Eli took the box after checking on her selection and grinned. “That one is my favorite.”
“Mine too,” Sarah whispered.
“Come on, I’m sure the fire’s going good by now. It’s going to be a long night.”
They walked together through the kitchen and around the corner to the den. Sarah settled on the couch as Eli checked the flames before sitting next to her. The tea was still too hot to drink and not quite steeped enough, but as the heat from the mug seeped into her fingers, Sarah relaxed into the moment.
“Did you see Buddy today?”
Eli snorted. “Yes, I sawyourcow.”
Sarah grinned. “And how is he?”
“Spritely.”
“Spritely?” Giggling, Sarah shook her head.
“Your cow is fine.” Eli sighed. “I promise.”
“Shouldn’t he be in the barn or something if it’s supposed to hail?”
Eli shot Sarah a glare. “No. I can’t possibly fit all my cattle in the barn.”
“I know, but the babies.”
“Sarah.”
“What?”
“No.”
“I just…never mind.”
“No, say what you were thinking.”
Sarah drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly as she curled her legs under her, which moved her body closer to Eli. “I just worry about him.”
“Oh God.” Eli chuckled. “One calf and you’re in love.”
Sarah blushed. “So what if I am? He’s adorable.”
Rolling her eyes in an over-exaggerated movement, Eli put her cup of tea on the side table. “What would you even do with a cow?”
“I don’t know, but I’d find something. He’s so cute and small.”
“For now! They grow to be beasts pretty dang quick.”
Letting out a small giggle, Sarah nodded. “I know, but still, a girl can dream, right?”
“Sure, she can. For a day or two.”
“Will you take me to see him tomorrow?”
“If you want, but I have to go to town tomorrow for some lumber, and I’m not sure how long you’d get to spend with him. The next day might be better.”
“I’ll take it.” Reaching out, she covered Eli’s hand with her own and squeezed. “If I only get one more week with him, I’m going to take every minute I have.”
She may have made it off like she was talking about the calf, but Sarah knew in her heart she was really talking about Eli. She couldn’t deny the attraction. She’d tried, but she was done avoiding it. She liked touching Eli’s hand, liked being up close to her on the couch in front of the fire, liked spending time with her out on the farm.