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“Hmm, I think the word love is giving yourself a little too much credit,” I say, lobbing his previous words back at him. “Oh, look at the time, gotta go.”
I hear him chuckle as I pull open the stable door and slip out. He doesn’t follow me, as I knew he wouldn’t. We try not to show up in the same places at the same time if we can help it. No doubt he’ll stay and give Storm and Arrow more attention now that I’m gone.
My pulse still hasn’t calmed down by the time I get to my truck and on the road. Not only am I still half hard, but in shock at what I’d shared with him. He just seems so vulnerable when it comes to Aimee, so I thought it was important to keep reminding him where we stand. Or at least, where I do.
There’s a truck pulled over on the side of the road, and though I’m already running late, I want to be neighborly too. So I slow down to see if they need any help. My breath catches at seeing two familiar faces. No wonder the maroon color seemed familiar. The horse bumper sticker should’ve been the first clue, but I’d been a bit preoccupied.
I unroll the passenger window, and Randy reluctantly does the same on the driver’s side.
“Having car trouble?” I ask.
“Mr. Bishop—” Pixie begins, but Randy shuts her down with one look.
“Mind your business.”
She nods and settles against the passenger seat.
“My check engine light went on, so I pulled over to look under the hood,” he rambles. “But everything seems in order.”
“Okay, then,” I reply slowly, trying to understand why something seems off. “Maybe take it to Burt’s shop in the morning to double-check. Could be a tricky sensor light.”
He gives me a tight grin. “Will do.”
When he rolls up his window, it feels awkward to remain there. I want to suggest I follow them for another mile to make sure he’s not wrong, but it’s clear he doesn’t want my help.
So I go on with my evening, stopping first to see Aimee, but cutting my visit short to get to the council meeting. I arrive at the last minute and take a seat toward the back. I see many familiar faces from other ranches, like the Colemans, whose property borders ours, and it takes me a minute to place the son, who’s now grown.
When the topic of the water pipes arises, there’s an uproar in the meeting hall. Even though the council president swears the ordinances won’t change, we’ve been blindsided before. The ranch owners stand a few at a time to say their piece and make it crystal clear how any modifications might impact our businesses. By the meeting’s end, I’m more than satisfied to walk out with the others. And given the council members’ somber expressions, it certainly seems like we were heard.
I’m looking forward to the warm shower awaiting me, but my thoughts drift to Randy and Pixie on the side of the road. Tired as I am, the niggling in my gut tells me it won’t hurt to check before I go home. I head to their trailer, and just as I suspected, it’s dark. Not one light is on in the residence, and Randy’s truck is nowhere in sight.
When I spot a paper taped to the front door, I park and get out, hoping it’s not what I think it is. As I read the eviction notice, my stomach drops. If they lost their home, they must be living in their car. I drive around to see if I can spot them, to no avail.
I head back to the ranch with a heavy heart, trying to come up with a solution to help them. My parents are sitting on the porch, enjoying the warmer fall temperature.
“Did you give Aimee our love?” Mom asks as I approach.
“I did,” I reply absently.
Dad lifts his chin. “So…how did it play out?”
I blink, having trouble focusing on his question before I remember the council meeting. “I swear it seemed like every single ranch owner showed up tonight.”
“Good. I hope it reminded them that our businesses help fund this county.” He squares his jaw. “You remember that too.”
I roll my eyes. “Do you know how many times I’ve heard you say that in my thirty years?”
Dad chuckles. “Yeah, I suppose you have.”
“Poor thing, being subjected to your father’s lectures,” Mom teases.
I’m reminded of Pixie and Randy. “I need to talk to you about something.”
Dad sits up straighter. “What is it?”
He likely thinks it has to do with the council meeting or gossip after running into one rancher or another, but this is important too.
“On my way into town, I came across Randy’s truck on the side of the road. I asked if they needed help, but he swore they didn’t.”
