“Traitor,” Rosie muttered.
I crouched down, scratching behind Snickers' ears. The goat pressed harder against my hand, tail flicking. “What's the issue this morning?”
“She won't go to the milking stand. Just plants herself and refuses to move.” Rosie crossed her arms. “Yesterday she was fine. Today she's decided I'm the enemy.”
“Did you change anything? Routine, feed, time of day?”
“No. Same everything.” Rosie frowned. “I fed them at seven, same as always. Checked the hay, made sure they had fresh water. Snickers ate her breakfast just fine, and then when I tried to milk her, this happened.”
Snickers butted her head against my hand, demanding more attention.
“She likes you,” Rosie observed. “Which is annoying, considering I'm the one who feeds her every day.”
I gave Snickers a quick once-over—checking her belly for bloating, feeling her udder for heat or swelling, watching how she moved. Everything seemed normal.
“She looks fine,” I said, straightening. “Probably just being stubborn.”
“Great. That's so helpful.”
I walked toward the milking stand, and Snickers immediately trotted after me, hopping onto the platform without hesitation.
Rosie's jaw dropped. “You're joking.”
I stepped aside, gesturing to the goat now standing perfectly still on the platform. “All yours.”
“What are you, the goat whisperer?” She walked over slowly, like she expected Snickers to bolt any second.
“Just have a way with stubborn creatures.”
Her eyes cut to mine. “Are you calling me stubborn?”
“I was talking about the goat.” I leaned against the fence post, watching her settle onto the stool beside Snickers. “But if the shoe fits...”
“I amnotstubborn.” She grabbed the bucket. “I prefer handling things on my own. There's a difference.”
“Right. My mistake.”
“You're enjoying this way too much.” She positioned the bucket under Snickers, who stayed perfectly still.
“Maybe a little.”
“I can't decide if I want to thank you or kick you out of my goat pen.” Her hands started the familiar rhythm of milking, and Snickers let out a satisfied bleat.
“You could do both.”
“Don't tempt me.” But she was smiling now, that sunshine grin that made my chest feel too tight. “Next time I'm calling you at six in the morning when she pulls this stunt.”
“I don't mind.”
“You say that now. Wait until you're driving out here in the dark while I'm having a breakdown because Snickers won't cooperate and I have to get ready for the market.”
“I'd still come.”
Her hands stilled for just a moment. She glanced up at me, something soft and vulnerable in her expression before she looked back down. “I know you would.”
I'd do anything for you.The thought came unbidden, settling deep in my chest.Six in the morning. Middle of the night. Drive through a blizzard.Whatever she needed, whenever she needed it. I'd been running on fumes for years, saying yes to everyone because saying no felt impossible. But this? This was different. This wasn't obligation or guilt or the weight of expectations I could never quite meet. This was achoice.
I'd choose her. Again, and again.
