8. Amos

EIGHT

AMOS

I hate like hell that Genevieve’s lost all hope of seeing more of Midnight Falls once we head toward Clay’s ranch. Which is why when we get to his place, I’m going to pull him aside, ask to off-load the trailer, and head right back to where we just were and make Genevieve’s day. I’ll obviously need a hotel room, one with a balcony. Genny has yet to come out and talk about her avoidance of big crowds. No, not even big crowds, crowds in general. Where people are talking loudly, where she doesn’t know anyone, and where I’ve seen her hide away in a corner to escape the mayhem. It’s a good thing our family is small. I figure the Johnson family would probably overload her within sixty seconds flat.

Ten minutes later, I’m pulling onto the dirt driveway leading to Clay’s place. He lives closer to the edge of town and owns just enough acreage with a small house on the land to breed bison. Since Trey and I are doing so well, too damn well at times, we wanted to make sure we got more stock from Clay.

“Wow,” Genny breathes out. The landscape is different from Wyoming, but one thing stays the same: seeing the beauty in the animals always makes me stop in my tracks, and it seems that Genevieve is having the same reaction.

“It never gets old.” We’ve driven through countless roadways, watched wildlife along the way, but seeing the herd together is a lot like being back at home.

“It doesn’t. I have to say, Texas is pretty, but Wyoming is beautiful.” A couple of dogs take off from the house. Clay stands near the porch railing, more than likely whistling for them to come back, but they don’t listen. They never freaking do. He threatens to send them home with me often, knowing Sienna would have a soft spot for them, but after the bison are back in Wyoming, the Ellison ranch is closed for business in the pet department. Sienna took her dog, Champ. What she didn’t take was the rest of the wildlife that likes to make homes beneath the porch or nuisances that like to get into the trash, and I don’t want to mention all the other critters that like to make their home in the barn.

“I couldn’t agree more.” I park the truck near the pasture. With any luck, Genevieve will walk around while I talk to Clay to figure out the best hotel or bed and breakfast to stay in. That is if Clay doesn’t mind. It could go either way. We’re more business partners than friends. Still, I’d be willing to offer him some money for one more night.

“How old are the calves you’re picking up today?” I wince, worried about what she’s going to think about how this works when it comes to being a farmer.

“The male calves wean when they’re six months. The female calves take a bit longer; they like to stay with their mom.”

“Oh, is that normal?” There’s a wistfulness to her tone, and it’s clear she’s not been around farm animals. Not that I’m surprised. Sienna did let me know that while she grew up in a small town that’s a little bigger than Arrowleaf, they didn’t have a ranch of any kind. The only animals she had were pet dogs and cats. Her dad raised her solo, a lot like Ryland Johnson is with Case, except Ry has a family whose heart is made of gold. Genevieve had her dad and his parents to help raise her. They made it work, and Genny turned out more than alright. Clearly, they did something right.

“Yeah, it is. We’re taking about twenty of them, babies and their mommas.” I watch as the anxiousness leaves her body. Shit, I’m going to have to shield my woman during calving season. There’s no way she’ll be able to handle losing a baby. While most men would want their woman to get over it, I had my mom for more years than Sienna. She was soft where it counted—her husband, her kids, and her animals. Dad didn’t begrudge her. Instead, he’d come up to the house, take his hat off, and give her the news. She’d shed a few tears, and Dad would take her in his arms, holding her until she settled down. He did it time and time again. I know without a doubt I’ll be doing the same when it comes to Genevieve.

“That’s good.” Genny unbuckles her seatbelt, and I follow suit.

“It is. Come on. I’ll introduce you to Clay, and you can take a look around. He’s got more than bison. There are longhorns, goats, lambs, and who knows what else he’s added since the last time I came down here.” Clay makes the Johnson ranch look like amateur hour, though he’s usually in the breeding department before he sells them off to other ranchers all over the country. Lately, he’s been getting into thoroughbred horses, big time money. I also think he’s getting restless staying in one place for so long, but that’s just my theory.

We exit the truck; Genevieve is out her side of the vehicle before I can make my way around. Damn independent streak is shining brightly right about now, probably because she’s tired of sitting in the damn truck for as long as she has. I know her and Sienna’s job can be sedentary, and I also know that she stands a lot of the time when painting so she can rock back and forth to keep her attention on her task.

“Hey, Amos.” Clay meets me at the front truck, hand out, ready to shake. I offer him mine, my other hand settling on Genny’s lower back.

“Hey, Clay. This is Genevieve. How ya been?”

“Nice to meet you, Genevieve.” They shake hands. She’s quick to pull back and settle closer to my side. Son of a bitch. I should have asked how to play this out instead of thrusting her into the fold without a care in the world. I’m a fucking dickhead. The next time we’re alone, I’ll apologize and take care to let her know that won’t happen again.

“Been doing good. Ready to see this herd off. The others are about out of here, too. Thinking about heading to Colorado. There are a few horse farms up there I wouldn’t mind getting to see in action.”

“I remember you talking about heading out of Texas,” I reply. Genny pats her hand on my abdomen to get my attention.

“I’m going to walk around while you two talk shop, is that okay?” She looks up at me with uncertainty. Not exactly sure what that’s about, but I’m pretty sure it has to do with Clay and her only just meeting him.

“That’s fine, sweetheart.” I brush my lips long her forehead before looking back at Clay. “You good with that? ”

“Yeah, none of the fencing is hot. The alpacas might spit on you, but other than that, all of the animals should be friendly,” he offers. Genevieve doesn’t respond, only nods and then heads back the direction we came in. I turn my back on Clay, watching her the entire time.

“That’s new,” he states more than asks.

“Sienna’s best friend. Been brewing for a while. I’m pretty sure my sister schemed Genevieve into riding along with me. You won’t see me complaining.” Clay places his forearms on the hood of the truck. I prop myself up and keep an eye on Genny.

“I wouldn’t be either. She’s real pretty.” My gaze whips to his, jaw clenching. “Hey, not touching. She’s yours, and it’s obvious your hers. I’m pretty sure I interrupted a silent conversation with my presence alone. Happy for you, man. Seems like everyone is settling down, and if a workaholic like yourself can find a little lady, maybe I can, too.”

“You should do it. Nothing tying you to Texas?” I ask.

“Not a thing. Got animals, but there are plenty of people who want them. Thinking about selling this place, trade the trailer in for a fifth wheel camper, and hitting the road.” Clay isn’t usually this talkative. Apparently, he’s got a lot to say today, and I’ve got not one single problem listening.

“You should go for it, Clay. If you ever find yourself in Wyoming, you’ll always have a place to stay for however long you want.” It’s the truth. Trey or I, we’d open it up for Clay without a second thought.

“Appreciate it. You ready to load these animals up?” Clay gives me the perfect opportunity to ask my favor.

“Actually, Genevieve fell in love with your downtown area. Think you can keep them for another night, allow me to leave the trailer and we’ll be back first thing in the morning? I’ll add another couple of hundred dollars onto what I owe you.” Clay would be doing me a solid, he and I both know it.

“Keep your damn money. I’ve made enough off you and Trey that it should be damn criminal. Give me a call or shoot me a text when you’re heading this way. I’ll have them loaded up for you. That way, you can get the hell out of here and head home.” I wasn’t expecting that. Can’t say I wouldn’t do the same thing if roles were reversed.

“Damn thankful. Got one more question. Best place to stay that will overlook tonight’s festivities?” The banner above the street stated they have nightly street festivals.

“My aunt owns one of the bed and breakfast places down there. I’ll give her a call. It’ll cost you to have a balcony, but usually, those aren’t booked out like the other rooms. Though, I’d much rather watch from above than be in the thick of it. Smart thinking.” Clay bangs his knuckles on the hood and pushes himself off. “Give me a few minutes to make the call. You can go ahead and unhook your trailer. I know my aunt well enough she’ll shuffle people around if need be, for her favorite nephew.”

“Damn, you don’t have to go to all that trouble. I appreciate it all the same.”

“Not a problem. Might take you up on that offer to come to Wyoming after I hit Colorado,” he says, pulling his phone out of his pocket.

“Whenever. We’ll be there.” While Clay is on the phone, I disconnect the trailer, and when I’m done, I’ll find Genevieve to give her the good news. Fuck, another night with her wrapped in my arms, this time without clothes. We’re going to take full advantage of our time together. Tomorrow is going to be torture for her. I’m going to be dog fucking tired by the time we make it back to the ranch, off-load the herd, grab a shower, and make it to bed.