Page 5 of Country Contract

“Beeeees!” yells Blake.

We all get a cold one and head to the living room to relax and let Blake play while we wait for the meal.

“How’s things?” Cassidy asks me as she settles in next to Hunter.

“Which things?”

“Any things—the girls, the bunkhouse, a woman?” she pries.

“Things are overall going well. I’m in a bit of a lull when it comes to the bunkhouse. The spring and summer were great for guests, but I don’t have a lot coming up. The girlsare great as always; I’m so glad the summer is done with, and the temps are finally cooling off. As far as a woman, there’s nothing. I’ve been too busy with things here to get out of town and try to meet someone.”

“When was your last guest?”

I renovated our old bunkhouse on the property over a year ago. Sometimes, people like secluded getaways when traveling. We have that here; there’s land, horses, a quaint, small town nearby, and a large pond on the property. It’s great for a quiet trip away from any kind of busy, bustling life.

The bunkhouse is small and simple with two stories. I knocked down some walls, making the previous four rooms into two, and added a half bath on the first floor by the kitchen. It’s updated with dark hardwood floors, one full bath with basic shiplap and white tile upstairs, and a small eat-in kitchen and half bath on the first floor next to the front room.

Thank the Lord for Cassidy because, although I fixed the place up, she had Mary in our corner the whole time, who is a professional designer.

“Oh, about two weeks ago, but aside from a short booking next weekend, I’ve got nothing coming up.”

“I was thinking of having Georgie down soon; she’s needing a getaway. Could I book for her?” Cassidy and her friends are thick as thieves. They’re all so unique and independent while remaining deeply connected to one another. Georgie is a great time; she’s all sarcasm and wit. Mary is serious but hates being bored. Lynn is my favorite. Blake’s middle name is Lynn since she set up her parents. If Lynn wasn’t married, she’s the kind of girl I’d go for. Sweet, charming, ready to settle down. She’s also quirky, cute, andfunny. Her husband sees all that and worships the ground she walks on.

“You don’t have to book it; just tell me the dates, and I’ll block it.”

“Thanks, kiddo.” She beams, and I roll my eyes.

We make small talk about our lives. Hunter wants another baby something fierce, but he lets Cassidy take the lead on that. He never pushes her into anything, just supports her in almost any decision she makes. I can’t imagine having that kind of trust in someone’s choices. What if she doesn’t want more kids? Does Hunter just give that up?

I know I couldn’t be with a woman who didn’t want kids. My dream is a family. I think about my ideals when a voice cuts through.

“What do you think?” Cassidy asks.

“About what?”

Hunter scowls deeply at me. “Cassidy was suggesting you try a dating app. That way, you can try to meet someone while here on the farm. Increase your odds.”

“I hate those stupid apps.” They both recoil at my words, knowing an app is what brought them together. My brother downloaded some stupid country dating app, Cassidy had a fake profile set up by her friend Lynn, and the rest is history. Once they met, they were done for.

I’m making it sound a lot easier and sweeter than it was. Cassidy had Hunter by the balls—changed my brother within a night. I’ve never seen him so wrapped up in something. It was worth all the trouble; they’re as happy as I hope to be one day.

“But I could give one a try.” I try a cute grin. It only wins over Blake.

“Do what you want. Good luck at every local watering hole trying to find the next Mrs. Hill,” Cassidy says coolly.

When dinner is ready and served up, I’m surprised to find it’s pretty good. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief, even Cassidy, who adds some salt and pepper to her plate.

“Okay, so I avoided extra spice, and now it’s too bland,” she complains.

“Just add a little more next time. It’s damn good.” Hunter takes a hefty bite.

“I’m not dead, so it’s fine,” I add.

We all look over at Blake, who eats happily with her hands. She’s the toughest critic at this table.

We make conversation, and I remember something I wanted to bring to their attention.

“I was thinking of tearing the trailer down next year during the bunkhouse’s offseason.”

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