his hand. “Sorry, Trace, that’s none of my business. I’m just glad you two got together.”
Trace continued to stroke the animal. “We were talking until Jarrett showed up.”
The foreman’s eyes narrowed. “He seemed bent on seeing you. What’s he up to?”
Cal knew as well as Trace that Jarrett never did anything unless it benefited him. “He probably wants to know when that last payment I owe him is coming.”
The foreman frowned. He knew the conditions of the loan. “Are you late?”
Trace shook his head. “No, but I’m not sure I can make the full amount on the final payment.” He could lose it all.
“Would your brother give you more time? I mean, with the market the way it is.”
“I doubt it. When has he ever done me a favor?”
Five years ago, Jarrett couldn’t wait to sell off most of his share of the ranch, and offered Trace the first opportunity to buy it. Trace hadn’t hesitated, but things had been tight this past year, and the payment was due to Jarrett in thirty days.
“I might have to sell the breeding bulls.”
“No way. You need another year or two to build the herd. There’s some serious money in those guys. Rocky will sire some good stock.”
Trace put down the brush. “But I can get ready cash for them. Joel Lewis is interested. And I can’t lose everything now.” His thoughts turned to Kira. He could lose more than the ranch.
“You know Lewis is mostly talk. Look, Trace, I have some money saved I could loan you.”
Trace was touched by the offer. “Thanks, Cal, I’m grateful for the offer, but it’s not a good idea to borrow from friends.”
“Maybe I want to invest if Jarrett is threatening you. Not a full partnership, but just a percentage of the place.” Kind light-blue eyes studied Trace. “Well, maybe you can talk it over with Kira before you nix the idea.”
Trace walked out of the stall. “She’s never shown much interest in the running of the ranch.”
“Maybe she would this time.”
Trace pushed his hat back and sighed. He didn’t want to add to their troubles. “She has enough on her mind.”
Cal nodded. “If you say so. Well, I guess I better go put away the feed that was delivered.”
Trace stopped him. “Has Kira said something to you?”
“No. She just always asks about things, and seems genuinely interested when I tell her.” The foreman shrugged. “But I can’t tell you how to talk to your wife, Trace.”
He hadn’t been talking to Kira at all until she’d come to see him yesterday. And she wasn’t going to be his wife much longer. “Hell, I’ve been living in the bunkhouse for the past two months. I haven’t been doing such a great job of it myself.”
“And you don’t need a lecture from me. But I think if there are problems with the missus, living out here and keeping things from her isn’t the best way for fixin’ things between you.”
Cal was probably the only one who knew about their problems. “The adoption agency notified us. Kira wants me to move back to the house and pretend we’re a happy couple.”
A smile appeared on his friend’s face. “You don’t look very happy about it.”
“All she wants is six months. After the adoption becomes final she’s going to leave.”
Cal raised an eyebrow then he said, “I know it’s been rough. Kira’s gone through a lot and she wants a baby.”
“So do I. And how can I just walk away from a child?”
“Who says you have to? You can still be the kid’s father, Kira’s husband. Who’s to say you can’t get an extension on the six months?”
So much had already passed between them, so much hurt. He didn’t know if they could go back to how it was before. “I don’t know if I can.”
“If you’re not ready, then take it slow.”
Trace never had been one who shared things, but Cal was as close as they came. He valued his opinion, and advice. “She wants me to stay in the house but not in the same room.”
His friend smiled slowly. “Hey, it’s a start.”
“Trace?”
At the sound of Kira’s voice, he turned to find her standing in the barn entrance, holding a bag of groceries.
“Kira.” He walked toward her and took the sack from her. “Is there a problem?” Great, is that all he could come up with?
She glanced away shyly. “I had an easy afternoon at school and decided to cook supper.” She looked at Cal and smiled. “Hello, Jonah.”
“Kira, it’s nice to see you.”
“It’s nice to see you, too. I hope you’re ready for about thirty teenagers coming out.”
“Are we ever ready?”
Kira laughed. “I guess not, but it’s fun.”
Trace found he was jealous of their easy banter. “Is there a reason you came to see me?”
Kira looked at him. “I wanted to ask if you’d come to supper.” She turned back to Cal. “You’re welcome, too, Jonah.”
The foreman blushed. “Thank you for the invitation, Kira, but it’s my bowling night.” He tipped his hat. “I should finish up my chores.” He leaned toward his friend and whispered, “Slow and easy.” Cal turned and walked out.
“What did he say?” Kira asked.
He shrugged. “Just something I need to remember.”
An hour later when Trace stepped inside the house, the scent of apples and cinnamon teased his nose. Ordinarily he didn’t take time to look around; he’d grown up in this house, but today he was mindful of it all.
A wide staircase led to a second floor where there were four large bedrooms. The living room was painted gray-green to offset the dark woodwork and floors. An overstuffed green sofa faced the used-brick fireplace.
That was when he noticed them, Kira’s touches. An easy chair she’d bought for him right after they were married, saying he needed a place to relax. The large coffee table where the photo album of his childhood rested. More family pictures hung on the brightly painted walls. His family, not hers. He remembered her saying she lost her parents’ pictures while moving around in foster care. He’d never thought much about her being alone in her life. She’d always seemed so outgoing and everyone liked her.
Trace moved quickly down the hall through the dining room, which was a sunny-gold color trimmed in oak wainscoting.
