My Country Home

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 3

While Amelia's first day working at the ranch was going well, Carter approached her with an unexpected request.

"I'm heading into town, and could use a hand."

"With what, exactly?"

"It's top secret, are you in?"

"I'm in."

"Cool, let's roll."

Carter hesitated as he looked at her clothes and Amelia looked down which she spotted some dirt and a stain that looked like milk.

"Guess I should change first though, huh?"

"Make no difference to me but you never know who you'll run into in town."

"Got it, be right back."

Amelia rushed out of the barn and towards the house. In her bedroom, she searched for the perfect outfit for a outing in town as she changed before heading back outside to find Carter standing by his pickup truck as he looked her over and smiled.

"Ready?

"Let's go."

The truck bumped its way down the dusty road as Amelia looked out the window.

"So, where exactly are we going?"

"Blueridge."

She waited for him to elaborate but he stayed quiet.

"How far away is it?"

"Bout thirty miles."

"Wow, back where I'm from, you could drive through three towns in that."

"I like it out here and if you squint just right, there's not a soul around for miles, it's empty and quiet."

"I can see that but tell me, how long have you been a cowboy?"

"I'm a farmhand, not a cowboy."

"Is there a difference?"

"I don't pack a six-shooter, for one and I don't ride off into the sunset."

"I see but have you ever had a drink in a saloon?"

"Maybe."

"I knew it! See? You're basically a cowboy."

As Carter opened his mouth to protest, Amelia had cut him off.

"But since you're denying your calling, I'll just ask this instead, how long have you been a farmhand?"

"Couple years."

He fell quiet again as the rumbling of the truck filled the silence and she cleared her throat.

"So, how long have you worked here?"

"Four months. Was in North Dakota before that, then in Nebraska and also worked a couple farms in Montana."

"You travel a lot."

"Never had one place I wanted to stay in."

Amelia stared at him while she was trying to figure out a way to squeeze out some more information.

"You don't talk much."

"Figured you're better at it than me."

"Oh, okay."

She glanced over and saw the tiniest smirk on his face.

"Wait, were you making fun of me?"

"Never."

She chuckled as Carter turned the corner, bringing the town of Blueridge into view as they drove down the single main street lined with shops.

"Welcome to Blueridge."