“An hour.”
Jed trudged into the kitchen, blocking the stove clock until he moved past. A glimpse of the time confirmed it. Hudson hadn’t overslept. Reese must’ve been up since four. She looked showered and put together too. Makeup done, hair pulled into a ponytail, and not a hint of fatigue to be found.
“Youdosleep, right?” he teased.
“Sometimes.” Reese winked at him, causing his pulse to jump.
“Want me to keep working on the fence on the east side?” Jed asked between yawns, waiting his turn for the Keurig as he built a towering sandwich. “I didn’t get very far.”
Jed never asked what needed done first thing in the morning. They had their routine and only moved on to other projects when finished. This had to be Ronnie’s doing so he and Reese would have time alone together.
“Yeah, go ahead. How are you on wire?”
“I’ll need some more before next week is up. Fence is in rough shape. Going through a lot of it.”
“We’ll get there,” Hudson said, wishing he could hire more help. If he didn’t have a fenced-in pasture to offer up, he couldn’t expect anyone to lease the land to graze their cattle. That fence was one among many things in less than ideal shape.
The only thingnotin rough shape on this ranch was the new eight-stall stable. It was a gamble the last rancher made and lost, hoping to bring in extra income boarding horses. Hudson wasn’t sure yet what his plans were for it, but at least he had one building that required only light maintenance instead of a complete overhaul to keep it standing. Some of the sheds on the property were one strong gust of wind from becoming a pile of boards.
But he loved every acre of this ranch, despite its challenges.
Though he’d been frugal with his money since moving to Starlight, living in a snug rancher’s cabin for four and a half years, he had his former career to thank for the ability to purchase such a property. He’d sold the stock he was gifted with his last promotion while still in the corporate world. Without that extra cushion, fixing up this ranch would be a quick way into deep debt. The money he still had saved would last until he could buy a herd of his own, but only if he spent wisely now.
He was a lucky man to have it all work out so smoothly.
Only one thing was missing—a wife.
He poured himself a cup of coffee and let his mind slip from worrisome thoughts long enough to enjoy the refreshing bold flavor.
“It’s too early to text Ronnie again about some help ripping out the carpet, but maybe we can discuss color palettes or an overall feel you want to go for with the living room. Something I can work with.” When he turned, he found Reese cradling her tablet, tucking a stray wavy strand behind her ear. “I have pictures if you want some ideas.”
Hudson smirked, still not awake enough to think about decorating. He filled a Thermos after emptying his cup. “What doyouthink?” he asked to buy himself time from having to use parts of his brain that wouldn’t be awake for another couple of hours. He was on autopilot right now.
“Not yellow.”
They shared a laugh that woke up his soul. Jed grinned cheesily behind Reese’s back but shot off after Hudson flashed him a warning look. “Nothing too bright,” Hudson offered, remembering the bargain he made last night to get Reese to turn in. “But nothing too dungeon-like.”
Reese followed him to the door, head still down in her tablet. As he slipped on a jacket, he wondered how upset she’d be when Ronnie told her everyone was off today. “It’s a little chilly this morning. Did you bring anything you’re okay with getting dirty?”
“Yep.” She zipped back to her room, returning in an oversized sweatshirt, white stocking hat, and a pair of gloves sticking out the center pocket.
“Do you even have a slow setting?” he teased.
“This is my slow setting.”
He very much wanted to gather her into his arms and kiss her. He betthatwould slow her down a beat. But that wasn’t on today’s itinerary. Instead, he led her to the stable.
“Good morning, girls,” he greeted the two horses. “I have someone special I’d like you to meet.”
Reese’s eyes lit with excitement at the sight of them. She abandoned her tablet on a stool. “These are your horses?” she cooed.
“They sure are. This caramel mare is Ginny.” He rubbed her neck as she stretched over the stall door to get a look at Reese. “She’s a bit sassy and has a fondness for apples, as long as you take the core out because she hates the seeds.” While Reese took over stroking Ginny’s muzzle, Hudson made quick work of refilling her water bucket, getting her grain, and mucking out her stall.
“Who’s this over here?” Reese asked about the white mare in the next stall over.
“That’s Lucy. She’s sweet as a candy heart. She’s blind, but fearless if she has her best friend beside her. She never goes anywhere unless Ginny is at her side.”
As Hudson predicted might happen, Reese took to Lucy instantly. As he continued his chores, she gave the horse most of her affection. If she ever decided to stay here with him, to build a life together, Lucy would beherhorse. He had that thought the moment he first met the pair of horses weeks ago.
