Page 96 of The Breakdown

“Really.”

“Gosh, Vaughn.”

“I know. So I’m going to be out of it for a good while. Which is why we need you to post the job listing again, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course not.”

“Can you do it today?”

“Sure. I’ll do it right now.” She started to head toward the door to go get her laptop, but paused. She didn’t want to admit it but she feared going into the guesthouse alone again. She feared that Allen would be lurking there in the shadows.

“What’s wrong?” Vaughn asked, watching her closely.

“Nothing.”

“Liar.”

“It’s just—I’m a little nervous about being alone in the guesthouse. I know it’s silly but—”

“Stay here,” Vaughn said. “I think that’s the best plan for now. Us all being under one roof.”

“You sure?”

“Absolutely.”

Natalie nodded. “I’ll go get my things.”

“You want someone to go with you?”

She considered it but knew she was being ridiculous. “No, I’m fine.”

“Okay. See you soon.”

Natalie gave her hand a squeeze and released it to go. She bypassed June and Vivian on her way out. “Just going to go get my things,” she said. They both smiled over cups of coffee. They’d already started lunch, which Natalie could smell cooking on the stove.

“Okay, darlin’” Vivian said with a wink.

“We’re glad to have you,” June said. They’d obviously overheard the conversation with Vaughn.

Natalie returned the smile and walked out the door, already feeling much better.

Chapter Forty-one

June shook the young man’s hand. “It was nice to meet you too, Collin. I look forward to working with you.” He was a young cowboy of twenty-five, had some experience wrangling cattle, and seemed willing and able to do the job. He also had manners, which only impressed her all the more.

“Ma’am,” he said, tipping his cowboy hat. “I’ll see you Monday.” He walked away, heading back toward his pickup.

June sighed, feeling relieved. Collin was the second and final new ranch hand. They could always hire more if needed in the future. But she and Vaughn seemed to think they had enough for now. Especially with Vivian and Natalie continuing to help out. She walked back toward the house to check on Vaughn, who had sat in on the virtual interview but hadn’t met Collin or the other new hire, Jason, in person. She was laid up on the couch and having a tough time accepting her immediate future. So June had been the one to meet the new hands and show them around.

She entered the house as dusk was settling in. She’d sent supper home with the others in some Tupperware, knowing she’d be too busy to serve it with the two new hires stopping by to tour the ranch and meet the horses. So, the house was quiet, save for Vaughn who was in the living room cursing.

June grabbed her a cold can of root beer from the fridge and walked into the living room to find her lying on the couch, looking at her phone and cussing up a storm.

“What’s wrong with you?” June asked, handing her the root beer.

Vaughn frowned but took it, and did her best to sit up. She moaned in pain and June felt for her, unsure what to do. It was going to be like this until her surgery in two weeks, and then for some time after as she healed. They were all just going to have to get used to it.

“Damn tech guy can’t come out to replace the cameras until next week. This is the second time he’s put me off.”