‘Increase the angle.’ I tipped the bottle up. ‘They expect to work for it.’
Aster’s face cracked with shocked laugher as the kid suckled enthusiastically. I remembered the first time I’d fed a young goat, the strength of each tug on the bottle far more forceful than I’d expected from such a wee thing.
My eyes drifted half closed as I watched Aster and the kid, but I jolted to full consciousness at a shrill bleat across the mountains. Shovelling the last few mouthfuls of stew into my mouth, I carried the bowl over to the sink. My favourite jacket was covered in blood, so I grabbed the spare from beside the front door.
‘You absolutely have to go back out?’ Aster left the kid in front of the fire, snuggled up with the over-friendly goat.
‘I do.’ I tugged on my boots, wincing as dampness crept through my clean socks. No point putting on another pair.They’d be soaked after the first few minutes of tramping through the snow.
I straightened, and Aster pulled me into a hug. I lowered my face to the side of his neck and my arms looped around his back. His hands slid under the collar of my jacket, pressed into my skin. I closed my eyes and inhaled deep lungfuls of his comforting scent.
‘I wish you didn’t have to leave again, but I’ll look after the goat-baby while you’re gone.’
‘Thank you,’ I whispered into his skin.
I couldn’t express how his words eased my burden. This was the toughest of days, would continue to be the toughest of nights, but knowing Aster was here and safe and he would care for the kid eased the tightness bearing down on my chest.
I wasn’t alone any more.
The hug could have undone my resolve. Standing in Aster’s arms, it was more tempting than ever to focus solely on his heartbeat and the breath coasting over his lips. I could forget the pain waiting outside and stay in his warmth.
I eased out of his arms. I had to roam the mountains again, but I had something wonderful to return home to. Aster would be here. Waiting, his arms ready to enfold me.
I nudged my forehead into his, then stepped away. ‘See you soon.’
‘It had better be soon,’ Aster grumbled as I opened the door. He grabbed it before it swung shut behind me. I could hear his quiet voice as I waded into the snow. ‘And you better keep yourself safe, Cal. I don’t want to imagine a world without you in it.’
I hurried away. The sooner I got all the goats to safety, the sooner I could come home.
To Aster.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
ASTER
Iwatched Callum plough through the snow until he disappeared into the darkness. A feeble bleat coaxed me away from the cabin door.
I knelt beside the two goats snuggled in front of the fire and ran my fingers across the baby’s super-soft head. He was a uniform grey, unlike Albert’s mottled whites, browns, and blacks.
‘How you doing, little one?’
My heart—which hadn’t recovered from Callum appearing covered in blood—had almost leapt from my chest when he’d loosened his strong arms and the cutest goat-face poked out.
It was totally messed up and wrong since Callum was clearly having the worst day, but seeing such a huge man cradling a helpless diddy creature did things to me. I wanted to be the thing Callum wrapped his ridiculously muscled arms around.
I shook my head. Several times a day, I cocooned myself in Callum’s arms. In a friendly way. Which was all I wanted.All I needed. I had a plan when I came to Doughnut, and I wasn’t going to let the hottest and kindest man in the world screw it up.
I bit my lip, using both hands to pet the goats to stop Albert getting jealous.
‘You’re such a tiny thing,’ I mused, then grinned. ‘I’m going to call you Tim.’
It would be a delightful surprise if Callum got the reference. Most likely, he’d think Tim’s name was a nudge towards Dickens, not the glorious Muppets film. I was alright with Callum believing I was cultured, and not strangely fascinated by singing puppets.
Callum hadn’t told me how often to feed the goat-baby but if Albert’s eating habits were anything to go by, I figured another bottle wouldn’t hurt. Following Callum’s instructions, I measured out powder and added warm water.
The bottle was gratefully—if violently—received. Afterwards, I slumped onto the sofa. Which was very much where I should lie down and sleep.
But my shoulders and hips already ached from where I’d rested on it earlier, and it wasn’t like Callum would be back any time soon. Since I’d never let him sleep out here now I knew how painful it was, I could allow myself one more night of comfort.
