Page 19 of Moonlight Over Montana

“Again, I—”

Maggie held up her hand to stop him mid-sentence. “Before you reject me again, can you say you’ll think about it and know if you need me, all you have to do is ask?”

He wiped his hands on the towel resting on his shoulder. Giving her a thoughtful look, he said, “Any chance you’d like to make a few pies for the hands for Saturday dinner? Nothing fancy but I like to have a nice dessert our last meal of the week. Sundays everyone’s pretty much on their own since it’s my day off.”

She exhaled and grinned. “I love making pies and you just tell me what I should pick up in town and I’m your baker. I can also make biscuits, cookies, breads, whatever else you need to go with dinner.”

He laughed softly. “Don’t go gettin’ carried away. Pies will be more than enough help and something different for the hands. And don’t worry about supplies. I’m well stocked and we got a few bushels of apples from Riverbank Orchards.”

Her mind began to whirl. “I could make a traditional pie, a Dutch apple, and I’m sure I can concoct a few more variations if that’s okay with you.” She wasn’t about to overstep in his kitchen since he had just given her this olive branch.

“If you could make ten pies, that would give us some leftovers in case anyone wants a slice on Sunday.”

“I thought the dining hall was closed?” Now she was confused about his schedule.

“The kitchen is, but there is always food for anyone who’s hungry. Everyone knows which refrigerators are free game and what to stay out of.”

She nodded and stuck her hands in her pockets. “Ten pies of the apple variety. You got it.”

“Or anything else you can find you want to use. How about you swing by after breakfast on Saturday and I’ll set up a space for you to bake.”

She withdrew her right hand and extended it. “Thanks for allowing me to repay your hospitality.”

“Don’t thank me. It’s all Annie and Linc, and I have to cook for the crew so two more mouths are no big deal.”

“Except you might not have as much for Wednesday’s soup?”

This time his smile reached his eyes. “So, you’ve heard?”

He shook her hand, and she said, “I can’t wait for next Wednesday.”

Maggie went back into the main dining room and Jed was still in the same spot. “How’d it go with Quinn?”

She tipped her head and said, “I’m baking pies on Saturday for everyone.”

“How on earth did you manage to get invited into his kitchen, and to bake no less?”

“Honesty will get you what you want every time. Besides, I think he’s just a good guy and recognizes I was desperate for something to do.”

“Mind if I walk you home since you’re basically on the way?” He set his cowboy hat on his head and nodded in Susie’s direction as she yawned. “Someone’s tired.”

They crossed the room to the door and Susie headed in their direction. “She’s not the only one. And how about I escort you home since your cabin is first.”

He looked down into her eyes, causing her heart rate to kick up, and held open the door. “This is a first. I don’t think a beautiful lady has ever walked me home.”

10

Two days later Jed came out of his cabin and noticed the front door on what he now referred to as Maggie’s was standing open. A backpack and pair of boots were on the top steps, but he didn’t see Maggie or her daughter. He wanted to wander over there, but they needed time to get into a groove and didn’t need him around.

Adjusting his hat and snapping his heavy coat closed, he heard his name. A smile filled his face as he turned around. “Good morning, Mags. I see Susie’s getting ready for school.” Maggie looked pretty this morning, with a light-blue puffer vest, which matched her eyes, a dark turtleneck, jeans that hugged her curves, new cowboy boots, and her long blond hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail. She had added a touch of makeup to her eyes and pale-pink lipstick on her lush mouth.

“How could you—” She grinned and caught sight of the bag and boots. “Telltale signs. Everything gets piled up before she comes flying out the door saying we’re gonna be late.”

“Keys are in the truck.”

She crossed the porch so they were closer. “I wanted to ask if it’s okay and you don’t need your truck right away, I wanna drive into Bozeman to look for a vehicle. But if you need it, I can come back to the ranch.”

He ran down the list of chores he had planned for today and other than the regular stuff that Zak could help out with, there was nothing overly pressing. “Want some company?”

---