Reese’s skin riffled when he heard her laughter, and he smiled as he walked toward one section of the store. Reese knew Charlie gave Shay a 40 percent discount on everything in his store, so that she was able to afford the small items necessary for any working ranch. The leather reins on one bridle needed to be replaced. Instead of buying expensive leather replacements, Reese bought a much cheaper but equally good set of nylon reins.
He quickly got everything on her list. Shay’s change was remarkable and served to tell Reese that she wasn’t always under pressure and stress. Truth be told, Charlie’s cajoling, constantly touching her arm or shoulder, seemed to help Shay stabilize. Why wouldn’t it? Her father had made no move to kiss her good-bye or hug her. Charlie gave her what her father did not: love, attention, and genuine care. Hurting for her, Reese put the items on the counter as Charlie walked up.
“Hey,” Charlie chided. “Go get your donut while I ring these up.”
“Okay,” Reese murmured, “just as soon as we get this bill settled.”
Charlie took the items. “You’re looking good, Mr. Lockhart.”
“Call me Reese?”
Charlie nodded, writing down the items on a separate bill. “You’re lookin’ like you’re gaining back some of that lost weight. Garret’s food must agree with you.”
Reese said, “I’ve gained about twenty pounds and you’re right, Garret ought to open up a café. I think everyone would come to eat his chow.”
Chuckling, Charlie grabbed a paper sack and put everything into it. “I hear you’re an accountant?”
“Yes, sir, among other things.” Reese took the proffered sack. Charlie had put a copy of the bill in the bag. And then he turned around and dropped the original one into the wastebasket. He wasn’t charging Shay anything, and Reese felt a lump form in his throat for the man’s incredible generosity.
“Shay said you’re real good with numbers.” Charlie leaned forward, hands on his counter, voice lowered. “I can pay you fifteen dollars an hour to come and help me with my books. My accountant just retired and I’m terrible at this. What do you say? It will put some cash in your hands.”
“Sure,” Reese said, “but let me talk to Shay about it first. If she gives me the go-ahead, we’ll discuss it.” Reese was sure that she would, because he needed to have some kind of outside work that paid him regularly. This was exactly what he needed in order to contribute to the Bar C.
“Good. I’m sure she’ll be fine with it.” Charlie straightened, rubbing his hands together. “After she says it’s okay for you to take on a part-time accounting job for us, what’s a convenient time for you to drop by, Reese?”
“Mornings from nine to eleven are fine for me.”
Charlie stuck out his hand. “Good! Can you possibly drop by tomorrow morning?”
Reese nodded and shook the older man’s hand. “Sure thing, Charlie. I’ll call you later today to confirm it. Thanks for the job offer.”
*
At dinner that night, there was a remarkable difference in Shay, and Reese saw it in every vet’s expression. She was laughing, eating well, and even telling some of Charlie’s jokes. The warmth at the table felt good, and even Garret, who he could see was intently listening to Shay, seemed happy.
It was Shay who told everyone that Charlie had hired Reese to be the accountant for his store. Reese saw the relief in their faces because it meant another income flowing into the ranch. One more step away from foreclosure.
Reese knew that Harper had a steady mechanic’s job. Noah’s income relied on training horses and dogs. It was Garret who did a lot of construction work, whose income rose and fell with jobs sporadically coming his way. One nice thing about any business: They’d always need an accountant to keep the books straight.
Everyone at the table was uplifted by the good news. Especially Shay. She seemed almost giddy and girlish, and it sent a deep desire in Reese’s heart to always give her days like this one.
Later, after dinner, the men went out to the barn to saddle horses and ride fence line until dark. That was when Reese was surrounded by the other vets.
“You saw Shay’s old man,” Noah said in the main aisle. “What was he like with you?”
Reese saw Garret and Harper draw near so their voices wouldn’t carry far.
“He’s an unhappy person.”
“Was he mean to Shay?” Garret demanded.
“Somewhat,” Reese said, and he told them what had transpired. He saw Garret give him a pleased look afterward.
“You put the bastard in his place.” Garret clapped him on the shoulder. “Well done.”
“You said Shay was pretty nervous?” Noah asked.
“Yes, like she was expecting her father to blow up at me or something.” Reese shrugged. “I didn’t feel it, but she did.”
“The fact,” Harper pointed out, “that Shay said he was respectful toward you when he isn’t with anyone else, says a helluva lot.”
Garret’s eyes gleamed. “That’s because he saved the old man money.”
Reese smiled a little. “Most likely so.”
“I’ve never seen Shay this happy,” Harper said.
Shaking his head, Noah said, “Me either. Have you, Garret?”
“Never.”
“It’s gotta be you,” Harper said, pointing a finger in Reese’s direction.
“Yeah,” Noah chimed in.
Garret gave him a long, hard look. “What did you do, Reese? Kiss her?”