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Two.
Marge was a terrible driver, or at least a fearless one. Dakota tried not to worry while the truck bounced on the layered narrow road, and she grabbed the safety belt with both hands.
The woman took the ninety degrees curves as if she was driving a Formula 1 in a world championship. It was insane!
She was glad the road was rather isolated and nobody seemed to drive at this time of the day. Farmers, ranchers, and cowboys were probably working, thank god.
“Peggy Sue lives a bit further, honey, but I’m stopping at Sullivan’s hut for a minute. You see, I have to deliver those groceries to Ted.”
She pointed to the big box she had put on the bed of the truck. “The poor man has a broken leg, and he cannot drive or ride to get them. His brother Rex asked me for help, but bringing him things from time to time is all I can do just now.”
“That’s very kind of you,” Dakota said. “He must be grateful. People are friendly here.”
“Well, that’s the right thing to do. You will see if you stay, people here care about the others. Most of them, at least. Neighbors and friends are as important as family. Sometimes, more important, because we’re nearer.”
“I suppose you’re right.” She put her hands to stop her face from smacking against the window when Marge stopped the car abruptly.
She looked around and saw they were by the driveway of a beautiful cabin, a wooden one.
It was a nice house in the middle of the woods, peaceful and full of good energy. The right place for a wounded man to heal, surrounded by nature, she thought. Balance and quiet were important.
“It was fucking time you showed up with my groceries, Marge,” a deep masculine voice yelled. “What took you so long, old lady?”
Dakota opened her mouth in disbelief and then jumped when Marge yelled back before getting out of the vehicle.
“Old your ugly horse, Ted.”
“Don’t you dare insult Thunder, Marge! He’s the most sensitive horse in the state. You will hurt his feelings.”
Dakota turned her head to find the biggest man she had ever seen. Damn! She probably would have found him intimidating if she had met him alone. He was so tall and bulky!
But he walked clumsily with the crutches, and his wide grin was friendly. Besides, the kindly and careful way he hugged Marge told Dakota he was a kind of a softie.
The gesture swept any threat Dakota could have felt. He has to be 4 inches above 6 feet, and he was all muscle, but his smile and sparkling eyes were kind.
“Let go of me, lazy cowboy!” Marge told him, and she walked back to grab the big box from the truck, and rushed inside. “I brought you enough canned food to last to next week!” she said.
“I was afraid you would say that,” he yelled. “What happened to your homemade food? I was hoping you would deliver me some of your tasty meals to freeze. You know I can pay you, mean lady. I have been your best customer for years!”
“I’m sorry, honey, I’m struggling to get my coffee shop opened. I had to fire Timothy.”
“He ate and drank more than he worked…” he said.
“He did. But Beth is ill, too, so…”
“I’m screwed.” He sighed.
He had ignored Dakota the whole time, and perhaps he wouldn’t have looked at her if she hadn’t snorted.
But she couldn’t avoid it when she saw the big man pouting, as if trying to charm Marge.
“Well, well, what do you have there, Marge? Who’s this fine lady?” He got nearer, using his crutches without much trouble, and then he was staring at her face, almost invading her personal space. She stared back, frowning. “Lady, are you making fun of me? Laughing at a minus valid?”
Dakota blushed and stammered.
“Nooo… That’s… That’s not what…”
He tilted his head, and Dakota felt mesmerized by his hazel eyes. He wasn’t handsome in a traditional way, although his features were… interesting.
