Holly Jolly Cowboy (The Wyoming Cowboy #7)(9)

“I think it’ll be amazing.” Holly folded up one of the flyers and tucked it into her pocket. A prize would be nice, but more important, it would be a chance to get her baking in front of people and she could really show them her talent. Two bakeries were judging? At least? That was two opportunities she’d be crazy not to take. This was her opportunity to wow people. “I can’t wait to see what everyone brings. I’ll have to think hard about what I’ll make.”

Sage looked impressed. “I didn’t know you baked.”

That stung a little, but it made sense. How would Sage know? It wasn’t as if she could show her talents off much, other than a few cookies and the bread here at Wade’s. Not to mention, everyone just assumed it was something he ordered, like, well, that damned cheesecake. “I do. I bake all the bread here, actually.”

“That’s lovely! I wish I was going to be here for the competition but I’m sure I’ll hear all about it when we get back.” Sage’s expression turned serious. “And while I think about it, I wanted to ask if Wade’s does delivery. Or catering?”

Catering? That was a new one for Holly. “We do not, unfortunately. What do you need? Maybe I can ask around?”

Sage grimaced and leaned over to wipe a bit of frosting from the baby’s cheek as the little one gnawed on the snowman. “Like I said, we’re leaving town for a month, but our ranch hands are staying on to handle things. Normally I make sure that they have food available and I make them sandwiches or casseroles so they don’t have to cook for themselves. But with me and Jason leaving, they’re going to be shorthanded as well as looking after themselves, so I’m trying to solve the food problem for them. I was hoping I could set up something where you guys would deliver out there, but if you don’t, I understand.”

Holly bit her lip, thinking. They definitely didn’t cater—Wade didn’t want to bother, especially since the restaurant kept a brisk pace—but that didn’t mean Holly couldn’t step in. Heck, this might be the answer to her need for more money. “The saloon doesn’t cater but . . . I could maybe cook for your employees on the side?”

The mayor’s eyes widened. “Oh, would you?”

“Well, I mostly do baking but I could make some meat pies or casseroles easily. Soup? Do they like soup? And sandwiches, of course.”

“They like whatever they don’t have to cook,” Sage reassured her. “It would be wonderful if you could do that. You’d be an absolute lifesaver and the men would be so grateful.”

Somehow, Holly doubted that Adam would be anything like grateful, but he didn’t matter. If she could make some extra money over the holidays, she’d put up with his unpleasantness for a month. “I can absolutely do that for you. It’d have to be after hours since I’m working here, of course, but I don’t have any plans for the holidays and was looking for a way to make extra money.”

“This is perfect!” Sage looked so relieved. “How much do you think you’d charge?”

Holly had no idea. “I’m really not sure. Whatever you think is reasonable?”

Sage pursed her lips, thinking. “Well, I was going to hire a temporary housekeeper to look after the men while we were gone but I’m having trouble getting someone trustworthy on such short notice. I was willing to pay about a thousand a week to look after things while we were gone, so I guess I’d offer you the same? You can charge the groceries to the ranch, of course. Whatever you need. I’ll give you access to our accounts. And I hate the thought of you cooking so late and driving it over. You could stay in the guest room at the main house if that would make things easier?” She tilted her head, gazing at Holly. “What do you think?”

Four thousand dollars?

With groceries paid for and lodging as well? And all she had to do was cook for a couple of cowboys and tidy the place up while Sage and her husband were gone? And she could work at her regular job as well? It was a dream come true. She’d be able to pay for a huge chunk of Polly’s tuition without having to rack up another loan. It wouldn’t cover everything, but between the grants Polly received and the extra money from Sage, it would be manageable.

For the first time in months, Holly no longer felt like she was drowning. “I’d love to do it. Please let me do it.”

Sage chuckled. “You don’t have to beg me. You’d be doing me a huge favor. The guys like simple food, and I promise they won’t be a bother.”

“Um, I don’t think Adam likes me particularly much.” Holly’s entire body felt tense at the confession, but she felt she had to point it out. “Will that be a problem?”

Sage thought for a moment. “I don’t think so? I mean, I can just tell him that I’ve hired someone to do the cooking and housekeeping who will stay at the main house. Your hours probably won’t intersect much. Just make sure to leave plenty of food out for them and they’ll be happy.”

“I will absolutely spoil them rotten,” Holly promised, already imagining all the things she’d bake and cook. Thick, hearty stews with fresh crusty bread. Pot roast with all the fixings. Breakfast casseroles and all kinds of baked goodies for the holiday season. She’d go out of her way to smother them in delicious food and baked treats and they wouldn’t complain about her at all. And maybe if Sage and her husband needed help again, they’d call on Holly.