Page 21 of Her Cowboy Baby Daddy
“But we draw the line at fence repair.” Connor gave Ash a look, then the two busted up laughing.
“We fix a lot of fence,” Connor explained. “Last summer, Vince did the work of two guys in the fields so that we could do the work of four on the fences. Really bad winter damage.”
“Hayley was shorthanded last year too?” Because she made it sound like this year was an exception.
“Not really. One of our friends was working with us last summer and Vince always does the work of two guys because he can’t help himself.” Ash shifted his weight. “Hayley was still getting over her dad, and we all went the extra mile to help her keep busy, which is why the place looks like it does.”
“All shiny and new,” Connor added.
“It does look good,” Spence said.
“This will be a more normal year. Ten-hour days instead of twelve or fourteen.” Ash tucked a thumb into his front pocket as he stared out across the fields.
“Less pay, but also less painting,” Connor added.
“Because there’s nothing left to paint,” Ash pointed out.
Spence nodded. “Yeah. I think you got it all.”
“Are you going to be working here?” Ash asked.
“On and off,” Spence said. “I’m building the pipe corrals and helping out where needed until my dad has back surgery. Then... I don’t know.”
“You won’t be taking Vince’s place?” Connor asked.
“That’d be Andie,” Hayley said from behind Spence. He’d heard her footsteps as she walked behind the barn, but hadn’t turned to see whether it was Andie or Hayley, because he knew without looking. “Spence is moving on after the summer is over, right?”
“I travel,” he said to the boys.
“Traveling pays well?” Ash asked.
“It does when you’re operating an arc welder.”
“Ah.” Connor gave him a thoughtful frown. “Do you get paid... like... pretty well?”
“It’s decent money,” Spence said. “And I enjoy the traveling part. That said, not everyone is cut out for it.”
“But you are?”
Spence shrugged. “Born under a wandering star.”
The boys exchanged looks, as if unfamiliar with the saying, but neither Hayley nor Spence enlightened them.
Hayley gestured with her head toward the house. “Head inside and I’ll find Andie, so that I can introduce you and line out what the summer’s going to look like without Vince.” She raised her eyebrows and said gravely, “No painting this year.”
“Yay,” Ash said half-heartedly before giving Hayley a genuine smile. “Looking forward to meeting this Andie person.”
“I’m sure you are,” Hayley said. “Just be careful she doesn’t hurt your feelings.”
“She?” Ash said at the same time that Connor said, “Our boss is a lady?”
“And she pulls no punches,” Hayley added mildly.
“Punching boss,” Ash said. “I like it.”
“Punchingladyboss,” Connor said with a lift of his blond eyebrows.
“Careful or she’ll have you for breakfast,” Hayley called as the two started toward the house. Then she turned to Spence. “That’s my crew.”
