I glance out the kitchen windows at the landscape that has always brought me peace. If Jace pursues his dream, the weight of our family business falls on me. All one hundred and eighty hogs, the land, the structures, the employees, and the well-being of our parents as they age. The Wicked Witch of the West was flattened by a house. That’s nothing. Have you ever been suffocated by a barn full of swine? It’s not pretty.
I already share the burden with Jace, but with his eye on the horizon, the pressure is quickly shifting in my direction. And the timing couldn’t be worse.
I stand and refill Dad’s coffee, glancing across the acres of land outside the window. I love this property—love ranching too. But I don’t know if I’m cut out to shoulder the whole operation.
When I take my seat, Dad asks, “Where are you off to this morning?”
“I’m meeting McKenna and Daisy at the bookshop.” It’s half an answer. I don’t mention why I’m meeting them. “Need anything from town while I’m out?”
“I think we’re good,” Dad says, smiling at me and then lifting his mug. “Double check with your mom before you go.”
I make quick work of my breakfast and stand to rinse my plate.
Dad adds, “Could you run the health checks on your way out?” Then he turns to my brother and says, “Jace, muck and do equipment checks.”
Jace nods and I say, “Of course. I’ll pop in the barn on my way out.” I pause, broaching the subject we all silently agree to avoid. “Are you okay, Dad?”
“I’m fine. Better than fine.” He gives me a closed-mouth grin. “Healthy as a horse and twice as handsome.”
“Half as modest, though,” Jace teases.
I lean in and give Dad a hug and tell him, “I’ll be back this afternoon.”
I send Mom a quick text asking if she needs anything while I’m in town. She answers with a grocery list. Then I zip off a message to McKenna and Daisy telling them I’ll be a little late since I have to check on the hogs.
I pocket my cell. “Well, I’d better get going. I’ll see you when I’m back.”
Jace follows me onto the porch. “Where are you actually off to?”
“I’m really meeting my friends at the bookshop.”
“Okay. If you say so.” He studies me.
“I do. And I’m already late.”
“Drive safely,” he says before turning to go back inside.
I would tell Jace that Daisy and Mac are helping me prep for my interview, but feelings around here are split over my decision to train and apply for this job. I already got plenty of heat when I tagged along with Jace to become a volunteer firefighter several years ago. It’s not like I go on many calls. The role is precautionary. Dad allowed it since it was an asset to the farm.
But this is a whole other ball game. I’m applying for a county job that would take me away from the farm on a daily basis. It’s not a secret that I applied, but no one talks about it, as if voicing the fact will make it a reality. I guess there’s no use getting too upset over anything related to the fire inspector position. I’m just interviewing. I don’t have the job—not yet.
I won’t ever abandon my family, despite the tug to do more—to carve out a place in the world that’s mine alone. Maybe part of me wants to show a certain rancher I’m not the little girl next door anymore. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t pictured his face when he sees me in this role.
Of course, in those daydreams, he’s on the weight bench in the fire station. I walk past in a pencil skirt and high heels, a red-lipped smile shooting straight at him. I lower my glasses to admire him. Then I strut into the captain’s office on official business. There’s so much wrong with that scenario, I don’t even know where to start. For one thing, I don’t wear glasses or red lipstick. And you won’t see me strutting unless I’m out two-stepping in my cowboy boots. But it’s my daydream, so I get to write it however I want, makeovers and all.
A few hours later, I’m in one of Daisy’s comfortable reading nooks at Moss & Maple. The historic craftsman home she converted to a bookshop just outside our downtown smells like her favorite cinnamon tea and old books. Daisy and McKenna are in chairs across from me. The room is cozy—lined with bookcases with a set of windows on the back wall. A dark wooden coffee table sits between us—our drinks and plates strewn on top.
My friends think they’re helping me by running through a mock interview. I’m not sure if our practice is doing any good. With every question, my nervous energy multiplies.
McKenna leans closer and asks, “Okay. Tell me again why they should hire you, and don’t you dare say, ‘I don’t know.’”
I breathe out a long breath. “I know this town and the surrounding area. I care about Waterford. And I listen. I’m detail-oriented and hard working. Besides completing all the prerequisite training, I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for a few years. I’ll apply all that and more to the position if I get it.”
Mac looks at Daisy and they both smile.
“Good?” I ask.
“Not just good. Great,” Daisy says. “I’d hire you in a heartbeat.”
