the only real cow was a Holstein, and it made him happy. Five o’clock in the morning came early, but the time he spent in the milking parlor with the radio on was the best part of his day. Calm, quiet. Just him, the cows and country music.
And when George Grant had decided to retire and sell off his quota, it had seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Callum pushed away from the table and took his plate to the sink. It was full with dirty dishes. God, what a disaster. He had to do something, especially if Avery Spencer came around again.
He picked up the phone and dialed the only person he’d trusted since moving to the area: Tyson Diamond. Ty and his brother Sam ran the biggest ranch around but you’d never know it. Friendly, down-to-earth and always ready to offer advice or a willing hand, the brothers had eased Callum’s way as he’d taken over Grant’s farm. And neither of them had asked too many questions, either.
Ty answered on the first ring. “Tyson Diamond.”
“Ty, it’s Callum.”
“Hey, brother.” Callum suppressed a smile; Ty had an easy-going way about him that his older brother, Sam, didn’t and it showed, even in the simple greeting. There was a scuffling noise and then the sound cleared. “What can I do for you?”
“I need your advice. Or maybe your wife’s advice.”
“Clara? She’s up at the house. I can get her to call you. What’s it about?”
“I need a hand and thought she could recommend someone.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I need someone to help me clean out this pigsty. I can’t afford anyone really expensive…”
Ty’s laugh came over the line. “You’re calling for a maid.”
“Just temporarily. To help me get caught up.”
“You should talk to Angela. She might have someone at the women’s shelter who’s looking for a job or even just a few extra hours somewhere. If that’d be okay, I’ll pass the info along.”
“That’d be fine. And the sooner the better.”
“Any particular reason?”
He thought of Avery looking down her nose at the state of his living room, then pictured her clear blue eyes as they’d stared into his this morning. “Uh, not really. Just needs to be done, and I don’t have the time to do it.”
“Nothing to do with the woman you were seen with in town this morning, then?”
This was exactly why he’d wanted to talk privately instead of on a bench in the middle of Main Street. “Honestly, you’re a worse gossip than the women.”
Ty’s laugh echoed in his ear. “No gossip. I passed you on my way to the hardware store, but you were talking and didn’t notice. But you’re awfully sensitive about it…”
The teasing note in Ty’s voice reminded Callum of what it was like to have friends, and the thought sent a spear of pain through him. “If you could pass on the request, that’d be great.”
“Yeah, yeah, sure. No problem. Got that load of hay for you here, too, whenever you’re ready. We can deliver it on the weekend if you like.”
“Thanks, that’d be great. Gotta run.”
He hung up and wiped his hand over his face. Tyson reminded him of Pete, and maybe a little of Matt and the others. Always good for a laugh or a favor.
Except they weren’t anymore. Callum’s fingers tightened on the edge of the table. They’d all followed their orders—all except Callum. He’d been sleeping off a night of drunkenness in the brig. Because of it, the section had gone out without him. When the IED went off, he’d been safe and sound. They hadn’t, and he’d had to live with that ever since.
On Friday morning Avery splurged on a long-distance call to her boss, Denise. Working at The Icing On Top was a dream job, and she wanted to reassure Denise that she’d be back to work as planned in a few days. Denise had been incredibly sympathetic to Avery’s situation, giving her whatever time she needed after Crystal’s death. Instead of applying for parental leave and trying to make do on a reduced salary, Denise had even allowed Avery to bring Nell to work at the bakery. Once Nell was older, Avery knew she would have to put her in day care, but for now, during these first precious months, Avery was able to keep Nell with her. She was getting quite good at decorating with the baby in the Snugli carrier, and she kept the playpen in the back office and a baby monitor in the bakery kitchen. When the time came for Denise to expand, Avery wanted to be first in line to manage the new location.
She owed Denise a lot, and the last thing she wanted to do was take her generosity for granted. She wanted to reassure Denise that she’d be back to work first thing after her return.
Denise’s voice sounded stressed on the other end of the line as she finally answered on the sixth ring. “Hey, I was going to call you today,” she said.
“Is something wrong?”
“Not wrong, per se. Just…you don’t have to hurry back this week after all. The bakery’s going to be closed for a few weeks for repairs.”
“Repairs? What happened?” Avery sat heavily on the bed as she counted the missed wages in her mind.
“A fire at the pizza place next door. We’re okay—just some damage to the front awning which is easily replaced. But the electrics are a mess and there’s a fair bit of water damage. There’s no way we can reopen until that’s taken care of.”
“Oh, Denise. I’m so sorry.” She knew what having to close would do to a bottom line.
“I know. But that’s what insurance is for.” Denise paused. “How are things going, anyway?”
“I really don’t know.” Avery sighed. “Callum is very different from the guy I remember, and he’s not too keen on Nell. I haven’t seen him in a couple of days. We’re going for a paternity test in a few minutes.”
“Well, that’s sort of what you wanted, right? Full custody without a bunch of drama?” Denise’s voice was hopeful. God bless her, Denise always tried to look on the bright side.
Avery shrugged even though Denise wasn’t there to see her. “I don’t really know what I want. I want Nell to know her father like I never did, but I want to have her all to myself, too. Trying to figure out how to have it both ways is proving a challenge.”
“Well, if anyone can do it, you can. You remember that. You’re way stronger than you think. Not everyone could have stepped in and done what you’ve done the last few months. Keep your chin up and I’ll be in touch when I know more about a reopening date.”
“Will do. And thanks,” she added warmly. “For everything.”
“I know, I know. Boss of the year.”
Avery could picture Denise’s crooked smile. “Decade. Century, even.”
After they hung up Avery let out a big breath. She was still trying to process the news when Callum’s truck pulled up outside the bed-and-breakfast. Nerves churned in Avery’s tummy. She hurried to grab the carrier
