Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“Not much of a tub in that bathroom. It’s on the list of improvements to make.”
“It’ll do.”
I watched as she moved, knowing she was in more pain than she was letting on. She was a strong woman. And stubborn.
I shook my head as I followed her. We had both those traits in common.
I watched her from afar the next day. I spoke with Tim, apologized for my gruffness and told him to bring his sister, Ella, around to pick out a kitten, or two, if she wanted.
“They’ll be able to go in a few weeks.”
He accepted my apology with the wave of his hand. “We all have those days,” he said and went about his day as usual.
Sammy wandered, taking pictures, using a camera to film different places around the ranch. She was still stiff, and I noticed her wince on occasion. I made sure she stayed off the horse today, knowing that would help. There was plenty to see and do around the main area. For some reason, I stayed close as well. I didn’t question myself too closely as to the reason why.
We drove to the farm later, Sammy carrying a container of cookies she told me she’d baked.
“You bake?” I asked.
She chuckled. “We all do. My mom and aunts love to cook. When we do our family brunches or parties, we cook for days.”
“You have a large family?”
“Well, my family is small. Three of us, plus Mom and Dad. But I have an extended family.” She shook her head with one of her wide, sun-filled smiles. “I lost count of how many there are. Close to forty now, I think. I’ll have to do a head count.”
“Wow.”
“I’m sure my dad will tell you all about them,” she said. “Or one of my uncles.” She used her fingers to make quotation marks around the word uncles.
“So, not blood family, then?”
She was quiet, then shook her head. “No. Closer, I think. Found family. I’m very lucky my dad met my mom and adopted me.”
“Oh,” I said.
“He’s the greatest man I know. All my uncles and cousins are close seconds.”
We pulled up to the farmhouse, and I smiled. “I look forward to hearing more about them.”
Surprisingly, it wasn’t just a polite statement. I was curious about her. Her family.
Again, I didn’t question why.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
SAMMY
Despite his injuries, Tyler Johnstone was a handsome man. Underneath the bruises, the cast that covered his leg, and the sling around his arm, I could see the man Rachel loved. He was tall and lean, his shoulders broad and his body well muscled from the physical labor he did. He had hair that was so blond it was almost white, bleached by his constant time in the sun. His eyes were a soft blue, and I wondered which hue their children would inherit. He gazed at Rachel with utter adoration. He shook my hand and smiled, teasing Luke and me about our first meeting. Luckily, Luke laughed along, and we left it at that.
Dinner was a loud affair, the table groaning with food. I always had a good appetite, but since arriving on the ranch, I was shocked at the amount of food I consumed. It seemed to taste better after a day of working in the fresh air.
Jane offered me the platter of roast beef, and I took more along with the mashed potatoes. Luke caught my eye and winked, making me blush for some reason. Then I tossed my hair and took a piece of chicken too.
“This is delicious,” I praised Jane. “I’ve never tasted such good beef.”
“My cows,” Luke said.
“Oh.”
“We trade,” Jane explained. “His beef for our pigs and some chickens, plus whatever else to make the trade fair.”
Luke laughed. “It’s a good trade. My freezer is full year-round with meat and vegetables from your farm. Never mind the honey and cheese.”
Harry laughed. “Your hay feeds our animals. We’re a good team.”
Tyler squeezed Rachel’s hand. “We are.”
“Where’s Henry?” Luke asked, referring to Tyler’s brother.
“Out with Linda. It’s their anniversary.”
“Speaking of anniversaries, when is your wedding?” I asked.
“September,” Rachel said. “You have to come.”
“I would love that if my schedule permits.” I winked. “I’ll pencil you in.”
Everyone laughed, and Jane turned to me. “Rachel says your sister is an author.”
“Yes,” I said proudly. “One of her books is about to be made into a movie.”
“How exciting.”
“We’re very proud. We all love to read. We even have a family book club.”
Rachel clapped her hands. “I love to read too. What name does your sister write under?”
“A.M. Archer.”
Her eyes went wide. “Oh my God, I love her.”
I chuckled. “I’ll get her to send you a book.”
“That would be awesome.”
“Do your family read her as part of your club?”
I laughed. “No. I preread for her, and they all do read her books. But they are, ah, rather steamy, and we have trouble associating those with our Mila. We usually read historical romance. That’s kind of our jam.”