Page 33 of Hearts of Briarwall

At the same time, they both bent to work on the calf, rubbing, scraping, cajoling.

“Lydia—” Andrew said.

She shook her head and smoothed one hand along the calf’s throat again as she attempted to clear the airway with her other. “It’s too soon to give up.”

Spencer rubbed the straw vigorously over the calf’s middle, figuring if anything would help, it would be circulation.

“Come now, little one,” Lydia murmured. “Your mum is waiting.”

Spencer rubbed harder, though his hope waned. He glanced at Lydia, who closed her eyes and whispered, “Please.”

Then, a weak bleat was heard.

Lydia gasped, her wide gaze finding his. “Did you hear that?” she said, rubbing the calf more vigorously along its neck.

“I did,” Spencer said. He turned to Andrew as if he needed to support her claim. “I heard it.”

Andrew came forward again, watching, waiting.

And there it was again, sounding a bit perturbed.

“Well done!” Latimer cried. “A fighter, this one. Let’s get him down and dried off. There’s still some tending to for the mother, remember.”

Andrew dropped his head, shaking it. “You never give up, do you?” he asked his sister.

She reached up to muss his hair, and he swatted her soiled hand away. “Someday you’ll learn.”

Together they brought the calf to his mother, and when all seemed well, they stood back. In her fatigue, Lydia stumbled into Spencer’s side, her body unexpectedly warm and soft. He instantly drew his arm around her to steady her, and she smiled her thanks, rendering him speechless.

Though she stepped away after a moment, and his arm slid back down to his side, she stayed close. Close enough that her warmth still pervaded his senses. With the three of them standing in the dimly lit barn, among sweat and hay and babies, Spencer couldn’t help but feel a part of something. A part of somethingright.

The veterinarian arrived minutes later, administering medicines and vitamins and verifying that all mothers and young were well.

“Spencer,” Andrew said as they washed up at the pump, “would you take Lydia back to the house? I’ll stay to make sure everything’s taken care of. I’m sure she’s exhausted.”

“Of course, but more like she’ll be taking me back. I don’t think I’m awake enough to stay on that horse. I’m beat.”

Andrew chuckled as he dried his hands. “Goldy should be steady enough to keep you seated.” He passed Spencer the towel. “Thanks for your help. I know that wasn’t expected.”

“My visits to Briarwall always were an adventure.”

Andrew chuckled again. It was good to see his spirits lighter, after what had happened earlier in the stable.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” Spencer said.

“I believe it is morning. Today we meet to discuss your big idea. After we get some sleep, of course.”

Spencer paused. In all the hubbub, he’d forgotten he’d be presenting his business plan. He nodded. “I’ll see you later today, then.” He turned.

“Oh, and Spencer?”

“Yes?”

Andrew took in a deep breath and let it go. “Lydia’s not allowed to name the animals. Part of the deal we made when we bought the herd. I hadn’t the heart to remind her that they’re beef cattle, after all. She may need to hear it again.”

Spencer winced. “How is that my responsibility?”

“Only if you hear her referring to ‘Buttercup’ or ‘Clover’ or some such, let me know.”

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