One Last Sunset (The Long Ranch Series Book 1) (12 page)

“Why?”

“We’d been trying to figure out something at the clinic about the Winston’s herd.”

Tina stopped focusing on Quentin and her deep honey eyes were full of concern.

“This can’t go past our family. I promised Doc and Mayor Hughes.”

“Mayor Hughes? Mellie, what’s going on?”

“Really high petroleum levels. Like, really high.”

Tina looked at Junior who had a mouthful of sandwich.

“Whafft?” he asked when he noticed his mother staring.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Tina instinctively said, then turned her attention back to Melody. “Should we not be using our water?”

“The water by the creek isn’t as high as it is up stream.”

“And our water?”

“Isn’t as high as the creek, but the danger is spreading. Winston’s— it’s bad, Tina.”

A snap of the screen door made them both jump as Walt, Clay, and Uncle Clevon came inside.

“I have to make the guys lunch.” Tina stumbled getting up.

Mel could tell Walt knew something was wrong.

He went to Tina, who stepped out of the kitchen to gather herself.

She’d graduated with a degree in environmental studies with a minor in business. Most times the guys were teasing her about being a hippie, buying organic, and trying to take away all their favorite toxic chemicals. One of Tina’s favorite parts of being on the ranch was the fresh air. Although she’d been able to get Walt to change a few things on the ranch for environmental reasons, it hadn’t been the easiest transition. Pesticides and vaccinations had been the standard for years.

“Mel…? Hello, earth to Smelly Mellie,” Clay said while waving his hand in front of her face.

She’d not heard him calling her since she was watching Tina conveying the information to Walt. He had his hands on her shoulders trying to comfort his wife. “What, pest?” Mel snapped.

“JT called. He needs us to bring his horses up now.”

“Right this second?”

“Sooner rather than later. You think Doc would give you a few days off to help Sunny take them to Minnesota?”

Sunny?
Mel woke from her toxic stupor. “What about Sunny?”

“Damn girl, what is wrong with you?”

Mel’s brain was mush. In a week, she’d gone from composed and studious to—she didn’t even know now. “I heard JT, Minnesota, and Sunny. What do any of those things have to do with me?” She asked, trying to focus on Clay.

“He wants his horses.”

“Good for him.”

“Sunny’s going to drive them, but for that trip we need at least two people. Can Doc spare you?”

“I have the rest of the week off anyway.”

“You do?” Clay smiled. “Then it’s meant to be.”

“Guess so.”

“You guys should only have to sleep over one night. Sunny has a friend from the rodeo in Missouri. That’s good stopping spot for the horses.”

“Sounds good. When do we leave?”

“Tomorrow since you’re off.”

“Okay, I’ll go out the cabin and tell Sunny now.”

“Just call him on the radio.”

“Isn’t he fixing it up?”

“Melody,” Walt called from the living room right as Quentin splashed Clay’s cheek with the applesauce he’d been attempting to use a spoon with.

“Darn, that’s me.”

“Tina, your child’s a menace,” Clay yelled.

“He’s a Long, what did you expect?” she retorted.

Walking into the living room only took three steps, but the face of her cousin made the walk harder to handle. There was limited information at this time. Maybe Doc was right. This could only cause a panic.

“Do we need a family meeting?”

Mel’s heart pounded in her chest. She didn’t know what was going on. All she knew was it was bad. She didn’t have a solution. “I’m going to be taking JT’s horses to him,” she said, swallowing hard. Here she’d dropped a bombshell and now she was running from the damage.

“Mel, you’ve always been too smart for your own good. Sit down,” he scolded as if he were her father.

She sat immediately.

“Talk.”

She tried to explain what she knew.

“We need to go buy out the store on distilled water. I told you we needed one here not just in the cabin.”

“I’ll do that,” Walt assured her.

“Right now. I can’t have our children…” Tina shivered.

Melody felt for her. Mel was afraid for her family, but she couldn’t imagine if she had children to worry about.

“I said I’ll do it, but Mel’s right. We can’t start a panic. Right now, we won’t tell anyone but the family. If I send a hand out to get it questions will be asked. I’ll bring some down to MeMaw.”

“Make sure she only gives Lester the good water.”

“You’re asking the woman who doesn’t believe animals should be inside to give the animal bottled water?” Walt asked with all seriousness.

“She loves that damn dog and he’ll probably out live her, but if she’s giving him tainted water—he could die in a few days depending on the levels.”

“When will we know more?” Tina asked.

“Next week. Maybe.” Who knew how long the EPA would take to get back to them.

“I think the kids and I should go to my parents.” Tina sniffed. “Don’t give me that look.”

“Tina, at this point—”

“If nothing else it will make them get the results quicker.” She stood determined and went into the kitchen.

“She does know me.”

“You have a lot of pull around here, Walt.”

He ran his hand over his head, then brought it to his lips. Stress exuded from his every motion. “I’ve never wanted to be in charge. If your damn brother could of just come a few years earlier…”

“You’d still be running this place. Miles will never settle down.”

“How do we break this to my dad?”

“You’re in charge.” She tried to smile. She knew Clevon put Walt in charge, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t openly questioning any issues.

“Why don’t you head out to Sunny’s and get everything settled with him. This might just be the perfect time to get away.”

* * * *

There were a few things Sunny knew about roofing. The first, even with the smallest roof, make sure you start in the morning, especially when doing it all by yourself. Although he had all the materials, he’d still wait until morning to start. There was no way by himself he could tear off the old metal roof and replace its asphalt shingles in time for bed. And he wasn’t going to sleep under a plywood base roof. Instead, he started in on sanding down the outside of the cabin so it would be ready for paint in a few days.

The stack of supplies took him almost an hour to unload. He hadn’t even started mapping out the inside. Clay wanted new everything. Guess it was nice to have that kind of money. The goal was to keep things rustic, but new cupboards were a must. The bathroom needed to be redone too. Luckily. Clay had been thinking about it for a while so he wasn’t leaving Sunny to become an interior decorator.

He’d taken the truck back to Walt, swapping it out for the gator. The guys weren’t around so he’d just left the keys in the cup holder.

Sun beat down on Sunshine. Sweat dripped down his back so he went to the water pump on the side of the cabin and took off his shirt. Dousing it in the cold water, he was ringing it out when he heard a vehicle in the front.

When he came around the corner. he saw Melody hopping out of a different gator. Stress creased her brow, and he feared she might cry.

“Oh, that’s not even fair.”

“What’s not?” he asked, trying to cut the distance between them.

“That body. Do you ever wear a shirt?”

“I had it on.” He smirked, then snapped the shirt to get the last of the water before pulling it over his head.

“That’s not much better,” she purred as her fingertips ran over abs clearly visible through the white fabric. Her hand suddenly jerked back as it slid over his damp shirt.

Sunny looked around. Of course, they still had to be discreet. “You’re a few hours early, I haven’t even started cooking.”

“I was sent out here,” she said, still scrutinizing his shirt. “We have nothing at the clinic for the next week or so and Clay said you needed someone to drive up to Minnesota with.”

“I did suggest you.” Sunny’s lips quirked up a bit. “But I thought it would be on the weekend.”

“Clay wants it done now and I need to get away.”

“Well, if he doesn’t mind his house being put on hold, neither do I.” Sunny walked around back with Melody trailing him. “If I had signal I’d call my buddy, but since I don’t we’ll do it in the morning. What time we leaving?”

“You tell me?”

“Five.”

“Okay.” Mel sighed. “Then I better head back to the house and pack. So much for a plate of Sunny surprise for dinner.”

“I’ll still cook you dinner,” he said as he cradled her cheek in his hand. “And anything else you want.”

“Another night.” She sighed, rubbing her cheek against his palm and closing her eyes. “My family needs me tonight. That was the other reason I came out here.”

Sunny was disappointed, but it wasn’t like they couldn’t squeeze some fun into the trip. He would after all, have four days with Melody. One of which he planned on being in hotel room, even though he didn’t tell Clay that. They needed to stay at a farm on the way up with the horses…the way back was another story. “It’s not because you fear my skills.”

“You’re talking about cooking, right?” She smiled.

He couldn’t help claiming her lips again. Sweet flavor had his body reacting. No longer softly cradling a cheek, he’d cupped her head in both hands and the problem they’d been having came back. Damn, he hoped they didn’t end up pitching the truck into a ditch from pawing at each other. “Damn it.” He gasped when they finally broke for air. Her nails clawed against his chest. “I’ve got to finish this and you…”

“Right.” She gulped, stepping back from him and letting her fingers catch at his belt buckle. “It’s a long drive.” Her thumb stroked his jeans. “Very…long.”

He felt the heat against his hardened shaft.

“Yo, Sunny,” Clay yelled.

They both stepped apart.

“Back here,” Sunny called out.

“Mellie, you should have waited ten more minutes before taking off,” Clay said as he came around the corner to see her standing with her hands shoved into the pockets of her jeans.

“Why’s that?”

“Walt’s on a rampage. Made me run all the way out here to bring Sunny more water. I told him Sunny only drinks water with hops and barley, but he insisted.” Clay looked between Sunny and Mel.

Sunny’s gut pulled in.

“Damn man, how hard are you working out here?”

“I’ll have it all sanded down before I go to bed.”

“I meant your shirt. I’m surprised Mel’s so close. She hates sweat.”

“It’s water.” Sunny cleared his throat. “I was hot.”

“You’re supposed to take off your clothes before getting in the shower. This isn’t PE.”

“You’re hilarious,” Sunny retorted, then looked at Melody who was trying act like nothing was between them. It just made everything more awkward when Mel started inspected the overhang from the roof, rather than look at him like normal. “We’re going to take off at five tomorrow.”

“God bless you.” Clay chuckled. “Melody…Melody Renee…”

“What?” She snapped.

“Damn girl, I swear you always ignore me, but could you please give me the time of day?”

Mel pulled out her phone. “Almost three.”

“Where is your mind lately?” he asked.

Lately? That was weird. Sunny had never known Melody to be unfocused enough for someone to comment on. He leaned in to the discussion.

“This what you talked to Walt about?” Clay asked.

“Maybe. When you talk all I hear is the teacher from
Peanuts.
”

“Sunshine, I think you and I need to take Smelly Mellie and dump her in the creek.”

Sunny laughed. “I need her for driving.”

“She’ll be dry by morning, a little pissed and her hair will be out of sorts.”

“You and I both know damaging a black woman’s hair is a federal offense punishable by death with a hot comb.”

“I fear no family member,” Clay stated proudly. “Male or female.”

“I’ll let MeMaw know.” Mel crossed her arms.

Clay took off around the cabin.

“Run, chicken, run,” Mel called in her best Jenny impression from
Forest Gump
. “We survive this trip…”

“Survive?” Sunny questioned. “As in if my best friend doesn’t kill me.”

“JT is the softest of all my cousins,” Mel cooed. “But I’m glad you said kill.”

“Why’s that?”

“Even if he takes off an arm you’ll still…”