Page 31 of Her Cowboy Baby Daddy
“You’ll stay here on the ranch,” Daniel said. “But Henry, no offense, you’re slowing down.”
The old man let out a sigh. “I know. But I can’t stay if I don’t earn my keep.”
“You’ve already done that. If you don’t stay in your trailer, the mice will move in.”
The old man cocked an eyebrow.
“You’re family, Henry. Stay in the trailer. Work when we need an extra pair of hands, but for Pete’s sake, set a retirement date.”
“End of the month.”
Daniel cocked an eyebrow at Spence. “Does that work for you?”
“I can take that contract Millie’s been hounding me about.”
“Can I still work?” Henry asked. “I mean after I retire. Like let’s say you need someone to swath a field.”
“Only after you take off three months. Then, if you want to work, we’ll discuss.”
“Three months?”
Spence nodded at his dad. “That works for me. After this contract, I’ll make certain Millie understands that I’m unavailable until the end of September.”
“Cade’s coming back during his hiatus, and who knows, maybe he’ll stay.” Daniel gave Henry the eye. “Because this one won’t.”
“I’ll be back on the road come October,” Spence affirmed to Henry. “This is Mom’s best shot at getting another kid closer to home.” He gave his dad a look. “I do visit frequently.”
“And we appreciate that, son.”
Once the Henry retirement business was seemingly settled—seemingly, because Spence wasn’t convinced that Henry was going to quit voluntarily when the time came—Spence called Millie, who in turn let out a gratefulwoot.
“Last time until October.”
“I promise.”
“I’m blocking your number until then.”
“Spence... fine. Block me. Just take this contract.”
So he did, leaving early Sunday morning to drive to southern Nevada, with plans to return eight days later—unless something went sideways. As it always did.
*
Andie Landry wasa woman who put her head down and worked at a task until it was not only done, but done well. Carter Hunt’s loss was Hayley’s gain, which was why Hayley came to a dead stop outside the barn she’d been about to enter when she heard Andie say, “I appreciate the offer, but I made a commitment.”
Andie had an offer? And judging from the regret in her voice, it was one she would like to take. Hayley walked through the barn door. Andie’s head came up. She said a quick goodbye, then pocketed her phone.
“Ready to go,” she said, hoisting the saddle next to her.
“Great. Uh... I overheard your conversation.” Which was kind of becoming a habit with her. First Spence, now Andie. “Do you have a job offer?”
Andie’s cheeks went rosy, a response that was probably not all that common for the woman. “That was Brandon Grady’s boss on the Marvell Ranch. Their horse trainer is pregnant and just got ordered to scale back because she’s expecting twins. They’re looking for someone.”
“And he called you.”
Andie nodded. “Brandon recommended me. But don’t worry. You need me, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Hayley considered this as she went into the tack area and collected her own saddle. “Maybe you should.”
