Page 53 of Brands

This almost feels like a “moment”. And I’m completely torn now if I want to go talk to Mason, or run manically giggling to Char’s place just up the road and fill her in on everything.

I can’t stop smiling, but take his hand and walk with him into the mechanic bay.

“Mason?” Blue calls out to his friend.

All I can see is his ass and legs in grubby jeans hanging out of the engine of a huge John Deere tractor.

“Yup. Justa sec.” Mason’s voice echoes from behind the thick steel.

Blue grips my fingers as we watch Mason unfold himself and turn around.

Those amber eyes widen when he focuses on our joined hands, but the only indication is the tiniest raise of the corner of his lip.

“Lib, I’m glad to see you brought in the big guns.” Mason hops off the high bumper to land on the concrete with a groan. “Knees are getting too old for that,” he chuckles, wiping grease onto a red rag hanging from the unused ladder propped against the tire.

“Yep, she’s here to save her dairy.” Blue glances at me and winks. “Clay is taking another load of cows to thesale tomorrow. She told me you’re interested in helping, so figured it’s time to set down a plan.”

“My favorite cow. I’m ready to take over. Dad is gonna be in the hospital for a week, so it’s me in charge anyways. Might as well be for real.” I squint at Mason, waiting for some sign of hesitancy.

Does my face tell him I’m freshly fucked?

Can people tell?

Screw it, I don’t care.

“Well, if the numbers are like you said, it’d be a solid investment. And I know Char has Dixon convinced, too.” Mason’s jaw ticks. “And he’s a hard damn sell on expenditures.”

I give a solemn nod. “It’s in the black. And with the changes I’d be doing, it’ll be comfortably profitable.” I steal a look up at Blue. “I can have all the paperwork ready soon?” I’ll need his help to finish organizing it.

His silent squeeze is all the affirmation I need.

“I’m old school,” Mason grunts, tossing the dingy towel to the side. He steps closer, extending his arm.

I let go of Blue to shake Mason’s outstretched hand.

He dips his chin. “Good enough for me. Tell me what you need.”

Blue clears his throat. “To borrow your barn for about three days. We’ll bring in this batch temporarily, then can tie up all the loose ends while Clay’s offsite.”

Oh, that makes so much sense. There’s just one tiny hiccup.

“I’ll take care of them, and milk them, so you won’t have to do anything.” I think Blue’s on to something. Going along with Dad’s plan for now will be easiest.

Once I have all the pieces in place, and with Blue and Mason on board, I have no doubts that Dad will let me take over.

Mason scratches his jaw leaving a streak of grease in his whiskers. “I’m fine with it, just don’t tell Clay I conspired. Last thing I need is that ol’ grouch showing up on my doorstep.” His chuckle betrays him.

I know he and Dad are amicable. Maybe not as close as Blue is, but will still smile and wave when they pass in the street.

Excitement bubbles in me making it nearly impossible to keep from bouncing on the balls of my feet.

This is the best day ever. Dad gets his money, I get to keep the dairy, and I gotlaid.

“Where do you want me to put them when I bring the trailer?” Blue’s voice refocuses me.

Mason pauses, then grabs his heavy Carhartt coat. “Let me show you. It’ll be the next building towards Dixon’s. Let’s put them in the last half. That way if you wanted to pull in for milking there’s parking right against the pens.”

That means close to Char.

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