“I can help with that,” she offered, already reaching for a pencil to mark the new measurements.
He nodded, stepping back to give her space. She bent over the workbench, focused now, all business as she made precise adjustments to his design. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear with a practiced motion that Anson had seen dozens of times on her show.
Yeah, he’d been watching it every night. He’d checked out an episode after finding out who she really was. He’d meant to only watch the one. Now he was on season three and couldn’t stop. But he wanted to know her. All of her.
Now the familiarity of the gesture twisted something in his gut. How many other people had watched her tuck that waywardstrand behind her ear? How many strangers felt they knew her through a screen?
How many of them might want to find her?
He still hadn’t asked why she’d come to Valor Ridge, but he knew she was scared. Had suspected for a while now from her letters that she was being stalked.
His gaze lingered on her for a moment too long, and when he glanced up, he caught River watching him with a knowing smirk. He turned back to his work instead, focusing on making the cuts to fit Maggie’s new design.
River switched songs, launching into an off-key rendition of “Sweet Caroline” that echoed through the barn rafters. To Anson’s dismay, Jonah joined in for the chorus, both men pointing at Maggie expectantly until she laughed and added her voice to the “bum bum bum” part.
“Come on, Sutter,” River called, gesturing expansively. “This is a full-participation singalong!”
He turned back to his saw. “Need to finish these cuts.”
“Party pooper.” River slung an arm around Maggie’s shoulders, pulling her into a side hug. “Don’t worry, we’ve got enough enthusiasm to cover his share.”
He pushed aside the uncomfortable heat spreading through his chest.
It wasn’t jealousy.
Couldn’t be.
Maggie wasn’t his to be jealous over.
The barn door swung open, and Lila walked in with her medical bag. Her gaze immediately went to the horse, a bay gelding with wary eyes and a pronounced limp. Walker had brought him in three days ago, rescued from a foreclosed farm where he’d been abandoned in a stall with a broken door. The splintered wood had cut his shoulder when he tried to escape.Now he paced the temporary pen, head low, ears flicking nervously at each loud noise.
“How’s the patient’s new accommodations coming along?” she asked, setting her bag down on a hay bale.
“Almost ready for assembly,” Jonah answered.
Lila nodded appreciatively and moved to examine the pieces. “Will it hold if he panics again?”
“That’s the idea,” Anson said, bringing over the last cut piece. “Solid oak. Cross-braced. No sharp edges or splinters.”
Maggie stepped closer, running her hand along the edge of one plank. “We’re using a marine-grade finish that’s safe for animals but tough enough to handle cleaning chemicals. Should last for years.”
“I’m impressed,” Lila said, smiling at Maggie. “You really know your stuff.”
“She rebuilt an entire barn for rescued animals on last season’s finale,” River chimed in. “Used reclaimed timber from a demolished factory. The beams were like a hundred years old.”
“I remember that episode,” Lila said. “My mom made me watch it with her. The section on proper drainage for animal stalls was brilliant.”
Maggie laughed, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. “That was actually my favorite part to film. The network wanted more focus on the decorative elements, but I insisted on showing the practical infrastructure. Animals need function over form.”
“Exactly!” Lila’s face lit up. “I can’t tell you how many beautiful barns I’ve been in that are complete hazards for the animals.”
Anson watched them fall into easy conversation about building techniques and animal care. Maggie’s hands moved animatedly as she described moisture barriers and ventilation systems. This was a different Maggie than the one who sat quietly beside him feeding kittens—confident, authoritative,fully in her element. A TV star talking shop with Valor Ridge’s vet.
“Sounds like I need to hire you as a consultant for my clinic renovation,” Lila said.
“Happy to help,” Maggie replied. “Just let me know when you’re ready to start planning.”
“Absolutely. Oh, and before I forget—Nessie’s organizing a ladies’ night tomorrow at her cabin. Nothing fancy, just dinner and drinks. She wanted me to make sure you knew you’re invited.”
