Libby smiled and looked over at Nathan, tilting her head as he looked at her with a deadpan expression.
“Something you wanted to say, Nathan?”
“Not until it’s my sleeping arrangements you’re changing.”
Tom laughed into his hand and tried to cover it with a cough. “How are those lambs going, Holly?” He gave her his attention.
“Good. Want to come and help me feed them now?”
“Tom’s taking it easy for a while, baby, so he can watch, but I’ll help you, okay?” Libby kept her hand on Tom’s shoulder so he knew she meant business. “Don’t you even think of trying to argue with me, at least until tomorrow.”
“Thanks for the coffee and cake.” Nathan rose, pushing away his mug and plate. “Take care, Tom.”
“Thanks, Nat, for what you’ve done. Appreciate it.”
“No problem. If you want to go look at those bulls I mentioned, give me a call, and I’ll drive you over.” Nathan glanced over his shoulder as he walked toward the door.
“I’m sure we can manage, Nathan, but thanks for the offer.” Libby waved good-bye to him.
“Thanks, but I’ll only have the sling on for a couple of days, and then I can take Libby over to see them.”
He glanced between Libby and Tom before putting on his hat, nodded, and headed down the steps.
“Let’s go, Winton.” Josh pulled his mate to the door. “We’ll be out in the shed, Mum.” They walked out with Holly quick on their heels.
“Sure, guys.” She sighed as she began clearing the table.
“What’s going on, Libby?” Tom sat back in his chair while she bustled around the kitchen.
“Why would you think there’s something going on?” He was too astute by far.
“Don’t give me that innocent look, young lady. You’ve been up to something, and it seems to me Nathan’s involved somehow.”
Libby sat beside him again and laughed shakily, twisting a strand of loose hair behind her ear. “I think I may have gotten the better of our Nathan.” She proceeded to tell Tom what had happened that morning, sparing him just a few of the more intimate details.
He laughed and slapped the table with his good hand.
“Oh my, that’s good. I can just see his face as you told him you would use him for sex. You make me wish I was young again, but I doubt if I could keep up with you young’uns these days.”
“I surprised myself, I can tell you.” She sighed. “I didn’t know I had it in me to carry that off, but after the way he treated me and left me wanting, I figured I had nothing to lose.”
“So what are the plans now?”
“Will the dance still be on?” Libby cleared away their cups, put them in the sink to wash later.
“You bet it will.”
“I need to get to town and buy a dress. Nathan isn’t going to know what hit him. From now on, it’ll be me calling the shots.”
“I don’t think the boy stands a chance.” Tom laughed again as he wiped his eyes. “I can almost see it now.”
“You may be the babysitter that night after the dance.”
“Anytime. Now, I best get out and see what Holly’s up to.”
The next couple of weeks flew by. The water slowly subsided, and Tom and Libby went to the McNally’s station for a look at the bulls Nathan had told them about.
Tom wised her up on what to look for and how much she should be paying for it long before they made the visit. She’d read everything she could get her hands on about the breed as well as checked prices and had no problem sorting through what she thought were inferior prospects. Tom kept an eye on her and let her know with a nod here and there he approved of the sire she’d chosen.
Next came the haggling over the price they were asking. Libby was frugal from years of making do, and she refused outright McNally’s asking price and made a ridiculous counteroffer. After going back and forth for what seemed like hours, Libby had a new sire for her herd.
Tom patted her on the back, while Mr. McNally complained about city folk not appreciating the true value of good stock.
“Mr. McNally.” Libby placed her hands on her hips and shook her head as if she was disappointed. “If you don’t want to sell me the animal for that, then don’t. Offer him to someone else. I’ll wait for the sales and I might even get a better deal. Your call, but you won’t get any more money from me. I simply don’t have it.”
“I’ll let it go for that this time, since you’re new and all and have to rebuild your stock.” He grumbled and looked at her from under bushy eyebrows. “Just don’t go telling anyone about the good deal you got.”
“Done.” She shook his hand. “Now, how do we get him home?”
“I can bring him over tomorrow.” Mr. McNally took off his hat and scratched his head. “Got to go out anyways, so it won’t be much of a problem to me.”
“I appreciate it.” Libby held in the excitement but it was difficult. She wanted to scream out loud. “I’ll have your money for you then. Now home, I think, Tom. I want to get into town before the kids get back unless you want to come with me.”
“Why not, I can get a haircut, so I’m all spruced up for the dance.”
Libby and Tom said their good-byes and headed into Charleville. She parked outside the barber’s, and Tom directed her to the dress shop and the bank.
“I’ll come looking for you if you aren’t back by the time I get finished up.” He looked into the barbers and opened the door.
“Catch you later then.” Libby sauntered down the street in search of the killer dress that would have Nathan dribbling down his shirt.
An hour later, she was still trying on dresses. Nothing was doing it for her. Frustrated, she asked the girl
