Chapter 113: Calf Season

Hunter pressed his palm against the flank of the red and white heifer. The calf inside squirmed fitfully, and the cow gave a low moan.

“Not much longer, girl.” He patted her affectionately. “By tonight, I imagine.”

He slipped out the gate of the calving pen and closed it behind himself. Rolly had moved the cow into the barn before he’d gone home for dinner.

“Reckon there’ll be a new little’un by morning,” he’d told Hunter. “I’ll be back directly to check on her.”

Hearing the crunch of a vehicle coming up the gravel drive, Hunter’s thoughts immediately moved to other things.

Poppy.

The sinking sun painted the sky in a riot of pastels as he headed out of the barn. Poppy was just stepping out of the car.

With images from the previous night playing in his mind, he crossed to her and helped her retrieve her bag from the back of the car.

“Hey there,” he said softly.

“Hey there yourself. How was the rest of your day?” She peered up at him, her eyes soft and warm.