Brenda Minton - A Cowboy's Heart

The boys looked up from cups of tomato soup, red liquid dripping from their chins. She smiled, but she wanted to hug them tight. The little one, David, not Davie, gave her a tremulous smile that threaded its way into her heart. The bigger of the two, Timmy, just frowned.

“I heard that the two of you had cookies. Were they good?” Willow kneeled next to the table, putting herself at eye level with the two children.

They nodded and both took another bite of their sandwiches, dripping cheese as they pulled the bread away. Grilled cheese and tomato soup, Aunt Janie’s cure for everything, including broken hearts.

“Want something…” Janie’s words faded out as she moved away.

Willow turned, shooting her aunt a questioning gaze. The words had blended with the radio and the dishwasher’s low rumble.

“I’m sorry, Willow. Do you want to eat, or are you going with us?”

“I’ll eat with the boys.” Willow smiled at the two and stood up, her legs protesting her squatting next to the table.

“The boys are going with us.” Janie smiled. “But they don’t like chili.”

“I don’t blame them.”

Janie frowned. “It isn’t chili you’re avoiding, it’s people.”

“And lectures.”

Janie wiped wet hands on a kitchen towel, her frown growing. “Willow, are you okay?”

“Of course I am.”

The house vibrated with footsteps, heavy steps. Willow turned as Clint walked into the room, his wide smile directed at the boys.

Janie handed her a bowl, and Willow turned toward the table. Clint had taken a seat with the boys. He had a glass of iced tea and a cookie.

“You have a cow that’s about to have a calf,” he said after taking a drink of his tea.

“I know. I’ve been checking on her every few hours.”

“Is this her first calf?”

“Second.”

“She’s young.”

Willow exhaled and pretended she didn’t have an answer for that. He set his glass down and she looked up, knowing he wasn’t going to let it go.

“Yes, she’s young. The first time she got into the wrong pen.” She wouldn’t go further, not with two little boys at the table.

“Maybe I should stay home, in case she gets down on you. You might have to pull the calf.”

Like she didn’t know that. She gave him a pointed look and lifted a spoon of soup to her mouth. After taking a bite she set the spoon down.

“I can handle it, Clint. I know how to pull a calf. I know how to take care of my cows.”

“I was just offering.”

“If I can’t handle it, I have a good vet.” She took in a breath and smiled. “You need to take the boys to the carnival at church. I can handle this.”

He raised his hand and smiled. “Got it.”

Timmy laughed and David looked worried.

“Guys, don’t ever argue with a woman who has her mind made up.” Clint picked up a napkin and wiped grilled cheese crumbs off David’s chin.

Willow smiled, because how could she not? And when she looked up, he winked. Just like that, he undid everything.

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