the long list of items that needed to be done. The last crop of corn was due to be harvested next week. It, along with hay, was used to supplement the herd’s food supply. At the end of the month, many of the cows and calves would be taken to auction to be sold. Reps from the meat packing company were coming out next week to do checks on the herd to make sure the ranch was following their standards for proper feeding and care.
“Lucas has been on his high horse today, shooting off at the mouth about how he’s the big man on campus now that you’re out of commission.”
Jaxson grunted. “Lucas has only as much authority as I give him.”
“Try telling him that,” Mack grumbled.
“I’ll be back in the saddle soon. I can assure you of that.” Jaxson was determined to take back his position as head of the ranch as soon as humanly possible. He understood why Daddy thought it would be too much for him to handle everything right now, but it still cut that he’d had to relinquish control to Lucas.
“Alright, man. I just wanted to call and see how you’re doing. Take it easy.”
“Will do,” Jaxson said as he ended the call.
Lemon was standing nearby, petting a horse. She gave him a sidelong glance. “Everything okay?”
He forced a smile. “Yeah.”
She wrinkled her nose. “You’re a terrible liar.”
A corner of his lip turned up as he relaxed a fraction. “I guess that’s a good thing.”
“Yes, I guess it is,” she laughed.
They’d had a good day, despite the turmoil Lemon was experiencing. They went to the station and picked up Lemon’s purse. It was heartbreaking to watch her scrutinize her license, as if she was trying to cement her identity in her mind. Afterwards, they went to the dress shop. Lemon was like a kid in a candy store, trying on all sorts of clothes. Mama loved every minute of it. She gave Lemon a half price discount on everything she purchased. It was good to see Mama and Lemon getting along so well. They then stopped by Zoe’s gallery. Lemon showed genuine interest in Zoe’s art, as well as Noah and Piper’s photographs. Zoe got to talking about the family. She mentioned something about Cash and his music. Lemon’s eyes had nearly bugged out when she connected the dots and realized that Cash was a country music superstar.
“You have an illustrious family,” Lemon said admiringly.
“Yep, and then there’s me—the old dull cowboy,” Jaxson quipped.
Lemon had fixed her crystal blue eyes on him and said with a playful grin. “Cowboys are my favorite.” She leaned in and whispered. “Even when they are just mediocre kissers.”
Jaxson had burst out laughing. He enjoyed getting razzed by Lemon. Those kisses had been incredible. Lemon’s reaction afterwards was priceless. She’d always made him work for her affection. In high school, he’d asked her out numerous times before she agreed to go out with him.
“You’re a good girl, Millie” she cooed as she reached into the leather pouch and pulled out two sugar cubes. Millie greedily licked them up with her tongue.
“Careful or you’ll spoil her rotten,” Jaxson warned. “You’ve already given her several.”
Mischief streaked Lemon’s lips. She thrust out her lower lip in a mock pout. “Are you jealous? Do you want some sugar?”
“Maybe, but not the cubed kind in that pouch.” It was fun to watch how quickly Lemon’s face glowed red.
“You’re terrible,” she breathed as she tucked her hair behind her ears.
Jaxson ran an appreciative eye over her slim figure. She was wearing a long-sleeve red knit shirt, jeans, and a pair of cowboy boots. Using the cash from her purse, Lemon had purchased the shirt and jeans at the dress shop. Mama loaned her the cowboy boots because she said they went perfectly with several of the outfits Lemon had bought. Jaxson knew his mama well enough to know that Birdie had basically given Lemon the boots. They looked terrific on her. She seemed right at home on the ranch. Having her here was worth all the pain from the accident. “So,” he began, “I have some steaks in the fridge. I was thinking we could grill them. We can bake some potatoes, make a salad. Whatcha think?”
“I’m game. Sounds delish.”
A cool breeze ruffled Jaxson’s hair. The leaves were turning vivid yellows, reds, and oranges. The crisp smell of fall was in the air.
“That’s an incredible sunset,” Lemon murmured.
“Yes, it is,” Jaxson agreed.
She sighed. “You’re so lucky