Page 11 of Home to the Cowboy

As the women talked about shopping, Hayden turned to Dylan. “I hope you guys know how pleased we are that you’ve joined us here on The Weston Ranch and not only because you’re experts on cattle breeding. You’re family. Are you guys still happy with our arrangement?”

Dylan nodded, glad to be distracted. “Of course. We’re both learning so much from you. The grazing system you guys use to avoid overgrazing makes so much sense. We’ve tried it but watching how you do it makes me understand why we’ve been struggling.”

Hayden’s eyes burn with excitement. “We haven’t looked back since we implemented it a few years ago. The animals stay packed closely for protection, they eat the vegetation to partial levels instead of all the way to the ground, they disturb the soil only lightly with their hooves which mixes their manure and …”

“Not at the table, Hayden.” Laura laughed.

“Sorry.” Hayden grinned. “You can literally see how the grazing animals improve the conditions of the soil rather than damaging it. And a significant amount of carbon can be sequestered because the land is always kept covered and the roots and soil microbiome are nourished and mostly left undisturbed. With your knowledge of breeding and seedstock production we can do great things.”

“Are you talking ranching again?” Ellie asked. “You guys are supposed to relax.”

While the conversation moved to other subjects, Dylan’s eyes found June again. His brother was still keeping her busy.

*

By the time dessert was finished, June wanted to escape. Everyone was so friendly and nice, but each time she looked up, it was to find Dylan’s eyes on her. Except for the stiff nod, he hadn’t spoken to her.

Oh, this was ridiculous. Why would he talk to her? He’d given her a lift, arranged for her car to be fixed, but it wasn’t as if they really knew each other. He was still a total stranger.

When Ellie got up to carry plates to the kitchen, she quickly got up to help her. It was at least something to do and it gave her an excuse to slip away quietly.

As she entered the kitchen, Daisy ran closer, body wriggling, tail thumping, jumping up against her legs.

Laughing she put the plates down and picked up the puppy. Giving a few barks, Daisy licked her face. “Oh, you’re a cutie, aren’t you?” She smiled hugging the dog.

“You like dogs?” Ellie asked.

“I’ve never had one, but I met Daisy last night; she’s the sweetest.”

“You should ask Dylan if she could stay with you while you’re here,” Ellie said.

“Ask me what?” Dylan asked, right behind June.

Oh, my goodness, just his voice was enough to send delicious shivers down her spine. What was it with this guy? He was the opposite of every man she’d ever dated, why was her response to him so … so … immediate, so intense? She should get home as soon as possible and go for a run or something.

To June’s chagrin, Ellie repeated her question. “Why don’t you let Daisy stay with June while she’s here?”

“I may not even stay that long,” June said quickly. Fortunately, the next minute, the kitchen was filled with people bringing in plates and glasses and cutlery and she didn’t have to elaborate.

Waving at Ellie, June slipped past everyone and fetched her small bag from the living room. She met Arlene on her way to the front door.

“Don’t tell me you’re leaving?” Arlene asked.

“I had a lovely time, thanks so much for inviting me,” June smiled. “I haven’t finished unpacking yet, and there are a few urgent email messages I have to attend to.”

At the front door, Arlene gave her a warm hug. “We’re huggers, but you’ll get used to it. I’m so glad you’ve joined us. Please remember you’re welcome every Sunday. We were hoping you’ll join our book club while you’re here. I’m sure we can learn a lot from you. We meet on Tuesdays and have just started with Charlotte Brontë’s Shirley. We did Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South before, and because of the similarities in the two books, we decided to also read Shirley. I can pick you up if you decide to go?”

“Thank you, Arlene, I’d love to join. I have read both novels, but I love rereading old favorites.”

“If you already have copies of both back home, try Libby, the online library or, if you prefer a copy of an actual book like I do, I’m sure our local library will have copies you can borrow.”

June smiled. “Sounds perfect. Thanks again for the lift. I’m not sure exactly when my car will be returned, though.”

“Oh, but we can ask Dylan …”

“Please don’t worry about it. Thanks again.” And before Arlene could say anything else, June was walking away.

Ellie and Becket had picked her up this morning. Her house, she’d learned during the short drive, was not far from Arlene’s. Inhaling the fresh air, she looked up at Copper Mountain. It really was a beautiful town and somehow, after just one night here, her shoulders were already relaxing. Her whole being was reacting to the slower pace around her.