Page 8 of A Cowboy's Trust
She wasn’t sure she would’ve reacted quite as well under the same circumstances. If she’d shown up for work one day and Jake had unexpectedly been dishwashing, she would’ve given her sister Rose what for.
No. The man had been shocked out of his mind but behaved properly, which said a lot about his character. Maybe she’d even cook his favourite meal this week.
She wouldn’t tell him why, but she’d cook it, nevertheless.
“Look who’s already getting snug as a bug in a rug.”
Tansy whirled. “I’ll let you have that saying for its cutesy factor but remind you I usually draw the line at bugs anywhere around my person.”
Petra swooped in and tangled Tansy in a hug. “Fine, no bugs. But I am glad you’re here. This is the most amazing thing, and I’m so excited that you’re going to be part of this with me. I mean with us. I mean with all of High Water.”
Laughter bubbled up. “I’m cooking for you, not finding a cure for cancer.”
“On a scale of one to ten, you living here is a solid ten. Curing cancer would be a twenty, but I’m not setting my expectations that high.” Petra plopped onto the bed, bouncing as she grinned across the space between them. “I know you’ll have more details for everybody later, but you obviously figured out a schedule. You’re not expected to produce culinary masterpieces three times a day seven days a week.”
“That would be a logistical nightmare,” Tansy said with a firm nod. “I have done some planning—I can’t believe those words just came out of my mouth. I assume it’s Jake I should give those details to.”
“Probably.”
“We signed a contract, but can you really truly afford to be paying me what you are?” When Declan had sent over the contract Tansy had nearly fallen off her chair.
Petra paused. “You’ll find out more about the finances of High Water as you go along, since you need to have the ability to order food and the rest of it, but they really can afford you. The boys’ stepdad was an amazing man in more ways than one. He left them a healthy inheritance that they didn’t touch until coming to Heart Falls. Add in what they make, and what I make doing odd jobs, and the money that will be coming in from the retreat house… We can’t be super extravagant, but we can afford you.” She snickered. “In fact, it’ll cost less than what Jake spent buying meals from you three or four times a week.”
“I always appreciated the patronage,” Tansy said brightly. “Okay, then I will stop worrying about that, but remember I also want to contribute. Doesn’t seem right that I’m the only one putting money in my pocket at the end of the day while all of you pile your resources back into the ranch.”
“You’ll earn every penny between juggling what you still need to do for Buns and Roses café and cooking and coordinating here. Trust me, you’re worth it.”
It was nice to hear it, but Tansy would keep her eye out for any signs that she was a burden instead of a help.
“Time to focus on the really important details,” Petra said seriously. “First, check your messages. You have your phone on Do Not Disturb, and I know there’s a note waiting for you.”
Tansy pulled out her phone, curiosity quickly answered as she spotted the message from Sydney, the final member of their friendship trio. She read it with Petra hanging over her shoulder.
Sydney: Hey, darling. Sorry I can’t be there to happy dance in your presence, but trust me, I’m doing one right now for you. Yes, the doctors and nurses around me are giving me the stink eye, but pfft on them.
Sydney: I’m off to bed once my shift is done, but I wanted to tell you that I think you’re going to rock this job, same as you have knocked it out of the park in all previous endeavours. Looking forward to celebrating with you when I can.
Sydney: Love you lots! Happy New Year and <3 xoxox Get a hug from Petra from me!
Warmth bloomed in Tansy’s heart. She really did have the best friends in the world, even if nailing down Sydney was sometimes like catching the wind.
A second later Tansy was enveloped by two strong arms and hugged vigorously.
Petra squeezed her hard then pulled back just far enough to offer a very serious expression. “Now, second most important thing. Do you plan on making more of those fist-sized peanut butter cookies, and can you hide them in a secret cookie stash so that no one but me can get their paws on them?”
A snicker escaped. “I’m about to get requests for secret treats from every one of you. How will I possibly hide them all?”
“You’re sneaky, so you’ll find a way,” Petra offered proudly. “Also, I have a lard container I saved that we can put in the freezer. You can use that for mine.”
Laughter mixed with footsteps in the hallway, followed by a loud squeal of excitement. A second later, Jinx slid into the room, a bouncing dog on her heels. She glanced about then made a dive for Tansy. “You’re here.”
Tansy soaked in the sensation of the unexpected hug, squeezing back even as she met Petra’s eyes and saw happiness there. “I’m here. As promised.”
Jinx let go, speaking before she was out of arm’s reach. She reached down and stroked Dixie’s head as words spilled out of her. “Will you teach me to cook?”
“You want to be my sous chef?” Tansy was delighted but figured she’d better make sure that was approved. She glanced at Petra, who shrugged. Jinx waited. Tansy lifted her hands in the air. “Hey, I have zero problem with you helping, which is the best way to learn. But I’m pretty sure you have other things you need to do as well, so we’d better double-check with the powers that be before I promise you the moon and stars.”
“I want to make those moon-shaped cookies,” Jinx blurted out.
