“Don’t know that I have time, but thanks for the offer. I figured you did. You don’t build muscle like that bartending.”
“That’s for sure. Derek — that’s Bret and Gil’s dad — has been on all of us to stay in shape ever since I can remember. When we were kids he’d bring us weights and jump ropes and stuff whenever he visited.” He took another swallow.
“For everyone?”
“That’s the kind of guy he is. We’re all glad he decided to move back to Wagon Train.”
“I can’t believe Andy’s happy, though.”
“Nah, he’s cool. He’s figured out the dads aren’t competition. Nick’s a better dancer than Andy, Steven’s loaded, and Derek can bench-press two-twenty, but Mom doesn’t care about any of that. Andy’s the only one for her.”
“Savage.”
“You said it.” Rance grinned. “This family’s definitely savage. So how did things go at the cemetery? Did you get your picture?”
“Thanks for reminding me. Lucky said he’d send the revised version to me and Granny when he got it. I left my mobile in the bedroom.” Hurrying out of the kitchen, he picked it up from thebedside table. He had a text from Sara, one from Lucky and six from Granny.
He followed his heart and opened Sara’s first.You did great last night. I was a hot mess. Do you want to try a practice ride today? Just around the yard, not on a trail. If you want to, I’ll text Marsh and ask if we can borrow Pie. He’s a very sweet horse. You’ll like him.
Smiling, he read the text at least three times, maybe more. He could hear her voice, see the eagerness in her expression, feel the love. She didn’t have to say it. He could tell by the way?—
“Everything okay?”
He looked up. Rance stood in the doorway looking anxious. “Sorry! Got distracted. Sara’s asking if I want to ride Pie around the yard today.”
“You should definitely do that.” Rance’s frown disappeared. “Pieis short forSweetie-Pie,Jimmy Stewart’s favorite horse. That horse is long gone but this one looks just like him.”
“Are you slagging me, mate?”
“Swear to God. Years ago Mom decided to find lookalikes for famous horses.”
“It’s not just Lucky’s Silver, then?”
“Heck, no. We all have famous ones. Mine’s Diablo, a black and white paint just like the Cisco Kid rode. Mom’s got Trigger. Angie has Buttermilk. Savage, right?”
“Pure savage. I haven’t made it to the barn, yet, but now I can’t wait.”
“They’ll be out in the pasture by the time you get down there, but Sara can point them out to you. She knows ’em all.”
“But she was only here for a week back in February. How did she have time to?—”
“She made good use of that week, taking pictures of each horse so she wouldn’t forget. She’s been taking riding lessons back home. Found someone who taught Western. She’s a lotmore fascinated and attached to the ranch, and us, than she’ll admit.”
“It’s not surprising. Being here, I feel like….” He paused. “When I was about seven, a carnival came to town. I loved it all — the rides, the candy floss, the lights, the music. Rowdy Ranch feels like that.”
Rance nodded. “I used to take this place for granted. But when Mav was born — Jess and Beau’s kid — I had an inkling I was part of something cool. The realization hit me full force when Andy moved in. He appreciated it so much that I saw it through his eyes. Now I don’t let a day go by without giving thanks for… everything.”
“I envy you.”
Rance’s gaze intensified. “You belong here, buddy. I feel it in my bones. Is there any way?—”
“I won’t leave Granny. But I’ve come up with a plan.” He quickly outlined his idea.
“That’s brilliant. Mom will go for it in a heartbeat. Now if only Sara would relocate, the two of you could?—”
“I can’t ask it of her. She’s five years into her career with that travel company. I’d only be around for a couple of weeks here and there. It’s not a good deal.”
“I guess not.”
