She snorts. “You and me both, honey. I’ve heard the local shelter is fully stocked, that what you heard?”
“Yep. I’m going to take this baby to the Weston farm as soon as it’s cleared by a vet.”
“Jared’s at the farm now, checking on a goat. You have time to head out there?”
“I’m closer to the Weston farm than I am to you.”
“Perfect. I’ll let Jared know to expect you.”
I’m already smiling as I head toward the Sanctuary farm run by the Weston sisters. The sun is shining, and the drive, with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance and the fall colors brilliant oranges and reds, is gorgeous. Plus, not only do I like Dani and Honey Weston, who run the farm, but I love visiting the wide variety of animals they’ve rescued. It’s a happy place in a world that doesn’t always treat animals well.
As I start down the long dirt driveway to the farm, a truck rolls toward me from the other direction. It’s small, battered and old, and it pulls off into the grass to let me by.
As I pass, the man behind the wheel smiles and waves. He’s got broad shoulders and a ball cap covering his hair, but it’s his eyes that hold my attention. Not just because they’re a vivid shade of emerald, but because of the way my heart skips a beat and something like warmth spreads through me. It’s so intense I almost run off into the grass myself.
“Get a grip,” I mutter, as I focus on the driveway. I mean, the guy was cute, with a lean face and a neatly trimmed beard, but it’s not like he was the hottest guy I’ve ever seen.
I shake off the odd reaction and make my way slowly toward the farm.
Asher jogs up before I’m even out of the truck. He’s shirtless, wearing man leggings, and holding a goat in his arms.
“Hey, sis,” he says. “Dani said you were on the way, so I brought you a friend to hug.”
I roll my eyes, but can’t fight my smile. My brother is a complete idiot and a total goofball, but he’s also the most awesome person I know. I’m so glad he decided to move back here last year.
I hug him and the goat. “Why aren’t you at the gym?” Since he and his wife, Clover, opened their gym last spring, he’s given up the concept of days off altogether.
“That new staff member I told you about needs a day to prove she can handle things without me and Clover there. She’s great, but she doesn’t totally believe in herself yet. We’re giving her two hours alone before we head back.”
“And you’re working out here?” I ask because he’s clearly dressed for a workout.
He scrunches his brow in confusion, then looks down at himself like he forgot what he’s wearing. “Oh, right,” he says with a sheepish grin. “I slipped and fell in the mud trying to help Dani get an over-friendly goat out of the pigsty.” He gestures at me. “Looks like you fell in the mud, too?”
I glance down at my uniform. I am covered in dirt from crawling under the porch. I didn’t even brush myself off. I shrug. It’s part of the job. “Something like that.” I head to the side of the truck and pull out the kitten. The water and food I gave her are gone. A very good sign. “You know where Jared is?”
“Over by the llama barn the last time I saw him.”
I nod and head that way with the kitten. I find him right where Asher said he’d be, talking to Dani Weston.
Jared smiles over at me as soon as he sees me heading his way. He’s a handsome guy even with a man bun and in the coveralls he wears for work.
“Hey, Amelia,” Dani says, hurrying over for a hug. She’s looking farm girl chic, with her hair in pigtails and wearing daisy-print overalls. “How’s Harper?”
“She’s great,” I say. I’m still a little overwhelmed by how enthusiastically this family has claimed me as one of theirs just because my brother married their sister. Overwhelmed but grateful. “Thank you for sending over those cranberry muffins for her. You are her new favorite.”
“That’s why I did it.” Dani grins triumphantly. “Are y’all coming over for the playdate on Saturday?”
Dani and her family host animal play dates every couple of months for locals to visit with the animals, play games, have something to eat, and, hopefully, donate to the cause. “I can’t get out of work. But Asher’s going to bring Harper. She’s so excited.”
“That the kitten?” Jared asks, nodding toward the carrier.
I hand it over and let him and Dani ooh and aah over the baby. As I expected, Dani’s more than willing to take care of the kitten until we can find it a home, and Jared promises to give the kitten a check-up as soon as he’s able.
I leave Jared and Dani with a smile and a wave as I hurry back to my truck. The day has gotten away from me and, if I don’t hurry, I’m going to be late to pick up Harper from daycare. Again.
***
I’m almost finished cleaning the dust and mud from the day’s activities off my truck when my boss, Shaleigh, pokes her head out the side door of our office building. “Talk to me before you leave,” she says.
