Hank thought of the frozen dinners in the freezer that tasted like trash. He thought of how hard his brothers had worked all day and what a long afternoon it had been. Not just for them, but for him, too. He’d hosed off after helping a cow with a breech birth, but he still felt like he was covered in blood and birthing fluids. There were two more cattle they needed to keep an eye on tonight, a sick heifer, and six calves in the big herd that had been abandoned by their mothers. It was a mess, and nothing sounded better than a hot dinner . . . or, heck, even fresh coffee and doughnuts, despite the late hour.

He gazed at Becca for a long moment. Stared at her mouth for maybe a little longer than an uninterested man should. Then, because everyone seemed to be waiting on an answer, he grunted and headed back out to the barn.

*   *   *

When he got back to the barn, all heck broke loose and he didn’t have time to take another break or even think about dinner for hours. Caleb took the first shift off, cleaned up and headed into the kitchen, and then returned a short time later with a handful of doughnuts and a huge thermos of coffee and parked himself next to Hank, who was feeling the stomach of a nervous cow about to give birth for the first time.

“That one turned?” Caleb asked, his face weary.

“Don’t think so.”

“Good. I’ve had enough turned births today.” He shook his head and shoved a full doughnut into his mouth. “Where’s Jack?”

“Showering. Be back in an hour or so.” Hank wiped his hands and gestured at the doughnuts. “Can I steal one of those?” He was starving, his stomach growling with hunger. He hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast.

Caleb pulled back protectively. “Heck no. These are mine. Best thing I’ve eaten in months.” He took a big bite out of each one while Hank scowled at him. “Go get your own.”

Coffee and food sounded real good. So did sleep, but that probably wouldn’t be coming his way anytime soon. He needed to check on Libby, too. And Uncle Ennis. So he got to his feet and stretched. Damn, every bone in his body seemed to hurt. “You’ll be okay out here for a bit?”

“I’ll text ya if shit goes sideways.” And he took another bite of doughnut.