Cowgirl Up and Ride (Rough Riders #3)(67)

Since she was already up, she fed Lucy and the other horses and cleaned stalls.


Three hours later Jenn and the kids waved as they left for the day. She and Jenn had debated on keeping the kids at the ranch with Aunt Amy Jo instead of sending them to the summer day camp. But Jenn wanted one normal thing in her children’s lives in light of the divorce and their impending move.


AJ dragged into the house. She started a pot of coffee and ran upstairs to shower. As she dressed, she looked longingly at her pristinely made bed, but there’d be no rest for the wicked today.


Three cups of coffee lifted the mental cobwebs and she heard her mother stirring in the front room. “Ma? You ready for breakfast?”


“Just coffee this morning, sweetheart.”


AJ set the cup on the tray and perched on the chair by the bed. “A couple of things I need to know before I get started. All the farm equipment is property included in the deed? We don’t have to worry about holding an auction or cleaning out the machine shed?”


“No. Carson said they’ll deal with it.”


“Everything in the attic is boxed. Where should I start next? The cellar?”


Florence shook her head. “Jenn tossed most of that old junk when the propane guy came.”


“When was that?”


“Couple months back when I was having problems with the heater again.”


“Has the temperature been better in this room? I know you said it was too cold.”


“It fluctuates, as usual. The heating problems are one thing I won’t miss about this old house.” She sighed. “You should start by throwing away a bunch of stuff like the magazines in the middle room upstairs. Your daddy loved ’em but there’s no point in keeping ’em.”


“Good. Which leads me to my next question. We haven’t talked about what to do with the horses. I want to keep Lucy. As far as the rest? I know Macie’s dad, Cash Big Crow, is looking for stock. He’d treat them well.”


“Tell you what, you take care of that part of this ranch sale business and I’ll let you keep the money from the sale.”


That was an unexpected surprise. “You sure?”


“Positive.” She drained her coffee and AJ brought the pot over for refills. “Thanks.


Sorry to be such a pain.”


“Mama. You’re not a pain.”


“Well, I am sorry you’re doing all the packing up. I won’t be any help and Jenn has packing of her own to do.”


“That just means I get first dibs on the cool stuff for my apartment.” AJ scrutinized her mother head to toe. “What do you need me to do for you before I get to work? Are you ready for your massage?”


“Later. I’ll probably watch some TV.” She stared into her cup. “Maybe you should rest since you were out all night.”


AJ hated the guilty heat burning her cheeks. “Were you worried?”


“No. I probably wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t gotten up to use the bathroom and saw your car pulling in at a quarter after five this morning.” Florence sighed. “No lecture.


You’re an adult. Can I ask if you were with a man last night?”


She debating on lying, but she saw no reason to. “Yes, I was.”


“Do I know him?”


“Ma!”


“Just curious.” Her mom winked. “I’m gonna say be careful and let you escape before your face turns any redder, sweetheart.”