Page 15 of Till The Cows Come Home
“I’m kidding! He knows I go, but we butted heads, so we’re not really on speaking terms right now.”
Jane’s eyes rolled so hard I thought they were going to get lost in the back of her head.
“Things didn’t used to be this complicated, dear. If you’re going to keep breaking and entering, bring a change of clothes.”
Touche.
The rest of the week followed suit, except I now kept a change of clothes in my car. Each morning I’d arrive to feed Blossom, and each morning there was a fresh coffee waiting for me. I would never admit it, but I began to look forward to the gesture each morning, smiling before I even rounded the corner because of what I knew awaited me. When I rounded that same barn corner on Saturday morning, though, I knew the stasis we’d created had come to an end. Another chair had been pulled up, and next to my coffee sat an identical mug, steam escaping as Miles chatted with Blossom, undoubtedly waiting for me to arrive.
Chapter Nine
Miles
Iheard Sage before I saw her, but the stray curls peeking from around the corner were an endearing confirmation. I knew she’d been coming every morning, and I decided to give her space, allowing her to experience her old life without the pressure of me standing over her shoulder. But unfortunately for her, this was my farm now, which meant eventually we’d need to address the elephant in the room. I knew there was a chance she’d see me from her hiding spot and turn around, and I hated to admit how relieved I was when she finally stepped out into my view.
“Mornin’ Miss Baker.”
She didn’t respond, raising a shy wave instead as she approached me, and I extended the mug as she came closer, hoping the peace offering would start us off on the right foot. She took it from my hand and I feigned coolness as her fingers brushed against mine.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her sleep laden voice cracking as she took the seat next to me.
I let her sip for a few moments before speaking again. “Ijust wanted to?—”
MOOOO
Sage practically blew coffee through her nose at Blossoms interruption, and I couldn’t help but laugh as her infectious giggles filled the space.
“I think you’ll have to feed her before she’ll let me talk.”
Still gaining her composure, she nodded, setting her coffee down before making her way towards the starving baby. Luckily for Blossom, it didn’t take long for her bottle to be prepped, especially since Sage shuffled around the barn with a familiarity that made her look like she belonged here. In one hand she balanced the bottle as it collected hot water while the other measured scoops of milk replacer. Seconds later Blossom was guzzling her breakfast, and as she reached the end of the bottle, Sage tipped it up, scratching the eager calf's forehead.
“You’re just the hungriest baby there is, aren't you,” she cooed and when the bottle was sucked dry, Blossom nudged at Sage’s hands.
“What did I tell you about manners,” Sage scolded, waving the calf away, who huffed dramatically before stomping back over to where she’d been sleeping.
After rinsing the bottle and tipping it upside down to dry, Sage returned to the seat next to me.
“Think she’ll let me speak now?” I joked.
“Depends on what you say. I’ve trained her as my guard calf, so she knows to step in if you act up again.”
Before I responded the calf began rolling clumsily in her bedding, thrashing from side to side, attempting to satisfy an itch. When she stopped, she sat up, head covered in wood shavings.
“She radiates terror.”
“Looks can be deceiving," she warned.
“Don’t I know it.”
We sat in silence for a moment, sipping ourcoffees, and when her mug ran dry she began to fidget, until finally she spoke.
“So, what did you want to talk about in this ominous meeting you’ve arranged? Have you finally had enough of my trespassing?”
“Kind of.”
“Wait, really?”
Panic laced her voice, and while I loved toying with her, the worry etched in between her brows had me folding like a lawn chair.
