The dogwoods were blooming, the Bobwhites were singing, and Tally had learned how to brand calves. Which, of course, required my hands to guide hers to the exact spot, with precise pressure. But the best part was how she kept stealing glances at me. She seemed at peace here at the ranch. The complete opposite of our date in Blacksburg.
With the cows done, most of my family had headed to their various houses. Theo had gone to Firefly Fields Farm with Silas and Lemon’s boys to watch Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. He and I had conspired to convert them as hard as Blue was trying to turn them into football fiends or Ford was trying to turn them into country music aficionados.
Cute little Charlie, with her long chestnut braids and big brown eyes, rode straight backed between me and the saddlehorn, atop Maisy, Mom’s old paint horse. Charlie was dying to learn to ride and I was happy to teach her. She was already a pro at posting.
We’d been at it, in the outdoor riding arena by the barn, for the last hour. I adjusted my Chief’s cap to tip over my face more. My nose was almost healed on the outside. I didn’t need to go burning it. It was the end of April and it was already too hot. Looked like we might be in for a long, humid summer.
Tally watched from her perch atop the woodboard fence as she licked a strawberry popsicle. Ford sat beside her. My baby brother had been spending as much time as possible in Seddledowne since he bought his ranch. Living in the city and constantly traveling on buses and planes was finally getting to him.
He said something to Tally that I couldn’t quite hear. She threw her head back and laughed.
“You better not be flirting with her!” I hollered. “She’s not available.”
Tally winked at me and teasingly laid her head on Ford’s shoulder. “I am for the right guy.”
Ford hooted and made over-exaggerated petting motions against her hair.
She playfully tapped him on the nose with her popsicle. “And he has those pretty eyes.”
“Hey!” I shouted, a touch too irritated. “I have those eyes!”
She petted Ford’s head. “But have you won a Grammy?”
Ford tipped his chin up at me, a cocky grin on his stupid face.
“Will he read you poetry every night before you fall asleep?” I tried again.
Ford cupped his hands around his mouth. “I’ll read her poetry and then I’ll sing her to sleep. With my Grammy award-winning voice.”
She grabbed his hand. “Oh, would you sing meWhiskey Kisses and Wildflower Wishes? That one’s my favorite.” She leaned her popsicle toward his mouth. “Here. You can use this as your microphone.”
He took a massive bite, making her squeal. Then she immediately popped it back in her mouth for safekeeping.
“You’re going to catch a disease,” I yelled. “Do you have any idea how many women he’s kissed?” More than kissed. I looked pointedly at him. “Doyouknow how many women you’ve kissed?”
He laughed. “Somebody sounds jealous.”
“Not hardly.” I scoffed. I only wanted to kiss one woman and she was currently tucked under his arm.
They started swaying back and forth while he sang the song she’d requested. “Your lips taste sweet, girl, it’s no surprise.”
“No lips!” I yelled and Tally laughed.
She joined in the singing. “Wildflowers dancin’ in the summer breeze. Wishin’ on dandelions, just you and me.”
Tally gazed into his eyes. And yeah, that same gaze flashed over to make sure I was watching, but still. The green volcano of jealousy that had been bubbling in my chest erupted with full force.
“Okay, Chuck, it’s time to nip this in the bud.” I tightened my hold on Tally’s mini-me. “Let’s head back.”
She giggled as she pulled the reins in Tally’s direction. “It’s Charlie, Ashton.”
I tickled her sides. “Oh, sorry, Charlie.”
She laughed harder. “That’s the tuna commercial. I’m a girl. Not a fish.” I’d shown her the commercials on YouTube once.
“Right, right, I forgot.” I laughed. “What do we do when we want to make Maisy go faster?”
“I squeeze with my legs.”
