that.”
Cole narrowed his eyes. “About that what?”
“Mike just called. There’s an issue up on the site.”
“And he can’t handle it?”
“Not by himself, no.” Decker shook his head. “Sorry. I know I said this wasn’t going to happen again this week.” Decker took off his hat, scrubbing at hair that Ma would call long overdue for a haircut. “It’s just how these things go. Shit happens, and I’m the guy with the job description to deal with today’s particular brand of shit.”
“Charming.”
“You want me to call in Jimmy and Pete to take out the late ride?”
Cole shook his head, holstering his hammer. So much for making progress on Jess’s—on the—apartment. “You know we’re maxed out on payroll already this week. Can’t give anybody more hours.”
Decker looked out the window, then raised his eyebrows. “What about Jess? Would she go with you?”
“I imagine she’s busy with wedding stuff. She and Kyla and Hayley have been holed up in her cabin for over an hour now.”
“Not that you’re keeping track.”
“I’m not.”
Decker slid his hat back on. “Ask her. She likes riding better than anybody I know. And if Hayley’s starting to go all bridezilla on the gals, she’d probably welcome an excuse to break free for a couple of hours, right?”
Cole unbuckled his tool belt and laid it down on the pile of fresh lumber in the corner. “I’ll figure things out here, Decker. Go do what you need to do.”
“You sure?”
“I can handle it. Go.”
Decker headed for the stairs. “This’ll all be worth it in the end when we’re up and running and rolling in the dough, right?”
“Sure.”
“There’s a list in the tack room of who’s supposed to be on which horses today.”
“That’s helpful.” Cole rolled his eyes. “Almost as helpful as—say—going on the ride like you’re supposed to be doing.”
“Maybe I’m just trying to give you and Jess some time. Think of it that way.”
“Right.”
Decker shifted his weight, looking uncomfortable. “Listen. I know we keep saying we need to talk about the whole who’s-doing-what thing. Maybe we can block out an hour or two Monday or something? After the wedding craziness is over?”
“Sure, Decker.” Cole sighed, gathering his hat. “As long as you don’t get called away to another crisis.”
He headed down the stairs and out the door, trying to shake off his irritation with Decker. Maybe Jess would like to go out for a ride. She had barely left her cabin all afternoon, and it was one of those perfect Montana days—blue sky, warm breeze, and horses. He was sure she’d welcome the chance to get out on Sky Dancer and breathe some fresh air—even if kid-duty was involved. He just had to frame it the right way.
—
“No.”
Two minutes later, Cole stood on Jess’s cabin porch, facing two sets of folded arms. “What do you mean, no? She loves riding.”
Hayley shook her head. “Not today, Cole.”
“But I need a hand, and Sky Dancer needs a ride, and”—he put up his hands in confusion—“why are you two standing here like palace guards? What’s up with Jess? Where is she?”
“Busy—”
“Indisposed—” Kyla and Hayley spoke at the same time, then looked at each other and cringed.
“Is she all right?”
Hayley nodded. “She’s…fine. She’ll be fine.”
A low note of alarm pinged his gut. “What does that mean?”
“It means she’ll be fine.” Kyla took his elbow and gently turned him toward the stairs. “See if Jimmy can help with the ride. He’s looking for more hours this week.”
“But payroll’s maxed—”
“Ask Jimmy.” Kyla’s voice was uncharacteristically firm as both she and Hayley turned to go back into Jess’s cabin. He stood for a moment at the top of the stairs, debating whether to knock on the door again and demand to see Jess, or just leave well enough alone. They were obviously hiding something—or protecting Jess somehow—but from what, he had no idea.
He thought back to all of the times this past week when she’d seemed uncharacteristically jumpy, thought back to the way she’d sprung away from his hand at the waterfall and cringed when that church guy had reached toward her. Thought of the fear he’d tasted in her kiss.
He looked at the stable, where the kids were gathering, then back at Jess’s door. Fine. He’d leave her alone for now, but he couldn’t let this go on. He had to know what was happening. He had to know if he could help fix it.
He sighed as he clapped his hat back on his head and worked up the smile the kids were expecting. Right now,