Marcus turned back to the window. “I wonder how much land he has.”
“Hehas eighty-five acres, give or take,” Danny said as he came down the stairs. “And he’s got a dozen steers.” He grinned. “And he’s hoping to get chickens and pigs in a few weeks.” Danny sat in a worn recliner and laughed. “I don’t usually refer to myself in third person.”
“You have a lovely farm,” Riva told him. “I think Kitty would be lucky to come live here ... well, if you two were compatible. I guess you’ve got to figure that one out. But I think I can give her a good report.”
“Get enough photos?” he asked.
“How about if I get a shot of you cleaned up?” She stood with her phone ready.
“Go for it.” He sat up straighter, smiling. “And you can takeshots of bedrooms and baths if you want. I try to keep ’em kinda cleaned up, but it’s pretty sparse. I got rid of so much furniture and junk after my dad died. Probably went overboard. But it might’ve been therapeutic, you know, to get past the grief. Plus, working so hard on this place helped me to kick alcohol. I could almost feel my dad patting me on the back each day I stayed sober.”
“Well, I’m impressed,” Riva said.
“Think Kitty will be?” He sounded hopeful.
“That’s anyone’s guess,” Riva answered glumly.
“Kitty seems a little, you know, unpredictable,” Marcus told him.
“Believe me, I know.” Danny let out a loud sigh. “I just thought it was worth a try. If I could get her to listen, see how I’ve changed ... I thought maybe there’s a chance to help her, possibly reunite someday.”
“It’s a wonderful goal.” Riva smiled. “I’ll do what I can to get her to at least talk to you.”
Danny turned to Marcus. “Got any tips for me? Suggestions for how I can win her back?”
Marcus rubbed his chin. “Well, I’m no expert ... and Kitty is not exactly easy.” He glanced at Riva. “If I wanted to win over a woman, I’d probably just go the traditional route.”
“What’s that?” Danny asked.
“Oh, you know, flowers and candy and best foot forward ... probably the sort of things no one really does anymore. I haven’t played the dating game in literally decades so I’m not one to give advice.”
“Thanks.” Danny stood. “I just remembered I haven’t filled the watering trough and it’s been a pretty hot day. I should probably get to it before my steers start protesting. Do you mind?”
“Not at all.” Riva stood too. “Thanks for showing us around.” She crossed her fingers. “Here’s to hoping Kitty will be ready to talk.”
Danny pointed upward. “I’ve been asking the Big Guy up there to help me get her back. After all, he helped me get sober, I’m sure he could help with this.”
“I’ll be praying too,” Riva promised.
“Me too,” Marcus said as they went outside. He looked out toward the barn and pasture. “It’s really a great farm, Danny. You’re a lucky guy.”
Danny nodded glumly. “Yeah, I guess so.” He shook both their hands, thanking them for their help and advice. “Even if Kitty refuses to give me a second chance, you guys are welcome out here any time.”
They thanked him and got into Marcus’s pickup. It was anyone’s guess how Kitty would respond, but Riva planned to plead with the “Big Guy up there” on behalf of Danny. Not just because she hoped to shake free from her tenacious tenant either. She could almost imagine Kitty being happy out here. And why not? In fact, if Riva felt any attraction to Danny—and she didn’t—she could live out here in the country. Well, except that she’d miss her home ... and her library ... and even her housemates.
Chapter27
Laurel was sitting on the porch when Marcus drove Riva up to the house. Worried this could turn awkward, Riva quickly thanked him and started to get out of the pickup.
“Do you need any help talking to Kitty?” he asked.
She looked at him. “I, uh, I don’t know.”
“I was thinking that maybe she could use a friendly intervention.”
“An intervention?” She pondered this. “You know, that’s not a bad idea.”
“And knowing Kitty, not that I really do, I wonder if it’d help to have a man involved. I hate to say it, but she seems to respect men more than women.”
