Page 29

“I thought you’d never ask.”

Bridget had thought for a moment she wouldn’t, but she did want to see Jerica, see those beautiful hazel eyes and the freckles on her face. She wanted to, as Jerica had said, get to know her better.

“You’ll have to come here, I’m afraid, unless I can convince Eli to bring me to town.” Bridget stared down at the barn, barely able to make out Eli’s truck. “Though I have a feeling she wouldn’t mind.”

“Really?”

“She likes to go to town sometimes, and I think Sarah is coming soon.”

“What if I come up there on my next day off?”

“When will that be?” Bridget pulled her sandwich closer, suddenly finding some interest in it again.

“In four days? Today is my only day off, and then I have four days of work.”

“Well, I’m suddenly out of work for the immediate future, so my schedule is wide open.”

“Minus all your follow-ups.”

“Yeah, those.” Bridget rolled her eyes. “Is it really necessary to be checked over every week? I mean…it’s a long drive into town.”

“What if I promise to see you when you come through next time?”

Another smile. Bridget could easily get used to this if Jerica were to become something regular in her life. Pressing her lips together, Bridget rolled her eyes at how ridiculous she was being, but she was giddy with joy. “I’d like that.”

“Good. Text me when your appointment is, and if there’s no emergency going on, I’ll try to catch you on your way in or out.”

“Seems fair. Will you come up here then?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” The back door opened. Bridget grabbed her phone quickly and turned it off speaker, shoving it to her ear. “I’ll see you then.”

“You’ll have to text me where I’m going.”

“I will. I’ve got to go. Eli just came in.” Bridget looked over her shoulder at her friend, who looked very suspicious about the conversation.

“See you soon, then.”

“Talk to you later.” Bridget hung up and set the phone down. She said nothing as Eli came closer, a single eyebrow raised.

“See you soon, then?”

Clenching her jaw, Bridget’s cheeks burned. “Yes.”

“Who, exactly, were you talking to?”

“Don’t you have something to do?”

“Yes, and I’m doing it right now.”

Bridget scoffed. “I meant with your cattle.”

“No.” Eli crossed her arms. “Who are you going to see?”

“Jerica.”

Eli’s smile was brilliant. “I knew it.”