The week started with a downed fence that ate up Monday. A group of stubborn moms and calves gave her a run for her money, not to mention a splitting headache on Tuesday. By Wednesday, she was ready to call it done. The cattle wouldn’t behave. The fences wouldn’t stay where they were supposed to. A bull decided to have a day with the ladies by busting through from his field to theirs.

To put a cherry on her crappy-week-sundae, Eli didn’t call. Maybe she’d misjudged the evening. She’d have bet money she wasn’t the only one feeling something during those kisses. She wasn’t that out of practice, was she?

If she realistically looked at the situation, it was obvious they were oil and water as a couple. Still, it would have been nice to think he’d been slayed by her sexiness.

She dumped a large horse turd into a bucket. Yeah, that pretty much described her life.

On Thursday, a large truck turned onto the Flying Pig drive and stopped near the barn. Out in the pasture checking on the new calves, Marti noticed the delivery truck but didn’t head back. Grisham was there and could handle whatever the situation entailed.

She’d just swung down off Ransom when her phone beeped with a text message.

Grisham: Can you head back? You need to deal with this delivery.

Marti groaned with a sigh. She didn’t have time for more crap today. She had to tag those new calves. Still, her foreman rarely, if ever, needed help with anything.

Marti: Heading back. Be there in ten.

She finished putting an ear tag on a calf, all the while staring down a pissed-off mom. “There,” she said to the cow. “Done. He’s all yours.” She pushed the baby bull toward his momma, who led him away, stopping a couple of times to give death stares. Marti couldn’t suppress her chuckle.

Ransom had her back at the barn in under ten minutes. A grinning Grisham stood with a young man in a trucking shirt.

“Hi, I’m Marti Jenkins,” she said, pulling off her glove and extending her hand. “How can I help you?”

“I have a delivery for Princess Diana and the Duchess of Boone. And another for Callie. Where do you want ’em?”

Marti wrinkled her brow in confusion. “Excuse me?”

“He has a delivery for—” Grisham started.

“I heard what he said. I’m just confused.”

The guy shrugged. “Maybe this will explain it.” He handed her a long envelope.

Marti ripped it open and read.

Dear Princess Diana,

Congratulations on the Duchess’s birth. She’s a beauty for sure. Share your treats with dad.

Eli Boone.

“You have got to be kidding me,” she muttered. “Well, show me whatcha got,” she said to the delivery guy.

He opened the back of the truck and, with Grisham’s help, unloaded two wooden crates. Once that was done, he nodded, climbed in his truck, and left.

“Get a hammer or something and let’s pry these open.”

“Got one while I was waitin’,” he said. He pulled a couple of nails from the lid and lifted the wooden top. “Goodness,” he said. Grisham was grinning like he’d just won a lottery.

Marti shook her head with a chuckle. Inside was carrots, apples, pumpkin, bananas, grapes and a tin of horse peppermints. “What’s in the other one?”

A letter lay inside.

Good morning, Callie. Hope all your kittens are nursing well. Enjoy the treats. Eli Boone

In this crate was cat chow and kitten chow, for when the kittens were ready for food other than Callie’s milk, and a number of ropes and other climbing toys, sure to keep everyone in the feline family happy.

“I can’t believe he did this.” She stared at the crates, her mind running a million thoughts at one time. She’d kind of written him off, decided he’d come to the same conclusion as she about the combination of oil and water. This was…well, so unbelievably sweet.

“The man’s smitten,” Grisham said.

“No, he’s not. He’s just…thoughtful.”

Thoughtful. Yes, that’s what he was. His mother had obviously taught him manners.

“Say what you will, but no man is this thoughtful unless he’s smitten.”

She smiled, Grisham’s words meaning more than he knew. “Nah,” she said. “He’s just bein’ a nice guy.”

Grisham snorted but, to her relief, changed the subject. “You get all the calves tagged?”

“Nope, but I had an idea. Let’s do the tagging when we do the vaccinations. No reason not to, right?”

“Well, we’ve always tagged before that.”

“But do we have to? I mean, Pedro and I spent all morning chasing calves and pissing off mommas. The mommas know which calf is hers.”

Grisham shrugged. “Okay. We’ll try it your way this year. Your daddy would have a stroke.”

Marti laughed. “Let’s not mention this to him when he calls, okay? Nothing gained if we don’t try new stuff. Be sure that Princess gets some treats, but make sure to spread it out among all the horses. Heavens knows Princess is spoiled enough.”

He nodded. “If that isn’t the truth. The rest of the horses’ll enjoy it.”

She walked away wearing what she knew was an overly broad grin. Her parents had left her in charge, but she knew Grisham still had questions about her decision. He felt that, with his years of experience, he should be making decisions about things like tagging the calves. No matter that this was a small victory, she couldn’t help but be pleased.

Now, her next major decision was whether to call Eli and thank him or just send a text. The only problem with that plan was she didn’t have his cell phone number. He’d always called from the clinic.

Or maybe she should actually write a thank-you note. That’s what her mother and her grandmother would have done. She hadn’t written a thank-you note since college graduation and wasn’t sure she remembered how.

Since it was almost noon and she’d already been pulled from her job, she headed for the house for a quick sandwich. As she neared, she saw a white, insulated box sitting by the front door. Picking up the pace, she hurried on the porch, stopped, and smiled.

Eli had struck again.

In the kitchen, she cut the box’s tape and lifted out a cold bottle of 2006 Dom Perignon champagne and a note.

Congratulations on the new filly. She’s a beauty. Here’s to the Duchess of Boone.

Eli

Her cheeks ached from her wide smile. Now she had to call him and thank him. A written note would take too long. Plus, she really needed to call him while she still had the nerve.

The receptionist at Riverside answered, “Riverside Orthopedics. May I help you?”

“Yes. This is Marti Jenkins. I’d like to speak to Dr. Boone, please.”

“I’ll put you through his nurse.”

Music played through the receiver for a couple of minutes before a female voice said, “This is Debbie.”

“Hi, Debbie. This is Marti Jenkins. I’d like to speak with Dr. Boone.”

“Can you tell me the problem? If this is a medical call, I’ll need to pull your patient record.”

Marti felt the flush to her cheeks. “No, no. This is a personal call.”

“I’m happy to take a message. Dr. Boone is with patients and doesn’t like to be disturbed unless it’s an emergency. Is this an emergency?”

Embarrassed beyond words, Marti wanted to hide in her closet. Of course Eli didn’t take personal calls while seeing patients. What was she thinking? She wasn’t, and that was the problem. He’d probably be upset that she’d even called the office. What doctor wanted all his staff to know his personal business?

“No, no emergency. I’ll talk with him later.”

“All right.”

Marti pushed the end button, dropped her head on the table, and waited for the earth to open and swallow her. That sounded like the best way out of the horrifying situation. One date and she was calling him at the office? Argh. This wasn’t her. She should have left him a message at his house. Of course, she didn’t have that number either.

A written thank-you note then. She’d even drive into town to mail it, and it would for sure get to him over night.

The rest of her afternoon was eaten away with writing the note (at least ten different versions until she got the wording just right). She knew she’d lose whatever afternoon was left by driving the almost hour into town and another hour back.

Grisham sent along a long list of needed supplies, so she ended up spending a couple of hours at the feed and grain store, which was soothing to her humiliated soul. There was something about the aroma of hay, animal foods and other unidentified scents that always lifted her mood. She’d already dilly-dallied around the store for over an hour, but how could she not stop and play with the baby chicks and rabbits?

Running into Zack Marshall at the store also helped her attitude. A consummate flirt, he’d insisted on escorting her around the store, all the while telling her how great she looked, which was, of course, a total lie. Her hair was stuffed under a cap, and her jeans were long past needing to be replaced.

But then he brought up last Saturday evening and how fabulous she’d looked at the gala. She started to remind him that he’d been there with her best friend, but this was Zack. He meant nothing by this. Flirting was like breathing to him. Neither took any thought or effort on his part.

By the time she started the drive home, she was feeling much better. So what. She called Eli at his office. Big deal. His nurse probably told him that she’d called. No biggie. If he called tonight, she could thank him for his thoughtful gifts. If he didn’t, he didn’t. It wasn’t like she’d be carrying her phone with her all evening just in case.

In her bedroom at close to midnight, she plugged her dying phone into the charger. She hadn’t been waiting for him to call. That was for sure. She always carried her phone. But she did go to bed with conflicted emotions. A little disappointed he hadn’t called, but also a little relieved he hadn’t. To add to her confusion, she wasn’t sure which emotion was more prominent.

Friday morning opened with a loud boom. Windows rattled with the thunder. Marti wiggled down into the covers to listen to the rain slashing against the house. Really, did the horses need clean hay and food today? Luckily, she’d drawn the short straw for those jobs today. Barn duty all day. Pedro and Grisham were scheduled to rewire the lower pasture. In this rain, that would be impossible, not that Grisham would admit it. She needed to be at the barn first to rework today’s jobs.

Chuckling, she tossed the bedcovers off and staggered to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. She might have horse duty today, but she didn’t have to have the same breath as one.

Grisham beat her to work by ten minutes, but they’d both come to the same conclusion. Only work that had to be done today outside would be. The cows had plenty of pasture. The horses, too. So, after turning out all the horses, except Princess and Duchess, Marti gave herself a day off, something she hadn’t done in months.

Down time isn’t something cattle ranchers get often. Marti was accustomed to doing not sitting. By nine, she’d cleaned the house, done the laundry and was seriously considering polishing her mother’s silver pieces. Instead, she made a hair appointment at Kathy’s Kut and Kurl. Horrible name for a beauty shop, but Kathy Branford was an artist when it came to hair. Marti hadn’t had a trim in months, and sadly, her hair showed it. After her beauty shop appointment, she’d enjoy lunch with Delene and Tina.

The Lonestar Grill was crowded when Marti arrived. Parking was at a premium, but she lucked into a spot by grabbing it the second another car backed out. As soon as she walked in, Delene stuck two fingers between her lips and whistled to get Marti’s attention.

She laughed and headed to a table near the rear.

“Sorry I’m late,” Marti said, sliding into the booth. “You know how slow and picky Kathy can be.”

“May be a diva, but she does great work. Let me see the back,” Tina said.

Marti twisted around in the chair.

“Oh, I like,” Delene said.

“Agreed,” said Tina.

Marti turned back to the table. “I’m starved. What are you having?”

Drinks and salad orders placed, the three women leaned into the table to gossip.

“I’ve got all afternoon,” Marti began. “I want to know what’s happening with you two.”

“Nothing,” said Tina. “Haven’t had a date in a month. Chad dumped me for some slutty blonde, and my mother wants to start carrying bridal gowns in the store. That’s it. I’m done. Who’s next?”

“Chad dumped you?” Delene said. “I just saw you with him two days ago.”

Marti decided now would be a great time to drink some water and not mention that Chad had asked her out. Seeing how distressed Tina looked, she was glad she’d turned him down. She really hadn’t realized there was much between them.

Tina shrugged. “Two days ago? Oh yeah. I was returning his mother’s glass cooking dish he’d left at my house.”

“Sorry to hear about that,” Marti said. “I guess I missed that you two were that involved.”

Tina sighed. “We weren’t. Not really. I’m just having a pity party for myself.” She sighed again. “Why can’t we get some new guys in town?”

“We do have at least one,” Delene said. “Dr. Hottie.” She pointed her finger at Marti. “Now tell all. I want to hear all about him. What a hunk.”

“I’ve heard about Dr. Boone,” Tina said. “I ordered new scrubs for a number of the nurses at the hospital, and they came last week to pick up their orders. All of them were blah blah blahing about this guy. What’s the story?”

“He’s cute. He’s nice. He’s a great kisser,” Marti said.

“And don’t look now, but he’s walking in the door,” Delene said. “With some hot-looking chick,” she added.

Marti turned toward the door.

“I said don’t look,” Delene hissed.

Marti rotated back to the table. “Fine. What’s he doing? Did he see me?”

“He’s, um, headed this way.”

Marti straightened her shoulders and licked her lips, ready for battle.

“Marti?” Eli’s deep voice flipped her gut over.

Marti twisted in her chair until she could look up. “Oh, hi, Eli. Fancy meeting you here.”

He chuckled. “I could say the same. Got away from the ranch on a Friday?”

Marti gestured toward the door. “Pouring rain. Pedro and Grisham have everything under control.” She had to bite her tongue to keep from asking who the female with him was.

“I’m Eli Boone,” he said, holding out his hand to Tina.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Marti jumped in. “Tina. Eli Boone. He’s filling in for Hank Kelly. Eli, this is my friend Tina Baker, and you remember Delene Younger from last Saturday.”

“Of course. Nice to see you again, Delene. Nice to meet you, Tina. This is Debbie Watts, my office nurse. Debbie, this is Marti, Delene, and Tina.”

“Nice to meet you all,” she said. “Hope you have a nice lunch.” She placed her hand on Eli’s forearm, staking her claim in Marti’s opinion. “Eli, I believe the hostess is waiting on us.”

He looked toward a table where the hostess stood. “Right, right. You go ahead. I’ll be there in a minute. I need to chat with Marti for a sec.”

Debbie smiled, and if looks could kill, Marti would be six-feet under. “Do you want me to order you a drink while I wait?”

“Tea is fine.”

She walked away, her hips swinging like a bell being tolled.

“How’s Princess and Duchess?” Eli asked.

“Doing great. Thank you for the surprises. Everyone enjoyed them. Callie’s using the rope to escape her babies.”

Eli laughed. “Don’t blame her at all. Sextuplets can be a handful.”

Marti grinned. “I hope you got my note. It was really thoughtful of you to send all the treats.”

“And the champagne? Did you enjoy it?”

“Saving it,” she said. “Never know...”

He nodded and glanced toward Debbie, who was shooting eye daggers at the three women. “I’d better run. Debbie and I only have an hour for lunch.” His eyebrows rose and fell. “We still on for, um, my favor?”

“Sure. Whenever you’re ready and available.”

“Better go,” he said. “Great seeing you. Bye, ladies.”

As he left, Delene leaned over the table to whisper, “What favor? Do we need to have the safe sex talk with you since your parents are out of town?”

“And who’s Duchess? And I want to know about the favor, too. Are you holding out on us? Your bestest friends? I don’t have a sex life,” Tina whined. “Share yours.”

Marti lifted her glass of water to take a sip.

“Now, you’re just being mean,” Delene said, sitting back and crossing her arms. “For that, I’m not going to tell you about the upcoming boot sale. I’ll let you pay full price.”

Marti laughed. “Wow. Way to bring out the big guns.”

Tina waved her fingers. “Let’s have it.”

Over lunch, Marti told them about Saturday. Princess’s labor. Duchess’s birth. Her falling asleep. She might have downplayed the kisses a little. Okay, she downplayed them a lot. She wasn’t ready to spill all, even to her best friends.

She also didn’t mention Eli’s request to learn to ride. She thought he might not want the whole town to know.

By three, the rain had cleared and the afternoon sun was steaming up the area. Outside was sweltering. Marti traded her jeans, boots, and nice blouse for old shorts, grubby T-shirt, and sandals. Even those weren’t cool enough for the afternoon heat. Mother Nature was making up for the morning rain, trying to dry everything out by turning up the heat.

Marti wiped the sweat off her forehead as she walked toward the barn to check on her girls. The stall was empty. All the stalls were empty.

“Grisham,” she hollered. “Where’s everybody?”

From a distance, she heard, “Outside watching Duchess.”

Exiting the rear door the barn, she found Grisham and Pedro sitting in chairs with cold drinks in their hands.

“Hard at work?” she drawled.

Grisham looked over his shoulder. “Sure are. Hard workin’ at doing nothin’.”

She chuckled, grabbed a stool, and dragged it over to where the guys were sitting. “Any calves this morning?”

“Two,” Pedro replied. “Both females. Both out, cleaned up, and standing under their moms when I found them. Both look good.”

“Great,” she said. “Got anything else to drink?”

Grisham pointed his bottle toward an ice cooler. “Help yourself.”

She pulled a diet soft drink out, cracked the top, and took a long swallow. “Wow, that tastes good.” She rolled the icy bottle on her forehead. “Anything on the schedule for this afternoon?”

“You’re the boss,” Grisham said. “You got anything?”

“Nope.”

“Then I guess there’s nothing on the schedule.”

“You check on the hay lately?” she asked.

“Yep,” Grisham said. “Should be ready to cut toward the end of the month, or early in June. Looks like one of our better yields.”

“Great. That’ll make Dad happy.”

“Speaking of, they called today. Wanted to know if they needed to be back for the hay harvest.”

Acid splashed up the sides of her stomach. Her parents had checked up on her?

“Oh? What’d you tell them?”

“I said no. You were whipping us all into shape, and we’d be fine without them.”

She laughed. “Whipping you into shape? Ha. That’ll be the day. Seriously, were they worried about things here? I wonder why they didn’t call me.”

“Did. Said you didn’t answer.”

She pulled out her cell and saw that she’d missed two calls and had two voice messages. One from her parents and one from Riverside Ortho. She’d listen to them later.

“You’re right. I must have turned the ringer off and forgot to turn it back on.”

“Somebody’s coming down the drive,” Pedro said. “Can’t be my date. She’s not pickin’ me up ’til six.”

Marti looked at the teen. “Your date is picking you up and not the other way around?”

Pedro grinned. “What can I say? She insisted. I’m irresistible.”

“She probably saw the inside of your truck,” Grisham offered. “No sane person would want to ride in that trash-filled bucket.”

“Hey man, don’t knock my ride,” said Pedro.

“The truth hurts,” Marti said, laughing as she stood. “I’ll see who’s here. Probably a package.”

It wasn’t a package.