Ginny seemed to be in a surprisingly good mood. Her lips curled slightly in a satisfied smile.
“Even though Tom’s still as stubborn as ever,” she said, “I can see that after a month on the ranch, he’s developed strong paternal instincts. I suppose all my efforts weren’t in vain.”
Their voices were like background noise. I ignored them completely, slipped off my shoes and stepped into the barn.
“Baby, Daddy’s home,” I called out.
Ginny’s pupils contracted sharply. She rushed in after me, panic lacing her voice.
“Why the hell is our daughter in a barn with livestock? Let Mommy see you, sweetheart!”
Everyone looked on with confusion and disbelief as I gently cradled the calf in my arms, softly patting its back and humming a lullaby.
“Rock-a-bye, baby… on grandma’s bridge…”
Ginny’s expression twisted with rage and panic.
“Where is our daughter?! Tom, have you lost your mind? You’re rocking a damn calf!”
The calf shrank back in fear and I immediately held it tighter, shielding it from her with a fierce glare.
She froze under my gaze and turned to the ranch owner, face darkening.
“I sent my husband here to recuperate—how did he turn into a lunatic in just one month?!”