Cody gestured to Emma, a proud smile on his face. “You remember Emma Brooks, don’t you? She’s back in town, taking care of her father’s ranch.”
Jeff’s eyebrows shot up, and he turned to Emma with a grin. “Well, I’ll be,” he said, sticking out his hand. “Emma Brooks, in the flesh. It’s been a long time.”
Emma shook his hand, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Hi, Jeff,” she said, a little awkwardly. “It’s good to see you.”
Jeff chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “You too, Emma. Although I have to say, you look a lot different than the last time I saw you. What was that, the school dance?”
Emma groaned, burying her face in her hands. “Oh, don’t remind me,” she mumbled, her voice muffled. “That was a disaster.”
Cody and Jeff both laughed, the sound warm and good-natured. “Aw, it wasn’t that bad,” Cody said, nudging her shoulder. “You looked beautiful, Emma. Even with punch all over your dress.”
Emma peeked out from between her fingers, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, Cody,” she said dryly. “That makes me feel so much better.”
Jeff grinned, then turned to Cody with a raised eyebrow. “So, what did you want to see me about?”
Cody’s expression sobered, and he leaned forward, his voice low. “Emma’s got some electrical work that needs doing at the ranch,” he said. “The whole system needs an overhaul, and I was hoping you could take a look, give us a quote.”
Jeff nodded, his brow furrowing thoughtfully. “Sure, I can do that,” he said, pulling out a small notebook from his pocket. “When do you want me to come out?”
Emma straightened up, her expression hopeful. “Could you come today?” she asked, biting her lip. “I know it’s short notice, but I’m kind of on a tight schedule here.”
Jeff flipped through his notebook, then nodded. “I can make it out there this afternoon,” he said, scribbling something down. “Around two o’clock work for you?”
Emma nodded, relief washing over her. “That would be perfect,” she said, giving him a grateful smile. “Thank you, Jeff. I really appreciate it.”
Jeff waved a hand, a grin spreading across his face. “Anything for an old friend,” he said, winking at her. “And besides, Cody here would never let me hear the end of it if I didn’t help out.”
Cody chuckled, shaking his head. “You got that right,” he said, clapping Jeff on the shoulder. “I owe you one, man.”
Jeff just shrugged, tucking his notebook back into his pocket. “Buy me a beer sometime and we’ll call it even,” he said, heading towards the counter. “I’ll see you both this afternoon.”
As he walked away, Emma turned to Cody, her expression thoughtful. “He seems like a good guy still,” she said softly. “It’s nice to know that some things haven’t changed around here.”
Cody smiled, his eyes warm. “Jeff’s one of the best,” he said, taking a sip of his coffee. “And he’s not the only one, Emma. This town is full of good people, people who care about each other. Who care about you.”
Emma felt a sudden rush of emotion, a warmth spreading through her chest. She had spent so long running from her past, from the memories and the heartache, that she had forgotten what it was like to be part of something bigger than herself.
But sitting there in that diner, surrounded by the familiar faces and the warm laughter, she felt a sense of belonging that she hadn’t felt in years. And it was harder by the moment to remember that it was all temporary. Sooner or later, she and Cody would finish their repairs on the ranch, and then it would go on the market and she would go back to the city, where she belonged. She couldn’t afford to lose sight of that.
Chapter Six
The sun wasjust beginning to dip below the horizon when Emma heard the sound of hoofbeats approaching the barn. She looked up from the fence post she was mending, her heart skipping a beat when she saw Cody riding towards her on a tall, bay horse.
He pulled up beside her, a smile on his face as he swung down from the saddle. “Evening, Emma,” he said, his voice warm. “I thought I might find you out here.”
Emma straightened up, brushing the dirt from her hands. “Just trying to get a head start on some of these repairs,” she said, gesturing to the fence. “There’s so much to do, I feel like I’ll never get it all done.”
Cody’s smile softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “You’re doing great, Emma,” he said, patting the neck of his horse. “But even the hardest worker needs a break sometimes. What do you say we take a ride?”
Emma blinked, surprised by the offer. “A ride?” she repeated, her stomach fluttering with a mixture of nerves and excitement.
He nodded towards the barn. “Ghost would probably appreciate the exercise. And I know Scout here would appreciate the company.”
“I don’t know, Cody. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a horse.”
Cody chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s just like riding a bike,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “You never forget. And besides, Ghost will take good care of you, just like he did for your father.”
Emma felt a lump forming in her throat at the mention of her father, but she swallowed it back, nodding slowly. “Okay,” she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Let’s do it.”
