was time to head home. A flurry of hugs and kisses took place before Macie finally escaped out the back door.

Heidi’s phone rang as she was getting into the car, but before Macie could sit down in the driver’s seat, Barb rushed out of the back door.

Her blue eyes wide, she hurried to Macie, and after casting a glance at Heidi on the phone, she whispered, “Don’t think I don’t know what’s going on between you and Holt.”

Macie froze. “W-what do you mean?”

“I went over to his house yesterday, and he told me that he couldn’t invite me in.” Barb’s eyes narrowed. “Said it wouldn’t be proper.”

Relief cut through Macie. Barb was making a supposition, and she had no real information. But Macie couldn’t hide the heat she felt creeping up her neck. “I don’t know why you’re telling me all this.”

Barb’s eyes flashed. “Holt likes you. I saw the way he looked at you the other night, and I can hear it in his voice when he talks about you.” Barb latched onto Macie’s arm, her long nails digging a bit too hard into it.

Thankfully, Heidi was still on the phone inside the car.

“Barb—”

“Now you listen good, Macie,” Barb said. “The Prospers are like family to me. If someone’s going to mess with them, then I’m going to take it personally. Do you hear? Stay away from those brothers. You’ve done enough damage.”

Macie couldn’t have been more surprised if Barb had thrown water in her face.

Barb suddenly released her, spun on her yellow heels, then marched back into the café.

Macie didn’t move for a moment. Couldn’t.

Then slowly, she climbed back into the car with Heidi. The woman was still on her phone, chatting with someone who sounded like a neighbor. Macie started the car and pulled out of the small parking lot. Was what Barb said true? Was it obvious that Holt was interested in Macie? Did anyone else suspect?

She felt like her rosy bubble with Holt had just been popped. If Barb was reacting like this, how would Heidi and Rex feel? The rest of their family?

When Heidi hung up, she released a heavy sigh.

Macie glanced over at her. “Are you all right?”

“I’m just tired, dear,” Heidi said. “It’s exhausting pretending that I have energy.”

Macie understood more than Heidi might know. She reached over and patted her hand.

“Thank you for coming with me,” Heidi continued. “I know it’s been a burden on Rex to always be worrying.”

“The doctor seemed positive, right? Everything’s on track.”

“Right.” Heidi lifted her chin. “That’s what I keep telling myself.”

Silence fell between them, and Macie sensed Heidi’s melancholy, which made her wish she could do something about it.

They pulled up to the ranch, and Macie felt disappointed that Holt’s truck was gone. Seeing him after the talking-to she’d received from Barb would have been nice. He’d have an answer in his assured and steady manner.

Macie found Rex and Ruby sitting on the big recliner, Ruby snuggled against her grandpa. The TV was on low.

“Did she just wake up?” Macie asked.

“No,” Rex said. “She woke up soon after you left and said she didn’t feel well.”

“I’m sick, Mommy,” Ruby said in her little voice.

Macie crouched before her and placed her hand on her forehead. Sure enough, Ruby felt too hot. “I’m sorry.” She looked at Rex. “You should have called me.” She felt guilty about being gone the extra time for the lunch. Missing Barb’s comments would have been no sacrifice.

“It’s all right,” Rex said, smoothing back Ruby’s hair. “I’ve been around sick kids before.”

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