Page 11 of Quinn

“What’s this?” Aunt Eileen came back, dropping the empty basket on the counter.

“I need to work on getting a vehicle of my own to get back and forth to Sadieville, or into Tuckers Bluff.”

“Remember…” Quinn leaned against the counter; this was his chance to actually help her. “We’ve got a few ranch vehicles that don’t see much use. No reason not to drive one of ours.”

“Like I said before,” his aunt paused and faced Eloise, “as long as you don’t need pretty.”

Quinn nodded, his gaze level with Eloise’s. “The blue Ford usually sits idle unless we’re moving hay.”

Her eyes lit up. “If you’re sure, that would be great.”

“We’re halfway between Tuckers Bluff and Sadieville. The ride to town is pretty smooth, but the ride to the construction site can be a bit bumpy.”

“I noticed.” That sunny smile appeared again.

“A truck makes more sense than a car.”

“I may have learned to drive in Chicago, but I can’t imagine navigating the dirt roads in a low riding sedan.”

The woman was strong, sweet, and sensible too. Suddenly, he felt an odd loss at the thought of not riding together. “For now, why don’t we carpool until you learn your way?”

Her head tipped to one side. “Is that Texan for GPS doesn’t work out here?”

“Something like that.” He couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Thought so.” She nodded, gathering her bag with what looked like several notebooks and a laptop.

The morning air still held a hint of cool as they stepped outside. By the end of the day, the sun would make everything feel like an oven. Holding the passenger door open for her, his mind started churning with what comes next. “Your brother arrives in three weeks?”

“Twenty days.” The immediate response told him she’d been counting. “The VA clinic in Midland already has his paperwork, and his therapy team in Chicago thinks the change will be good for him.”

Quinn nodded, turning onto the ranch road. “Uncle Sean mentioned that if your brother wants some busy work, we’d be happy to let him work with the barn animals. Said something about how working with your hands can help clear the mind.”

He caught her quick glance, the slight shine in her eyes before she blinked it away. “That’s… that’s very kind.”

“That’s Uncle Sean.” What he didn’t know for sure was what exactly her brother’s situation was. Eloise mentioned at dinner that her brother had done three tours in the military and that he was doing therapy, but she didn’t say much more, though her concern for her brother could be easily seen in her eyes. “I don’t mean to pry, but do you think working with horses would help your brother?”

“Horses? Are those the barn animals your uncle wants him to work with?”

“Oh. No. I was thinking about my cousin Hannah. You haven’t met her yet, she’s in Dallas visiting some friends for the long weekend. She’s an equine therapist. Works out of Connor’s place. She works with kids and veterans, and has done some amazing work,” Quinn clarified.

“Oh, I don’t know, but I can certainly look into it.”

Quinn nodded. “You can talk to Hannah when she comes home.”

“I’d like that.”

“And here we go again.” He slowed the truck and pointed ahead. Four cows strolled, very slowly, across the road.

“I gather this happens often?”

“Unfortunately, the Brady’s cattle break through their fence every other Tuesday.”

“You’re joking.” Her laugh filled the cab of the truck, and something in his chest tightened at the sound.

“Wish I was. Those cows have a standing appointment with freedom.”

By the time they reached the construction site, she had three pages of notes about local roads, landmarks, and yes, the Brady’s escape-artist cattle. Quinn couldn’t remember the last time a simple drive to work had been so entertaining.

---