Standing, I slide my phone into my pocket. I’m too distracted to get any actual office work done. No, today is definitely a day to be spent doing manual labor. I won’t be able to think straight until I hear from her. From the way my stomach is churning, you would think that I’m the one taking the test. I had this same feeling the day she left for college. If that’s not a telltale sign that we’re meant to be, I don’t know what is.
“Hey, boss,” Cliff, one of our farmhands, greets me. “What are you doing out here?”
“Couldn’t focus.”
“Thought getting your hands dirty might help?” he teases. Cliff and I went to school together. He’s one of my oldest friends, and he knows me too well.
“Something like that,” I reply vaguely.
“Well, I’m ready to ride out and check the fence. You want to ride along?”
“Definitely.” Together we load up the tools into the back of the UTV, double-checking we have what we need before riding out and checking the fence. We have cattle that we raise and sell, as well as horses that we breed here at Callahan Farm. Grandpa started the farm with just cattle. When my parents got married, Dad expanded to breeding horses too. The two together have made the family farm lucrative. It’s provided for my family for years, and it will do the same for my family, and hopefully the next generation too.
I hope that my kids, at least one of them, one day want to take over. If not, well, it was good while it lasted. I would never force them or make them feel guilty for following their dreams. I won’t shame them for not wanting the family business, but I hope that they do—at least one of them. I laugh out loud when I realize the conversation I’ve been having in my mind. When have I ever daydreamed about kids and the next generation of Callahan?
Since McKenna came home.
The answer is easy and enlightening at the same time. Those kids I’m thinking about, she’s their momma. I just need to get her on board with this elaborate plan I have in my head. Easy-peasy, right?
“What’s so funny?” Cliff asks.
“Nothing. Just thinking. Up ahead.” I point to a spot in the fence that needs to be mended. “These damn cows are rowdy fuckers,” I say, shaking my head.
“Always looking for an escape,” Cliff agrees.
We work side by side for the next few hours. We talk about what’s on the agenda for the coming weeks, and McKenna is never far from my mind. I know today is a short day for her, and it’s finally over. After two and a half long days of testing, she’s finally done and gets a break, which is why I planned my surprise for her. I get to spoil her and my little sister at the same time. It’s a win-win situation for me. I might have told Laramie that I didn’t need her help where McKenna is concerned, but it doesn’t hurt to butter her up a little just in case. Not that I need to. My sister wants to see us be together almost as much as I do. Almost.
“You expecting an important call?” Cliff asks, nodding at the phone in my hand. “I’m surprised the damn thing still has any battery left as many times as you’ve checked it.”
“Something like that,” I mutter. I’m not ready to get into it with him. The only person I want to talk to right now is McKenna. I’m starting to get worried. I thought I would have heard from her by now. Before I can check my phone again, the shrill ring sounds, and I grin when I see her name on the screen. “Gotta take this,” I tell Cliff, my feet rapidly carrying me away for privacy. “Hey, baby.”
“Rip! You bought us a spa day?” McKenna asks excitedly.
The tension that was wrapped around my chest like a fist loosens at the sound of her voice. “You deserve it. How did it go?” I make my way inside the barn and close myself into my small office. Taking a seat in my chair, I prop my feet up on the desk, and I know if I were able to see my reflection, I’d look like a fool from the smile stretching across my face.
“Today was much easier,” she admits.
“Good. You’re coming home tomorrow, right?” I ask her.
“I think so. Laramie and I are going to finish up here at the spa and do some dress shopping. We haven’t got to do that yet. I’ve been too exhausted each night.”
“It’s all over, Kenna. You’re going to be practicing law side by side with your grandfather in a matter of weeks.” I leave no room for her to argue. I’ll be her confidence if I have to. My girl is smart as hell. There’s no way she didn’t pass the exam.
“Thank you.” Her voice is soft.
“Enjoy your spa day, Kenna. You deserve it. Be safe, and call me later. Let me know you all are back at your hotel safe.”
“Don’t worry, Colby has already given us strict orders to do the same. We’ll be sure to call one of you.”
I’m glad Colby is there for my sister, and by association, McKenna, but letting one of us know isn’t going to work for me. “Call me, Kenna.”
“Okay. Sheesh. We’ll call and check-in. You do realize we’re both adults, right?”
“Have fun,” I say, ending the call. I can’t get into this with her over the phone. I know McKenna. She’s going to need to see my face, see my emotions, read it in my eyes when I tell her I want more from her. Now that the stress of the test is over, it’s time.
I’m coming for you, McKenna Dawson.
It’s Sunday afternoon, and I’m pacing my living room floor. The girls are almost home. They decided to stay another night. Apparently, there were a lot of dress shops they needed to take in, and with the spa day I sprung on them, they didn’t have enough time. They both sounded so excited Friday night when they called to tell me all about it. I’m glad that the two of them got to spend some quality time together, but I’m ready for them to be home. I miss McKenna. How I went five years without her while she was away at college is beyond me. In a matter of weeks, the girl has me under her spell.
Laramie called me about thirty minutes ago and said they were almost home. She also informed me that they were coming to my place. I didn’t ask why because I don’t care. I get to see McKenna. I don’t have to make up an excuse to call her or drop by her grandparents’ place. Not that I need an excuse, but it would be pretty out of the blue, considering she has no idea how I feel about her. Sure, I’ve dropped a few hints, but I know McKenna needs the facts. That attorney in her can’t seem to help it. That’s fine with me. I’m perfectly happy laying out the facts for her as soon as I get the chance.
Hearing a car pull up, I peek out the window and see Colby’s truck. I watch as he and Corbin climb out. I meet them at the front door. “What are you two getting into?” I ask, stepping back to let them in.
“Not sure. Lara called and asked for me to meet her here. She told me to bring Corbin. We were hoping that you knew what was going on.”
“Not a clue. She called me too and told me they were about half an hour away and that they were coming here.”
“You think everything’s okay?” Colby asks. I can hear the concern in his voice.
“Yes. Laramie would have told one of us. Of that, I’m certain.” I know my sister, and if there was something wrong, something really wrong, she would have told me. Wouldn’t she? I’m starting to second-guess myself when I hear another car pull in. All three of us move to the front door and step out on the front porch.