The Mechanics of Mistletoe - Liz Isaacson Page 0,78

in cabin two, where we had that grease issue two years ago.”

He flashed some pictures on the wall. “We’re doing new appliances in all five. New beds. New furniture, and we’re going with a microfiber faux-leather that cleans up incredibly well. New cabinetry and new countertops. All new paint, and all new floors throughout.”

Ward turned and looked at the pictures he’d taken of the cowboy cabins, which gave Ranger room to ask, “We need new appliances? Those don’t look bad, and they all work.”

“We’re going to do all hard floors,” Ward said. “We polled the men, and they don’t care about carpet in the bedrooms. It just gets worn out and dirty. We’ll provide rugs if they want them.” He looked at his bother. “I’ve already arranged with Pastor Summers to take the appliances, the beds, and the furniture. He says he has families around town that are in desperate need of them. Some people are still reeling from the tornadoes, apparently.”

That was news to Bear, and he lifted his eyebrows. “The cabinets?” he asked, because the family motto of reuse, repair, and recycle was as ingrained in him as it was in Ranger.

“Bishop is going to put them in the barns and stables,” Ward said. “We need more storage out there anyway, and this way, we don’t have to build it or buy it.” He seemed satisfied with himself, and Bear glanced at Cactus. He’d said nothing during the meeting, but that wasn’t that unusual.

“Cactus?” he asked.

“Looks good,” Cactus said. “Where will the men stay during the remodel?”

“We’re putting them in the southwest cabins, out by the Ranch Cottage where Aunt Lois and Zona live,” Ward said. “There’s only three out there, but they’re in the best shape, and the cowboys can double-up for a couple of months.” He looked at Cactus. “I have it on our schedule to redo your cabin next year, Cactus.”

He nodded. “I’m fine out there.”

“I know,” Ward said, shooting a look at Bear. “But we rotate and make sure all of our buildings are in good repair and functional—as well as nice to live in.”

Cactus nodded again, his mouth never curving up or down from its usual straight line. Bear felt like he’d swallowed a cactus, and its thorns were spreading through his whole body. He understood his brother on a deeper level now, and he wished he didn’t.

“Okay,” Ward said. “That’s it.” He turned off the projector and closed his laptop. “Thanks for coming, everyone.”

Cactus got up, and he and Ward left the office, chit-chatting about something. Bear finally heaved himself to a standing position, a sigh leaving his body. “I guess I’ll get back to the far fields.” He’d been working out there all week, as they were closest to the highway, and he’d be able to see if Sammy came to the ranch.

“I wanted to talk to you for a second.” Ranger darted ahead of him and closed the office door. He turned back to Bear, nerves plain in his eyes. He held out his phone. “I need help with this.”

“With what?” Bear took the phone, which Ranger already had open to a text conversation. “You’re talking to Oakley?” He looked up quickly, his eyebrows raised in surprise. He focused on the text string again without waiting for Ranger to answer.

She’d messaged him a long time ago and asked him if he might be available for lunch. He’d only answered last week, and they’d gone back and forth a few times, until Bear saw they were supposed to meet that day.

“Wow,” Bear said, extending the phone back to Ranger.

He didn’t take it, though. “Is she flirting with me?”

Bear looked at the messages again. Ranger had said, Sorry this took me so long to respond to. We’ve had a busy harvest season this year. I can come down to town one day in the next couple of weeks.

Oh! Oakley had said. I’ll be out of town until the first. Maybe that week?

Sure, Ranger said. Tell me when.

For you, Ranger, anytime is fine. She’d added a smiley face to that, and Bear leaned closer to the phone for some reason.

“Maybe?” he asked. “Maybe anytime was really fine with her.”

“What about the next one?”

But tell me when, so I can be ready.

“Ready for what?” Bear read out loud, as that was his first question and one Ranger had asked.

Just to see you. Smiley face.

A full day had passed before Ranger had responded, and he’d said he could come any day this week. She’d suggested