Page 16 of More Than This Land

“Graham’s a pain.” But Luke’s tone held affection. “Though he maybe a pain who’s right.”

They sat together on the porch as afternoon shifted toward evening. The tension in her shoulders drained away. Luke’s presence had a solidness to it that grounded her.

“Thank you for the firewood, and for fixing the porch. I’m sorry I made it difficult.”

“You didn’t.” He propped his elbows on his knees and peered at her over his shoulder.

“Thanks for making me feel better. I didn’t mean to go all woe-is-me on you.”

He shrugged. “I didn’t mind that either. I get it. Sometimes you need to blow off some steam. I usually chuck hay bales.”

“Not sure I’m equipped for that.” She flexed a weak arm muscle. “But I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Come out to the ranch. We’ll find something for you to do to take your mind off things.”

“I wouldn’t mind going for a ride sometime. I’ll even wear my boots.” She nudged his shoulder with hers. It was like bumping up against a boulder, but then he softened and swayed with her movement.

What was she doing? Granny Mama would tell her to stop flirting. Wait. No, she wouldn’t. She’d be tickled pink that Claire had found someone worth flirting with. Oh boy.

She shot to her feet. “Do you want to stay for dinner? Granny Mama made enough soup to feed half the county.” Shoot. She’d meant to say something about how he must be tired and no need to stick around.

Luke hesitated. “I should get back to the ranch. Saturday night means checking cattle and making sure everything’s secured for Sunday.”

“Right. Of course.” Claire wrapped her arms around herself against the cooling air. “Thanks again for coming by.”

Luke moved toward his truck, then stopped and turned back. “Claire?”

“Yeah?”

“Wear your boots next time you come by.” He climbed into the truck and pulled out of the driveway, raising a hand in goodbye.

Claire walked inside to find Granny Mama awake on the couch, a knowing smile on her face.

“Luke Calloway stacked our firewood.” Granny Mama’s eyes danced. “That’s interesting.”

“He was just being helpful.” Claire hung her jacket on the hook by the door.

“Mmhmm.” Granny Mama’s smile widened. “That boy’s been helpful a lot lately. Helpful at church. Helpful with the ranch consultation. Helpful delivering firewood.”

“Don’t start.” But Claire couldn’t quite suppress her own smile.

“I’m just saying.” Granny Mama settled deeper into the couch cushions. “A man doesn’t spend that much time being helpful unless he’s interested in more than just fixing problems.”

“He’s my client.” Claire moved to the kitchen, needing something to do with her hands. “It’s complicated.”

“The best things usually are. But complicated doesn’t mean impossible, sweetheart. Sometimes it just means worth the effort.”

Claire poured herself tea and settled beside her grandmother, the warmth of the house wrapping around them. Outside, the temperature dropped toward freezing. But inside, with a full woodpile and the memory of Luke’s steady presence, everything felt a little less cold.

Granny Mama dozed on the end of the couch, her mouth falling slack.

Claire picked up her Bible from the side table and flipped through it, stopping to read some of her favorite verses. Lord, I don’t quite know what to do about all this. Luke is a challenge I never expected. I didn’t come home for romance or anything like that, but I kind of like him. In a weird, he’s so annoying, kind of way that makes me want to try to figure him out. What does that mean, and what am I supposed to do about it?

The soft pages beneath her fingertips brought comfort, along with Gran’s quiet snores. This whole thing with Luke might be entirely one sided on her part. They were complete opposites when it came to business, but none of it really mattered until she understood what it was she even felt for him.

Chapter Five

Luke opened Claire’s preliminary financial report Monday morning after setting his steaming cup of coffee on the coaster and kicking his footrest up on the reclining chair. He’d spent the weekend reviewing his operational decisions, running numbers, and double-checking projections. Everything pointed to the same conclusion: his systems worked.