Page 14 of Meant for Her

Her mom smiled. “You always did have such a caring soul.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Before the conversation turned any more uncomfortable, Malia pushed back her chair. “I’m going to try to find the twins.”

“Check the barn. One of the cows is having a hard time delivering. I bet one of the boys is out there helping her along.”

She smiled. “Thanks.”

“Any time, dear. I’ll ask your dad if he’s heard of these thieves.”

“I appreciate it.” She hugged her mom goodbye and went in search of her two younger brothers.

Darn. She should have worn sturdier boots to walk around in, but she wasn’t thinking this morning. Her mind had been on hearing what Tawny had to say about her reaction to the men. So far, the verdict was out, mostly because Malia didn’t want it to be true that both men were her mates.

On her next step, her foot slipped on a particularly muddy patch of ground that was covered over with snow. Thankfully, she caught herself in time not to fall. Her shoe, however, didn’t fare as well.

As she neared the barn door, she heard Seth coaxing someone to push, and Malia rushed inside. Seth was pulling the calf’s legs, urging the cow to give birth.

He glanced over at her. “Thank goodness you’re here. Come help hold the heifer. She’s not dilating like she should.”

She was happy to help. Seth had chains around the calf’s legs and was pulling. “What do you want me to do?”

“Just keep her calm.”

In less than ten minutes, the mom had a brand-new baby calf. Malia smiled. “It’s always a joy to see this happen.”

“I agree.”

The mom ambled over to the calf and began to lick her newborn clean.

“I trust you came to talk about something? I’ll stop back later to check on them both. They’ll be fine,” Seth said.

“Yes.”

There was a sink on one end of the barn where he washed up. “You want to go into the house and chat?”

“Actually, I’d rather take a ride. I miss going out and communing with nature.”

“Will you be warm enough?”

She’d made sure to wear several layers. “Yes.”

After they saddled two horses, she and Seth took off. “What’s going on?” he asked.

CHAPTERFIVE

Of all her siblings, Malia could talk with Seth the best since he was the least judgmental. Trevor was good, too, but he was more of a hard ass than romantic Seth.

They trotted out toward their favorite spot—a place where they both often went to think when they were growing up. Malia decided to wait until they arrived before asking him about the Lattimore brothers and the thieves.

It took about fifteen minutes to reach the valley where most of the cows were grazing. Trees provided some coverage from the elements, but not as much as in the summer. A stream flowed along one side and piles of hay sat right in the middle of the valley.

When they arrived, they both dismounted and tied their horses to one of the trees.

“This must be pretty important if you came out this way. Or did you just miss me?” Seth grinned.

“I always miss you, but yes, I wanted to pick your brain.”

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