Sorry. Zoey climbed unaided into the backseat.
Ill take it as easy as I possibly can on the graveled section of our road, Erma. You seem like youre in even more pain now than when I took you to the doctor.
The nurse said I dont have much padding over my old bones. She said to expect it to be bad for a week or two. I thought I was a tough old bird, but I hurt everywhere.
Im sure you tightened your muscles when you hit the cement. If it turns out you didnt chip or break a bone, itll be pure luck. Mack soon left the smooth highway for a gravel track that led to the ranch. He slowed way down, but he could see tension building on Ermas face. The last thing Mack expected when he entered his circular drive was a strange SUV parked at his house. Did that mean Jill was still here?
Zoey squealed happily and unbuckled her seat belt before Mack had completely stopped. J.J.s at the corral with Benny, Trevor and Eldon. Leaning into the front seat, Zoey pointed so her dad and Erma would look the right direction. J.J. must like dogs. Shes petting Jiggs.
Indeed, his herd dog, a two-year-old border collie, sat at Jills feet, lapping up her attention. So did his foreman and wranglers. They were huddled around her, laughing and gesturing animatedly. A red haze of anger clouded Macks vision. It wasnt until after he stepped out on his vehicles running board and bellowed, Since when doesnt time equal money on this ranch? that he realized his irritation was due more to seeing Jill being lavished with attention from his wranglers than the fact his men were sloughing off work. Hed never been a hard-nosed boss.
* * *
HEARING THE BITE in Macks voice, J.J. quickly scooped up her camera bag and gave the dog a last pat. She jogged across a patch of dry grass to his truck. Its my fault the guys took a break, she said, squinting into the sun as she faced Mack. When I arrived Benny was waiting for your veterinarianyou had a laboring cow in distress. The vet asked Benny to call your wranglers to hold the cow while she and Benny pulled the calf. I wanted to make sure everything turned out okay, so I stuck around. The whole process was worrisome but thrilling, especially when they got him. Once everything was okay, I took some candid shots of the work that goes on at your ranch. The fact that one of your cowboys is a former army sergeant will be great in my article on your charity work. Oh, hey, is that Erma youve brought home? J.J. lowered her voice as the woman in Macks truck struggled to open the passenger door. How is she?
By then Benny and Jiggs the dog had crossed the yard from the corral.
We had a cow in trouble? Mack asked Benny. Stepping off the running board, he walked around the cab and reached for Erma to keep her from falling out the door. Erma, you cant get out until I bring the wheelchair. Will someone please stay with her for a moment?
J.J. rushed to comply, and Benny followed Mack to the rear of the pickup.
Around noontime, Trevor stumbled across a young heifer set to deliver her first calf, Benny said. He brought her to the barn because she seemed to be laboring too hard. We tried to help her, but she went berserk. She kicked me a good one on my shin. I called Delaney, who gave her something to calm her down.
Mack lifted the hospital wheelchair out and opened it, locking the seat in place. He listened to Benny with half an ear. The majority of his attention was focused on Erma exclaiming over how great it was to see Jill, and Jill responding with sympathy for Ermas plight.
Benny, Ill take a look-see at the cow and calf after I get Erma inside. She needs to take her pain meds now.
Erma held on to her hip when Mack lifted her from the pickup and carefully set her in the wheelchair.
I should have fixed that loose back step, Benny said sheepishly.
I knew it was loose, Erma said as Mack wheeled her toward the house. Accidents happen, Benny. Hey, did anyone gather the eggs? Thats where I was headed when I fell.
Benny shook his head, so Mack said to Zoey, Bug, you can gather eggs. Uh, sorry. Im not going to have an easy time remembering you dont want to be called Bug.
I hate gathering eggs, cause those old hens peck me.
Ive never gathered eggs, Jill said. But maybe I can distract the chickens for you.
Erma waved a hand feebly. Good idea. After you bring in the eggs, Jill, perhaps you can, uh, help me out of these clothes and into something more comfortable. These jeans are rubbing my sore hip.
Mack stopped at the base of the front porch steps. Anyone could see his displeasure.
Whats the matter, boss? Benny eyed the makeshift ramp. I cobbled boards together like you asked. Is there too much slope?
Huh? Oh, no. The ramp is fine. Jill is only here to do a job for her magazine, Erma. I believe she was headed back to town, werent you? He shot the query at their visitor.
Erma handed Mack the now-warm ice pack. Im really wobbly. I doubt Zoey has the strength to steady me and help me undress or dress. And thats definitely not a chore for you or Benny.
I dont mind lending Erma a hand, Jill said.
Scowling at her, Mack said, So, Benny, whats the verdict on your cousin? Can she get here right away? Turning the wheelchair, he pulled Erma backward up the ramp and onto the porch.
Sonja wants this job, but she cant get here till after next week. Shes in Galveston taking care of her grandchildren while her oldest daughter and husband are on vacation. They left yesterday on one of those eight-day cruises to Mexico.
Well thats a problem. Continuing to frown, Mack reached back to open the screen door.
Erma glanced over her shoulder at Mack. Whys that? Seems to me weve got a solution. If Jill is taking pictures at the ranch, it makes sense for her to stay here instead of driving back and forth to town. I need a woman to assist me with private matters, like helping me in and out of the shower. Im not a stork, you know. Cant stand on my one good leg.
Im pretty sure nursemaid isnt on Jills professional résumé, Mack said. Benny, I wish youd phoned me about your cousin while I was still in town. I need to sign a contract with Leitha Davidson to find us someone even short-term. Macks frustration couldnt be more obvious.
Leitha wont go to all the work of hiring until Bennys cousin arrives, Erma stated firmly. Jills here. She said shes willing to help. Besides, Im dying to hear all about Paris and where all else her works taken her since she left Texas.
Zoey burst out, J.J., youve been to Paris? Thats so cool! Wait till I tell Brandy. Where else have you been?
Mack bristled and interrupted before Jill could answer.
Zoey, the eggs! You dont have time to hear how Jill gallivanted off to Paris and London and Rio and Tokyo... He broke off, seeing Jills eyes glitter, clearly curious about how he knew where shed traveled. I get the college alumni newsletter, he said. Theyve mentioned you.
Jill nodded, but Erma didnt let up. This house has four empty bedrooms, Mackenzie.
Listen, Jill jumped in, spreading her hands. Im fine staying in town. I dont want to cause a family feud. If its okay with you, Mack, Ill help Zoey gather the eggs, then settle Erma in. Ill come back tomorrow to begin our interview and take more photos.