With that, he’s gone. He really needs to get some manners, or maybe I like him without them.
Chapter 6 Cash
Knocking some of the dust off my jeans, I walk towards the big house, thinking about how it’s just too damn coincidental to happen two days in a row. One fence breaking every now and then I can see, but two fences, one after the other, and something starts to smell fishy. We still haven’t been able to find our top bull, Sammy, and things aren’t adding up. I plan on giving the Johnson farm a call to see if they’ve spotted him. They’re a rival farm just next to us, and normally we’re not the best at communicating, but I’ve got to try everything.
My mind wanders back to Clare as it’s been doing all morning. I can’t seem to go more than thirty seconds without thinking of her, but I don’t mind it. It’s distracting, but for the first time in my life, I’m welcoming it. I’ve given all day, every day, to this farm, and for once, I’m taking something for myself. Something that can be a part of this life.
I’d bought a plain gold band for my mail-order bride thinking I’d just keep things simple. But once I saw Clare and felt what’s happening between us, I knew that she was special. I knew that she deserved something just as precious as she is, so that’s when I knew I wanted her to have my mother’s ring. My mama said on several occasions that her ring didn’t have a place on a farm and really wasn’t the kind of thing someone wore while cooking and cleaning like she did. Yet I never saw her take it off. That ring may have seemed silly to some people because of the simple life we led, but it was beautiful, and my dad wanted her to have it. I understand what that means now. Wanting something to reflect the beauty of the woman wearing it. Something that everyone could see. There was no missing she was a taken woman with that on her finger.
When I woke up and Clare wasn’t in bed, I’d scrambled around for a second realizing I’d slept in, something I’d never done in my life. Long ago I stopped setting an alarm because I could damn near set a watch to me waking up. I guess it was the power of having her in my arms and getting the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had. I pulled on some pants and went to my dresser, grabbing the ring. I wanted it on her, and I wanted everyone to see it was on her. I needed to mark her as mine because no way she wasn’t.
I walk up on the porch and head inside, going straight to the kitchen. There’s no sight of Clare, so I head to the bedroom, hoping maybe I’ll find her in here. I just want to see her for a second before I have to get back to work. Maybe she’s got time for a quick kiss. Or maybe a not-so-quick kiss.
“Clare?” I keep repeating as I walk through the house unable to find her. When I start to panic, I run out on the porch and see Earl coming towards the big house. “I can’t find Clare.” I can hear the panic in my voice. What if she changed her mind? She could be long gone.
“Simmer down, Cash. I sent her to town in the truck with Brandon.”
Earl’s words calm me for a moment before they fully sink in. “You did what?” The last word echoes around us, and a few of the guys that are within hearing distance stop what they’re doing and watch.
“She said she needed supplies and that she didn’t want to bother you. Don’t worry. I told her to get petty cash.”
Turning back to the house, I stomp in and grab my keys before turning around and heading to my truck at the side of the house.
“Calm down, Cash. She’s just getting groceries.”
Earl looks at me like I’m crazy, but I just grit my teeth and get in, cranking up my truck and heading out. I’m fuming so much I’m surprised steam isn’t coming out of my ears.
She can’t just go to town like that. What if she leaves and doesn’t come back? She went with Brandon. He’s one of the young guys on the farm. What if he tries to make a move? I hit the steering wheel as I speed up, thinking I could kick myself for not marrying her yesterday like I should have. This ends today. I’m not taking any more chances when it comes to Clare. She’s mine, and it’s damn sure going to stay that way.
When I finally get into town, I’m not sure where I should start first. I think maybe I should go to the train station, but if Earl was right, then maybe I’m just overreacting. I head towards the grocery store and spot the farm truck out front. I see Brandon loading up the back of it as Clare comes out of the store. I turn in, and the wheels barely stop before I’m out of the truck and going to her.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I ask, and for some reason I sound out of breath. Did I run the whole way?
“Cash. What’s wrong?” Clare asks, looking around as if she can’t see the problem right in front of her.
“You need to go into town, I take you.” Reaching out, I take her arm and walk over to where Brandon is standing. “You get what you need?”
She looks up at me, and I see her starting to get mad. “Yes,” she snaps at me, and I can’t help but smile. I love when that fire lights in her eyes. I don’t normally take too kindly to being talked back to. I give orders and everyone follows. I can’t quite figure out why I like it when she does it.
Suddenly she’s smiling all sweet, but she turns and looks over at Brandon. “Thanks so much for the help, B. I really appreciate all of it.” Her words are sugary, and I want to reach out and snatch them so he doesn’t get them. Words like that are only meant for me.