“Oh my God . . . this one just says: ‘Daddy? I mean daddy?’”
I shake my head and pray nobody reads these comments in our meeting later today.
“Mr. Slade, are you blushing?” She giggles and reaches over to poke me, but I grab her hand.
“Don’t make me bend you over my lap while we’re driving and repeat last night. Maybe this time I’ll use my belt.”
I spend the rest of the morning tending to the ranch while Brooklyn gets dressed and heads into the office. I have a lot I need to get done before the meeting later.
If there’s one place I can let my guard down and my mind wander, it’s on my ranch. There’s no pressure to impress anyone or explain myself—just Misty and me and the land.
“Hey, old girl.” I step up to where Misty’s nose is protruding over her stall door and give her some pets. “You doing okay today?”
She whinnies at the sound of my voice and roots around my breast pockets. She knows that’s where I keep the dried apricots she loves so much.
“Now, hold on,” I laugh as I attempt to pull it free from the pocket. It’s barely out when she grabs it. I give her another before walking down the stable to our newest horses.
They’re still pretty green, so it’s going to take some time to gently break them in and get them used to not only being ridden but herding cattle and taking commands. I grab the reins of a young black mare that’s barely three years old and lead her out to the training pen. Today we’re just working on her being led with a bit in her mouth and getting used to the sound of my voice.
“Need a hand?”
I look up to see my cousin Ethan approaching.
“Hey, buddy, what brings you all the way out here?”
“We brought the baby down to see my parents and I wanted to check in on you. Feels like we haven’t talked much these last few months.”
I hook the mare up to a post and grab a brush. “Yeah, having a newborn is a lot of work. How’s Krista doing? You guys sleeping at all?”
He shakes his head and props one foot on the fence as he leans his elbows on it. “Not really, but it’s worth it. Krista’s good—her delivery was really smooth and she’s just so glad to not be pregnant anymore.”
“I bet. I need to stop over and see your parents. I promised your dad I’d bring him a bottle of the new reserve whiskey that’s coming out. Granted, I’ll have to sneak it past your mom.”
We both laugh. Destiny, Ethan’s mom, has kept a tight leash on Wyatt after his stroke last fall. He’s fully recovered, but she took it a serious sign that he needed to reduce stress and clean up his diet.
“Yeah she’s got him eating pescatarian now or something. Bah!” He waves his hand. “I can’t keep up with them half the time. Mom’s always spouting off something about why everything is bad for me, which then gets Krista on my case. Just want to eat my burgers in peace. For Pete’s sake, I’m not even 30 yet!”
“They just want us healthy. Besides, you’ve got a baby to take care of now. How’s life up in Jackson? I hear the steakhouse is one of the busiest.”
Several years ago, my dad and Uncle Colton opened a restaurant called the Loveland Maple. It turned out to be such a hit that they’ve since expanded and opened three others: one in Montana, one in downtown Denver, and the one Ethan manages up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It’s where he met his wife eight years ago when she was hired on as a hostess and he was just a line cook at the time.
“It’s insane but I love it. Looks like the ranch is doing well?”
“Yeah, we’ve bought about 6,000 more acres since you were here last. This is it, though—no plans for more land. Brought on a few more cowboys and a ranch hand or two. Keeps me busy.”
“That’s what I hear. Too busy for a family of your own?”
I knew this was coming. I narrow my eyes at him. “My mom sent you by, didn’t she?”
He chuckles. “Nah, I just know you, Tyler. You’re meant to have a family.” I don’t respond. “There’s really nobody?”
“I didn’t say there’s nobody.”
“Ohhh, so there is a somebody?”
I laugh. “Tell you what, the moment I’ve got it figured out, I’ll let you know. Now come in here and see Misty. She misses you.”
I feelgiddy the closer I get to the office.