“So, we can artificially inseminate all of them at once—if they all synchronize, that is. It takes longer for some heifers to reach that point of their cycle.”
“That sounds...interesting.”
“Trust me, it sounds better than it is.”
Hearing his deep chuckle, Lana couldn’t help but smile.
“Did you get the crib and stuff put together?” he asked.
Her smile faded. “No. It’s a lot harder than I thought.” Darn it, the tears were back, blurring her vision and clogging her throat. “Sophie postponed until next week,” she said. To her own ears, her voice sounded thick with disappointment.
“You’re crying.”
“No, I’m not,” she said, an involuntary sob escaping. “I’m just so frustrated!”
“Because Sophie changed her plans or because you’re having trouble with the furniture?”
“Both!”
Sly was quiet a moment. “She said she’ll be over next Saturday, so what’s the problem? You worry too much.”
He was right. Lana blew her nose.
“In a way, this is good news,” he added. “Now you have more time to assemble the furniture and get ready for her visit.”
“That’s true. Thanks for putting a positive spin on this. I feel silly for crying.”
“Dani does it, too, once in a while. It’s a female thing.”
Lana snorted. “At times, guys also cry.”
“Nah, we go out and chop wood or run after stray cattle. You’d be surprised how chasing a cow into a glen and out again makes a man forget his problems. Especially when the unexpected happens. Just this morning, Ollie, a kid who works for me, helped me with a renegade heifer. On my way down the glen, I slipped on a fresh cow patty and landed on my as—butt. Ollie almost wet himself, he laughed so hard.”
Picturing that, Lana giggled.
“And here I’d hoped you’d feel my pain.”
That was even funnier. “Thanks, Sly.”
“For what?”
“Making me laugh.”
She could almost feel his warm smile through the phone.
“Hey, why don’t I come over tonight and help you with the furniture?” he offered.
It was pathetic how badly she wanted his company. She bit her lip. “I don’t want to ruin your Friday night plans. In case you’re going out.”
“Nope, I don’t have anything planned. I’ll be over in half an hour.”
While she waited for him, she washed her face, fixed her hair and makeupß, and exchanged her sweats for a blouse and jeans. She even brushed her teeth.
“Why am I doing this?” she asked her reflection. Of course, it didn’t answer.
She was making popcorn when he knocked on the door. He wiped his feet and entered her house. He wore a pressed shirt and jeans. His short hair was damp, and he smelled fresh and clean, as if he’d showered before coming over.
They were both dressed as if this were a date. It wasn’t. Lana couldn’t date a man who didn’t want kids and who was suing her cousin. Sly was here to help with the furniture, that was all.
