Cowgirl Up and Ride (Rough Riders #3)(68)

“I’ll be upstairs. If you need anything, just holler.”


She hauled a bunch of full garbage bags downstairs. By the third trip she took a breather on the porch steps. It’d be another hot one today—the thermometer read ninety at ten o’clock. She’d finished her second glass of iced tea when her cell phone rang.


Caller ID said MM.


“Macie McKay, what’s up?”


“My breakfast,” she grumbled. “Anyway, how are you?”


“Tired.”


“Know the feeling. I remember how much work it was being a caretaker and I feel for ya.”


AJ couldn’t confess the real reason for her tiredness—playing grab ass with Cord till the wee hours. Macie would blab to her husband, Carter, and then all the McKays would know about her and Cord. “So didja call me to lend your support?”


“No. I called because I’m coming to Sundance tomorrow.”


“Really? Cool. What time, how long, and all that?”


“Early, we’ll be there overnight.”


“We, meaning you and Carter?”


“No. Me, Gemma and the twins.”


AJ squealed. “Not that it’s not awesome you’re coming, Mace, but I love love love those darling babies.”


“You and everyone else. Channing hasn’t been feeling well enough to travel, so she’s dying to see Gemma and the babies again. Gemma’s a little stir crazy stuck in the house breastfeeding twins every two hours, and I have a building I need to check out.”


“A building? For what?”


“Tell you when I get there. In fact, is there any way you can get tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow night off from your caretaking duties? After the business deal, Channing wants a girls’ night with the four of us. I guess she’s kicking Colby out too.”


“Cash isn’t coming?”


“No, it’s haying season and he’ll be working until dark. It’ll drive Dad bonkers to be away from his twins for even a day, but between us, I think Gemma’s looking for a break from him too.”


AJ grinned. Cash Big Crow was all gooey-eyed and awestruck over the newest additions to his family. To hear Macie tell it, because Cash hadn’t been around at all during Macie’s early years, he was determined to do and learn everything this go around and be a very hands-on daddy.


“I’ll talk to my sister and see if I can work something out. If nothing else, maybe one of Mama’s friends would like to come over, especially since we’re moving and it might be a last chance.”


Macie was quiet. “You okay with the McKays buying the Foster ranch, AJ?”


“I don’t really have a choice but to slap on a happy face. I won’t lie; it’s gonna be hard.”


“I know, sweets. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”


Over margaritas, AJ hoped. “Where are you staying?”


“You think Channing would let Gemma stay anywhere besides with her?” Macie laughed. “I’d planned on staying there too, but Carter wants me bunking at Carolyn and Carson’s.”


“They’ll be glad to have you.”


“I’ll call from Channing’s and let you know what time I’ll swing by to get you. I’d like to see how your mom is doing before we head out.”


Might be ridiculous, but AJ was touched. Macie’s thoughtfulness and feisty sweetness were just a couple of reasons why they’d become close friends in the last year.