Page 19 of Knocked up By the Mountain Man

“The Marshall Ranch,” I confess wryly. “Which isn’t the easiest…”

Abby’s eyes widen in shock, her mouth dropping open slightly. “The Marshall ranch? Clara, are you serious? Does Beau know you’re here?”

I nod, feeling a twinge of anxiety. “Oh yeah, he knows. We ran into each other yesterday, and let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a warm reunion.”

Abby’s shock turns to concern. “Oh, Clara, that must have been so hard. What did he say?”

“He was... distant, and a bit cold. He seemed surprised to see me, which is understandable, I guess,” I say, trying to keep my voice light. “I didn’t exactly give anyone a heads up before I left back then and no one knew I was coming back either.”

Abby shakes her head, still processing the information. “I can’t believe it. Beau and you were so close. I always kinda thought you two would end up together.”

“Yeah, if it wasn’t for Wyatt,” I remind her. “Who still works on the ranch.”

“Urgh, that’s intense.” Abby rolls her eyes. “Well, if it makes it easier, you can keep Thomas here, so you can come and moan to me at the end of every single day, I’d be glad to have him.”

“Actually, that sounds amazing… although it’s still a surprise that you ended up in childcare, Abby,”

She laughs. “I know, right? I wanted to be a journalist, remember?”

I nod, smiling at the memory. “You were always so passionate about it. What changed?”

Abby leans back in her chair, a thoughtful look on her face. “Life, I guess. After college, I did a stint at a local paper, but it wasn’t what I thought it would be. For a change of pace, I found myself working at a daycare center. I loved it so much that I decided to open my own place back in Silver Ridge, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling.”

“I’m glad you found something you love,” I say sincerely. “And I’m even more glad since it means Thomas will be in good hands while I’m at the ranch.”

Abby reaches over and squeezes my hand. “I’ll take good care of him, I promise. And you take care of yourself out there, okay?”

I nod, understanding her concern. Who knows what will happen while I’m on the ranch. I can’t help worrying that it might all be a nightmare.

But all I really need to do is survive it, right?

8

BEAU

“How are the horses doing?” I ask Carl as I find him standing by the stables with a concerned look on his face.

I’m not sure why the image of him not working causes my emotions to run wild, but I feel an intense anger burning up within me. An irritation that’s been with me ever since I opened my eyes this morning. Maybe even since yesterday. Ever since I sawher.

It has nothing to do with Carl really; it’s all aimed at Clara, who unfortunately isn’t here for me to target.

“Are they doing better? Do we have any information about what’s going on at the moment? Did the vet yesterday say anything about their conditions?”

“I don’t think so.” He shrugs one shoulder. “She did her checks, but I don’t know much else. I wish I had been here to talk to her. I want to know first hand.”

“Call her,” I reply through gritted teeth, my fists balled up by my sides. “Get her here now and speak to her.”

Carl’s eyes pop wide in surprise. “But I don’t think she is due to be here today, is she? Isn’t she settling in? Should I just call Wyatt?”

“It doesn’t matterwhatshe’s doing.” I need her here today, whether she likes it or not. “We hired her as a specialist and we’re paying her to be that. The least she can do is come here and let us know what’s going on with Daisy and the others. Wyatt won’t have a clue.”

“Oh, okay.” Carl nods slowly. “Yeah, I’ll give her a call and get her here. See if she can give us some information.”

“Good, come get me as soon as she arrives. I want to have a word with her when she gets here too. I need to know more.”

I stare at Carl until he understands what I want and he goes off to make his call. I’m not messing around, I need Clara hereright now. Ever since I laid eyes on her again, I haven’t been able to get her off my mind and it’s winding me up. A wave of relief washes over me as Carl finally gets the call going and I know that she’s on the way. But it’s not enough.

I need more from her.

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