HURITT

Being the manager on duty is harder than I thought. I know that Row is always busy, but never realized what it meant. I have been helping people to check out the whole morning and did the safety rounds. I had to locate the parents of a little one I found crying and couldn't believe they hadn't notice he was gone. Then together with Olivia, we had to assist a guest with chest pain. All before check in time!

Row called us to let us know that Kitchi had the brain scan and that he's still in the same sad funk after saying goodbye to Monique. Istu has left already to relieve Rowtag at the hospital and tomorrow will be my turn. At least he arranged an extra farm hand for Chris starting on Monday.

After the last family has been checked in, I bring the two front desk ladies some well-deserved coffee and cookies and go to the front porch to get fresh air. Later, I will run the daily reports and check how many reservations we have to adjust the last-minute deals.

"Huritt," I hear a voice say behind me.

I turn around to see Amy, wearing a hunter green overall and with a pair of rubber boots in her hand.

"Hey, Amy. Sorry I haven't been around much in the last days to help at the club. I have also let Alex fend for himself."

"Don't worry. We both know that your brother needs you," she places her hand on my arm. "How is he doing?"

"He's quite ill, but he's a tough man and I'm sure everything will turn all right. Why are you wearing farm clothes?"

"I'm helping Chris until the new guy arrives. He and Sebastian can do the job without a problem but can go home sooner if I give them a hand with the evening feeding." I grab Amy in a hard hug while she laughs. "My goodness! Why the sudden affection?"

"Because I appreciate every small effort. You are... Just amazing," I look straight into Amy's eyes and she blushes.

I then realize that my arms are still around her body, but she doesn't seem to mind. Our faces are close, and I can't resist leaning in.

"Mr. Marshall? I have your mother on the phone," one of the front desk ladies says.

My arms fall limp to my sides and I let out a deep sigh at the ruined moment.

"I will call her back," I say, and she leaves us alone again.

"Chris is waiting for me," Amy says in a soft voice, looking towards the farm area.

"Okay. I will see you in a few days. Tomorrow is my turn to stay at the hospital."

"Send our love to Kitchi. Chris misses him and is worried about him."

"I will."

Amy walks towards the farm, and I can't keep my eyes off of her. I need to tell her how I feel as soon as possible. Since I met her, no other woman is as interesting or as beautiful. I return inside and call Mom. She answers on the first ring.

"What took you so long?" She almost barks.

"I was helping a guest," I lie. "Isn't that what the two of you taught us? The guest comes first."

"I want to know why I am at the airport, and nobody is here to pick me. This is inconsiderate and irresponsible."

"Maybe because nobody cared to tell us that you would arrive today. We thought you were coming in a few days."

"Kitchi is having surgery. He needs me now!"

"I'm the manager on duty and can't leave the ranch right now. Istu is on his way to the hospital but out of your route. I can try to reach Rowtag, but it will take him at least half an hour before he is there."

"Forget that I called. I will take a taxi and head straight to the hospital," she hangs up abruptly.

Of course, she will never get in a car with Rowtag, but for Kitchi, she would take an air balloon if necessary. It's obvious she doesn't like my brother, but she has never loved me either. When I woke up in the hospital room after our accident, I was alone. I freaked out and cried when I saw the rods sticking out of my skin, holding my bones together. Nurses came running into the room and held me, calmed me, but my parents never came, they were busy with Kitchi and Istu. My grandparents arrived the next day and stayed with me and Rowtag until we were strong enough to be transported to the farm. We didn't see our parents or our younger brothers until Christmas, seven months after the accident and the reason was that Kitchi was finally home.

When I had my pelvis correction surgery at 21 years old my parents never showed up. My brothers and my grandparents were the ones next to my bed every day. Dad eventually made an appearance when I returned to the farm, but Mom didn't even call to check if I was fine. That was when I lost the last bit of respect I had for her.

I get my mobile phone and dial Rowtag's number. He answers after a few rings.

"The witch is going your way," I say.

"What are you talking about?"

"Mom is on her way to the hospital by taxi. Made a fuss because she didn't have a receiving committee at the airport."

"We will deal with her when she comes here."

"Aren't you bothered?" I feel surprised. Usually, he becomes a bundle of nerves and now he sounds so relaxed.

"I am, but I've decided not to let her ruin my life anymore. I have found peace with someone, and I want to focus my energies on her," he says in a determined voice.

I'm shocked... happily shocked.

"This is... Great! Who is she?"

"Olivia."

"Finally! Are you dating her?"

"No, but after our family situation becomes more stable, I will ask her out."

"Did something bite you?" I ask and hear laughter on the other side of the phone.

"No. She gives me strength and helps me see different perspectives."

I feel glad at this development. It was painful to see Row struggling when his marriage failed. Tiffany never understood Rowtag's trauma. He never dated afterwards so his intention of asking Olivia out is serious business.

Inspired by my brother, I grab my two-way radio and head downstairs. I let the ladies at the front desk know I will make a round and to call me if they need me. I find Amy and Chris working side by side in the cow barn.

"Hey, Huritt," Chris says while wiping sweat from his forehead.

"Chris, can I steal Amy for a moment?"

Amy looks at his brother with a puzzled face and hands him the pitchfork she holds. I motion for her to walk outside with me and stop at a garden nearby.

"Is everything okay?" She asks.

"Yes, I only want to finish what I started earlier."

I take a step towards her and cup her lovely face, then place my lips on hers. They are soft and mold perfectly to my own. When I break the kiss, I see her eyes are still closed.

"Amy, I- Have feelings... For you."

A moment ago, I was determined, and now I feel so nervous. Amy looks at me with her beautiful eyes as if she is looking into my soul.

"How are you sure of that? You have known me for a short time."

"I know because you are the last thought in my mind before I go to sleep and the first when I wake up. I know because I take every chance I get to spend time with you at the kids' club."

"Oh, Huritt," she places a hand on my cheek. "I feel flattered to hear that, but I'm not the right girl for you. Our backgrounds are so different."

"What do you mean?"

"You might be better with a girl with a proper social status. I'm no one."

"Amy, no... Please... Why do you say that?" I feel a knot in my throat.

I didn't give it much thought, but a rejection scenario wasn't part of this. I look towards the other side of the patch, trying to hide my disappointment and see a gray wolf. I push Amy behind me immediately.

"What is going on?" She asks and I feel her trying to peek over my shoulder.

"A wolf, next to the fence there," I point at the place where the animal sits.

"I don't see anything."

The wolf takes a few steps until it reaches a tree, never to come out at the other side.