Page 336 of Conveniently Wed
“No, ma’am. That was it. Ye are now the proud owner of four hundred and ninety-eight head of sheep, counting the babies.”
She gave O’Connell a jaunty smile. “I suppose you’d like the rest of your money, then.”
“If yer of a mind to give it to me, I’d surely like to get the funds and be on me way. Me fondest hope is to begin the journey to sunny California by sunrise the day after tomorrow.”
“Then by all means, let’s get you on your way.” Aundy turned toward the house. When she looked back over her shoulder, she studied the shepherd boy. “Nikola, if you wait right here, I’ll beback and we can talk about your wages and getting you settled in the bunkhouse.”
O’Connell soon rode down her lane with his hands following behind. Two of them approached Dent about working there and he discussed his thoughts with Aundy. She agreed to give them a chance and they promised to return the following evening.
Aundy waved one last time at O’Connell then stared at the lamb, asleep in her yard. The dog rested his head on his master’s lap, as the boy sat by the lamb.
What a picture it made. One she never thought to see, but dearly loved all the same.
“Young man, the first order of business will be to get you settled. You go on over to the bunkhouse and pick out an empty bed for your own.” Aundy studied the slender boy. He looked like he needed good food and some motherly attention. Since he mentioned being an orphan, she wondered how long he’d been taking care of himself.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, getting to his feet. “I appreciate you giving me a job and letting me stay with the sheep. When Mr. O’Connell said he was leaving, I didn’t know what I’d do. Thank you for giving me a home and a place to work. I usually sleep out with the sheep, though, so I don’t need a bunk.”
“You pick a bunk, anyway. I’m not sure I like the idea of you sleeping outside when the nights are still cold. You’re most welcome about the job. My men almost revolted until I told them the sheep came with their own shepherd.”
Nikola grinned at her and she smiled.
“I’m very glad you decided to come along with the sheep and bring Bob.” Aundy placed a gentle hand on the boy’s shoulder. Although he was painfully thin, she had an idea he was stronger than he appeared. “Do you prefer to be called Nikola?”
“I answer to Nik. It’s what my mother always called me and what my friends call me. I hope to have friends here.”
“Nik it is.” Aundy’s throat tightened at the sad look on Nik’s face when he mentioned his mother. She wondered where he came from, where his family lived. From what she’d observed since he set foot in her yard, he’d been raised with good manners and someone who had been kind.
“You go settle in. I’ll keep an eye on Bob and…” Aundy looked from the lamb to Nik. “Does the lamb have a name?”
“He doesn’t, yet.” Nik grinned as he lifted a knapsack and walked out of the yard. “You could give him one, if you like.”
Aundy watched Nik saunter toward the bunkhouse, whistling a happy tune. Her attention returned to the dog and the lamb. She dropped to her knees and patted both on the head. Softly murmuring to them, warmth penetrated her back and she looked up into Garrett’s silvery eyes.
“Couldn’t help but see the parade go by,” Garrett said with a grin, hunkering down and holding out his hand toward the dog. Bob sniffed it and licked Garrett’s fingers. He rubbed the dog’s ears and scratched his back, making a new friend for life.
When the dog rolled over onto his back, Garrett gave his stomach a thorough rub, watching Aundy stroke the lamb’s little head.
“I already see disaster looming.” He inclined his head toward the lamb.
“What?” Aundy asked, turning her gaze from the lamb to the man squatting so close to her she could feel his warmth through the sleeve of her dress.
“You’re going to make a pet of that one, aren’t you?” Garrett studied the lamb. It did look kind of helpless and cute, for a stinky wooly monster.
“Quite possibly.” Aundy grinned as she continued stroking the lamb along his back. “Feel his coat. It’s so soft, like touching butter.”
“No thanks.” Garrett continued to pet the dog.
“Oh, don’t be so obstinate.” Aundy grabbed Garrett’s hand and placed it on the lamb’s back. The contact of their skin sent wild sparks shooting throughout her entire being. She quickly released his fingers.
Garrett hesitantly rubbed the lamb before petting the dog.
Aundy stood and looked down at Garrett. He gazed up at her with those silvery eyes drawing her to him like magnets.
He slowly rose to his feet and fastened his full attention on her, taking her in from the golden braid wound around her head like a crown to the toes of her shoes. As he gave her a second glance, he stepped back and raised an eyebrow.
“Where did you get that dress, Mrs. Erickson? I know for a fact it isn’t one of your creations or one your sister made.” Garrett was unsuccessful in his efforts to hide his smirk. The dress was several inches too short, revealing Aundy’s petticoats and giving him a view of slender ankles encased in light stockings. The billowing gown looked wide enough to fit two of her inside, but the color suited her well, especially now that her cheeks had blushed pink.
“Oh, I…” Aundy glanced down at the dress and realized she still had on the gown that was too short and far too wide. “My goodness.”
