“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Shep, you’ve got to give me more than that.” Birdie huffs, setting down her coffee mug a little too hard, and it sloshes over the side.
A week ago, I’d probably have told her to mind her own damn business, but Noelle’s sunny disposition must be contagious because Birdie’s curiosity doesn’t bother me as much as it used to. Hell, I admit I might even appreciate her meddling.
“Yeah, Noelle and I are together, and she’s staying in Pine Haven indefinitely.” I chuck a pair of old work boots into the growing giveaway pile. “Though we’re headed to New York in a couple of weeks so she can handle some business.”
I wince when Birdie lets out a high-pitched squeal. “Shut the front door!Mycousin’s going to the big city? Maybe I was wrong about the personality transplant. You must have been body-snatched.”
I roll my eyes. “Do all women let their imaginations run wild?”
First, Noelle thinks I’m a serial killer. Now, Birdie’s convinced aliens have taken me over. If they ever compared notes, they’d decide I was planning a zombie apocalypse by lunch.
“I call it staying alert to suspicious behavior. And you, cousin, have been acting odd. But it all makes sense now, considering you’re head over heels.” She grins as she wipes the coffee she spilled with a paper towel. “Can’t wait to officially have a cousin-in-law!”
I nearly drop the phone. “Easy now. Noelle and I are taking things slow.”
Truth is, I have no intention of taking it slow. Noelle’s it for me. I can picture it now—my ring on her finger and her belly swollen with my kid. Some will say we’re moving too fast, but I won’t let anyone else dictate our timeline. Only Noelle’s opinion matters when it comes to our future.
“Oh, please,” Birdie scoffs. “You’ve always wanted a wife and kids. There’s no way you’d let this opportunity pass you by.” It’s unnerving how easily she can read my mind. “Honestly, you deserve everything good coming your way, and I’m happy for you.”
“Careful. If you get any sappier, I’ll have to send you the bill.”
“We’ll call it even for the double shots of caffeine,” she says, smiling over her mug.
All joking aside, I appreciate that Birdie cares and is invested in what happens with Noelle and me.
“Sounds like a…” I trail off when I hear a series of bumps mixed with mooing coming from the living room.
What the hell?
“Birdie, hold on a minute, will ya?”
I step over the pile of clothes on the floor, phone still in hand, as I leave the bedroom. I come to a sudden stop when I find Noelle crouched in front of Maple near the wide-open front door, holding out a handful of apple slices. The cow’s tail is swishing as she eagerly munches on her snack.
“What’s going on here?”
Noelle looks at me, her eyes sparkling. “Maple did it! She followed me to the cabin. I had to pretend I was on the phone, but I kept sneaking glances back, and she stayed right behind me the whole way here.”
For the past couple of days, she’s been going on about wanting to bring Maple to the cabin. I should’ve known she meant it when I found her with a lead rope. This is what I get for not putting my foot down early and telling her animals weren’t allowed in the house. Though knowing Noelle, it wouldn’t have made a difference.
I let out a deep sigh as I run a hand across my face. “What happened to taking a walk?”
She shrugs. “I did take one. To the barn. And of course, I had to check on the animals while I was there.” She takes another slice of apple from her pocket. “Maple looked lonely, so I let her tag along back home.”
I quirk a brow as I move closer to them. “Uh-huh.”
I don’t believe for a second that’s how things went down. Still, as unamused as I am about having a literal cow in my living room, Noelle’s beaming smile makes it impossible to stay mad.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your lady friend?” Birdie pipes up, reminding me I didn’t end our call.
Noelle tilts her head, curiously eyeing the phone in my hand. “Who are you talking to?”
“My cousin, Birdie.”
Noelle ruffles the fur on Maple’s head before standing. She sidles up next to me and takes my phone, holding it up to her face.
“Hi, Birdie. I’m Noelle. It’s so nice to meet you,” she says, giving the camera a cheerful wave.
Birdie’s eyes light up, like she’s just been given the best Christmas present. “Same here. I didn’t think anyone could handle Shep’s cranky streak. You’re a brave soul.”
