We discussed a few more small things—a broken trailer hitch, an upcoming rodeo, what poison hemlock looked like, and a visit from our Meadowbrook’s veterinarian, Penny. These times of communication had become vital to smooth operations, and smooth operations were the singular most important goal at Meadowbrook. By November, we needed to have approximately sixty-five grand to put toward the application and inspection fees in order to apply for the Western Pro Rodeo Alliance. And when that inspection time came, we had to prove we were a well-oiled machine and nothing less.
We started the season strong, but then Bea got sick. If we didn’t find a way to keep the bed and breakfast open, we would miss the application deadline and have to save through another amateur season.
Tag’s divided attention was untimely, but if it were Laurel laid up in bed, I’d be distracted too. I had no problem rising to the challenge, but there was alotof slack to pick up. I was running myself ragged in the kitchen, working hospitality, overseeing the cowboys, training horses, prepping for rodeo, talking to contractors, and somehow trying to be everything Tag and Bea needed, too.
Oh, and be a dad.
For over a year now, Tag and I had alternated driving for rodeos, but this season, there were many that would require both of us to drive a semi. The gigs were bigger with higher stakes and more money to lose or gain. Tag got back last night after 11 p.m., and this coming weekend, we would bothhaul—all the way to Rio Grande.
Cooper hit his stomach a few times. “Not bad, Jesse, but I bet Bea’s sister could do better.”
Bea’s sister? What was he talking about?
“Oh, right!” Tag had his arm tucked around Bea, his eyes a little brighter after the food. “We were talkin’ before you got out here.”
“About what?”
“Bea’s sister called last night. She’s drivin’ down today and stayin’ for a good while to help us out. So, you’ll be out of the kitchen soon, Jess. How’s that sound?”
A warning surged in my gut. “Wait, I thought Miss Valeria was a potential hire.”
Tag shrugged. “I hoped she’d be able, but I can’t get a hold of her. I’m assumin’ she found other employment.”
Bea spoke, offering me a smile. “She’s staying through the second week of July. Isn’t that great?”
Bea had three sisters…surely they meant Jackie or Estelle…blood thrummed through my veins.
Which sister?
I darted a gaze at Cooper and his lips curled in a slow, knowing smile. He gave me one nod as if to say“yep, that sister.”
My mouth felt like cotton. “That’s…fantastic. Uh, which sister?” I stuffed half a biscuit in my mouth in an attempt to look unfazed.
“Hollie.”
The biscuit stuck in my throat as I swallowed. I reached for my coffee.
Bea continued as if she hadn’t just tipped me upside down. “You picked her up from the airport, remember?”
Cooper jumped on the chance. “Oh, he rememberspicking her up.”
Hollie.
Hollie was the punchline to all Cooper’s jokes.
Holy shit.
Harlan swiped a hand over his smile and Cooper’s chin twitched.
Bea prattled on. “Hollie is kind of shy?—”
“Shy?!” Cooper interjected.
Bea frowned at him, her words faltering for a moment. “But—she’s a great cook and we are really thankful she’s willing to stay for so long.”
I tried to telepathically communicate with the overgrown boy scout toshut upwhen his eyes flitted to mine. The cheeky, devilish grin he offered told me all I needed to know. Honor, my ass.
Harlan cleared his throat to cover a laugh.
