The Rancher Meets His Match (The Millers of Morgan Valley #4) - Kate Pearce Page 0,67
Julia was keeping really quiet. “I could totally get it wrong, and you’d hate it.”
“I doubt that.” Juan looked up at his silent daughter. “Julia was telling me about the memory cabinet you made for Ben and Silver and how beautiful it was.”
“Thanks.” Kaiden couldn’t help but look at Julia, and wished he hadn’t. The last thing she needed was his puppy dog eyes begging for scraps of affection. “I love making things like that.”
“I can tell,” Julia spoke finally and Kaiden breathed more easily.
“Wes and I are going to be in and out of the house most of the day, measuring up the new bathroom shower wall and re-siting the closet into its new spot, so don’t mind us.”
“We’re getting used to all the comings and goings these days,” Juan said. “It makes life interesting.”
“That’s a good way to look at it.” Kaiden nodded. “Now, we’d better get on with unloading the truck, or we won’t be building anything today.”
* * *
Julia gave her father his mug of coffee and avoided looking out of the window where Kaiden had now shed his shirt, and was working in a tight, black T-shirt that showcased his biceps and flat stomach way too well.
“Is there anything I can do that is away from the house today?” Julia asked.
Juan looked at her. “I would’ve thought you’d appreciate Kaiden hanging out here all day.”
She found a smile. “I doubt he’d appreciate me stopping him every five seconds to chat. Didn’t you say that you needed to check up on those cabins way up on the northern fence line? The ones we used to rent out to hunters?”
“Jose and Andy can do that.”
“No, they can’t, Dad,” Julia said patiently. “They are busy trying to round up the cattle, and that’s taking a while.”
From what she’d observed, the two old-timers were doing it cow by cow because that was all they could handle. Not that she was complaining. It was better than nothing.
“So, would you be okay with me going up there this afternoon?” Julia asked. “I can make sure the cabins are secure, and report back to you this evening.”
“If you really wish to go, then be my guest.” Juan sipped his coffee. “I’ve got plenty of company today.”
“As to that.” Julia took the seat opposite him. “Do you remember Beth Baker?”
“Ted’s sister? Yes, of course.” Juan frowned. “She moved back recently, didn’t she? Some trouble with her marriage.”
“Well, she’s looking for a job as a home helper during school hours. I wondered whether you’d like to talk to her about coming up here and taking care of the cooking and the cleaning for you when I’m gone?”
Julia held her breath as her father studied her.
“You’re really not staying, then?”
“I can’t, Dad.” She held his gaze. “I will come back more often though, I promise. At least once a month.”
He looked away from her. “What does Miguel think of this plan of yours?”
“Miguel will like anything that doesn’t involve him having to lift a finger to help.”
“That’s not fair. He’s a good boy.”
Julia pressed her lips together hard and counted to thirty before speaking again.
“So, would you like me to ask Beth to come up here so you can have a chat with her?”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Great!” Julia said way too enthusiastically. “Or speak to her after the church service on Sunday.” She rose to her feet. “I’ll just make sure there’s something ready for lunch for everyone, and then I’ll leave for the cabins.”
* * *
Kaiden had just dropped Wes home after a long day up at the Garcia Ranch and gone back to the theater to pick up the rest of his tools when his phone buzzed. He took it out and studied the unfamiliar number and text message.
Julia not home yet and it’s getting late.
Kaiden frowned and hit the call button. “Mr. Garcia? What’s up?”
“Hey, Kaiden, thanks for calling. Julia went out to check up on the cabins in the northern section of the ranch, and she hasn’t returned yet. I’m getting worried about her.”
“Has she called or texted you?” Kaiden asked.
“No, I haven’t heard anything, although the reception up that way is pretty rough. I know I’m probably worrying over nothing, but you never know if there are bad people up there who have taken over the cabins.”
Kaiden mentally drew a map in his head of where Julia had gone and silently agreed with Juan. There was a problem with small pot farms springing up in isolated spots in the valley